Compensator connection for tuyere stock

An expansion joint device for interconnecting refractory lined fluid conducting conduits comprising:

• an open ended bellows, said bellows having a mean inner diameter in excess of the outer diameter of the conduits to be coupled;
• means mechanically connecting respective ends of said bellows to the exterior of the conduits to be coupled, said connecting means and bellows cooperating to render the joint between the conduits hermetic;
• at least a first generally annular protective layer of refractory material, said first protective layer bridging the joint between the facing ends of the conduits;
• a rigid shielding tube, said shielding tube being coaxial with said bellows and the conduits to be coupled when the conduits are in a normal undeflected condition, said shielding tube being positioned within said bellows and radially outwardly with respect to said first protective layer, said shielding tube normally extending axially in both directions with respect to the joint between the conduits;
• stop means extending inwardly from each of said bellows connecting means, said stop means being spaced toward the joint between the conduits from the point of attachment of said connecting means to the conduits;
• and
• a pair of spatially displaced motion limiting means extending outwardly from said shielding tube, said motion limiting means being separated by a distance which is greater than the spacing between said stop means, said motion limiting means cooperating with said stop means to limit the maximum axial width of the joint.