LSI-MECH Engineering Assurance

LSI-MECH Engineers Pvt. Ltd. supports customers through every stage from design and manufacturing to shipment, installation, and post-commissioning

Inward Inspection Upon Delivery

When a metal expansion joint is received on site, it is essential to perform a thorough incoming inspection to identify any transit-related damage:
Check for visible damage such as dents, scratches, or deformed bellows.
Ensure all shipping brackets, hardware, and supports are intact and securely attached.Verify that all accessories (e.g., gaskets, fasteners, removable flow liners) are included with the shipment.Confirm that the product matches the tag number and technical specifications on the project documentation.

During Line Pressure Testing

  • Remove all shipping restraints only after all pipe supports and guides are installed.
  • Use only chloride-free water for hydro testing.
  • Do not exceed the specified test pressure of the expansion joint.
  • If the system is designed for gas but tested with water, ensure support is added for the additional weight of water.
  • Inspect for leaks, deformation, squirming of the bellows, or movement of the assembly during pressurization.

Line Testing

  • Inspect the entire system to ensure proper installation of anchors, guides and pipe supports in strict accordance with piping system drawings.
  • Remove shipping bars (painted in yellow) prior to pressure testing once the pipe line anchors, guides and pipe supports are in place.
  • Pressurize and test the line with Expansion Joint.
  • Some water may remain in the Bellows convolutions after the test. If this is detrimental to the Bellows or system operation, work out the ways to remove such water.
  • Do not subject the Expansion Joint to test pressure higher than the specified.
  • Use water for pressure test free of chloride.
  • If the system has been designed for a gas, and to be tested with water, Check whether any provision has been made to support the dead weight.
  • Provide additional support due to the weight of water, if not there.

Checking During Pressure Testing

A visual inspection of the system shall include checking for the following:

  • Check the evidence of leakage or loss of pressure.
  • Check for Distortion or Yielding of anchors, Expansion Joint hardware, the Bellows and other piping components.
  • Check for any unanticipated movement of the piping due to pressure.
  • Check for Evidence of instability (Squirm) in the Bellows.
  • Check for the evidence of binding of the Guides, Expansion Joints and other movable parts of the system.
  • Check for any evidence of abnormality or damage, the same shall be reviewed and evaluated by competent design authority.

Checking after System Commissioning

Perform a visual inspection and ensure that the thermal expansion is being absorbed by the Expansion Joints in the manner for which they are designed. Check the Bellows Expansion Joints for evidence of any unanticipated vibration.

Scroll to Top