Angular expansion joints incorporate a hinge assembly so as to allow angulation in a single plane. Hinged expansion joints are predominantly used in combination with other hinged or gimbal expansion joints to create ‘2-pin’ or ‘3-pin’ systems, by effectively converting relatively large amounts of axial movement in to relatively small amounts of angulation.

As a ‘restrained’ expansion joint, the integral hinge design on an angular expansion joint restrains the pressure thrust generated by pressurisation of the system, therefore relatively light anchors and guides may be utilised as only minimal forces are transferred to the adjacent pipe work installation. Hinged expansion joints can also be manufactured as ‘double’ hinged expansion joints so as to allow lateral deflection in one plane only through angulation of each of the bellows elements. Bellows Technology hinged angular expansion joints are often utilised on pipe systems carrying steam, water, oil and condensate.