Axial expansion joints are not provided with attachments to restrain pressure thrust, such as limit rods or hinges. Therefore the over-extension and distortion of expansion joints can be prevented by alignment guides under all kinds of operating conditions in a correctly designed piping system. They allow the axial movement of the pipes. The Pipe Guide Spacing Chart should be used to determine the distance between guides. For the first guide next to the expansion joint the 4D + 14D principle should be used..
Main Anchors: These types of anchors are the most important ones in the pipeline, because they resist the forces acting upon them.
Intermediate Anchors: Intermediate anchors do not resist the pressure thrust. However this type of anchors withstands spring resistance of the bellows as well as the frictional forces.
Pipe Guides: Pipe guides provide the proper alignment of the expansion joint movements and prevent the bowing and buckling of the pipeline. Hence they are one of the most important components of the system.