Ball joints react pressure thrust and absorb rotational and torsional motions. As a result, ball joints help with tank and building settlement, seismic isolation, solar arrays, and piping displacement from wave motion. They are approved by Factory Mutual System for fire protection systems and tested to 8.3 seismic simulations.

 

Ball joints are used extensively for shipboard applications including oil platforms and drillships. They are designed and qualified to ASME Class 2500 through 8″ NPS, and Class 900 through 12″ NPS. Fire tested to API 6FA, they meet ASTM F1298 shipboard piping specifications. Also, they are approved by ABS Americas and Lloyd’s register.

They have evolved from the original ball joints. Developed by Barco in 1908 to distribute steam from locomotives to passenger cars for heating. The Type N Style I was developed in 1960. Since that time thousands of Style I joints have been installed in steam, hot water, and chilled water distribution systems, used to absorb tank and building settling, used for seismic isolation, and many other piping applications to compensate for expansion or to add flexibility to the system. Type N Style I joints are available from 2 1/2″ through 30″ with proprietary Compound 11 composition seals or Compound 24 glass-filled Teflon seals.

They designed with injected graphite flakes with a synthetic oil carrier, Grafoil® Flexible Graphite, that provides lubrication in addition to sealing. Grafoil® combined with a variety of high-strength bearing materials results in increased temperature and pressure ratings. Seal options include Compound 11 non-metallic composition material, Number 21 ductile iron, Number 39 Alloy 625 high nickel stainless steel, and Number 45 chrome-moly steel.

They permit repacking with Grafoil® after installation. You should achieve type N Style II packing with the system pressure removed and installing a Recharge Cylinder.

The Recharge Cylinders are a permanent part of Type N Style III & III-V, thus repacking the system’s operation. In addition, the Style III-V has the added benefit of a Safety Valve to isolate the system pressure completely.

Dannenbaum LLC can also help you with your Standard series Ball joint, OW1500 Ball Joints, and Series 3500 IS In-Line Seismic Expansion Joint.

Barco Ball Joint Applications

Ball joints can help absorb pipe movement in many applications ranging from thermal expansion or contraction of pipe, tank, or building settlement, movement resulting from a seismic event, equipment movement such as solar panels and platens, and repetitive motion on bridges, oil platforms, and ships. Barco ball joint’s ability to absorb the motion relies on the Off-Set® Method regardless of the motion source.

The following illustrations are typical installations of Barco ball joints. They are primarily illustrated in one plane; however, ball joints are universal, allowing motion in all planes, including rotation around the centerline. Another method of absorbing pipe motion has this capability.

Figure 1: Two ball joints installed in an offset leg.
Type 2: Two ball joints installed in an offset leg with a preset or cold spring.
Figure 3: Two ball joints in a loop. Two ball joints can also install a preset similar to Figure 2.

Figure 4: Fourball joints installed in a loop for high axial motion.
Style 5: Two Barco ball joints installed in an offset leg with motion along two axes.
Figure 6: Three-ball joint installation with an offset leg and motion along one axis.

Style 7: Three-ball joint installation with motion along two axes.
Figure 8: Oil field wellhead installation – ball joints are displaced by twisting or torsion. Oil Field Steam Injection)
Figure 9: Three ball joints installed in safety relief valve piping.

Calculation of Thermal Expansion

When materials change temperature, they expand or contract per the equation:

(1)  =  where  is the coefficient of thermal expansion, a property of the material, is the temperature change, and  is the linear dimension that changes temperature.

For piping applications, the expansion of commonly used piping materials has been tabulated per 100 feet based on an installation temperature of 70°F. Refer to Thermal Expansion of Materials. Using this tabulation,

(1′) = (Tabulated Value) x ÷ 100 where  is the thermal expansion in inches,  is the pipe run in feet.

If the installation temperature differs substantially from 70°F, correct the expansion value by adding or subtracting the expansion from 70°F as appropriate to the installation temperature.

Two Ball Joint Installation

The installation of two ball joints in a system (Figure 10) must consider the Flex Angle (), the length (L) separating the ball joints, the pipe displacement (D), and the forces and moments in the system.

The maximum flex angle varies with the nominal size and configuration of the ball joint. Generally, 2″ NPS and smaller are 30° total. Sizes 2 1/2″ NPS and larger are 15° total as a minimum.

Values listed in Column 3 of the Design Data for Type N Style I, Type N Style II, III & III-V, and the Standard Series. The OW1500 is 30°, and all ASME Class joints are 15°. The tabulated values are total flex angles – fully deflected from the maximum offset to the opposite direction.

Minimum Two Ball Joint Spacing (L)

The calculation of thermal expansion determines the expansion or movement ()ion, or it may be given as other system design data such as tank settling or seismic motions. According to figure 10) the minimum length (L) separating the ball joints (rotational center to center) when the joints are installed in the neutral position and the angle () is measured from the neutral to the deflected centerline is calculated by the equation:

(2)  =  (inches) (Figure 10, no preset)

If the expansion or movement is in a single direction, You can reduce this length by installing preset ball joints or with a cold spring. The minimum length, L, is obtained when the preset equals one-half of the movement ().

With preset as illustrated in Figure 11, Equation (2) becomes:

(2′)  =  (inches) or  = 

when the preset (inches) is equal to one-half of the movement ().

Caution: These values are theoretical and do not allow installation errors or other movements. Always use the most extended length (L) practical within space limitations and good piping practice.

Example 1:

Determine the minimum center to center length for 2 ASME Class Ball Joints (15° total flex angle) installed in piping with 12″ of expansion. Referring to Equation (2),  = 12”,  = 15°/2 = 7.5°, Sin 7.5° = 0.131 (from table below) = 12″/0.131 = 91.60″ . With preset equal to 6″ = 91.60/2 = 45.80″

For rough sizing of the offset length (L), the minimum flex angle for all sizes and configurations of ball joints is 15° total. Referring to equation (2), the Sine of the half-angle, 7.5°, is 0.131. Since 1/0.131 = 7.63, you can round it up to 8, L = 8  without preset, and L = 4  with preset can be used with conservative results.

This is the most conservative approach. If sufficient length is unavailable, the flex angle for the ball joint configuration is selected, and calculate L with Equation (2) with adequate allowances for installation tolerances and other movements.

Two-Ball Joints Installed in an Existing Leg

When ball joints can be installed in an existing offset leg in the piping, the length (L) can be determined, and the flex angle () can be calculated for a know deflection () by the following equation.

(3)  

Angle (Degrees) Sine

1 2 3 4 5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 0.0175 0.0349 0.0523 0.0698 0.0872 0.104 0.113 0.121 0.13 0.139

Angle (Degrees) Sine

8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11 11.5 13.5 15 15.5 0.148 0.156 0.165 0.174 0.182 0.191 0.199 0.233 0.259 0.267

Angle (Degrees) Sine

17 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 30 31 0.292 0.326 0.342 0.358 0.375 0.391 0.407 0.345 0.500 0.515

 

Pipe Displacement (D)

The offset length between the parallel pipe runs decreases as the ball joints are deflected. Figures 10 and 11 show that the lower pipe is anchored, and the upper run with the expansion must bend to deflect an amount (D), as illustrated in Figures 10 & 11. The equation can calculate the deflection (D):

(4) D = L –  without preset and

(5) D = L – 1/2  with preset or D = L – 1/2  with preset when the preset is equal to

1/2 of the movement .

You can simplify these equations by using the equations:

(6) D =  without preset and

(7) D =  with preset equal to 1/2 of the movement .

Is the total displacement or expansion in Equations 4 through 7.

Location of First Restraint

Once the deflection (D) has been determined, you can determine the length of the pipe to the first restraint (x) to avoid overstressing the pipe and elbows. Acording to figures 10 and 11, the minimum length of pipe to the restraint based on the allowable bending stress at the restraint can be calculated by the formula:

(8) x =  (feet)

d = Outside diameter of the pipe (inches),
E = Modulus of Elasticity (psi) of the material,
S= Allowable Stress (psi) for the pipe material selected.

As an approximation, the Modulus of Elasticity, E, can be assumed to be 30 x 10 psi, and a value of 10,000 psi can be used for the Allowable Stress. This value is substantially less than the ASME Code allowable; however, it provides a safety factor for stress intensification in the elbows and welds. With these approximations, equation (8) becomes:

(8′) x = 5.59  (feet)

Ball Joint Anchor Forces

The anchor forces resulting from the installation of ball joints result from the seal resistance force provided as the Flex Torque (ft.-lbs.) for each nominal size and configuration. Since the outer seal reacts to the pressure thrust, the Flex Torque is a function of the system pressure. Charts of Flex Torque are plotted over the pressure range of each ball joint and are available on the web page for each configuration. For example, the following equation can calculate the anchor force (illustrated in Figure 12).

F =  = = thrust load (lbs)

T = Flex Torque (ft.-lbs.)

L = Center to center length (feet)

 

Example 2: Two 1″ Type N Style I weld end ball joints with number 11 installed composition seals (P/N BB-31020-70-11) at 70°F in an offset leg of a 30″ run steel pipe with operating conditions of 300 PSIG at the 417 °F.

The thermal expansion of the pipe is:  = (2.86) x 300÷100 = 8.58″ [Equation (1′) and Column 2 of Thermal Expansion of Materials 2.86 was extrapolated between 400°F and 450°F]. The minimum length of the offset leg without preset is = 8.5″ ÷ Sin 8.5° = 57.9″ [Equation (2) and Column 3 of Dimensional Data for Type N Style I Ball Joints.

The total flex angle is 17° 17/2 = 8.5° Sin 8.5° = 0.148 from tabulation above]. As an alternative, the minimum length with preset is equal to 1/2 of,  = 57.97″ ÷ 2 = 28.98″ [Equation (2’)] To avoid using the Barco Ball Joints at the maximum of their capability, we recommend rounding these lengths up to 60″ and 30″. Using Equation (3) the flex angle is:   = 0.143  8° or 16° total flex angle < 17° design value. The pipe displacement, D, is: D =  = 0.61″ without preset and using the simplified equation (6) or D = = 0.31″ with preset using equation (7).

The minimum distance to the first restraint is: x = 5.59  = 14.31’ (feet) without preset or x = 5.59  = 10.20’ (feet) with preset using Equation (8′) based on an allowable stress of 10,000 psi and a Modulus of Elasticity of 30×10 psi.

Note that the pipe outside diameter is the correct diameter (10.7″).

The force on the anchors resulting from the ball joint seal resistance is: F =  = 2000 lbs. force without preset or F =  = 4000 lbs force with preset at 300 PSIG.  refer to the Type N Style I Ball Joints chart of Flex Torque v. Pressure for the Flex Torque value of 5000 ft.-lbs.

Note: This force is a result of the seal resistance only. It does not include the weight of the pipe and media or vertical shear resulting from the pipe bending. This seal is not to be confused with a pipe seal. referring to Figure 12, You can calculate the length of the offset leg or the center-to-center distance between the parallel pipe runs (H).   = Ball Joint center to center length (L) + Ball Joint Length + 2 Elbow tangent lengths H = 60″ + 16.5″ (Column 6 of Dimension Data) + 2 x 15″ (long radius elbows) = 106.5″ without preset and H = 30+16.5 + 2 x 15 = 76.5″ with preset. Three Ball Joint Installations

Adding a third ball joint in a system eliminates pipe bending and allows the pipe to be restrained close to the offset leg. This is important when the Barco Ball Joints, such as vaults or short rigid runs in process piping, are confined.

Figure 13 illustrates an application similar to the two-ball joint shown in Figure 10, with a third-ball joint added in the upper run. Again the two ball joints should always be in the leg perpendicular to the principal motion.

Referring to Figure 13, the following equations can calculate the ball joint angles (A, B & C). Applying these equations to this problem is a close approximation that yields slightly conservative results.

 

(10)  (11)  (12)  =  +  Note: Equation (12) is the algebraic sum. Figure 13 is positive and negative. You can calculate the length separating the ball joints (L) with equation (2) or (“), and You can calculate the Deflection (D) from Equations (4), (5), (6), or (7). the designer can select the location of the third ball joint (“). Then the ball joint (C) is installed directly to the tangent of the elbow (minimum”), its maximum, and it’s minimum.

Example 3: Referring to the values used in Example 2 for a 10″ Type N Style I ball joint without preset:  = 8.58″, L = 60″ and D = 0.61″. If ball joint (C) is attached directly to the elbow L’ = 15″ (tangent length for long radius elbow) + 8.25″ (distance to rotational center from Column 5 of Dimensional Data) = 23.25″ (10)  = 0.143  8° (11)  = 0.0262  1.5° (12)  = 8° – 1.5°  6.5°. A common practice is to locate joint (C) at a distance equal to L i.e. L’ = L. Then  = 0.010  0.5° and  = 8° – 0.5° = 7.5°

Three ball joints are required when motion occurs in the same plane as the pipe run and two perpendicular axes. Figure 14 illustrates an installation similar to Figure 13, except the lower pipe expands upward.

The following equations are close approximations that can calculate the ball joint angles. (10) (13)  (12)  =  +  Equation (12) is the algebraic sum. In Figure 14, and are positive. Point B will have the highest angle.

Example 4: Installed in a piping system is three 1″ Type N Style III weld end Barco ball joints with 21 ductile iron seals (P/N BB-61020-76-21).

The movement along the horizontal run () is 10,” and the vertical movement () is.” Therefore, “the total flex angle for P/N BB-61020-76-21 is 21° (Column 3 of Dimensional Data). To determine the spacing (L) of ball joints A and B without cold spring.

Equation (2) can be used for an approximation. Because Equation (2) yields the minimum length based on the horizontal movement only and the maximum flex angle of the ball joint, the spacing must be increased because of the added vertical movement. (2)  = Substituting Sin A for Sin  with A = 21°/2 = 10.5°, Sin A = 0.182 (from table above),  =  = 54.95” ,or using the rough sizing recommended above: L = 8 () = 8(10) = 80”. As a trial L = L’ = 80″ then (10)  = 0.125  7°, (6) D =  = 0.625″ (13)  =0.0422  2.5° (extrapolated from table above – for angles 5° and less the Sine and Tangent are approximately equal B = 7°+ 2.5° = 9.5° < 10.5° or 1/2 of the total flex angle of the ball joint.

The trial layout has yielded satisfactory results – the maximum ball joint angle at joint B is less than the maximum value with a reasonable allowance. f there isn’t sufficient space to install the Barco ball joints with this layout, they can be installed with a cold spring or preset. f the ball joints in Figure 14 are installed with 6″ preset on the horizontal run, and we design the center to center distance, L, to be 48″ with L’ = L then: (2’)  = 0.083 A  5°, (5) D = 48 –  = 0.166, (13)  = 0.079, C  4.5° (12) B = 5° + 4.5°  9.5°  10.5°

Oil Field Steam Injection Well Connections

Barco Type N Style II, ASME Class, and OW1500 ball joints are used to compensate for the thermal expansion of steam injection wells in oil fields.

The growth can be as significant as 1-2 meters (39-79 inches), depending on the excellent design. This application’s recommended ball joint installation is a scissors arrangement shown in the adjacent illustration and photograph below.

This arrangement deflects the ball joints in rotation. here are several essential elements of this design:

Ball Joint Scissors

The orientation of the connections to the wellhead and supply pipe can be different than the illustration, but the center of rotation of all three ball joints must be in the same plane.

For sizes” NPS and more extensive, the scissor linkage must be guided and supported to maintain the in-plane alignment and react to the linkage’s weight.

Anchor the supply pipe close to the first ball joint. This anchor must be rigid and capable of reacting forces and moments in all planes except (optional). The supply pipe absorbs thermal expansion by allowing the pipe to travel horizontally through the anchor, as illustrated.

The purpose of the anchor is to maintain the position and configuration of the scissors linkage, react to the forces and moments resulting from the internal resistance of the ball joints, and react to the details and moments within the supply piping.

The illustration shows that the supply pipe and wellhead connection can be at the same elevation or at different elevations. The wellhead “tree” provides an anchor that reacts to the forces and moments resulting from the internal resistance of the scissors.

Therefore, the scissor’s connection to the “tree” should be as close as possible – avoid long overhangs that provide a moment arm from the “tree” to the scissors.

The included angle between the legs of the scissors should be approximately 90º at the installed condition and should not exceed 130º when the wellhead is fully extended.

As a design aid, the Technical Assistance section includes design recommendations for the scissors linkage design and Leg Length Calculation for Ball Joint Scissor Arrangement.

This calculation program provides a convenient method to develop the basic structure of a wellhead connection following the recommendations described above.

The complete scissor arrangement, including the ball joints, pipe spools, elbows, and end connections, should be fabricated in a shop environment with the end connections accurately located.

The ball joints should be installed in the “as-received” condition. They should not be rotated or deflected to assist with the fabrication of the scissors, and You should not loosen the retainer to facilitate installation.

A prefabricated scissors linkage with flanged connections is shown in the adjacent photograph. This completed assembly should be transported to the structure restrained to maintain the configuration. The “yellow” bar shown in the picture provides this function.

Steam Injection Well

Prefabricated Well Head Scissors connection

The Barco Ball Joints incorporate design features not available in comparable products.

The design includes Inner and Outer Seals, which rigidly position the ball, and the outer seal reacts to the pressure thrust.

You can vary the materials of the seals to be best suited to the design requirements.

Injected in the cavity between the seals with graphite flakes and synthetic oil, Grafoil® Flexible Graphite.

Additional graphite packing can be injected through the Injection Ports after the joints are in service without removing the joints. The procedure for injecting packing is in the Installation and Maintenance Procedures for Type N Style II, ASME Class, and OW1500 ball joints.

All Barco Ball Joints can be completely disassembled for inspection or maintenance. The illustrations show that sizes through” NPS have threaded retainers, and larger sizes have flanged retainers.

Removable retainers have the added benefit of allowing precision adjustment of the ball joint’s internal resistance (flex torque).

 

Nominal Sizes Through “Nominal Sizes 2-1/” and Over

Solar Panel Connections Barco Type N Style II, ASME Class, and OW1500 ball joints are commonly used to connect parabolic mirror solar collectors’ heat transfer fluid piping to the main header and crossover piping adjacent rows of the mirrors. These connections absorb the thermal expansion of the collector tube that extends the mirrors” length and allows the mirrors to rotate from the stowed position (facing down) and then turn to track the sun during operation.

The photograph of the Header Linkage shows the insulated piping with three ball joints at the end of each mirror. The ball joints rotate as the linkage is actuated when the mirror rotates and angulates (flex) to absorb the thermal expansion of the collector tube, as shown by this video—the photograph of the Crossover.

Piping shows the insulated loop connecting two mirrors. In this photograph, both mirrors are facing downward. Ball joints are incorporated into a dual assembly at the center and a single ball joint on each side.

Although it is not shown in this photograph, the design allows one mirror to face downward, with the adjacent mirror focused on the sun. The ball joints installed in this piping are shown in the adjacent photographs of the single and dual ball joint. The center section of the dial assembly is machined from one piece to eliminate welding.

The maximum design conditions for the ball joints illustrated were 30 Bar (435 PSIG) and 393ºC (740ºF) using Dowtherm A®. They rotate 215º and flex +/- 7º. To validate the design, I performed a life cycle test simulating the 30-year design life of the system. This involved operating a test apparatus for 11,095 cycles (30.3 years).

Throughout this test, the ball joint remained leak-tight, and the flex and rotational torque remained within specifications. Summary (Summary Test Report, Ball Joint Life Cycle) of the testing is available in the Technical Assistance section.

The Barco Ball Joints incorporate design features not available in comparable products.

The design includes Inner and Outer Seals, which rigidly position the ball, and the outer seal reacts to the pressure thrust.

We can vary the materials of the seals to be best suited to the design requirements.

Inject the cavity between the seals with graphite flakes and synthetic oil, Grafoil® Flexible Graphite.

Additional graphite packing can be injected through the Injection Ports after the joints are in service without removing the joints.

The installation and Maintenance Procedures for Type N Style II, ASME Class, and OW1500 ball joints describe the procedure for injecting packing describe the procedure for injecting packing.

We can completely disassemble ball joints for inspection or maintenance. Sizes through” NPS have threaded retainers. The 2-1/” NPS can be threaded or flanged.

Removable retainers have the added benefit of allowing precision adjustment of the ball joint’s internal resistance (flex torque).

In 1960 Type N Style I ball Joints design was intrdouced. They are commonly used in steam, hot water, chilled water, petroleum, and chemical piping to absorb thermal expansion. Typical applications include tank and building settlement, seismic isolation, bridge movement, wave motion compensation, and steam and hot water distribution systems.

Standard models are available as weld end or flanged with optional seal materials. The total flex angle varies with size from 15º to 31º. Refer to Column 3 of the Dimensional Data below.

Standard materials are wrought steel for the ball, case, and retainer. In addition, the ball sealing surface is protected with crack-free chrome plating and coated with molybdenum disulfide.

Part Number BB-31020 Part Numbers BB-31533 (150 lb.) BB-31536 (300 lb.)

Dimensional DataType N Style I Ball Joints

Nominal Size (NPS) Size Code Flex Angle (degrees) Outside Diameter (inches) Rotational Center (inches)
2 1/2 -40 23 5.94 3.50
3 -48 22 7.19 4.25
4 -64 25 9.75 5.50
5 -65 25 11.28 6.00
6 -66 23 12.38 7.19
8 -68 17 14.75 8.00
10 -70 16.5 17.13 8.25
12 -72 15 19.75 8.69
14 -74 15.25 22.50 10.06
16 -76 15.5 25.25 11.25
18 -78 15 26.75 12.50
20 -80 15.5 30.00 11.50
24 -84 15 35.25 16.00
30 -90 15 42.62 18.00
1 3 3 4 5

Weld End BB-31020
Overall Length (inches) Weight (lbs)
6.75 13
7.88 21
11.00 63
12.00 95
14.25 122
15.94 190
16.50 262
17.79 380
19.50 520
22.66 736
23.38 820
24.00 940
29.35 1375
34.77 2090
6 7

150 lb. Flanged BB-31533
Overall Length (inches) Weight (lbs)
12.5 29
13.63 41
17.25 93
19.25 133
21.5 170
24.19 268
24.75 366
27.04 540
29.75 740
32.91 1016
34.63 1140
35.63 1330
41.6 1925
45.78 2810.00
8 9

300 lb. Flanged BB-31536
Overall Length (inches) Weight (lbs)
13 37
14.38 51
18 113
20 159
22.25 206
24.94 324
26 444
28.29 660
31 880
34.41 1236
36.13 1460
37 1740
42.85 2535
51.52 3950
10 11

Flex Torque Flex torque is the moment (ft.-lbs.) at break-a-way to displace a ball joint angularly. Because the seals react to the pressure thrust, the flex torque is a function of pressure, as illustrated by the adjacent charts for Number 11 composition seals.

The values for Number 24 glass-filled Teflon® seals are 15% less than the Number 11 seal values. The values given are for steam service. For water or oil service, the torque values are 45% less.
Flex Torque Type N Style I Ball Joints Number 11 Composition Seals

Flex Torque Type N Style I Ball Joints Number 11 Composition Seals

Seal Descriptions and Pressure Temperature Ratings Seal Number 11 Compound 11 is a pressure molded proprietary seal compound recommended for general steam, hot water, and oil systems applications applications. Compound 11 has the highest pressure/temperature ratings of the available seal materials.

Rated for service at temperatures from -50º F to +525º F. Seal Number 24Compound 24 is a pressure molded proprietary compound of glass fiber and Teflon®. The addition of glass fiber adds strength and stability to the seal.

The compound is chemically inert and recommended for corrosive fluids applications when a higher pressure rating is required. Rated for service at temperatures from -325º F to +425ºF.

Number 11 Composition Seal Part Numbers BB-31020 & BB-31536 Weld End & 300 lb. Flanged

Ordering Instructions To order or specify Barco Ball Joints, state the complete part number, including the primary Assembly Number selected from the illustrations, the Size Code from Column 2 of the Dimensional Data tabulation, and the Seal Code based on the seal composition required.

Installation and Maintenance Procedures Proper application and maintenance of ball joints are essential. Therefore, refer to Installation and Maintenance Procedures for Type N Style I ball joints for the correct procedures, including disassembly and seal replacement.

Barco Type N Style II, Style III & III-V Ball Joints

Type N Style II, III & III-V ball joints combine the inner and outer seals common to all Barco ball joints with injected graphite flakes with a synthetic oil carrier, Grafoil® Flexible Graphite packing. This combination allows the use of a wide variety of high-strength seal materials with the lubrication and high-temperature sealing capability of Grafoil®.

Protect the ball sealing surface of Type N Style II, III, & III-V ball joints with two mils of chrome plating consisting of one mil of hard chrome over one mil of crack-free chrome and baked-on molybdenum disulfide lubricant coating.

Type N Style II ball joints can be repacked after installation in the system if necessary.

We can can repack Type N Style III and III-V ball joints under pressure.

We can completely disassemble all configurations for maintenance.

Steam and hot water distribution systems use Type N Style II, III & III-V ball joints in chemical and petroleum plants, oil exploration drilling ships and platforms, and many other critical installations. Therefore, all standard configurations are warranted for five years.

Higher pressure designs and designs conforming to the ASME code are available as Barco ASME Class Ball Joints. Type N Style III ball joints have been fire tested following API 6FA and approved by ABS Americas andLloyd’ss Register for shipboard applications.

Style III-V Injector

Type III Injector

II Plugged Port

For repacking Type N Style, III-V joints refer to the Installation and Maintenance Procedures.

Repacking Type N Style III joints refer to the Installation and Maintenance Procedures. For repacking Type N Style, II joints refer to the Installation and Maintenance Process.

Part Number BB-41020 (Style II )

Style Numbers BB-61020 (Style III) BB-66020 (Style III-V)

Part Numbers BB-41533 (150 lb. Style II ) BB-41536 (300 lb. Style II )

Part Numbers BB-61533 (150 lb. Type III) BB-66533 (150 lb. Style III-V) BB-61536 (300 lb. Style III) BB-66536 (300 lb. Style III-V)

Dimensional Data Type N Style II, Style III and III-V Ball Joints

Nominal Size (NPS) Size Code Flex Angle (degrees) Outside Diameter (inches) Rotational Center (inches)
2 1/2 -40 23 5.94 3.50
3 -48 22 7.19 4.25
4 -64 25 9.75 5.50
5 -65 25 11.28 6.00
6 -66 23 12.38 7.19
8 -68 17 14.75 8.00
10 -70 16.5 17.13 8.25
12 -72 15 19.75 8.69
14 -74 15.25 22.50 10.06
16 -76 15.5 25.25 11.25
18 -78 15 26.75 12.50
20 -80 15.5 30.00 11.50
24 -84 15 35.25 16.00
30 -90 15 42.62 18.00
1 3 3 4 5

Weld End BB-41020 BB-61020 BB-66020
Overall Length (inches) Weight (lbs)
6.75 13
7.88 21
11.00 63
12.00 95
14.25 122
15.94 190
16.50 262
17.79 380
19.50 520
22.66 736
23.38 820
24.00 940
29.35 1375
34.77 2090
6 7

150 lb. Flanged BB-41533 BB-61533 BB-66533
Overall Length (inches) Weight (lbs)
12.5 29
13.63 41
17.25 93
19.25 133
21.5 170
24.19 268
24.75 366
27.04 540
29.75 740
32.91 1016
34.63 1140
35.63 1330
41.6 1925
45.78 2810.00
8 9

300 lb. Flanged BB-41536 BB-61536 BB-66536
Overall Length (inches) Weight (lbs)
13 37
14.38 51
18 113
20 159
22.25 206
24.94 324
26 444
28.29 660
31 880
34.41 1236
36.13 1460
37 1740
42.85 2535
51.52 3950
10 11
Flex Torque Flex torque is the moment (ft.-lbs.) at break-a-way to displace a ball joint angularly. Because the seals react to the pressure thrust, the flex torque is a function of pressure, as illustrated by the adjacent graphs for Numbers 19, 21, and 39 seals. The values given are for steam service. For water or oil service, the torque values are 45% less.

Flex Torque Type N Style II, III & III-V Ball Joints Number 19, 21 & 39 Seals

Seal Descriptions and Pressure Temperature Ratings Seal Number 19 Compound 19 is a pressure molded proprietary seal compound recommended for general steam, hot water, and oil system applications.

Compound 19 has the highest pressure/temperature ratings of the non-metallic seal materials. Rated for service from -50° F to 525° F.

Seal Number 21 Compound 21 seals are cast ductile iron and precision machined. The ductile iron combined with the chrome-plated sealing surface of the ball provides a low friction one-life seal. Rated for service at temperatures from -20° F to 650° F with standard construction materials.

Seal Number 39 Compound 39 seals are machined from Alloy 625 high nickel stainless steel. Alloy 625 has very high strength combined with exceptionally high corrosion resistance.

Number 39 seals are typically used in Type N packed ball joints made from unique stainless steel and high chrome steel alloys. The temperature/pressure ratings are dependent on all of the materials used for construction.

Seal Number 45 Compound 45 seals are machined from ASME A-182 F11 chrome-moly steel forgings. Alloy F11 is high-strength steel used forhigher-temperaturee applications.

Number 45 seals are generally used in Type N packed ball joints made from unique materials flange, including high chrome steel alloys. The temperature/pressure ratings depend on all the materials used for construction.

Pressure/Temperature Ratings Number 19 Composition Seal Type N Style II, III & III-V Weld End & 300 lb. Flanged

Pressure/Temperature Ratings Number 19 Composition Seal Type N Style II, III & III-V 150 lb. Flanged

Pressure/Temperature Ratings Number 21 Ductile Iron Seal Type N Style II, III & III-V Weld End

The rating determines the rated pressure for flanged. Consult the applicable code for the allowable pressure at the design temperature.

Accessories Recharge Cylinder, Part Number 10-64416-43Type N Style II ball joint, are designed to be sealed after installation if a leak develops.

Install a recharge cylinder in the charging ports can be available. Reload Kits Part Number 10-64715-00Flexible graphite packing material is available as pellets designed to be inserted into Type N Style II, III, and III-V recharge cylinders. Each kit contains 13 pellets.

Insulation Covers Removable, reusable insulation covers as specially made to fit all styles and configurations of Barco ball joints. A full range of insulation and jacketing materials are available for all design temperatures. In addition, covers for the Style III and III-V ball joints have pre-cut openings to allow access to recharge cylinders.

 

Style II Recharge Cylinder

Recharge Kit Pellets

Ordering Instructions To order or specify Barco Ball joints, state the complete part number, including the primary Assembly Number selected from the illustrations, the Size Code from Column 2 of the Dimensional Data tabulation, and the Seal Code based on the seal material required.

Installation and Maintenance Procedures Proper application and maintenance of ball joints are essential.

Refer to Installation and Maintenance Procedures for Type N Style II, Type N Style III, and Type N Style III-V for the correct procedures, including disassembly and seal replacement.

Five (5) Year Limited Warranty for the benefit of the first purchasers for the use of Barco Type N Style II, Style III, and Style III-V Ball Joints manufactured by standard catalog construction.

The product is warranted to be free from defects in material and artistry and to be leak-free for five (5) years from the date of shipment by following the following conditions:

The design pressure and temperature are not exceeded -including surge and upset conditions.

The installation conforms to installation procedures and approved anchoring, supporting, and guidin practices, and generally accepted good pipingpracticese.

Substances in contact with all internal and external surfaces must be compatible with construction materials, including contaminantss.

The warranty shall be limited to replacing the same model Barco Ball joint and paying for the replacement assembly’s transportation by the least expensive method. Labor, material and other costs related to the failure or replacement of the expansion joint are omitted.

Shall is not liable for damage or delay suffered by the purchaser regardless of whether such damages are general, special, or consequential, caused by defective material or artistry, or caused by negligence regardless of the degree.

Warrants satisfactory leak-free performance. Suppose leakage occurs through the packing and cannot be prevented by the user following the field packing installation instructions, repair or replace the ball joint within the terms of this warranty.

This warranty is expressed in place of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including the warranty of merchantability, the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, and all other obligations or liabilities on the part of. It neither assumes nor authorizes any other persons to assume any other liabilities connected with the sale of the products.

The warranty is limited to installations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
The purchaser shall advise the factory of any warranty claim, including the nature of the failure. In addition, it shall provide return goods authorization and shipping directions to return the failed joint to the factory.

All parties shall establish a mutually agreeable delivery schedule and method of shipping the replacement. The purchaser shall furnish a confirming purchase order and is obligated to the current replacement cost of the joint and shipping expense.

Upon receipt of the failed product, we shall determine the factory’s cause of failure at no expense to the purchaser. The factory shall credit the replacement cost and the least expensive shipping for valid warranty claims.

In the event of a dispute, shall furnish the failed product to the purchaser or their representative for failure analysis.
Barco ASME Class Ball Joints

ASME Class Ball Joints are designed to conform to the ratings established for ASME butt weld valves at 100º F. Designs are available from 150 lb. through 2500 lb. Recommended for use in ASME B31.1 and B31.3 piping systems.

Barco ASME Class Ball Joints have been widely accepted for chemical and petroleum system applications, including oil field wellheads, oil exploration drilling ships and platforms, and high-pressure steam and hot water.

The sealing systems consist of optional seal materials including ductile iron, chrome-moly alloy steel, high nickel alloys 600 and 625 combined with injected graphite flakes with synthetic oil-Grafoil® Flexible Graphite packing.

Grafoil® packing can be injected after installation if necessary, and you can disassemble the ball joints for maintenance. Two Barco ASME Class Ball Joints have a total flex angle of 15°.ASME Class Ball Joints have been fire tested following API 6FA and approved by ABS Americas andLloyd’ss Register for shipboard applications.

” “NPS, Series 6600 ASME Type Class, 2500 Ball Joint

Flex Torque/Pressure
ASME Class Barco Ball Joints

Installation and Maintenance Procedures Proper application and maintenance of ball joints are essential. Refer to the Installation and Maintenance Procedures for ASME Class ball joints for the correct procedures, including disassembly and seal replacement. rafoil® is a registered trademark of Graftech (formerly UCAR)

Barco OW1500 Ball Joints Style II and III-V

OW1500 ball joints are designed for 1500 PSIG at 650º F. Are recommended to install oil field wellheads to compensate for the riser expansion and solar panels to accommodate panel rotation and other high-pressure applications. Standard OW1500 ball joints are available” a nominal pipe size.

Ratings refer to Barco ASME Class Ball Joints for other sizes and pressure. The ball, casing, and retainer are made from wrought steel.

The spherical surface of the ball is chrome plated with two mils of chrome consisting of one mil of hard chrome and one mil of crack-free chrome.

The plating is protected by a coating of baked-on molybdenum disulfide lubricant. The sealing system consists of ductile iron inner and outer seals (Number 21) with injected graphite flakes with a synthetic oil carrier, Grafoil® Flexible Graphite.OW1500 Style II

Recharge Cylinder Part Number 01-64416-43 For repacking OW1500 Style II ball joints, refer to the Installation and Maintenance Procedures.
Part Number BB-36203-32-21 Schedule 80 Weld Ends Part Number BB-36204-32-21 Schedule 160 Weld Ends
Nominal Size (NPS): 2″ (Size Code 32) Design Pressure: 1500 PSIG Design Temperature: 650º F Flex Angle: 30º Weight: 13 lbs. allow” to install the recharge cylinder and to remove the ram screw.

Installation and Maintenance Procedures Proper application and maintenance of ball joints are essential. Refer to the Installation and Maintenance Procedures for OW1500 Style II ball joints for the correct procedures, including disassembly and seal replacement. W1500 Style III-V Part Number BB-36603-32-21 Schedule 80 Weld EndsPart Number BB-36604-32-21 Schedule 160 Weld Ends

Nominal Size (NPS): 2″ (Size Code 32) Design Pressure: 1500 PSIG. Design Temperature: 650º F Flex Angle: 30º Weight: 15 lbs. allow 2.” to remove the ram screw.

Installation and Maintenance Procedures Refer to Installation and Maintenance Procedures for repacking OW1500 Style III-V ball joints. Proper application and maintenance of ball joints are essential.

Refer to Installation and Maintenance Procedures for OW1500 Style III-V ball joints for the correct procedures, including disassembly and seal replacement. rafoil® is a registered trademark of UCAR.

Dannenbaum LLC Ball Joints Installation and Maintenance Procedures  Standard Series & 600 Series Ball Joints

Installation Recommendations
1. The media flow direction can be from either ball joint end except for liquids with suspended solids. Then the flow should be from the ball end to the casing end.

2. In vertical installations, ball joints should be installed with the ball end down to prevent foreign matter from collecting between the ball’s neck and retainer.

3. Do not loosen the ball joint retainer during installation or utilize ball joints as Unions. Each joint is factory preset and tested before shipment.

LOOSENING OF THE BALL JOINT RETAINER IS NOT RECOMMENDED. If the retainer must be loosened, it should be loosened 1/4 of a revolution maximum and retightened an equal amount before any pressure testing or flushing of the line. There is a setscrew to maintain the retainer position – ensure the setscrew is loosened and retightened after the adjustment and before applying pressure.

4. CAUTION PREHEATING, WELDING, OR POST WELD HEAT-TREATING ball joints into the line. Excessive heating of the sealing area may cause leakage.

5. Protect the exposed ball surface from weld splatter, and prevent dirt and debris from collecting around the neck of the ball.

6. Although ball joints can be rotated or twisted around the centerline, they absorb motion by the Offset Method that utilizes angular flex to provide the required movement.

General Warning Standard Series and 600 Series Ball Joints are not designed for maintenance while the system is pressurized. Therefore, DO NOT PERFORM ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO A BALL JOINT THAT IS PRESSURIZED.
Maintenance Instructions

To correct leaks or to perform routine maintenance:

1. Relieve the internal pressure.

2. loosen the retainer set setscrew and tighten the retainer until snug against the ball using a reasonable amount of torque with manual wrenches. Tighten the setscrew and pressurize the system. If leakage still occurs, the ball joint can be disassembled for maintenance.

3. DISASSEMBLE the ball joint for maintenance. Someone must remove it from the system.

a. Disassemble by loosening the set screw and removing the retainer.

b. Inspect the inner seal for wear: The inner seal is seldom worn enough to require replacement. However, we recommended that you should replace the outer seal.

c. Clean and scrutinize the ball surface. Replace the ball if it is worn, scored, or pitted.

d. Replacement balls and seals are available from an authorized representative or by contacting Dannenbaum LLC. Be sure to dispose of the discarded seals properly.

e. Coat the seal(s) surfaces and ball with a light coat of assembly lubricant to reassemble. For service over 350º F, use molybdenum disulfide-based lubricant.

f. If the inner seal has been removed, install it in the case with the concave surface by tapping it evenly with a soft mallet.

g. Slide the new outer seal overextended end of the ball with the concave surface, mating to the convex surface of the ball.

h. Replace the ball in the case.

i. ap the new outer seal evenly with a soft mallet into the casing around the ball.

j. Add thread lubricant to retainer threads and replace the retainer – tighten until the seals are snug against the ball with a reasonable amount of torque with manual wrenches. Do not back off. Tighten the set screw.

Note: In some sizes with 90º balls, it may be necessary to slip seal and retainer over the ball before seating the ball and seal it into the case to provide clearance at the neck or elbow.

Type N Style I Ball Joints

Installation Recommendations

1. The media flow direction can be from either ball joint end except for liquids with suspended solids. Then the flow should be from the ball end to the casing end.

2. In vertical installations, ball joints should be installed with the ball end down to prevent foreign matter from collecting between the ball’s neck and retainer.

3. Do not loosen the ball joint retainer during installation or utilize ball joints as Unions. Each joint is factory preset and tested before shipment. LOOSENING OF THE BALL JOINT RETAINER IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

If you must loosen the retainer, loosen the bolting 1/4 revolution maximum using a standard crossing pattern. Then, retighten the bolting using the procedure outlined in Paragraph 2 of the Maintenance Instructions below.

4. CAUTION PREHEATING, WELDING, OR POST WELD HEAT-TREATING ball joints into the line. Excessive heating of the sealing area may cause leakage.

5. protect the exposed ball surface from weld splatter, and prevent dirt and debris from collecting around the ball’s neck.

6. although ball joints can be rotated or twisted around the centerline, they are designed to absorb motion by the Offset Method that utilizes angular flex to provide the required movement.

General Warning

Type N Style I Dannenbaum LLC Ball Joints are not designed for maintenance while the system is pressurized. Therefore, DO NOT PERFORM ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO A BALL JOINT THAT IS PRESSURIZED.

Maintenance Instructions

To correct leaks or to perform routine maintenance:

1. relieve the internal pressure.

2. tighten retainer bolting to twice the factory torque settings below. Use a standard crossing pattern. umber 11 Composition Seals

Nominal Size(s) Factory Torque (ft.-lbs.)
2 1/2″ & 3″ 12 to 15
4″, 5″ & 6″ 40 to 50
8″ through 30″ 80 to 90

 

Number 24 Glass Filled Teflon® Seals

Nominal Size(s) Factory Torque (ft.-lbs.)
2 1/2″ 4-5
3″ & 4″ 8-10
5″ & 6″ 12-14
8″-14″ 24-26
16″-24″ 20-24

If leakage still occurs, the ball joint can be disassembled for maintenance.

3. TO DISASSEMBLE the ball joint for maintenance, someone must remove it from the system.

a. Disassemble by loosening the retainer bolts and removing the retainer.

b. Inspect the inner seal for wear: The inner seal is seldom worn enough to require replacement; however, we recommended that you should replace the outer seal.

c. Clean and scrutinize the ball surface and replace the ball if it is worn, scored, or pitted.

d. Replacement balls and seals are available from an authorized Dannenbaum LLC to be sure to dispose of the discarded seals properly.

e. Coat the seal(s) surfaces and ball with a light coat of assembly lubricant to reassemble or service over 350º F, use molybdenum disulfide-based lubricant.

f. If the inner seal is removed, install it in the case with the concave surface by tapping it evenly with a soft mallet.

g. Slide the new outer seal overextended end of the ball with the concave surface, mating to the convex surface of the ball.

h. Replace the ball in the case.

i. ap the new outer seal evenly with a soft mallet into the casing around the ball.

j. Replace the retainer tighten the bolting to the factory settings in Paragraph 2 above.

 

Type N Style II, OW 1500 Style II & ASME Class Ball Joints Installation Recommendations

1. The media flow direction can be from either ball joint end except for liquids with suspended solids. Then the flow should be from the ball end to the casing end.

2. In vertical installations, ball joints should be installed with the ball end down to prevent foreign matter from collecting between the ball’s neck and retainer.

3. Do not loosen the ball joint retainer during installation or utilize ball joints as Unions. Each joint is factory preset and tested before shipment.

LOOSENING OF THE BALL JOINT RETAINER IS NOT RECOMMENDED. If the retainer must be loosened, loosen bolted retainers by loosening the bolting 1/4 revolution maximum using a standard crossing pattern.

Retightened using the procedure outlined in Paragraph 7(j) of the Maintenance Instructions below  W 1500 Style II ball joints have threaded retainers, loosen the retainer 1/4 revolution maximum, and retighten the same rotation.

4. CAUTION PREHEATING, WELDING, OR POST WELD HEAT-TREATING ball joints into the line excessive heating of the sealing area may cause leakage.

5. Protect the exposed ball surface from weld splatter and prevent dirt and debris from collecting around the neck of the ball.

6. Although ball joints can be rotated or twisted around the centerline, Are designed to absorb motion by the Offset Method that utilizes angular flex to provide the required movement.

Style II Recharge Cylinder

General Warning

Type N Style II, OW 1500 Style II, and ASME Class Ball Joints are not designed to perform maintenance while the system is pressurized.

Therefore, DO NOT PERFORM ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO A BALL JOINT THAT IS PRESSURIZED.

Maintenance Instructions To correct leaks or perform routine maintenance.

To repack Type N Style II, OW 1500 Style II, andYou will require ASME Class Ball Joints, a recharge cylinder (Part Number 10-64416-43) and packing pellets available in reloading kits of 13 pellets (Part Number 10-64715-00)d.

1. Relieve the internal pressure and allow the ball joint to cool to a safe temperature for handling.

2. Remove all of the charging port plugs.

3. Before installing the recharge cylinder, remove the ram screw and insert one (1) packing pellet to replace the ram screw. Then rotate until a small amount of sealant has been forced out of the tip of the cylinder. Afterward, apply thread lubricant to recharge the cylinder threads and thread the recharge cylinder into one of the ball joint ports.

4. Inject sealant into the port by turning the ram screw until the sealant is forced from the adjacent port if necessary; add additional packing pellets that do not exceed 150 ft.-lbs of torque on the ram screw.

Recharge Kit Pellets

5. Remove the recharge cylinder sealant should expand from the port and replace the port plug.

6. Thread the recharge cylinder into the adjacent port and repeat steps 5 and 6 until all ports have been charged and the plugs replaced. Ensure all plugs have been replaced with the threads fully engaged and tightened before pressuring. If leakage still occurs, the ball joint can be disassembled for maintenance.

7. TO DISASSEMBLE the ball joint for maintenance, someone must remove it from the system.

a. Disassemble the joint by removing the retainer.

b. Inspect the inner seal for wear: The inner seal is seldom worn enough to require replacement.

c. Clean and scrutinize the ball surface and replace the ball if it is worn, scored, or pitted.

d. Replacement balls, seals, and packing are available from Dannenbaum LLC. Be sure you dispose of discarded seals and inject packing properly.

e. Coat the seal(s) surfaces and ball with a light coat of assembly lubricant to reassemble or service over 350º F, use molybdenum disulfide-based oil.

f. If the inner seal has been removed, install it in the case with the concave surface by tapping it evenly with a soft mallet.

g. Slide the new outer seal overextended end of the ball with the concave surface, mating to the convex surface of the ball.

h. Replace the ball with the casing.

i. Apply the new outer seal evenly with a plastic or rubber hammer into the casing around the ball.

j. For bolted retainers, tighten the retainer running to the following factory torque settings using a standard crossing pattern  umber 11 Composition Seals

Nominal Size(s) Factory Torque (ft.-lbs.)
2 1/2″ & 3″ 12-15
4″ through 6.” 40-50
8″ through 30.” 80-90

 

Number 21 Ductile Iron & Other Metal Seals

Nominal Size(s) Factory Torque (ft.-lbs.)
2 1/2″ 6
3″ & 4″ 10-12
5″ & 6″ 14-16
8″ through14″ 24-26
16″ through 30.” 20-22

 

k. For the threaded retainer on OW 1500 ball joints, add thread lubricant to the retainer threads and torque the retainer to 360 ft.-lbs.

l. Add the injected packing following Paragraphs 2 through 6 above; if possible, perform an air and soap bubble leak test before reinstalling.

 

Type N Style III Ball Joints Installation Recommendations

1. The media flow direction can be from either ball joint end except for liquids with suspended solids, therefore, the flow should be from the ball end to the casing end.

2. In vertical installations, ball joints should be installed with the ball end down to prevent foreign matter from collecting between the ball’s neck and retainer.

3. Do not loosen the ball joint retainer during installation or utilize ball joints as Unions. Each joint is factory preset and tested before shipment.

LOOSENING OF BALL JOINT RETAINER IS NOT RECOMMENDED  f the retainer must be loosened, loosen the bolting 1/4 revolution maximum using a standard crossing pattern, then retighten the bolting using the procedure outlined in Paragraph 6(j) of the Maintenance Instructions below.

4. CAUTION PREHEATING, WELDING, OR POST WELD HEAT-TREATING ball joints into the line; excessive heating of the sealing area may cause leakage.

5. Protect the exposed ball surface from weld splatter and prevent dirt and debris from collecting around the neck of the ball.

6. Although ball joints can be rotated or twisted around the centerline, they absorb motion by the Offset Method that utilizes angular flex to provide the required movement.

General Warning Type N Style III Ball Joints can be repacked. At the same time, the system is pressurized utilizing integral recharge cylinders. DO NOT PERFORM ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE RETAINER OF A BALL JOINT PRESSURIZED. Here are plugged ports between the recharge cylinders for factory use only – do not remove these plugs—maintenance Instructions to correct leaks or perform routine maintenance.

To repack, Type N Style III is available in reloading kits of 13 pellets (Part Number 10-64715-00); reload kits are available from an authorized Dannenbaum LLC.com.
1. Type N Style III ball joints are designed to be recharged by injecting packing under full line pressure, provide the correct safety precautions; recharge only if a leak occurs; only Dannenbaum LLC packing material must be used. Recharging by injecting packing through the recharging cylinders.

DO NOT PERFORM ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE RETAINER OF A PRESSURIZED BALL JOINT.  DO NOT RECHARGE WHILE PRESSURIZED IF LEAKAGE APPEARS THROUGH OR AROUND A RECHARGE CYLINDER. ALWAYS WEAR EAR, EYE PROTECTION (FULL FACE MASK), AND PROPER SAFETY APPAREL.

2. Remove the ram screw from the recharge cylinder nearest the leakage point.

3. dd lubricant (molybdenum disulfide based) to ram screw threads, insert one packing pellet in the chamber, and start the ram screw.

4. T0 inject sealant into the port by turning the ram screw until its bottomed against the cylinder. Do not exceed 250 ft.-lbs of torque on the ram screw.

5. Repeat Paragraphs 3 and 4 for the remaining recharge cylinders or until the leakage stops; then, insert one pellet per cylinder. Repeat Paragraphs 3 and 4 for one additional packing rotation or until leakage stops. If leakage still occurs, the ball joint can be disassembled for maintenance.

6. DO DISASSEMBLE the ball joint for maintenance; someone must remove it from the system.

a. Disassemble the joint by removing the retainer.

b. Inspect the inner seal for wear: The inner seal is seldom worn enough to require replacement.

c. Clean and scrutinize the ball surface and replace the ball if it is worn, scored, or pitted.

d. Replacement balls, seals, and packing are available from an authorized Dannenbaum LLC representative or contact Dannenbaum LLC.com. Be sure to dispose of discarded seals and inject packing properly.

e. Coat the seal(s) surfaces and ball with a light coat of assembly lubricant to reassemble or service over 350º F, use molybdenum disulfide-based lubricant.

f. If the inner seal is removed, install it in the case with the concave surface by tapping it evenly with a soft mallet.

g. Slide the new outer seal overextended end of the ball with the concave surface, mating to the convex surface of the ball.

h. Replace the ball in the casing.

i. ap the new outer seal evenly with a plastic or rubber hammer into the casing around the ball.

j. For bolted retainers, tighten retainer bolting to the following factory torque settings using a standard crossing pattern  umber 11 Composition Seals

Nominal size (s) Factory Torque (ft.-lbs.)
2 1/2″ & 3″ 12-15
” “through 6″” 40-50
” “through 30″” 80-90

Number 21 Ductile Iron & Other Metal Seals

k. Add the packing following Paragraphs 2 through 6 above. If possible, repeat the sequence until the packing no longer flows freely into the ball joint; perform an air and soap bubble leak test before reinstalling.

Type N Style III-V & OW 1500 Style III-V Ball Joints

Style III-V Recharge Cylinder

Installation Recommendations

1. The media flow direction can be from either ball joint end except for liquids with suspended solids. Then the flow should be from the ball end to the casing end.

2. In vertical installations, ball joints should be installed with the ball end down to prevent foreign matter from collecting between the ball’s neck and retainer.

3. Do not loosen the ball joint retainer during installation or utilize ball joints as Unions. Each joint is factory preset and tested before shipment  LOOSENING OF BALL JOINT RETAINERS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

If You must loosen the retainer, loosen the bolting 1/4 revolution maximum using a standard crossing pattern. Then, retighten the bolting using the procedure outlined in Paragraph 7(j) of the Maintenance Instructions below.

4. CAUTION PREHEATING, WELDING, OR POST WELD HEAT-TREATING ball joints into the line excessive heating of the sealing area may cause leakage.

5. Protect the exposed ball surface from weld splatter and prevent dirt and debris from collecting around the neck of the ball.

6. Although ball joints can be rotated or twisted around the centerline, they absorb motion by the Offset Method that utilizes angular flex to provide the required movement.

General Warning Type N Style III-V and OW 1500 Style, III-V Ball Joints, are designed for repacking to be performed while the system is pressurized utilizing the integral recharge cylinders  O NOT PERFORM ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE RETAINER OF A PRESSURIZED BALL JOINT. Here are plugged ports between the recharge cylinders for factory use only – do not remove these plugs.

Maintenance Instructions To correct leaks or perform routine maintenance  To repack Type N Style III-V and OW1500 Style III-V, packing pellets are required that are available in reloading kits of 13 pellets (Part Number 10-64715-00).

1. Type N Style III-V and OW 1500 Style III-V ball joints are designed to be recharged by injecting packing under full line pressure, provided the correct safety precautions are observed. Recharge if a leak occurs.

Only Dannenbaum LLC packing material must be used. Recharging is accomplished by injecting packing through the recharging cylinders – DO NOT PERFORM ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE RETAINER OF A PRESSURIZED BALL JOINT  O NOT RECHARGE WHILE PRESSURIZED IF LEAKAGE APPEARS THROUGH OR AROUND A RECHARGE CYLINDER  EAR EYE PROTECTION (FACE MASK) AND PROPER SAFETY APPAREL.

2. Select the recharge cylinder nearest the leak and rotate the 1/4 turn safety valve at the base of the cylinder to the off position (the arrow is perpendicular to the cylinder centerline).

3. Remove the ram screw from the recharge cylinder selected.

4. dd lubricant (molybdenum disulfide-based) to ram screw threads, insert one packing pellet in the chamber, and start the ram screw in two turns.

5. pen the valve (the arrow is in line with the cylinder centerline) and inject the sealant into the port by turning the ram screw until its bottomed against the cylinder. Do not exceed 250 ft.-lbs of torque on the ram screw.

6. repeat paragraphs 3 through 5 for the remaining recharge cylinders or until the leakage stops. Suppose leakage continues to repeat Paragraphs 3 through 6, one additional packing rotation. If leakage still occurs, the ball joint can be disassembled for maintenance.

7.   DISASSEMBLE the ball joint for maintenance; someone must remove the ball joint from the system.

a. Disassemble the joint by removing the retainer.

b. Inspect the inner seal for wear: The inner seal is seldom worn enough to require replacement.

c. Clean and scrutinize the ball surface. Replace the ball if worn, scored, or pitted.

d. Replacement balls, seals, and packing are available from an authorized by Dannenbaum LLC.

e. Coat the seal(s) surfaces and ball with a light coat of assembly lubricant to reassemble. For service over 350º F, use molybdenum disulfide-based lubricant.

f. If the inner seal is removed, install it in the case with the concave surface by tapping it evenly with a soft mallet.

g. Slide a new outer seal over the extended end of the ball with the concave surface mating to the convex surface of the ball.

h. Replace the ball in the casing.

i. Tip the new outer seal evenly with a plastic or rubber hammer into the casing around the ball.

j. For bolted retainers, tighten retainer bolting to the following factory torque settings using a standard crossing pattern  Number 11 Composition Seals Read about other rubber products.

Nominal size (s) Factory Torque (ft.-lbs.)
2 1/2″ & 3″ 12-15” “through 6” “40-50” “through 30” 80-90

Number 21 Ductile Iron & Other Metal Seals

Nominal size (s) Factory Torque (ft.-lbs.)
2 1/”” 6-7
3″ & 4″ 10-12
5″ & 6″ 14-16
” “through 14″ 24-26
1″ through 30” 20-22

k. For the threaded retainer on OW 1500 ball joints, torque the retainer to 360 ft.-lbs.

l. Add the packing following Paragraphs 2 through 6 above  repeat the sequence until the filling no longer flows freely into the ball joint  If possible, perform an air and soap bubble leak test before reinstalling.