In the first instance, it must be defined that a simple cardan expansion joint has the capacity to absorb an angular movement in two planes, as shown in the graphs. The structure of the joint limits the bellows from having any axial or lateral movement and contains the pressure reaction force, a force generated by the bellows when they are pressurized.
The cardan joints must work in pairs, in this way they manage to absorb thermal expansion movements in two planes, guaranteeing a low-stress system and freeing the nozzles of sensitive rotating equipment, such as pumps, compressors, fans or turbines, from excessive stress. We are able to supply gaskets of this type for systems that work at pressures of up to 450 PSI and a maximum temperature of 400°C
When two of these joints are joined by a structure, the assembly becomes a Universal Cardan Expansion Joint; The principle and its benefits are the same as working with two separate boards. Generally speaking, we speak of the X,Y plane and the Z,Y plane; The movement that the set of the two joints absorbs is a lateral movement. A typical case of this application is when a pipe line forms a zeta (Z) and the two end pipes are perpendicular to each other.
