Expansion joint for fluid piping with rotation prevention member

Abstract

An expansion joint for connecting first and second fluid-carrying pipes comprising first and second annular couplings which are operably affixable to respective ones of the pipes. In a preferred embodiment the couplings include cylindrical bores of substantially the same diameter disposed relative to one another to form a passage for providing flow communication between the pipes. An annular bellows extends between the couplings for accommodating relative axial movement and angular misalignment between the pipes and is disposed radially outward of the passage to capture any fluid leaking between the interfacing surfaces of the couplings. A second cylindrical bore of a first one of the couplings engages an outer spherical surface of the second coupling to allow the second coupling to pivot in a manner which accommodates angular misalignment between the pipes. Means are provided for limiting the pivoting of the second coupling and for preventing the first coupling from rotating about a centerline of the joint, thereby avoiding unacceptable bending and torsional loading of the bellows. The expansion joint further includes means for limiting the axial compression and axial extension of the bellows.