Rubber Expansion Joints

Series 301 Ultra Sphere Single Sphere

Precision molded Ultra-Sphere connectors will perform double duty as a vibration elimination pump connector, or as an expansion joint, absorbing pipe movements.

Ultra-Sphere connectors are perfect for HVAC or industrial applications where a flexible connector is needed to absorb axial, transverse, or angular pipe movements. Ultra-Sphere rubber connectors are also superior to braided metal connectors for absorbing vibration and noise generated by mechanical equipment.

Ultra-Sphere connectors are precision molded in hydraulic presses. The spherical design ensures that internal pressures are exerted in all directions, distributing the forces evenly over a large area. The spherical design acts as a free-flowing arch, reducing turbulence and growth due to pressure thrust forces.

These connectors are manufactured with a high-quality EPDM rubber tube and cover, and nylon tire cord reinforcing. Special elastomers such as Neoprene, Nitrile, Hypalon, and Butyl are also available. The standard EPDM material is superior to competitive connectors made of Neoprene due to their higher temperature resistance and physical properties. Galvanized steel floating flanges are recessed to engage the rubber beaded end of the expansion joint and rotate easily for speed of installation.

Style U301 single sphere connectors are ideal for absorbing small stress motions and absorbing the noise and vibration emitted by mechanical equipment. The face-to-face dimensions of these single sphere connectors match the corresponding dimensions of spool type expansion joints, facilitating direct replacements. This short face-to-face dimension translates to economy of space in the piping system and ease of handling and installation.

Ultra-Sphere Series 301 & 302 connectors are manufactured to meet or exceed the pressure, movement, and dimensional ratings of the Rubber Expansion Joint Division, Fluid Sealing Association.

Sealing Information: When installing rubber expansion joints, it is the responsibility of the installer to ensure bolting forces are evenly distributed to provide optimum clamping force to prevent the connection from leaking. When the expansion joint is being installed in non-ferrous piping systems, such as PVC, reinforcement of the mating flanges may be required to increase the mating flange rigidity.

Unisource recommends the use of ring gaskets or full face gaskets when a rubber expansion joint is being installed against a raised face flange. The use of ring gaskets or full face gaskets may be required when installing PTFE lined expansion joints. If you should have any questions pertaining to the installation, please call Unisource or refer to the Fluid Sealing Association Technical Handbook for Non-Metallic Expansion Joints.

Series 302 Ultra Sphere Double-Sphere

Series 302 double sphere connectors are similar in construction to the single sphere style, but with a second sphere to provide even more pipe movement absorbing capability and even greater efficiency for noise and vibration control. In fact, Series 302 connectors offer the industry’s best option for vibration reduction—up to 98%, depending on pressure and frequency. A plated steel external root ring surrounds the connector between the spheres, preventing ballooning or swelling under pressure.

Series 303 Ultra Sphere Union Connector

Unisource Series 303 female union connectors are ideal for isolating small diameter piping from vibrating mechanical equipment.

In smaller size applications where threaded connectors are normally used, Series 303 double sphere union connectors will accommodate both pipe motions and vibration. Series 303 connectors will provide over 1” of axial compensation, as well as impressive ratings for lateral and angular deflection. The Neoprene or EPDM rubber body construction is also far superior to metallic connectors for eliminating noise and vibration generated by equipment such as pumps, chillers, and air handlers. These connectors are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of services, and are available in designs to handle up to 150 PSIG and temperatures up to 200 degrees F.

Ultra-Sphere expansion joints are precision molded in hydraulic presses. The spherical design ensures that internal pressures are exerted in all directions, distributing the forces evenly over a large area. The spherical design acts as a free-flowing arch, reducing turbulence and growth due to pressure thrust forces.

Series 303 Ultra-Sphere connectors are constructed with a high-quality EPDM tube and cover and nylon tire cord reinforcing. Neoprene construction without cables is also available.

Series 303 EPDM connectors offer high-temperature EPDM rubber for tube and cover construction. Galvanized ductile iron threaded female union ends are standard. Special cable restraint attachments surround each end to prevent the connector from over-extending due to pressure thrust. A steel body ring encircles the rubber between the spheres to provide stability under pressure.

Series 1200 Flexi-Spool

Style 1200 “Flexi-Spool” rubber expansion joints are designed to handle a multitude of industrial applications. “Flexi-Spool” expansion joints are a spool-type, hand-wrapped expansion joint with several construction features that provide advantages over standard expansion joints. The wide-arch style of “Flexi-Spool” provides several times the movement capability of standard narrow arch style joints. A high-pressure reinforcing combines both polyester fabric plies with steel wire for impressive working pressure and vacuum ratings, even at extended temperatures. A thick, wrapped-on rubber cover protects the reinforcing from damage and the environment. Full-face duck and rubber flanges provide an optimum sealing surface. A built-on flange O-ring allows the flange to seal faster, and with less torque required. Both tube and cover can be provided in a variety of materials in order to handle conditions involving chemicals, moderate temperature extremes, abrasion, or other conditions. Materials include Neoprene, Chlorobutyl, natural rubber, Nitrile, Hypalon, and are also available with white PTFE liners.

Series 1500 Ultra-Spool

Series 1500 Ultra-Spool expansion joints are a domestic, hand-built product for the most demanding of applications. A precision built product designed to provide exacting specifications for tube and cover requirements, pressure ratings, markings, and special options. The wide arch will provide much greater movement capabilities than standard narrow arch designs. The tube can be constructed using a variety of elastomer products including EPDM, Chlorobutyl, Neoprene, Nitrile, Hypalon, Viton. When needed, a white PTFE liner can be added. Rubber tube thicknesses are approximately 1/4” thick for greater wear life. Reinforcing of multiple plies of polyester provide 225 PSIG working pressure in sizes up to 14” diameter. Thick steel body rings add hoop strength and assure high vacuum rating, even at extended temperatures. Each expansion joint has a permanently embossed brand on the cover with information including individual serial number for identification.