Expansion joint in a vertical channel

A method of forming an expansion joint in a vertical channel suitable for conducting hot particles, the expansion joint comprising (i) an upper channel portion, the upper channel portion comprising a lower end portion with a lower edge, and (ii) a lower channel portion, the lower channel portion comprising an upper end portion with a horizontally extending upper plane, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) arranging the upper channel portion and the lower channel portion so that, in a predetermined vertical level range, the upper end portion telescopically overlaps the lower end portion in a spaced relationship, to permit relative axial and lateral movements of the upper channel portion and the lower channel portion, whereby the upper plane is at a higher level than the lower edge;
• (b) arranging a sealing ring, on the horizontally extending upper plane, so as to be held by gravitation against the upper plane, the sealing ring comprising sealing blocks positioned on an outer circumference of the lower end portion, the sealing blocks being mutually connected together so as to maintain the form of the sealing ring when relative movement between the upper channel portion and the lower channel portion take place;
• and
• (c) thereafter, sealingly connecting the upper channel portion and the lower channel portion by connecting a flexible element on the outer side of the vertical channel.