The simplest form of expansion joint, for the purpose of absorbing any combination of the three basic movements(axial, lateral and angular) of the pipe section in which it is installed can be accommodated.

A single metal bellows element can be fitted with fixed flanges, floating flange or pipe weld ends. Internal flow liners can be fitted to assist with obtaining a smooth flow and to minimize friction losses.

These metal expansion joints do not restrain the internal pressure thrust. The piping designer must provide the system with separate anchoring and guiding to resist the pressure thrust.