Universal expansion joints compensate for assembly tolerances and changes in the position of pipelines and system components in the axial direction of the pipe axis and/or also in the lateral and/or angular direction. For the standard types, the specifications for the possible movements are given as examples. If the movements occur simultaneously in several planes, the capabilities of the compensators must be checked. The expansion joints can be subjected to internal pressure in accordance with the nominal pressure.
The use of a guide tube protects the metal bellows from abrasive media or flow-induced vibrations. However, it restricts the free cross-section during lateral and/or angular movement.
The reaction forces on all sides caused by the internal pressure must be absorbed by sufficiently dimensioned fixed points.