Grayloc® Universal Ball Joints

Add flexibility to piping spools in static and dynamic applications with our high integrity connectors.

Grayloc Universal Ball Joints

Grayloc Universal Ball Joints* provide secure, flexible connections between pipes and support the transfer of high temperature and high pressure process fluids across your operations. Our flexi-ball and uni-ball configurations ensure ease of maintenance while protecting the integrity of your piping systems.

*Formerly the SMX International Universal Ball Joint

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Compensate for pipe misalignment and movement

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Accommodate thermal expansion

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Reduce pipe stress

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Easy Integration and Superior Performance

Shipped factory hydrotested, pre-torqued, and ready for welding, our Universal Ball Joints incorporate a reliable high-temperature, high-pressure Graphoil® seal. Flexi-ball and uni-ball configurations are easily integrated to meet your diverse needs.

Technical Specifications

Nominal pipe size (NPS)1 to 24 in
Design pressure ratingSuitable for ANSI Class 150 up to 10,000 psig
Hydrostatic test pressure1.5 times design pressure rating rounded up to nearest 25 psig
Design temperature rangeUp to 1,000°F (556°C)
BodyNickel alloy, carbon, low-alloy, stainless, and duplex stainless steels
BallNickel alloy, carbon, low-alloy, stainless, and duplex stainless steels
Ball coatingContact Grayloc® Products
PackingGraphoil®
Injection portType 316 stainless steel, 4140 low-alloy steel, or Inconel 718
External coatingPer customer specifications
ASME B31.1, Power Piping
ASME B31.3, Process Piping
ASTM F1298, Standard Specification for Flexible, Expansion-Type Ball Joints for Marine Applications
API 6FA, Specification for Fire Test for Valves
ISO 9001: 2008
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Typical Applications

  • Compensates for misalignment between joining legs of piping systems
  • Provides effective seal whether the two lines are parallel and offset or come together at an acute angle over a short piping distance
  • Used in marine loading applications where other technologies (hoses) are not suitable
  • Multiple flexi-ball joints in a series create a flexible pipe spool with reliable sealing for dynamic and static marine loading applications
  • Used when hose is not suitable due to size, pressure, or temperature limitations
  • Suitable for use in low or high cycle applications
  • Provides required pipe spool flexibility for solar tracking movement and thermal expansion
  • Mitigates the effects of tank settling and tilting
  • Eliminates potentially damaging pipe stresses to the header piping and tank nozzles
  • Accommodates static misalignment and pipe movement
  • Reduces stress on flowline connectors
  • Accommodates expansion and contraction of piping systems as hot transferred mediums (steam) are taken from a cold state to operating temperature
  • Reduces pipe stresses
  • Accommodates wellhead movement in enhanced oil recovery processes such as steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), solvent-aided process (SAP), and toe-to-heel air injection (THAI)

Product Variations

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Expansion Arms

Custom-fabricated expansion arms suitable for thermal oil extraction applications.

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Alignment Connectors

Flanged universal ball joints alleviate onsite alignment concerns.

Field Inspection and Maintenance Services

Grayloc offers on-site inspection and maintenance services to ensure the integrity of our connectors and to facilitate the return of worn or damaged hubs to within factory specifications.

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