BULLETIN NC-930-5.2
MASON INDUSTRIES | MASON-IND.COM
9
•
15
Masonflex Neoprene connectors are all designed with multiple
plies of DuPont
™
Kevlar
®
tire cord and Neoprene reinforcement.
They are molded in hydraulic rubber presses where high pressure
air bags expand inside the preforms to force the carcasses against
the mold walls.
The molds are held between heated platens, so vulcanization
takes place in the press. The tube reinforcement and cover
fuse with the reinforcement layers to make the construction
homogenous. Thus wall sections are lighter with higher ratings in
these truly flexible connectors and expansion joints.
Masonflex has been sold without interruption for approximately
25 years. In this latest improved version, the Kevlar
®
reinforcement
replaces Nylon to greatly reduce elongation and to provide virtual
insensitivity to high temperatures. We have also changed the end
designs to incorporate a solid steel ring under the split retention
flanges. The use of a solid steel ring in place of the bead wire
completely eliminates the problem
of the rubber flange pulling out of
the steel flange and causing major
failures. These rim failures have been
industry wide, and eliminating this
worry more than justifies the use of
Masonflex in place of competitive
products.
The single-sphere MFEJ is used where low cost or space limitations
control. However, mechanical and acoustical performance can be
almost doubled by changing to the most commonly specified twin-
sphere construction, MFDEJ. Twin-sphere designs are more flexible
and allow greater movement. The radial expansion of the twin-
spheres serves the purpose of smoothing out water pulsations.
SFDCR twin-sphere reducers eliminate the need for cast iron or
steel transition pieces usually found on both ends of pumping
systems. Since the reducing fitting is eliminated, there are space,
cost and labor savings.
In the smaller sizes, we have found that noise problems are not so
extreme. Therefore, we are recommending the new Safeflex SFU
threaded connector. This greatly improved product is manufactured
in EPDM. The three bolt flanges make it easy for the installer to
tighten the loose triangular flanges to the piping sections, insert
the body with its own pair of flanges, and establish the seal by
tightening three bolts.
We do not understand why pipe unions are still offered by our
competitors. It is extremely difficult for a mechanic to restrain the
union end screwed to the piping, the end attached to the rubber
expansion joint, and to tighten the coupling nut, all at the same
time. It is simple to install a union when making attachment to
a rigid pipe on either side, but very difficult when working with
rubber connectors.
If expansion joints are installed for contraction and expansion
purposes, the piping must be anchored both upstream and
downstream of the connector or it will not function. Installing
SINGLE-SPHERE MASONFLEX MFEJ & TWIN-SPHERE MASONFLEX MFDEJ
SINGLE-SPHERE SAFEFLEX SFU & TWIN-SPHERE SAFEFLEX SFDCR REDUCERS
MASONFLEX MFEJ
NEOPRENE SINGLE-SPHERE
CONNECTOR
FLANGE LOCK DETAIL
MASONFLEX MFDEJ
NEOPRENE
TWIN-SPHERE CONNECTOR
SAFEFLEX SFU
EPDM SINGLE- SPHERE
UNION CONNECTOR
SAFEFLEX SFDCR
EPDM TWIN-SPHERE
REDUCER
control rods on unanchored piping means that any manufacturer’s
expansion joint will always be in full open position and will never
change length.
Control rods are suggested at the pressures shown in the tables,
only if the piping is unanchored on one or both sides and the joint
is installed to control noise and vibration rather than expansion.
It is our general recommendation that flexible connectors are
always installed on the equipment side of the shut-off valve, and
they are not used in pipe lines that pass through finished ceilings
where water damage to the structure or the equipment below can
be extensive.
Other rubber materials such as Natural Rubber, EPDM, Nitrile,
Hypalon
®
, Butyl, etc. are available on special order.
MASONFLEX NEOPRENE
CONNECTORS USING
SAFEFLEX CONSTRUCTION
MASON/MERCER EXPANSION JOINTS
BULLETIN
NC-930-5.2
9
•
16
SS
CT
SS
DI
PC
PT
BT
SS
CT
SS
DI
PC
PT
BT
SS
CT
SS
DI
PC
PT
BT
Pipe
Size
Face to
Face
Allowable Movements
Angular Compression Elongation Transverse
(in) (mm) (in) (mm) (degrees) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) ±(in) ±(mm)
2 50
4 100
20
5
/8 16
1
/2 13
3
/8 10
2
1
/2 65 19
3 80
6 150
18
7
/8 22
5
/8 16
5
/8 16
4 100 17
5 125 16
6 150 15
8 200 13
10 250
8 200
12
1 25
3
/4 19
3
/4 19
12 300 11
14 350
9 225
10
1
1
/8 29
7
/8 22
7
/8 22
16 400 9
18 450 8
20 500 7
24 600 10 250 6 1
1
/8 29 1 25 1 25
DIMENSIONS AND ALLOWABLE MOVEMENTS
Pipe
Size
Face to
Face
Allowable Movements
Angular Compression Elongation Transverse
(in) (mm) (in) (mm) (degrees) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) ±(in) ±(mm)
1
1
/2 40
6 150
30
7
/8 22
5
/8 16
5
/82 50 28 16
2
1
/2 65 27
3 80
9 225
26
1
1
/8 29
7
/8 22
7
/8 22
4 100 25
5 125 24
6 150 23
8 200 22
10 250
12 300
21
1
1
/2 38 1 25 1
1
/4 32
12 300 20
DIMENSIONS AND ALLOWABLE MOVEMENTS
OTHER SFU FITTING OPTIONS
SAFEFLEX
SFUCT
Sweat Ends for
Copper Tubing
SAFEFLEX
SFUSS
Stainless Steel
Threaded Ends
SAFEFLEX
SFUBT
Brass Threaded Ends
Multi-Layered
Kevlar® Tire Cord
Fabric Reinforcement
with PEROXIDE CURED
EPDM Cover, Liner and
Fabric Frictioning
Split Baked
Enamel
Ductile Iron
Floating Flanges
TWINSPHERE
MASONFLEX MFDEJ
SINGLESPHERE
MASONFLEX MFEJ
SINGLESPHERE
SAFEFLEX SFU
Face
to Face
Flange Stops
Hooked Interlock
Solid Steel Ring
Multi-Layered
Kevlar® Tire Cord
Fabric Reinforcement
with Neoprene Cover,
Liner and Fabric Frictioning
Face
to Face
Baked
Enamel
Ductile Iron
Floating
Flanges
Bead Wire,
SFU Only
SAFEFLEX SFUDI
Ductile Iron Threaded End
Multi-Layered
Kevlar® Tire Cord
Fabric Reinforcement
with Neoprene Cover,
Liner and Fabric Frictioning
Split Baked
Enamel
Ductile Iron
Floating Flanges
Hooked Interlock
Solid Steel Ring
Flange Stops
Face
to Face
Pipe
Size
Face to
Face
Allowable Movements
Angular Compression Elongation Transverse
(in) (mm) (in) (mm) (degrees) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) ±(in) ±(mm)
3
/4 20 7 175 25
3
/4 19
3
/8 10
3
/8 10
1 25 7 175 24
1
1
/4 32 8 200 23
1
1
/2 40 8 200 22
2 50 8 200 21
DIMENSIONS AND ALLOWABLE MOVEMENTS
Distributor:
Interflex Hose & Bellows Ltd. • www.interflex.co.uk
Ludlow Eco Park • Ludlow • Shropshire • SY8 1FF • UK
Tel.: +44 (0)1584 878500 • Email: enquiries@interflex.co.uk
BULLETIN NC-930-5.2
MASON INDUSTRIES | MASON-IND.COM
9
•
17
Construction
Types
Construction
Sizes
Nominal Rating in PSi at:
Operating Temperatures (°F)
Nominal Rating in Bat at:
Operating Temperatures (°C)
Max Vacuum
(in
(in) (mm) 170°F 180°F 190°F 200°F 210°F 220°F 77°C 82°C 88°C 92°C 99°C 102°C Hg) (- Bar)
MFEJ Standard
2" - 16" 50 - 400 225 220 215 210 205 200 15.5 15.2 14.8 14.5 14.1 13.8 18" 0.6
MFEJ Standard
18" - 24" 450 - 600 180 180 175 170 165 160 12.4 12.4 12.1 11.7 11.4 11.0 18" 0.6
MFEJ High Pressure
2" - 16" 50 - 400 300 290 280 270 260 250 20.7 20.0 19.3 18.6 18.0 17.2 29" 1.0
MFEJ High Pressure
18" - 24" 450 - 600 225 220 215 210 205 200 15.5 15.2 14.8 14.5 14.1 13.8 29" 1.0
MFDEJ Standard
All Sizes
225 220 215 210 205 200 15.5 15.2 14.8 14.5 14.1 13.8 10" 0.3
SFDCR Standard
All Sizes
250 245 240 235 230 230 17.2 16.9 16.5 16.2 15.8 15.8 14" 0.5
SFU Standard
All Sizes
250 245 240 235 230 230 17.0 16.5 16.5 16.2 15.8 15.8 18" 0.6
Burst pressures are a minimum of three times Operating Pressures.
High Pressure 14" - 24" (450 - 600mm) MFEJ are special order. All other models are stock.
MASONFLEX MFEJ, MFDEJ, SAFEFLEX SFU AND SFDCR WITH KEVLAR
®
REINFORCEMENT
STANDARD AND HIGH PRESSURE CONSTRUCTION TEMPERATURE CORRECTIONS
All flanged expansion joints illustrated in this bulletin are available with:
• 150 lb ASA Drilling • DIN or PIN-10
• 300 lb ASA Drilling • DIN or PIN-16
• British Series E Drilling • DIN or PIN-25
• British Series F Drilling
SAFEFLEX
SFDCR
Pipe
Size
Face to
Face
Allowable Movements
Angular Compression Elongation Transverse
(in) (mm) (in) (mm) (degrees) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) ±(in) ±(mm)
3 x 2 80 x 50 6 150
25 1 25
5
/8 16
5
/8 16
3 x 2
1
/2 80 x 65 6 150
4 x 3 100 x 80 7 175
20 1
1
/4 32
3
/4 19
3
/4 19
5 x 4 125 x 100 8 200
6 x 4 150 x 100 9 225
15 1
5
/8 41
3
/4 19
7
/8 22
6 x 5 150 x 125 9 225
8 x 6 200 x 150 11 275
10 x 8 250 x 200 12 300
DIMENSIONS AND ALLOWABLE MOVEMENTS
Solid Steel
No Escape
Retention Ring
Flange
Stops
Multi-Layered
Kevlar®Tire Cord
Fabric Reinforcement
with PEROXIDE CURED EPDM
Cover, Liner and Cord Frictioning
Molded-In
Reinforcing Ring
Length
Interlocked
Baked Enamel
Ductile Iron
Floating Flanges
Distributor:
Interflex Hose & Bellows Ltd. • www.interflex.co.uk
Ludlow Eco Park • Ludlow • Shropshire • SY8 1FF • United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 (0)1584 878500 • Email: enquiries@interflex.co.uk
MASON/MERCER EXPANSION JOINTS
BULLETIN
NC-930-5.2
9
•
18
CONTROL RODS  CABLES
Small
Washer
Enlarged
Washer
No Bushing
Bushing
Enlarged
Washer
Bushing
COMPETITIVE
CONTROL RODS
ACC CONTROL
CABLES
MASON CR
CONTROL RODS
MASON Control Rods
with Oversized Washers
& Rubber Bushings
Competitive Control Rods
with Small Washers
& No Rubber Bushings
Connectors installed in piping systems to allow for expansion
of contraction must be anchored on both ends of the piping
run. They need no control rods or cables. Should controls be
used, they must be adjusted so the gap between the nut and
the washer allows for full outward travel of the expansion joint.
Piping movements must be within the tabulated allowables.
Connectors installed in unanchored piping or connected to
isolated equipment only require control rods or cables for
pressures as tabulated if as noted in table on the next page.
Type CR and ACC control rods and cables are very different than
the average rod and rubber washer arrangement. Our sets
are all made with oversized washers on the ends to limit the
maximum loading on the rubber materials to 1000 psi (70kg/cm
2
).
Competitive systems use
1
/4" (6mm) rubber washers that are
the same size as the small standard washers. Thrust forces are
so high that standard washers extrude out. In addition to the
increased area and thickness of the rubber materials, all our
control rod washers are molded with rubber bushings so the rod
or cable cannot contact the steel restraining plates and short
circuit the system acoustically.
Installation Information for Masonflex MFEJ, MFDEJ & SFDCR
Install only where leakage or failure will not result in injury or property damage.
CAUTION: This extension procedure is an ABSOLUTE must on
all connections to spring mounted systems such as pumps
(when control rods are not used) or the connectors may drive
the spring solid under the pumps or shift the foundation.
All high pressure connectors should have control rods set at
maximum expansion joint allowable elongation.
O nly Use Control Rods or Cables if:
1. Expansion Joints cannot be pre-extended
and pipe or equipment would be a problem.
2. A s an added precaution.
MFEJ, MFDEJ AND SFDCR CONNECTORS USED AS
NOISE AND VIBRATION DAMPENERS ONLY AND
INSTALLED IN UNANCHORED PIPING WILL GROW IN
RESPONSE TO THE PRESSURE AS SHOWN BELOW.
Adjust the spring mountings so the equipment is at the proper
level. Leave a space between pipe flanges equal to the length
shown below and draw the connectors out evenly with the
flange bolts. Spring supported equipment may lift in response
to the tightening so the connector may not be fully extended.
When the connector is at operating pressure the system will
return to the original position.
Anchor
Anchor
MFEJ, MFDEJ  SFDCR CONNECTORS
Connectors that are used in expansion applications must be
installed with anchors on either side of the connector.
Distributor:
Interflex Hose & Bellows Ltd. • www.interflex.co.uk
Ludlow Eco Park • Ludlow • Shropshire • SY8 1FF • United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 (0)1584 878500 • Email: enquiries@interflex.co.uk
BULLETIN NC-930-5.2
MASON INDUSTRIES | MASON-IND.COM
9
•
19
MFEJ
MFDEJ
MASONFLEX MFEJ
PRESSURE EXTENSION TABLE
MASONFLEX MFDEJ
PRESSURE EXTENSION TABLE
Pipe
Size
225 psi Construction 15.3 Bar Construction
0
psi
50
psi
100
psi
150
psi
200
psi
225
psi
0
Bar
3.4
Bar
6.8
Bar
10.2
Bar
13.6
Bar
15.3
Bar
(in) (mm) Face to Face Length (in) Face to Face Length (mm)
2 50 4 4 4 4 4 4 100 100 100 100 100 100
2
1
/2 65 4 4 4 4 4 4 100 100 100 100 100 100
3 80 6 6 6 6 6 6 150 150 150 150 150 150
4 100 6 6 6 6 6
1
/16 6
1
/8 150 150 150 150 151 153
5 125 6 6 6 6 6
1
/16 6
1
/8 150 150 150 150 151 153
6 150 6 6 6 6
1
/16 6
1
/8 6
3
/16 150 150 150 151 153 155
8 200 6 6 6
1
/16 6
1
/8 6
3
/16 6
1
/4 150 150 151 153 155 156
10 250 8 8 8
1
/16 8
1
/8 8
3
/16 8
1
/4 200 200 201 203 205 206
12 300 8 8 8
1
/16 8
1
/8 8
1
/4 8
3
/8 200 200 201 203 206 210
14 350 9 9 9
1
/8 9
1
/4 9
3
/8 9
1
/2 225 225 228 231 235 238
16 400 9 9
1
/8 9
1
/4 9
3
/8 9
1
/2 9
5
/8 225 228 231 235 238 241
Pipe
Size
180 psi Construction 12.3 Bar Construction
0
psi
50
psi
100
psi
150
psi
180
psi
0
Bar
3.4
Bar
6.8
Bar
10.2
Bar
12.3
Bar
(in) (mm) Face to Face Length (in) Face to Face Length (mm)
18 450 9 9
1
/4 9
3
/8 9
1
/2 9
5
/8 225 231 235 238 241
20 500 9 9
1
/4 9
3
/8 9
1
/2 9
5
/8 225 231 235 238 241
24 600 10 10
1
/4 10
1
/2 10
5
/8 10
3
/4 250 256 262 266 269
Pipe
Size
225 psi Construction 15.3 Bar Construction
0
psi
50
psi
100
psi
150
psi
200
psi
225
psi
0
Bar
3.4
Bar
6.8
Bar
10.2
Bar
13.6
Bar
15.3
Bar
(in) (mm) Face to Face Length (in) Face to Face Length (mm)
1
1
/2 40 6 6 6 6 6 6 150 150 150 150 150 150
2 50 6 6 6 6 6 6 150 150 150 150 150 150
2
1
/2 65 6 6 6 6 6
1
/16 6
1
/8 150 150 150 150 151 153
3 80 9 9 9 9 9
1
/16 9
1
/8 225 225 225 225 226 228
4 100 9 9 9
1
/16 9
1
/8 9
3
/16 9
1
/4 225 225 226 228 230 231
5 125 9 9
1
/16 9
1
/8 9
3
/16 9
5
/16 9
3
/8 225 226 228 230 233 235
6 150 9 9 9
1
/8 9
1
/4 9
3
/8 9
1
/2 225 225 228 231 235 237
8 200 9 9
1
/8 9
1
/4 9
3
/8 9
1
/2 9
5
/8 225 228 231 235 237 241
10 250 12 12
3
/16 12
3
/8 12
9
/16 12
3
/4 12
7
/8 300 305 310 313 319 322
12 300 12 12
3
/16 12
3
/8 12
9
/16 12
3
/4 12
7
/8 300 305 310 313 319 322
Install Flange Bolts with
Heads on Joint Side
SPACE REQUIRED BETWEEN FLANGES
for VARIOUS PRESSURES
1
/8" (3mm)
Maximum
Extension
if nuts are on
inside
1
/8" (3mm)
Maximum
Extension
if nuts are on
inside
FF
Install Flange Bolts with
Heads on Joint Side
SPACE REQUIRED BETWEEN FLANGES
for VARIOUS PRESSURES
Pipe
Size
250 lb Construction 17 Bar Construction
0
psi
100
psi
200
psi
250
psi
0
Bar
6.8
Bar
13.6
Bar
17
Bar
(in) (mm) Face to Face Length (in) Face to Face Length (mm)
3 x 2 80 x 50 6 6
1
/8 6
3
/16 6
1
/4 150 153 155 156
3 x 2
1
/2 80 x 65 6 6
1
/8 6
3
/16 6
1
/4 150 153 155 156
4 x 3 100 x 80 7 7
1
/8 7
1
/4 7
3
/8 175 178 181 185
5 x 4 125 x 100 8 8
3
/16 8
3
/8 8
1
/2 200 205 210 212
6 x 4 150 x 100 9 9
3
/16 9
3
/8 9
1
/2 225 230 235 237
6 x 5 150 x 125 9 9
1
/4 9
7
/16 9
9
/16 225 231 236 239
8 x 6 200 x 150 11 11
3
/8 11
1
/2 11
5
/8 275 285 287 291
10 x 8 250 x 200 12 12
1
/2 12
3
/4 13 300 312 319 325
SAFEFLEX SFDCR
PRESSURE EXTENSION TABLE
FF
1
/8" (3mm)
Maximum
Extension
if nuts are on
inside
FF
SFDCR
SPACE REQUIRED BETWEEN FLANGES at
VARIOUS PRESSURES
Distributor:
Interflex Hose & Bellows Ltd. • www.interflex.co.uk
Ludlow Eco Park • Ludlow • Shropshire • SY8 1FF • UK
Tel.: +44 (0)1584 878500 • Email: enquiries@interflex.co.uk
FORM A-24375-4
MASON INDUSTRIES | MASON-IND.COM
9
•
33
CALCULATIONS
The minimum spool length (SL) based on a specified differential
settlement (DS) would be:
SL =
(
DS
)
- L
TAN θ
Example:
For a required DS of 12" on a 10" pipe line: DS = 12", L = 8", TAN θ = .23
SL =
(
12"
)
- 8" = 52.2" - 8" = 44.2"
.23
The allowable differential settlement based on a given
spool length would be:
DS =
(
SL + L
)
TAN θ
Example:
For a spool length of 24" on a 4" pipe line: SL = 24", L = 7", TAN θ = .55
DS =
(
24" + 7"
)
.55 =
(
31"
)
.55 = 17.1"
Check with factory to verify calculations, generally maximum
differential settlement not to exceed 12".
Pipe
Size
(in)
Allowable
Angular θ
Displacement Tan θ
Length
L
(in)
1
1
/2 30° 0.58 7
2 30° 0.58 7
2
1
/2 30° 0.58 7
3 30° 0.58 7
4 29° 0.55 7
5 24° 0.45 7
6 20° 0.36 7
8 15° 0.27 8
10 13° 0.23 8
12 11° 0.19 8
14 10° 0.18 10
The hinged configuration may be used with Mercer Series 450
and 500 expansion joints as well. Contact Mercer for more information.
SPECIFICATION
Offset shall be accomplished by the angular motion of a double sphere
expansion joint bolted to each end of an intermediate steel pipe.
Bracket each expansion joint with hinged steel connections. Hinges
shall have a pin in a slot on both sides.
The piping on each end of the assembly must be securely anchored to
accept a thrust of 1.5 times the operating pressure multiplied by the
projected area of the pipe.
Specifications for the expansion joints shall be as Mason Industries
HINGED EXPANSION JOINTS
Ends Must Be Anchored
to Structure to Accept
Pipe Thrust
NEUTRAL
POSITION
Pipe Length Depends on
Field Conditions and Required
Differential Settlement
Pipe Section by
Mercer or Others
Mason Industries Inc.
MFDEJ
SETTLEMENT POSITION
L SL L
Hinge with Slot
DS
Distributor:
Interflex Hose & Bellows Ltd. • www.interflex.co.uk
Ludlow Eco Park • Ludlow • Shropshire • SY8 1FF • UK
Tel.: +44 (0)1584 878500 • Email: enquiries@interflex.co.uk
MASON/MERCER EXPANSION JOINTS
BULLETIN
NC-930-5.2
9
•
20
Installation Procedures for Masonflex MFEJ, MFDEJ, Safeflex SFDCR and SFU
It is our general recommendation that flexible connectors are always installed on the equipment side of the shut-off valve, and
they are not used in pipe lines that pass through finished ceilings where water damage to the structure or the equipment below
can be extensive.
Install only where leakage or failure will not result in injury or
property damage.
1. a. E xpansion joint rubber flanges must be in contact
with a flat surface. Normal
1
/16" (1.5mm) raised face
is okay. Unacceptable depressions or protrusions are
typical of victaulic or similar flanges.
b. F lange stops must bear on full diameter mating flanges.
c. R ubber flanges will not retain loose elements in valve
bodies that rely on contact with a steel flange. For
example, some check valves are manufactured with
brass inserts positioned by screws. When mating steel
flanges with these valves, there is no problem. However,
with a rubber connector, it cuts the rubber face and can
cause failure, leakage or brass insert escape.
2. Any of the above conditions must be corrected by
installing a full diameter steel flange drilled to standard
dimensions so the flange bolts pass through it. The I.D.
matches the I.D. of the piping. Minimum Plate Thickness is
as follows:
1
/2" (13mm) thick for 1
1
/2" to 8" (40 to 200mm)
pipe ;
3
/4" (19mm) thick for 10" to 18" (250 to 450mm)
pipe; and 1" (25mm) thick for 20" to 24" (500 to 600mm)
pipe. Gasket between this filler flange and the mating
steel flange.
3. Before installing the connector, be certain that all surfaces
are clean and there are no sharp edges of any kind on the
steel flanges. No gasket is required. Apply a thin film of
graphite dispersed in glycerin or water to the face of the
rubber flanges before installing. No other type of lubricant
or seal should be used on the flange face. The graphite
prevents the rubber from adhering to the metal flange
so that the rubber joint can be removed without damage,
should it ever be necessary.
4. I f the connector is to be installed in a system where the
operating pressures do not dictate the use of control
rods, but the connector is to be pre-extended to allow
for growth under pressure, the gap between the piping
flanges should be large enough to allow for the growth as
indicated on the operating pressure chart.
5. Expansion joints installed for expansion and compression
applications should be installed at normal length. Check
allowable movements against design requirements
between anchors.
6. C heck temperature and pressure ratings and never
exceed them.
7. Check for chemical compatibility with the ordered material.
8. D o not weld near the expansion joints or weld the steel
flanges to the piping after the expansion joints are
installed. This will either burn or seriously damage the
expansion joints.
9. Although the expansion joints will readily adjust
themselves to misaligned flanges within the specified
movements, they should not be installed where there is more
than
1
/8" (3mm) of initial misalignment or lack of parallelism
in the expansion joints.
10. S lide the connector into position and insert all the flange
bolts. The rubber face must be centered exactly on the
opening. Be sure that the bolts are inserted with the
heads facing the rubber and the nuts on the outside
so they are on the outside of the mating flange. If it
is impossible to insert the bolts in this direction, the
tightened end of the bolt must not protrude more than
1
/8" (3mm) beyond the inside nut. Larger protrusions may
result in the bolt cutting into the rubber cover.
11. A fter all bolts are inserted, make them finger tight and
then proceed to adjust them evenly in a circle. Tighten
the bolts to 75% of the maximum recommended torque
for the bolt size until all bolts have the same tightness.
Tightness may be increased if there is joint leakage.
12. A ll rubber materials tend to relax over a period of time.
It is good practice to check the tightness of the bolts for
the 75% torque about two weeks after installation, and in
extreme cases, particularly when a line is heated up and
allowed to cool repeatedly it is advisable to continue to
check bolt tightness on a monthly basis until such time as
the last check shows no further tightening is required.
13. A llowing the bolts to loosen may cause leaks.
14. Insulation on cold lines should be installed for easy remov-
al to facilitate retightening.
15. I n order to prevent heat buildup, expansion joints in hot
lines should not be insulated.
16. W hile our expansion joints are guaranteed for a period
of one year and designed for many years of service, it is
suggested that expansion joints are replaced every five
years. Cover cracking is of no significance and only cosmetic.
SFU INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
(See general precautions above)
1. A ttach flanges to piping so length between inside flange
faces is equal to face to face length of rubber section of
the SFU.
2. I nsert center section of the SFU and the 3 bolts on each
end. Tighten evenly to 75% of torque value.
3. R etighten as in 12 above.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE NUMBERED
INSTRUCTIONS TO AVOID NEEDLESS PROBLEMS.
Distributor:
Interflex Hose & Bellows Ltd. • www.interflex.co.uk
Ludlow Eco Park • Ludlow • Shropshire • SY8 1FF • UK
Tel.: +44 (0)1584 878500 • Email: enquiries@interflex.co.uk