What are the advantages to using a rubber expansion joint?And what What are the main components?

 There are many advantages to choosing a rubber expansion joint:

What are the main components of a rubber expansion joints?

1. TUBE: Protective leak proof lining made of synthetic or natural rubber dependent on service requirements.

2. CARCASS: The body of the expansion joint consists of fabric and when necessary, metal reinforcement.

3. COVER: The exterior surface of the joint formed from natural or synthetic rubber as service dictates.

4. ARCH: The portion of an expansion joint which accommodates the movement of the joint.

5. METAL REINFORCEMENT OR VACUUM RINGS: Wire or steel rings imbedded in the carcass used to strengthen the joint.

6. FLANGES: Full‐faced and made an integral part of the joint to insure a tight reliable seal.

7. RETAINING RINGS: Must be used to distribute the bolting load and assure a tight seal. The rings are installed directly against the back of the flanges of the joint and bolted through to the mating piping flange.

8. CONTROL ROD: An assembly of two or more control rods (or tie rods) placed across an expansion joint from flange to flange to minimize possible damage to the joint caused by excessive motion of the pipeline.

9. COMPRESSIVE SLEEVE: Pipe sleeve installed over the control rod to prevent excessive compression in the expansion joint.

10. GUSSET PLATES: Also called Ears, are used to connect the control rod to the expansion  joints mating flanges.