Garlock Sealing Technologies is seeking to improve the performance of their expansion joints by developing a robust monitoring system. An expansion joint is a rubber and fabric component that provides a flexible joint between two different types of piping. The expansion joint is subject to high pressure, high temperature, and chemical attacks. The purpose of this project is to develop a monitoring system that can withstand these conditions while giving feedback on the expansion joint’s current state. The current sensing package has very limited capability and is not very robust.

The updated monitoring system must meet minimum thermal, mechanical and pressure cycles. The system must also be able to connect to a DAQ program and accurately monitor temperature, pressure, position and system strain. It must be battery powered and have internal storage. The sensor package must be able to be integrated with any EJ larger than 4 inches. Testing will have to be done at both Garlock and RIT.

Project Name

Expansion Joint Active Monitoring

Project Number

P15671

Start Term

2141

End Term

2145

Faculty Guide

Dr. Jason R. Kolodziej

Primary Customer

Stephen Cramb

Supporting

Wayne Evans

Sponsor (financial support)

Garlock Sealing Technologies

Photo Gallery

Planning & Execution

Gate Reviews

Problem Definition

Systems Design

Build, Test, Document

Publications & Presentations

Meeting Minutes