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2008CERT
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FABRI
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Toll
Free:
(800)327-
1286
www.un a
fle
x.co
m| Email
:sal
es@u n
afl
ex.
com
Co
rpo
rat
eHQ:1350S.
DixieHighwayEast|PompanoBeach
,FL33060
Fa
cto
ryFac
il
it
iesi
nAn
de r
son,SC| Wareh
ouseFaci
li
ti
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onTX
Mail
:P.O.Box5088|Ft.La
uder
dale
,FL33360
Why
unaflex?
....because we are the GOLD STANDARD in the manufacture of expansion joints and hoses!

Expansion joints are critical system components in a vast array of industries. Their purchase and supply
should not be trusted to just anyone.

The Unaflex QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM is certified to ISO 9001:2008 which insures quality
control of the product is rigorous and routinely monitored. Compliance inspections and audits are conducted
throughout the year to guarantee continuity and compliance with all ISO requirements.

Our product line includes Rubber Expansion Joints, Metal Bellows Type Expansion Joints, High Temperature
Fabric Expansion Joints and PTFE Expansion Joints, as well as Flexible Braided Metal Hose. All are
manufactured in our South Carolina facility and we encourage plant tours.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities provide all of the specialized equipment and tooling necessary to
produce the diversified product line Unaflex offers. We provide FULL TRACEABILITY of our products from
raw materials through the finished product.

EXPERIENCED FACTORY SUPPORT is available to all customers who desire a more personal and
hands-on approach to ensure the proper selection, production, delivery and installation of our product.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICE is provided by staff highly experienced in the use of finite
element analysis software and auto-cad.

Unaflex employs some of the most knowledgeable sales engineers in the industry who are available for
prompt, courteous and exceptional professional service. Our customer service is THE best in the industry.

Distributors and Dealers in partnership with Unaflex are located throughout the United States of America and
are the most reliable and dedicated suppliers available for our specialized product line. Many of our partners
stock our full line of products and are able to provide IMMEDIATE service.

FUTURE SUPPORT of our product is how we attract and keep our customers. Unaflex, a wholly owned
family business, has a long and successful track record in the industry. We look forward to many more!

1350 S. Dixie Hwy. East Pompano Beach, FL 33060 | On the Web at www.unaflex.com | Email: sales@unaflex.com
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-327-1286 Fax (954) 941-7968
Table of Contents

Introduction to Therma-Flex

Product, Industry and Special Applications

Materials Technology

Anatomy and Structure of an Expansion Joint

Movement and Capabilities

Single and Multi Layer Expansion Joints

Standard Non-Metallic Expansion Joints

Installation

Tools and Accessories

FABRIC
Therma-Flex Non-Metallic Ducting Expansion Joints
Introduction to Therma-Flex Expansion Joints
Benefits of Utilizing Expansion Joints

Fabric Expansion Joints offer a number of advantages, particularly in plant design and building:
They compensate for movement in several directions simultaneously
Virtually no reactive forces
Require little space for installation
Easy adaptation to existing physical conditions
More movement in shorter face-to-face
Less force to flex than metal expansion joints
Excellent corrosion and chemical resistance
Temperature capability range (-110F to more than 2000F)
Lower shipping and installation costseasy to transport and easy to install
Variety of flexible belt materials available:
-Single-layer and composite belts
-Elastomers have excellent abrasion resistance
-Custom designed for each specific application

Design Considerations

Media: Internal and External Environment

Temperature: Constant operating and maximum excursion
Pressure: Normal positive or negative
Movements: Axial and lateral, simultaneously or independently
Installation: Existing equipment and duct flanges
Assembly: Factory-assembled or field-spliced

Baffles
Baffles are usually not necessary with elastomeric expansion joints due to the tube resistance to most
abrasive particular matter. However, baffles must be used with fabric composite joints to protect the inner
surface form particulates in the gas stream. Unaflex can supply baffles fabricated from carbon steel,
stainless steel, or other materials as required.

Retaining Rings
Standard construction calls for 2 wide, 3/8 thick bars with slotted holes for easy installation. Material of
construction can be carbon steel, corten or stainless steel.

Availability
U-type
Belt type
Square
Rectangular or round
No size restriction
Choice of FF dimension, depending on movements
Associated Metal Work: Backup bars, frames, flanges and baffles.

4
FABRIC
Therma-Flex Non-Metallic Ducting Expansion Joints Toll Free: 800-327-1286 Email: sales@unaflex.com
Product Applications
Industrial applications can be separated into general categories based on the media composition (Air or Gas) and temperature.
This section is designed to aid in the selection of the appropriate expansion joint for the specific application range. All plants are
unique, therefore the service locations and temperatures may vary.

This section only serves as a guide and should be confirmed with a Unaflex Sales Engineer.

Ambient Air Services (-40F to 400F)

Ambient air temperature clean air without particulate or chemicals to damage the flexible element.
Expansion joint is used frequently for vibration and sound attenuation from fan equipment.
Locations for use:

FD Fan Intake/Outlet Primary Air Fan to Air Heater

Service Air Intakes Primary Air to Recovery Boiler
Primary Air to Recovery Boiler

A Unaflex integrally flanged elastomeric joint is suggested, using either the THERMA-FLEX or MIGHTY SPAN styles.
Neoprene, EPDM or Viton single layer belts are frequently used.

Hot Air Services (500F to 800F)

Clean air coming into contact with hot flue gases at the Air Pre-Heater where temperatures are
elevated with minimal particulate and or gas carryover. Expansion joint will see thermal movements
and vibration. Elevated temperatures require a composite flexible element and a flow liner.
Locations for use:

Air Heater/Air Outlet Over Fire Air Fans

Secondary Air fan Mill Air

A THERMA-FLEX flat composite belt with a bolt in or weld in frame design and a flow liner is
suggested. The weld in outboard angle frame design with field welded flow liner (TWCP600VIFL) is
shown.

Low to moderate temperature Flue Gas services (150F to 600F)

Flue gas which has passed through an air pre-heater and dust collector to reduce the temperature
and particulate level. Flue gas may cycle near the dew point where condensation can occur and
chemicals are present. Expansion joint may see thermal movements, vibration and chemical attack.

Locations for use:

Precip. Outlet I.D. Fan Inlet/Outlet
Scrubber Inlet/Outlet HRSG Inlet/Outlet
Re-heater Inlet/Outlet

A Unaflex single-layer belt with chemical barrier is suggested in either integrally flanged or flat belt type. Such a as the
THERMA-FLEX weld in outboard angle frame design and PTFE coated single layer belt with gas film
layer (TWFPR500TA) shown.

Hot Flue Gas Services (600F to 1200F)

Flue gas directly after combustion stage at elevated temperatures with possible particulate present.
Expansion joint is used for possible large thermal movements at elevated temperatures.
Locations for use:
Economizer Outlet Cyclone Inlet/Outlet
Precip. Inlet Recovery Boiler Outlet
Air Heater Gas Inlet/Outlet Gas Recirculation System

THERMA-FLEX high temperature composite flat belt style setback frames, cavity pillow and flow liners are suggested. The
standard Z frame design with telescoping flow liners (ZZWCP1000FPRP shown) or J frame with shop liner are two designs
used in these applications.

5
FABRIC
Toll Free: 800-327-1286 Email: sales@unaflex.com Therma-Flex Non-Metallic Ducting Expansion Joints
 Excel
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I
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Toll
Free:(
800)327-1286|I nFL:(
954)943-5002|F ax:(954)941-7968
www. unafl
ex.
com |Emai l:s
ales@unaflex.
com
CorporateHQ:1350S .Dix
ieHighwayEas t|PompanoBeach,F L33060
FactoryFacil
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Mail:P.O.Box5088|F t.L
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L33360