ATS Thermal Pak® flexible ball joints provide a safe, economical, and highly reliable solution for absorbing multi-plane movement, angular deflection, and rotational displacement in industrial piping systems. Designed for demanding thermal applications, ATS ball joints are an ideal choice for systems with vertical pipe runs, tight layouts, and natural offsets where traditional expansion joints may not be practical.
Designed to Absorb Complex Piping Movement
ATS packed ball joints are engineered to accommodate single-plane and multi-plane movement, including full rotational motion. These joints are available in sizes ranging from 3/4″ to 30″ and are designed for operating conditions up to 1000 psig at 750°F.
Depending on configuration, ATS ball joints can accommodate 15° to 33° of angular flex along with 360° of rotation, allowing piping systems to move freely while maintaining a secure, leak-free seal. This flexibility makes ball joints especially effective in applications where space is limited or where movement occurs in multiple directions.
Code-Compliant, Industry-Proven Construction
ATS Thermal Pak ball joints are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed critical industry standards, including:
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
- ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code
- ASTM F1298 Specification for packed ball type expansion joints
Standard ATS Ball Joint Features
- High-performance injectable packing suitable for continuous operation at temperatures up to 1000°F
- Packing cylinder design that allows in-service repacking without shutting down the system, even at pressures up to 1000 psig
- Patented integral socket/retainer design used in ATS Series P2 and S2 ball joints, eliminating the risk of over-tightening flange bolting or retainer caps during installation
- Rugged construction designed for long service life in demanding industrial environments
Cost-Effective Piping System Solutions
Ball joint systems offer significant cost-saving advantages compared to traditional expansion joint designs. By allowing movement in two or more planes simultaneously, ATS ball joints require less space and reduce the number and size of anchors needed in a piping system. This can lower material costs, simplify system layouts, and reduce installation time.
Thermal Insulation Blankets Available
To complement ball joint installations, ATS also offers custom thermal insulation blankets designed for the specific application and operating environment. These blankets help improve energy efficiency, and maintain consistent system temperatures.
Engineered and Manufactured in the USA
All ATS Thermal Pak ball joints are designed and manufactured in Lancaster, New York, supported by a large inventory of pre-machined components. This allows ATS to respond quickly to customer needs, including emergency orders with shipping available in as little as 48 hours.