When installing pipelines in various systems, a device such as a bellows expansion joint must be taken into account. We will talk more about this important device in this article.
Product Description
The bellows compensator is an expandable and flexible device within the conventional deformation. Its purpose is quite extensive:
- Compensates the temperature expansion of pipelines, as well as misalignment due to errors in installation.
- Reduces vibration loads caused by running equipment.
- Improves the tightness of the pipeline.
Installation of bellows expansion jointsis relevant in high-rise buildings. In this case, the installation of this product allows you to reduce the load in the inter-storey horizontal pipe outlets. The said device has a main working part, called a bellows. This is an elastic corrugated shell of metal. It is able to contract and stretch, bend or move, when the length varies, the alignment of the pipeline is disrupted (due to changes in temperature, pressure and other influences).
Advantages
The bellows compensator has the following advantages:
- Possibility of installation on various sections of the pipeline.
- Small size.
- Ability to work in any conditions, with a large temperature and pressure range.
Classification
Differences in the design of these devicesare due to their purpose: to compensate for angular, longitudinal extensions, deviations from alignment, vibrational influences. Thus, the following types of devices are distinguished
Axial (axial). They compensate for the temperature expansion in the axial direction of the pipeline.
- Corner (angular). Compensate the displacement of the axes of the nozzles. The bellows axis of this product is curved in an arc.
- Compensators bellows universal.They have an internal screen, a shift and a rotary device. There are such products from one or two bellows and connecting fittings. They compensate for axial, shear and angular misalignments relative to the axis, and also prevent the vibrations of pipelines and equipment.
Material of manufacture
Currently, the market provides a huge range of these products. These devices can be made of various materials:
1. Bellows expansion joints.They compensate for the large loads caused by the thermal expansion of the pipeline. They are made of high quality materials. In this case, several layers of fine stainless steel of grades 08X18N10T and 10X17N13M2T are used. The chemical and mechanical properties of this material check the input inspection at the factory. This ensures the quality of the steel from which the bellows expansion joint is manufactured. The thin metal layers are formed into the bellows by the method of hydraulic pressing or rolling. The thinner they are, the longer the life of the product as a whole. These products are used in pipelines of local and main use.
2. Rubber expansion joints.They are made of special synthetic rubber, which has cord reinforcement. The operational period of such a product is about 20 years. This device does not require any repair or maintenance.
3. Compensators for fabric.They are susceptible to displacements, mechanical loads, vibrations and vibrations in axial and transverse directions. They are used to compensate for deformations in a variety of gas pipelines.