Axial Bellows Compensator for Pipeline Thermal Expansion
DN50-DN1100
Metal bellows expansion joint (metal compensator) is used to absorb thermal expansion, vibration and displacement of piping systems. Made of 304/316L stainless steel, available in axial, lateral and angular types. Support custom sizes for high‑temperature and high‑pressure industrial pipelines.
Delivery
EXW
minimum order
10 pieces
Supply Ability
100pieces / Day
Country of Origin
CHINA
Stock Time
7Day
Quantity:
US $49.00 - US $3999.00 / pieces
A universal hinged metal expansion joint is a high-performance pipeline accessory engineered to absorb multi-directional angular displacements and offset lateral/axial misalignments in industrial piping systems. Equipped with a set of hinged support structures, it can accommodate combined movements of angular rotation and limited lateral displacement, while also transferring the resultant reaction forces to pipeline supports. It is widely used in high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive media pipeline systems such as thermal power, petrochemical, and metallurgy industries.
Core Structure
The product is composed of corrugated pipe (the core flexible element), hinge support assembly, end connecting flanges/pipe ends, sealing components, and limit bolts.
- The corrugated pipe is made of high-quality austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316L, 321) or nickel-based alloy (e.g., Hastelloy C276) to withstand thermal cycling and corrosive erosion.
- The hinge support assembly consists of hinges, pivot shafts, and bearing plates, which constrain the expansion joint to angular displacement only, control the deformation direction, and balance the internal pressure thrust.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Pressure Rating | PN0.25-PN4.0 MPa (ANSI Class 150-600) |
| Nominal Diameter | DN50-DN3000 mm |
| Angular Displacement Capacity | ±3°-±15° (varies by diameter and design) |
| Operating Temperature | -200ºC to 600ºC (standard stainless steel); up to 1100ºC (heat-resistant alloy customization) |
| Material Options | Corrugated pipe: 304/316L/321/Hastelloy C276; Structural parts: Q235B/20#/16Mn |
| Fatigue Life | ≥1000 cycles under rated displacement |
Core Advantages
- Multi-directional Displacement Compensation: Can absorb angular displacements in any plane, suitable for complex pipeline layouts with spatial misalignments.
- Controlled Reaction Force: The hinged structure balances internal pressure thrust, avoiding excessive stress on connected equipment (e.g., boilers, turbines, heat exchangers).
- High Temperature & Pressure Resistance: The metal corrugated structure adapts to extreme working conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and high flow rate.
- Durable & Low-maintenance: Made of robust metal materials, it has a long service life and requires no regular replacement of flexible parts under normal operating conditions.
Typical Applications
- Thermal Power Plants: Used in boiler steam pipelines, turbine exhaust pipelines, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to absorb thermal expansion and installation misalignments.
- Petrochemical Industry: Applied in process pipelines transporting high-temperature, high-pressure oil, gas, and chemical media to compensate for displacement caused by temperature fluctuations.
- Metallurgical Industry: Suitable for blast furnace gas pipelines, steelmaking cooling water pipelines, and other systems with severe vibration and large temperature changes.
- Marine & Offshore Engineering: Used in ship engine exhaust pipelines and offshore platform process pipelines to adapt to hull deformation and wave-induced vibrations.
Installation & Operation Notes
- Ensure the hinge axes of multiple universal hinged expansion joints are properly aligned according to the pipeline layout design to avoid constrained deformation.
- Do not weld the joint directly when it is connected to the pipeline; use a heat shield to protect the corrugated pipe from welding spatter damage.
- The joint shall not bear the weight of the pipeline; dedicated pipe hangers or supports shall be installed near the joint to ensure stable operation.
You can send an email to our email address. We will provide catalogue and pictures of our products for your reference.We can also supply pipe fittings, bolt and nut, gaskets etc. We aim to be your piping system solution provider.
b) How can I get some samples?
If you need, we will offer you samples for free, but new customers are expected to pay express charge.
c) Do you provide customized parts?
Yes, you can give us drawings and we will manufacture accordingly.
d) To which country have you supplied your products?
We have supplied to Thailand, China Taiwan, Vietnam, India, South Africa, Sudan, Peru , Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Kuwait, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Romania, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Ukraine etc. (Figures here only include our customers in latest 5 years.).
e) I can't see the goods or touch the goods, how can I deal with the risk involved?
Our quality management system conforms to the requirement of ISO 9001:2015 verified by DNV. We are absolutely worth your trust. We can accept trial order to enhance mutual trust.
