Tetrafluoro Sprayed PTFE compensator used in pipeline systems with highly corrosive media
Expansion joints(compensators)
Expansion joints are commonly referred to as compensators. They consist of one or more bellows (an elastic component) as the main working body, as well as connectors at both ends, supports, flanges, conduits, and other accessories. Expansion joints are a flexible structures installed on vessel shells or pipelines to compensate for additional stresses caused by temperature differences and mechanical vibrations. By utilizing the effective expansion and contraction of the bellows, they compensate dimensional changes in pipelines, conduits, vessels and so on, which are caused by thermal expansion and contraction, or compensate for axial, lateral, and angular displacements of pipelines, conduits, vessels, etc. They can also be used for noise and vibration reduction and heating supply systems. In order to prevent deformation or damage to heating pipelines caused by thermal expansion or temperature stress when the heating pipelines are heated, compensators need to be installed on the pipelines to compensate for thermal expansion of the pipelines, thereby reducing the stress on the pipeline walls and the forces exerting on valves or support structures.
As expansion joints are elastic compensating components capable of free expansion and contraction, they have the advantages of reliable operation, good performance, and compact structure,and others.Hence they are widely used in departments such as chemical engineering, metallurgy,nuclear energy,and the like. There are various forms of expansion joints used on vessels, with the U-shaped expansion joint being the most widely used in terms of the shape of bellows, followed by Ω-shaped and C-shaped joints. As for expansion joints used on pipelines, they are classified according to structural compensation into universal expansion joint, pressure balanced expansion joint, hinged expansion joint, and gimbal expansion joint.
Main Item | Classification | Description |
Metal Expansion Joint | ElbowExpansion Joint | Tension bends, also known as U-shaped bends, utilize the elastic deformation of their form for compensation. They boast strengths, longevity, and suitability for on-site production. However, they occupy space, demand substantial steel, and encounter high friction. Widely applied in steam piping and long pipelines, they offer a reliable solution for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction. |
Bellows Expansion Joint
| Material & Functionality: Made of metal bellows, it can expand and contract axially in pipelines, permitting minor bending. Protection Mechanism: Protective rods/rings at ends prevent exceeding compensation limits. Guide supports installed on connected pipeline ends. Variants: Angular and lateral expansion joints compensate for rotational and lateral pipeline deformations. Advantages: Space-saving, material-efficient, easy to standardize, and suitable for mass production. Disadvantage: Relatively short lifespan. Common Applications: Typically used in short, low-temperature, low-pressure pipelines. Technology Advancement: With improved bellows production, their application scope is expanding. Pressure Capacity: Currently suitable for pipe systems with a maximum pressure of 6.0 MPa | |
Slip-Type Expansion Joint | Construction: Consists of inner and outer sleeves with relative axial movement. Space between sleeves sealed with stuffing box. Operation: Ensures both pipe ends move on the same axis. Compensates for axial expansion and rotation by arbitrary angle. Characteristics: Small volume, large compensation amount. Suitable for hot water, steam, and grease media. Function: Compensates thermal expansion by sliding inner sleeve against outer sleeve. Connection & Seal: Inner sleeve connects to pipeline, using high-performance self-sealing dynamic seal. Slides freely inside shell with pipeline expansion/contraction. Sealing Material: Uses new synthetic material between shell and inner sleeve. Resists high temperatures, corrosion, and aging. Temperature range: -40 to 150°C, up to 350°C under special conditions. Ensures axial sliding while preventing leakage. | |
Non-metallic Expansion Joint | Rubber Expansion Joint | This composite expansion joint, comprising rubber, rubber-fiber composite materials, steel flanges, sleeves, and insulation materials, serves as a flexible connection for fans and ducts. Its versatile functions encompass shock absorption, noise reduction, sealing, medium resistance, and easy displacement during installation. An indispensable accessory in environmental protection applications, it excels in shock absorption, noise reduction, and smoke and dust removal, contributing to a cleaner and quieter environment. |
Fabric Expansion Joint | Fabric expansion joints, primarily crafted from fiber fabric, rubber, and high-temperature resistant materials, excel in compensating for fan and duct vibrations and deformations. Capable of addressing axial, lateral, and angular movements without generating thrust, they streamline support design while offering corrosion and high-temperature resistance. Ideal for power plant hot blast pipes and smoke and dust pipelines, these non-metallic compensators leverage fiber fabric and insulation cotton for sound absorption and vibration isolation, effectively reducing noise and vibration from boilers, fans, and other systems. With a simple structure, lightweight design, and easy maintenance, they provide a reliable solution for enhancing system performance and longevity. |
Super Austenitic Stainless Steel:254SMO,904L,AL6XN
Duplex Stainless Steel :2205 Dual phase steel (S31803)
Nickel Based Alloy Steel:INCOLOY800/800H/800HT/840/825,INCONEL600/601/690/625/X-750
Hastelloy Alloy C-276/C-22/X,MONEL400/K500
Pure Nickel:N4,N6(Ni200,Ni201)
Titanium Plate For Stamping:GR1,GR2,TA1,TA2
Austenitic Stainless Steel:SUS304,SUS304L,SUS316,SUS316L,SUS310S,SUS321,SUS316Ti