Expansion Joint Configurations

Swivel Expansion Joint

A swivel expansion joint allows the piping on either side to rotate about the pipe's own longitudinal axis — a rotating flange or bearing arrangement takes the twisting motion so the bellows convolutions themselves are never subjected to torsion.

Swivel expansion joint schematic showing rotation about the pipe's own axis

Representative example — real Uma Bellows expansion joint:

Representative Uma Bellows expansion joint

How it works

Because the bellows is isolated from the rotational load by the bearing, it continues to do only what convoluted bellows do well — flex axially or laterally — while the swivel hardware handles alignment rotation separately.

  • Rotation happens at a bearing, not in the bellows convolutions
  • Used for rotational alignment adjustment in piping runs
  • Keeps the bellows element free of torsional stress
  • Distinct from a torsional bellows, which flexes under twist directly

Related: Torsional Bellows · In-Line Ball Joint Bellows · Expansion Joints

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