Question 1

How is a thermal expansion box different from an expansion joint?

Accepted Answer

Both manage movement: a thermal expansion box encloses moving pipe or equipment, but an expansion joint is a flexible connector inside piping. The box is like a tunnel for the pipe; the joint links pipe segments directly.

Question 2

What types of movement can a thermal expansion box handle?

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion boxes handle axial, lateral, and angular movement from temperature or system loads. Custom designs can accommodate movement in multiple directions based on project requirements. The box itself houses the components, provides space for movement, and shields them from environmental factors such as weather, debris, and mechanical contact.

Question 3

Can thermal expansion boxes be retrofitted on existing systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can often be integrated into existing piping or conduit layouts, though proper measurement and design are critical for optimal performance. Design usually considers existing supports. Engineers assess if more are needed. Expansion boxes are installed with insulation planning.

Question 4

What materials are used to construct thermal expansion boxes?

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion boxes are made of two distinct foam types. The outer layer is constructed from a strong, resilient, medium-density closed-cell foam. This is usually to protect against scrapes, dents, and puncture damage caused by unfavorable backfill and environmental conditions. The inner foam that cushions the pipe is made from a durable, but more flexible, closed-cell foam. This layer resists severe degradation caused by exposure of the pipe to hydrocarbons, bitumen, crude oil, and liquid natural gas.

Question 5

What's “thermal expansion”?

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion occurs when moisture-rich soil is heated. Water particles will expand at the same rate as the heating, potentially damaging unprotected pipes. A protective polyethylene foam box with extra inner foam padding surrounding the pipe helps absorb movement and resist the effects of temperature shifts in the surrounding soil.

Question 6

What foams are the Thermal Expansion Boxes made out of?

Accepted Answer

The inner core layers of the box are made from durable yet flexible closed-cell foams. The stiffer outer structure is made from a stronger, more resilient medium-density foam, or sometimes our ThermaGuard TG-250 foam. The inner core typically has 55% of the stiffness of the outer foam layer. This creates a “softer” volume for the pipe to expand into. To ensure the material's long-term resilience, the inner core should be designed to withstand a maximum compression of 25%. The closed-cell foam, sometimes our ThermaGuard TG-250, on the external structure helps stiffen the box and provides added protection during backfill operations.

Question 7

Can Thermal Expansion Boxes be used around buried drainage vessels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the flexible structure of these boxes can be installed around buried piping connected to different nozzles and around the vessel heads to protect the heads from deformation due to thermal expansion into the soil.

Question 8

Is there a design process that goes into designing Thermal Expansion Boxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is. There is a general six-step process that goes into the design: A stress engineer does a sketch An EPC designer does a detailed draft The sketch is then sent to Norseman for procurement Norseman designers create new drawings Norseman sends drawings to the stress engineer and the approval body. Norseman fabricates the Thermal Expansion Box.

Question 9

What information is required for Norseman to produce the Thermal Expansion Boxes (TEB) drawings?

Accepted Answer

Norseman requires the following information to complete the drawing details: The outer diameter of the pipe The outer diameter of any insulation or coatings on the pipe The radius or arc of any bends (in degrees) Desired thickness of Inner Core Expansion Material Desired thickness of outer structure. Potentially ThermaGuard TG-250 (default is 50mm) Direction of Expansion inside the TEB Length of Straight Sections

Thermal Expansion Boxes

WHEN IT COMES TO UNDERGROUND PIPES, THERMAL EXPANSION CAN BE YOUR ENEMY

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