Slip-Type Joints
Slip-Type Joints
ADSCO slip-type expansion joints provide a low-maintenance solution with exceptional value, allowing for axial movement between lengths of piping.
Data Centers
Data centers rely on uninterrupted cooling systems running around the clock. Temperatures fluctuate and these systems often span hundreds or thousands of feet of straight piping with few natural bends or offsets. Allowable pipe stress limits can quickly be exceeded.
Without relief, expansion stresses at pipes, joints, and support, which can cause system failures that threaten uptime and the critical systems housed within the facility.
Expansion Joints for Data Centers
Cooling systems in data centers run nonstop. As loads and temperatures change, pipes are constantly expanding and contracting. Expansion joints compensate for movement, minimizing stress at critical connections.
Data centers primarily rely on bellows-type expansion joints because they are designed for continuous thermal cycling and long-range axial movement. The expansion joints can be configured in a number of ways: inline, dog legs, offset or loops.
These joints provide the flexibility needed to accommodate daily expansion across long pipe runs while maintaining a sealed system under pressure. ADSCO engineers each joint to the specific operating conditions of the facility to ensure proper fit, movement capacity, and durability.
The expansion joints can be configured in a number of ways: inline, dog legs, offset or loops.
Featured Applications
Cooling infrastructure in data centers places extraordinary thermal demand on piping systems, especially across long, straight runs with minimal offsets. Bellows expansion joints are installed at regular intervals to absorb this movement (which ranges from 3″ -48″+ daily) and protect the system from stress and misalignment.
In data centers, you’ll find bellows installed in:
- Chilled water distribution loops
- Mechanical rooms for nozzle loading issues and plant-level cooling manifolds
- Supply and return mains feeding server halls
- Pipe transitions entering or exiting equipment
- Seismic building separations
We manufacture bellows expansion joints designed for long service life under nonstop movement, ensuring reliable performance across the full cooling network.
Our Products used in Data Centers
Bellows
Bellows
A versatile solution enabling a wide range of movements, bellows-type joints extend, bend, and retract with accordion-like corrugations.
Spider Type Pipe Guides
Spider Type Pipe Guides
Spider style piping guides protect pipes from damage by preventing too much movement, while keeping them properly positioned.
Data Center FAQs
Looking to learn more? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
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Why are expansion joints necessary in data center cooling systems?
Expansion joints are used to absorb the constant thermal movement that occurs in long piping runs as chilled water circulates through the system. Without them, expansion and contraction would transfer stress directly into the pipe and its supports, leading to cracking, misalignment, or premature wear. By allowing controlled movement, expansion joints preserve the integrity of the cooling loop and help ensure uninterrupted operation.
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How does long, continuous piping in data centers affect thermal movement?
Data centers often use long, straight piping runs with few natural bends or offsets, which means there is no built-in flexibility to relieve thermal growth. As the piping expands and contracts under constant load, the movement accumulates over distance and concentrates stress at fixed points. Expansion joints are installed to absorb this movement before it transfers into anchors, supports, or connected equipment.
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Which types of ADSCO expansion joints are most commonly used in data centers?
Data centers primarily rely on bellows-type expansion joints because they are designed for continuous thermal cycling and long-range axial movement. These joints provide the flexibility needed to accommodate daily expansion across long pipe runs while maintaining a sealed system under pressure. ADSCO engineers each joint to the specific operating conditions of the facility to ensure proper fit, movement capacity, and durability.
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How do expansion joints help ensure uptime and reliability for mission-critical cooling systems?
Expansion joints relieve stress before it can damage piping or equipment, reducing the risk of leaks, joint failures, and unplanned outages. By maintaining alignment and absorbing movement, they protect pumps, valves, and distribution lines that operate continuously. This ensures stable performance and helps preserve cooling capacity – a critical factor in keeping data centers online.
