Largest Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint
Ever Produced for Geothermal Application
When California Energy developed the geothermal steam
source at Coso Junction, they selected Ecolaire to supply
the condenser and Fuji for the turbines. The ducting
and expansion joints between these critical components
was designed and supplied by Senior Flexonics Pathway.
Each of the eight turbines on the project were fitted with
identical pressure balanced expansion joints designed
to eliminate unacceptable stresses that would have resulted
from differential settlement of the turbine and condenser
foundations and thermal growth of the ducting.
The 144" diameter ducting and expansion joints
were designed for full vacuum conditions. The total length
of the pressure balanced assemblies as shipped was 46
feet. Considering the size and 84,000 pound shipping
weight of each assembly, these are the largest pressure
balanced expansion joints ever built.
For more information about Senior Flexonics Pathway
design and fabrication capabilities, contact: Senior
Flexonics Pathway, 2400 Longhorn Industrial Drive, New
Braunfels, Texas 78130. Phone (830)629-8080, Fax
(830)629-6899.