Packing & Protection
LSI-MECH provides robust and application-specific packing solutions to ensure the safe transport and storage of metal expansion joints across all modes road, sea, or air. All expansion joints are securely packed to protect them from mechanical damage, moisture ingress, and environmental exposure during transit.
For environments with high humidity or moisture content, vacuum-sealed aluminum foil packing is available upon customer request. This moisture-resistant method helps preserve the integrity of MEJs during extended shipping or long-term storage.
LSI-MECH also accommodates stringent packing requirements as specified by project or client documentation, including labeling, preservation materials, crate dimensions,and international compliance standards such as ISPM-15 (for heat-treated wooden packaging).
All packing operations are performed in our in-house facility, which includes blasting, industrial painting, and customized crating under controlled conditions. This vertical integration allows us to maintain high quality and consistency, ensuring the expansion joints are delivered in optimal condition regardless of destination or climate.
To support easy handling at site, we also supply additional shipping brackets and temporary supports upon request, making it simpler for contractors to lift, remove packing, and position large assemblies without risk to the bellows or accessories.
With experience in manufacturing and delivering expansion joints up to 9 meters in length and assemblies weighing over 46 tons, LSI-MECH is well-equipped to develop custom packing and handling solutions, including clamshell bellows designs and other logistical innovations tailored for over-dimensional and heavy-duty applications.
Storage Guidelines
- Store expansion joints indoors, in a dry, sheltered environment.
- Keep the original packaging intact until the joint is ready for installation.
- Avoid exposure to moisture, dust, direct sunlight, or corrosive atmospheres.
- For long-term or extreme condition storage, consult LSI-MECH for customized packaging solutions.
Handling of Metal Expansion Joints
- Only qualified personnel should handle packed expansion joints.
- Use appropriate lifting equipment (cranes, forklifts, etc.).
- Lift using designated lifting points or lugs marked on the crate.
- Do not use metal chains or sharp-edged slings, as they may damage the crate or internal components.
- For large or heavy units, refer to any specific handling instructions provided by LSI-MECH.
Unpacking & Handling of Metal Expansion Joints
Carefully unpack using proper tools; avoid damaging the internal components.
• Use only designated lifting lugs on the expansion joint for handling.
• Do not lift the joint using shipping bars, tie rods, hinges, or bellows.
• Do not attach chains or ropes directly to the bellows area.
• After unpacking, inspect the unit for damage. Report any issues immediately.
• Do not remove any yellow-painted shipping devices until installation is complete.
• Refer to LSI-MECH provided guidelines if any during unpacking.
LSI-MECH expansion joints are supplied with shipping brackets or transport rods to maintain the correct face-to-face dimension during transport and handling. These are painted yellow for easy identification.Keep these devices in place until installation is complete and the system is anchored.Remove all shipping devices before pressure testing the line.Do not use shipping bars for lifting or alignment purposes
Installation Guidelines
Installation should be done by experienced personnel. Follow these steps:
✓ Verify that the identification plate service data matches system requirements.
✓ Check for and remove any foreign material in the bellows or sleeve.
✓ Install in the correct flow direction, especially if the joint has an internal sleeve.
✓ Use appropriate gaskets and sealing materials where needed.
✓ Protect bellows during welding with a chloride free fire retardant blanket.
✓ Never use the expansion joint as a grounding point for welding.
✓ Do not allow weld current to pass through the bellows.
✓ Avoid imposing any unintended axial, lateral, or angular movement during installation.
✓ Ensure the joint is installed at the correct design length do not stretch or compress it.
✓ Perform pre-positioning only if specified by LSI-MECH.
Post-Installation Checklist
- Confirm expansion joint orientation and placement.
- Remove all yellow shipping bars before testing.
- Use only chloride-free water for hydro testing.
- Check the installation of all anchors, guides, and supports.
- Ensure no misalignment is present.
Periodic In-Service Inspection regular maintenance checks should confirm
- Proper joint movement and flexibility.
- No unusual vibration or misalignment.
- No signs of corrosion or component fatigue.
- No debris or particle buildup between convolutions
Guidelines for Prolonged Storage
For best results, metal expansion joints should remain in their original LSI-MECH packaging until the time of installation. The packaging is specifically designed to protect the joints from mechanical damage, moisture, and environmental exposure.
The recommended storage location is a clean, dry, and well-ventilated indoor facility, such as a warehouse. Indoor storage prevents weather related degradation and ensures a stable environment, minimizing the risk of corrosion, deformation, or contamination.
Outdoor storage is not recommended for prolonged periods. However, if outdoor storage is unavoidable, expansion joints must be placed on wooden pallets or platforms, ensuring that they do not come into direct contact with the ground.
The joints should be securely covered with a waterproof tarp or weather resistant sheeting, taking care to allow ventilation and avoid condensation buildup. It’s important to note that long-term exposure to outdoor conditions can lead to premature deterioration, even when covered.
Throughout storage, expansion joints must be protected from accidental impacts and must not be stacked or loaded with other equipment or materials. No objects should be placed on top of the joint crates or pallets, as this could deform internal components or damage the bellows. Regular visual checks are advised during extended storage to ensure the integrity of the packaging and the condition of the units.
Contact LSI-MECH
For assistance with installation, long-term storage, custom design requests, or troubleshooting, contact LSI-MECH technical support team. We provide end-to-end solutions for all critical applications involving metal expansion joints.