Recommended industry standards and specifications for non-metallic expansion joints

　　ASTM F1123 series standards: This is a standard specification for non-metallic expansion joints established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), with the latest version being ASTM F1123-87(2024). The standard sets minimum requirements for the construction, materials, performance, and dimensions of arch-shaped non-metallic expansion joints. For example, it specifies that the expansion joint must be made of an elastomeric tube, with the tube body reinforced by multiple layers of woven fabric or tire cord, and covered with synthetic rubber; the inner tube material can be natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a mixture of synthetic rubbers; the reinforcing fabric should be nylon, polyester, fiberglass, or aramid, and cotton cannot be used. Additionally, it specifies the pressure design, performance requirements, as well as burst tests, hydrostatic tests, and flame retardant tests for the expansion joints.

　　Relevant domestic standards: In China, the acceptance standards for non-metallic expansion joints involve multiple fields. In the classification of international standards, their acceptance involves pipeline components and pipelines, shipbuilding, and offshore structures; in the classification of Chinese standards, it involves pipeline accessories, marine fittings, etc. For example, in the shipbuilding industry, there is CB/T 1153-2008 "Metal Wave Expansion Joints". Although the title mentions metal expansion joints, some of its content can serve as a reference for non-metallic expansion joints in ship applications, regulating some technical requirements for expansion joints in ship pipelines. In addition, some companies producing non-metallic circular expansion joints of type JGD will refer to GB1690-1992 "Test Methods for Liquid Resistance of Vulcanized Rubber", GB/T1682-1994 "Determination of Low-Temperature Brittleness of Vulcanized Rubber", and other standards to ensure product quality from the perspective of material performance testing.

　　Installation-related specifications: When installing non-metallic expansion joints, certain specifications must be followed. Before installation, carefully check whether the expansion joint's model, specification, and quantity meet the requirements, and also check whether the appearance is intact and whether the internal pipeline is clean and free of foreign objects. During installation, the expansion joint should be installed correctly according to the pipeline's operating direction and the direction of liquid flow, using supports or hangers for fixation to avoid the weight of the expansion joint affecting the pipeline, and also avoid twisting or stretching deformation of the pipeline and expansion joint. After installation, a pressure test should be conducted to ensure the normal operation of the pipeline system, and proper marking and recording should be done.

　　When selecting non-metallic expansion joints in practice, it is necessary to refer to the corresponding standard specifications based on the specific industry, usage scenario, and design requirements to ensure that the performance of the expansion joints meets the standards and is safe and reliable.