1,Storage

All the Bellowman Fabric expansion joints are delivered in properly and sufficient packaged condition. Before the installation, the fabric expansion joints should be stored in a dry and cool location such as a warehouse, and avoid the direct sunlight, do not place heavy objects on the fabric expansion joints and protect them from fire and sparks. The fabric expansion joints may only be removed from the packing materials just before the final installation. If there are any shipping tie rods, they must be removed after installation and before the service.

If the fabric expansion joint have to be stored outdoors, then they must be placed in the wooden platform which at least one foot above the ground in a dry area and cover the fabric expansion joints with paulin to avoid influences of the whether.

Avoid the Fabric to be contacted with sharp-edged objects or tools and flying sparks during storage and installation.

2,Pre-installation checks

● Before the final installation, it is important to verify that there is no damage to the fabric expansion joints, and without 
   dents and scratches, damaged fabric expansion joints are prohibited to be used. To ensure the Installation length of
   the fabric exapansion joints are conform with the design, the shipping bars which to hold this length only can be
   removed before the final installation.

● Confirm the installation length and the design of the fabric expansion joints are conform with the drawing.

● Confirm the duct flange and steel frames are smooth and clean, are fully and continously welded and be cleared of any 
   sharp objects and protrusions that could damage the fabric expansion joints.

● Confirm that the dimension of duct flanges are correct and accoring to the specification on the drawings. Especially 
   important are: breech gap opening, installed face to face length, and bolting dimensions.

● Ensure that the duct flanges and pipes are parrallel symmetrical.

● Ensure proper orientation of the fabric expansion joints are conform with the gas flow direction.

● All metal sharp edges or exposed protrusion in contact with flexible materials must be removed ( to avoid damages).

Pls contact with the manufacturers immediately, if one or more of above items are found to be wrong when compared with the specifications.

3,The installation of fabric expansion joints

● Before the final installation, it is important to check that the opening of the ducting can be fitted by the expansion joints.
   Do not over stretch or over compress the fabric flexible elements which could overstress it and may cause damage.

● The critical part of the fabric expansion joint is the fabric flexible element, it is essential that a good deal of care is taken
   when handling the expansion joints. Do not use any lifting devices to attch the fabric flexible element directly. The fabric
   expansion joints should be rest on a supporting base, to which lifting tackles can be attached.

● If welding or burning operations are being performed in the vicinity of exposed expansion joints, protective shields must
   be used.

● Remove all the protective shields or covers from the fabric expansion joints, but must not be removed until one end of
   the expansion joints has been secured to one flange of the ducting (warning: failure to remove the protective shields
   before the start-up may damage the expansion joints irreparably).

● Fabric expansion joints with flow liners are labeled with a flow arrow.  Install the expansion joint with arrow pointing in
   the direction of the flow.

● After installing the fabric expansion joints, remove the shipping bars by grinding, cutting or mechanical method. Note: 
   Shipping bars are painted yellow with a red label instructing, "remove after installationis completed”. Shipping bars in
   general have the geometry of an angle iron, designed to maintain shipping and installation length. Shipping bars are
   not designed to absorb pressure thrust and must be removed after installation and before testing.

● After installation is completed, the piping or system designer must verify that the expansion joint has been properly
   guided and anchored. Guides in general shall direct pipe movements. Anchors shall absorb pressure thrust and spring
   forces. The piping or system designer must also verify that the type and amount of movement generated by the system
   are identical with movements the expansion joint designed for.

Shipping bars must be removed after installation.

4, Service and maintenance

Once installation has been properly completed, and the expansion joints are ready for use, nothing further need to be done in order to operate the unit.

Though fabrice expansion joints are quick-wear parts, for most applications, they are maintenance free but should be checked regularly for the sign of damage or degradation, this will be visible on the outer cover, the coating may appears discoloration or peel, even before such signs are outwardly visible, thermal imaging can be used to identify hot spots and potential problem areas.

The routine inspections should be carried out at least every 3 monthes, when the fabric expansion joints are subjected to fly ash accumulation caused by flue gases and exhaust gases, a maintenance schedule should be developed and the joints should be periodically vacuumed.

In particular cases it is possible to repair fabric expansion joints, accoring to the seriousness of damage; however, after exceeding a certain time of operation, we generally recommend to replace the joints.

Pls don’t hesitate to contact with us for the spare parts or maintenance, so that the fabric expansion joints can be repaired or replaced before the first shut down to come.