Dresser Style 63 Expansion Joint

Single-End Slip-Type Expansion Joint for Concentrated Pipe Movement — Steel Pipeline Systems

Overview

The Dresser Style 63 Expansion Joint is a rugged, welded-steel slip-type expansion joint designed to absorb concentrated longitudinal movement in above-ground or bridge-mounted piping systems where repeated thermal cycling, vibration, or settlement exceeds the capacity of standard bolted couplings. Where a Dresser Style 38 coupling can accommodate up to 3/8 in of movement per joint, the Style 63 handles up to 10 in of concentrated pipe movement in a single joint — with larger travel amounts available on request.

Unlike rubber accordion bellows or metal convolution expansion joints, the Style 63 uses a telescoping slip pipe sealed with alternating rings of BUNA-S rubber and lubricated split jute packing — eliminating the fatigue failure modes of corrugated designs and removing the need for costly pipe loop bypass systems. The result is a long-service, maintenance-accessible expansion joint that keeps piping systems tight through decades of thermal cycling.

The Style 63 is built to order and available in two standard types: Type 1 (single-end, plain slip pipe) and Type 3 (single-end with a limited-movement tie-rod feature that prevents the slip pipe from being withdrawn beyond a set travel limit). Double-end types (Type 2 and Type 4) are also available. Fabricated in carbon steel standard; all-stainless steel construction available for corrosive service conditions. Sizes available through 84 in diameter.

Key Features

• Up to 10 in Concentrated Movement: Handles far greater longitudinal movement than standard couplings in a single joint — no need for pipe loops or multiple joints to absorb large displacements.
• Slip-Pipe Design — No Bellows Fatigue: Telescoping slip pipe design eliminates the wear and fatigue failure modes common in rubber accordion and metal bellows expansion joints.
• BUNA-S and Jute Packing System: Alternating layers of resilient split sealing rings and jute lubrication rings provide long-lasting, field-replaceable sealing. Special packing compounds available for specific fluid or temperature conditions.
• Type 1 — Standard Single-End: Plain slip pipe; up to 10 in movement standard. Slip pipe can be furnished beveled for welding or flanged for bolted-end connections.
• Type 3 — Limited Movement: Adds a built-in travel limiter via tie-rod design to prevent the slip pipe from being pulled out during installation or service. Slip pipes regularly furnished for Type 3.
• Flanged or Weld Ends: Both slip end and body end available in flanged or weld-end configuration to match your existing piping system.
• Available Through 84 in: Custom-engineered to your size and movement requirements. Carbon steel standard; all-stainless steel for corrosive conditions.
• No Pipe Loop Required: One Style 63 joint replaces an entire pipe loop system for expansion compensation — saving space, material, and installation cost.

Materials of Construction

Type 1 — Standard Sizes and Specifications

Type 1: Single-end slip joint. Travel up to 10 in standard. Overall dimensions: body diameter (A), pipe OD (B), body length (C through D). Consult factory for exact dimensions on your pipe OD and movement requirement — all Style 63 joints are built to order.

Type 3 — Limited-Movement Sizes (24 in Middle Ring)

Type 3 uses a longer middle ring (24 in vs. 11 in for Type 1) and built-in tie rods to limit maximum travel. Weights reflect additional tie-rod hardware.

All Style 63 expansion joints are built to order. Consult factory with pipe type, OD, service conditions, working pressure, movement amount, temperature range, and cycling frequency. Double-end types (2 & 4) available. Sizes through 84 in diameter.

? ORDERING INFORMATION REQUIRED: When ordering Style 63, provide: (1) pipe type and OD, (2) Type 1 or Type 3, (3) service fluid, (4) maximum working pressure, (5) amount of movement per joint, (6) temperature range, (7) cycling frequency, and (8) end preparation — flanged, beveled for weld, or other.

Questions? Contact us at sales@watermainsupply.com or call 281.664.8000.