Advice on handling and installing Sudbury International fabric expansion joints

Sudbury International supplies fabric expansion joints for ducting systems.

Sudbury International Engineered Products Limited is a major Ontario source of ducting system expansion joints. To get the most out of these fabric joints, a user should understand how to handle and install them properly. The Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) in the United States offers important tips on how to insure proper performance and service life and to prevent damage by careful handling and support during the installation process.

Review the manufacturer’s instructions

Whether a customer orders these ducting system expansion joints assembled, unassembled, or as components, they must be packaged to arrive from Sudbury International in good condition. After receiving the joints, the purchaser should check that all parts have arrived undamaged. The user should also review the manufacturer’s detailed instructions prior to installing the joints.

The FSA’s main advice on handling and installing Sudbury International ducting system expansion joints goes as follows:

• Unpack the joints carefully without banging, dropping, striking, or dragging them on the floor.
• Verify the flow direction marked on the joints or flow liners. Users should install them with the flow arrows pointing in the flow direction. If there is no visible marking, install them with the liner gaps on the downstream side.
• Support larger, heavier joints during installation and install them with appropriate lifting equipment like pulleys or cranes.
• Do not lift joints by attaching the lifting device directly to flexible elements. Rest joints on a supporting base to which one can attach lifting tackles.
• Lift pre-assembled joints by the lifting points, rather than by their shipping straps, unless the manufacturer has specifically combined the two.
• Do not remove protective coverings until after installation.
• Protect joints from welding sparks and sharp objects.
• Tighten backup bars (including bolts and nuts) by hand and put them in place before further tightening.
• Keep shipping bars on until after the installation, to keep the joints in their installation position.
• Never walk or place scaffolding on top of the joints.
• Do not use joints’ flange holes as lugs to lift the joints.

For more information, contact Sudbury International.

• Tweet