Bellows

GT Exhaust Accessories
Installation and Operation Manual

Rev. B

(c) Copyright 2012, GT Exhaust, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Published: October 4, 2012

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

NOTICE

The instructions herein must be expressly carried out in order to preserve

WARRANTY COVERAGE. Ensure that all periodic checks and maintenance
schedules are adhered to as directed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

IF THERE IS ANY CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS OR

ANY SYSTEM, CLEAR THE AREA IMMEDIATELY OF ALL
PERSONNEL AND CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE PERSON FOR
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.

WARNING: ANYONE WORKING AROUND OR NEAR THE INSTALLATION SHOULD

BE TRAINED IN THE PROPER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES
INCLUDING EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN. THESE PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES
MUST BE FOLLOWED.

WARNING: WORK ON THE INSTALLATION IS TO BE DONE ONLY BY TRAINED,

QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. THIS INCLUDES ALL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL
WORK. ALL WORKERS MUST BE TRAINED IN THE PROPER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND PROPER ATTIRE MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES INCLUDING HARD HATS,
SAFETY GLASSES, PROTECTIVE OUTERWEAR, EAR PROTECTION, AND STEEL-TOED
BOOTS.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

Introduction
Congratulations on your decision to partner with GT Exhaust through your recent purchase of GT
Exhaust Accessories. Whether your purchase will be installed within an enclosure for backup power
generation or in the harsh environments of off-shore, you can be sure that your purchase will
manufactured to the highest quality and will perform as specified. This guide will walk you through the
necessary steps to successfully install and maintain your GT Exhaust product and will provide all other
relevant information to ensure optimal effectiveness of your exhaust system’s operation.

READ THROUGH THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ACTUAL INSTALLATION.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

Selection and Description
A full list of specification and application sheets for the full line of GT Exhaust Silencers, Emissions
Products, and Accessories can be found at www.gtexhaust.com.

Bellows Overview
Bellows connectors are generally used in expansion joint applications to absorb expansion and
contraction of the exhaust system during the heating and cooling cycles of intermittent engine
operation, while at the same time absorbing and isolating vibration from the rest of the exhaust system.
When selecting an expansion joint, the following considerations should be reviewed for maximum life
and effectiveness of the exhaust system:
 Exhaust size
 Maximum Pressure
 Maximum Temperature
 Type of Movement (Axial, Lateral, Angular, or a combination)
 Rate of exhaust flow (CFM) through the joint
 Type of end fittings or connections
 Extreme Service Conditions

IMAGE 1: Picture of a typical GT Exhaust Bellows

IMAGE 2: Picture of a typical GT Exhaust Bellows and Elbow

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

Receiving Inspection
 Upon receipt of the system, check the nameplate against the packing list to verify the correct
part numbers are received. Verify all items on the packing list are present.
 Keep the shipping container to protect the unit until installation has been completed.
 Prior to unpacking, check all components for shipping damage.
 Advise care@gtexhaust.com of shipping damage within three days of receipt of the product.

Storage
 Leave any cardboard boxing, plywood covering, crating, shipping bars, and/or plastic covering
intact until ready to install.
 Be sure that all openings are closed so that no debris, vermin, rain, snow and/or ice can get into
the unit.
 Store the product on blocks, a minimum of 4” high, so that air can freely circulate around the
unit.
 Do not store the product in contact with the ground or in a wet, humid or flooded area.
 Inspect the product’s body and mounting surfaces prior to installation. If there are any areas of
significant damage, i.e. large dents, deep scratches, contact the factory before proceeding with
installation.
 Clean and remove any minor corrosion and refinish per GT Exhaust recommendations. If major
corrosion has occurred such that the integrity of the unit is in question, contact GT Exhaust.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

Installations and Specifications
Refer to Table 1 for the maximum
allowable axial movement (g) and lateral
offset (f) for your bellows connector.
Refer to Table 2 for standard bolt torque
specifications.

NOTE: The Bellows connector may be

pre-stretched up to 50% of the design
rating during installation to allow for
thermal growth. Bellows may be shipped
with straps to keep the Bellows rigid
during installation. If not, it is acceptable
to tack-weld metal straps between the
end flanges (item C, below). The straps
must be removed prior to starting the
engine. For maximum durability, allow
the Bellows to operate as closely as
possible to a free state.

1. Place the flange of the connector

(floating flange, if used) over the
exhaust outlet of the engine, with the
gasket between the two facing
surfaces and bolt holes properly
mated, so that the axial lines of the
connector and mating orifice are
concentrically aligned.

2. Secure the flange over the mating face of the outlet using Grade 2 bolts and nuts or appropriate
Nut-Bolt-Gasket (NBG) kit, in order to maintain joint tightness over time. High grade fasteners will
loosen as the system settles, causing failure. Do not use spring lock washers, as operating
temperatures and pressures will cause them to degrade or disintegrate.

3. Secure the opposite flange of the connector to the mating face of the receiving system, with the
gasket between the two facing surfaces and bolt holes properly mated. Use the same grade of
fasteners as previously described, ensuring that the axial lines of the engine outlet, connector, and
mating orifice remain concentrically aligned. The installation must be pre-aligned so that bolts for
all mating surfaces can drop into place with no force, offsetting, bending, twisting or other form of
distortion. Pre-loading flange connections due to misalignment will result in premature failure and
will void the warranty. Loosen the floating flange connection and rotate the flange until aligned and
re-tighten.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

General Installation Considerations
Installation of GT Exhaust Accessories requires that the user ensure the entire exhaust system is
properly designed before installing parts. Exhaust components such as expansion joints, rain caps,
elbows, supports, etc. are critical installation pieces which, if they fail, may compromise the integrity of
the system as well as damage other components and, possibly the engine and surrounding components.

The installation of GT Exhaust Bellows must be performed by trained and qualified contractors and
approved by local building inspectors, where applicable. It is the responsibility of the Owner/Operator
to arrange for these procedures to be performed according to all applicable codes including local codes
for your Municipality/City/County and State.

 Verify that the bellows and gaskets are of proper size for the mating surface openings.
 Note: No part of the exhaust system should be in the vicinity of flammable materials. Exhaust
system components inside the building should be covered with suitable insulation wrap to protect
personnel and reduce room temperature. Standard and custom insulation wraps are available
through GT Exhaust.
 Observe all OSHA mandated regulations for the safe rigging of exhaust equipment.
• Do not use chains or any lifting devise directly on the bellows or bellows cover. Do not use the tie
rod, tie rod lugs, and shipping bars as lifting lugs. Protect bellows element.
• Prior to welding, cover the bellows element with chloride free, fire retardant cloth.
• Ensure that all mating surfaces are clean and free of foreign material before installation. When
cleaning the surfaces, do not use abrasive materials such as steel wool or wire brushes. Use only
isopropyl alcohol and clean, soft rags – Note: Do not use Chloride or Halide based cleaners
• The connector’s outer flange faces must be parallel with each other (see figure on previous page). As
such, mating surfaces must also be parallel.
• The installation must be pre-aligned so that bolts for all mating surfaces can drop into place with no
force, offsetting, bending, twisting or other form of distortion.
o Caution: Pre-loading flange connections due to misalignment will result in premature
failure and will void the Warranty.
• The installation must produce no downward force or loads exerted on the engine exhaust outlet.
• To avoid eminent bellows failure, do not handle or install this product in a manner or position such
that torquing or twisting can occur along its axial line. Do not force-rotate one end of the expansion
joint for alignment of the bolt holes. Bellows are not designed to absorb any torque.
• Ensure that the installation complies with maximum allowable lateral offset and axial movement in
inches per foot as specified in Table 1 above for your connector dimensions.
• Maximum operating temperature for Bellows with Carbon Steel Flanges is 1000°F (535°C).
• Maximum operating temperature for Bellows with Stainless Steel Flanges is 1200°F (650°C).
• This product is rated at 5 PSIG (0.34bar). Hydrostatic test pressure shall not exceed 1.5 times the
rated pressure.
• Only use chloride and halide free insulation.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

Flanged Connections
 Apply high temperature anti-seize to bolts – use Loctite® 34517 or equivalent.
 To ensure uniform flange pressure, tighten bolts in a star-shaped pattern until all are snug.
Following the same star-shaped pattern, torque the bolts to the specified torque. Never torque
bolts directly to the left or right of the previously torqued bolt.
 When tightening fittings, torque to specifications listed below in Table 2. Re-check torque prior
to and subsequent to initial engine start and system commissioning.

Cuffed Connections
 Note: Ensure the clamp is loosely attached to either the cuff or the exhaust piping prior to
fitting the exhaust piping to the cuff.
 Insert the exhaust piping securely into the cuffed portion of the connection, ensuring that the
exhaust piping is uniformly bottomed out and the alignment meets the criteria of Table 1.
 Position the clamp towards the edge of the cuff, allowing a min. of 0.5” from the edge of the
clamp to the edge of the pipe.
 Torque the clamp bolts until tight. Re-check tightness prior to and subsequent to initial engine
start and system commissioning.
 Complete the post installation check list to verify the connection does not leak exhaust gas.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

 TABLE 1: Table showing Single Ply Bellows Technical Specifications
Nominal Size (in.) Max. Lateral Offset - f (in.) Max Axial Movement - g (in.) Fatigue* (Cycle)
S L S L
3 0.125 0.5 1.0 2.0 10,000
4 0.125 0.5 1.0 2.0 10,000
5 0.062 0.5 1.0 2.0 10,000
6 0.062 0.5 1.0 2.0 10,000
8 0.031 0.5 1.0 2.0 10,000
10 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
12 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
14 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
16 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
18 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
20 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
22 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
24 0.031 0.25 1.0 2.0 10,000
S = Short Length Bellows Element (6 inches)
L = Long Length Bellows Element (10.5 inches)
th
*All Bellows are designed to meet the requirements of the Expansion Joint Manufactures Association, 9 Edition

TABLE 2: Table showing Bolt Torque Specifications

Nominal Bolt Diameter (in.) Dry Torque (ft-lbs)
0.375 20
0.50 47
0.625 96
0.75 155
0.875 206
1.00 310
1.125 480
1.25 375
1.5 1100

IMAGE 3: Picture of a typical GT Exhaust Nut-Bolt-Gasket Kit with Fiber Gasket

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

IMAGE 4: Picture of a Bellows Installation

Post Installation Checklist

Subsequent to following the above procedure, review the following check list to ensure that all
components of your exhaust system are properly installed and ready for operation:

 If your exhaust system has an insulation wrap installed over any fittings or connections, pull the
insulation back, and check the tightness of the bolted connections and torque to the
specifications provided in Table 2. Ensure there is no debris in the joint that would prevent a
secure and tight fit. Re-install the insulation.
 Verify that the type and amount of movement generated by the system are identical with
movements the expansion joint is designed for.
 After the initial engine run and cool down, re-check all bolts for tightness and torque as required
in Table 2.
 Exhaust backpressure must not exceed the allowable backpressure specified by the engine
manufacturer. Excessive exhaust backpressure reduces engine power and engine life and may
lead to high exhaust temperatures and smoke. Engine exhaust backpressure should be
estimated before the layout of the exhaust system is finalized, and is recommended to be
measured at the exhaust outlet under full–load operation, as needed. Consult GT Exhaust
Technical Support if actual backpressure exceeds manufacturer’s limits.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

Maintenance
Note: Ensure exhaust components are cool prior to inspection and maintenance activities.

The maintenance schedule for a typical exhaust system installation will consist of:

1. Weekly: Physically examine exhaust system for any sign of gas leakage, cracks, or significant
areas of damage.

2. Quarterly: Examine the exhaust system for corrosion. Clean and remove any minor corrosion
and refinish per GT Exhaust recommendations. If major corrosion has occurred such that the
integrity of the exhaust system is in question, contact GT Exhaust for recommendation and
resolution. Examine connecting flanges and support bolting – retighten any loose bolts as
required.

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com

Product Registration / Warranty
To register your GT Exhaust product and claim your warranty, please visit www.gtexhaust.com or email
Customer Care, at care@gtexhaust.com.

Sourcing of Spare or Replacement Parts

For spare or replacement parts, a full-line of accessories, warranty details, and other questions about
the GT Exhaust Products, contact:

4121 NW 37th
Lincoln, NE 68524

Tel: 402-323-7272
Toll Free: 1-888-894-3726
Fax: 402-323-7271
www.gtexhaust.com

Customer Care
Tel: 402-323-7273
Email: care@gtexhaust.com

Technical Support
Tel: 402-470-4750
Email: help@gtexhaust.com

4121 NW 37th · Lincoln, NE · 1.888.894.3726 · www.GTExhaust.com