The new sewage treatment project at Port Klang, Malaysia has a total pipeline length of approximately 720 meters and is equipped with multiple large sewage circulation pumps. The port sewage operating conditions are complex; the medium contains impurities and there is a large temperature difference between day and night. During the preliminary design phase, engineers were mainly concerned about the continuous vibration transmission from pumps and pipeline expansion and contraction deformation caused by temperature changes. Long-term operation of rigid connections would easily lead to flange water seepage and weld cracking, disrupting the continuous operation of the port sewage system.
Carbon steel flange rubber expansion joints were selected as flexible compensation components for the project, installed at pump inlets and outlets, pipeline bends and segmented sections of long pipelines. Strict installation controls were implemented: flanges were kept concentric, bolts were tightened evenly in a diagonal sequence, and the rubber body was not forcibly pulled or twisted.
Performance after commissioning:
- Absorb axial and lateral displacement of pipelines, release stress generated by thermal expansion and cold contraction, and prevent pipeline damage from tension;
- Block the transmission of pump vibration, reduce noise in the pump house and stop vibration from spreading along the entire pipeline;
- The flexible rubber seal buffers the force on joints, adapts to sewage working conditions and reduces leakage failures.
Since the project was put into operation, there have been no loose or leaking pipeline joints, cutting on-site inspection and maintenance costs. This has verified the suitability of rubber expansion joints for port sewage treatment pipelines. Rubber expansion joints can be selected according to medium, pressure, pipe diameter and compensation capacity, and customized solutions can be provided for overseas water supply, drainage, sewage and chemical pipeline projects.
