What is the purpose of an expansion joint in a piping system?

The purpose of an expansion joint in a piping system is to allow for thermal expansion and movement without causing stress on the pipes. As temperatures change, materials can expand or contract, leading to potential strain and damage in a piping system. Expansion joints are specifically designed to accommodate these thermal movements, ensuring that the piping remains intact and functional despite fluctuations in temperature. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the system, as excessive stress can lead to leaks, ruptures, or other mechanical failures.

Other options, while they might pertain to aspects of piping systems, do not accurately describe the primary function of an expansion joint. For example, noise reduction is generally addressed through sound-dampening materials and design rather than expansion joints, which are focused on movement and stress accommodation. Increasing pressure is not the purpose of expansion joints; in fact, applying excessive pressure could be one of the stress factors that expansion joints help mitigate. Lastly, fluid filtration is not a role of expansion joints either; instead, that aspect would involve filters or strainers designed to remove particulates from the fluid flow.