Gimbal Expansion Joint (HHWY)

A gimbal expansion joint is designed to permit angular rotation in any plane by the use of two pairs of hinges affixed to a common floating gimbal ring. The gimbal ring, hinges and pins must be designed to restrain the thrust of the expansion joint due to internal pressure and extraneous forces, where applicable.

Gimbal Expansion Joint is basically the same as the hinge type, can accept bending or angulation in any plane.

Features:
1. Absorbs angular rotation
2. Eliminates pressure thrust forces
3. Transmits shear and wind loads
4. Supports dead weight
5. Prevents torsion on bellows
6. No main anchors required
7. Minimum guiding required
8. Low forces on piping system.

A gimbal expansion joint can absorb angular deflection in any plane. It consists of two pairs of hinges connected to a common floating ring. Gimbal Expansion joint can consist of a single bellow, where there is no lateral deflection, or two bellows connected by a common connector where it can permit a lateral deflection also. The pairs of hinges, gimbal pin and the gimbal floating rings should be designed to restrain the pressure thrust.

Advantages
-Permits angular movement in any plane.
-Gimbal pins are designed to withstand the pressure thrust, so the load on the anchors is reduced.
-Prevent torsional movement of expansion joint as the two pairs of the hinge pins are connected to the gimbal ring.
-Reduced forces on the piping system and main anchors.
-Resists extraneous forces created form wind loads, piping loads, dead weight of the machinery, etc.