Bellows compensator: classification and purpose of the device

When installing pipelines in various systems, a device such as a bellows expansion joint must be taken into account. We'll 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.
• Increases the integrity of the pipeline.

The installation of bellows expansion joints is particularly relevant in multi-storey 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 changes, the alignment of the pipeline is disrupted (due to changes in temperature, pressure and other influences).

Advantages

The bellows compensator has the following advantages:

1. Possibility of installation in various sections of the pipeline.
2. Small size.
3. Ability to work in any conditions, with a large range of temperature and pressure.

Classification

Differences in the design of these devices are due to their purpose: to compensate for angular, longitudinal expansions, deviations from alignment, vibration effects. Thus, the following types of devices are distinguished

- Axial (axial). They compensate for the temperature expansion in the axial direction of the pipeline.

- Angular (angular). Compensate the displacement of the axes of the nozzles. The bellows axis of this product is curved in an arc.

- Unloaded devices. It is intended to compensate for axial and shear displacements of the pipeline, which has a bend at right angles, with a temperature fluctuation of the surrounding medium. They unload the structures from the spreading force.

- 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 different 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 thin 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 guarantees 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 compacting 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 repair and 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.