VIBRATION ISOLATION FOR ONE OF THE LARGEST ALUMINIUM PLANT IN OMAN
CUSTOMISED METAL EXPANSION JOINT SOLUTION
CLIENT REQUIREMENT
Our team at Ocelflex was approached by an international engineering consultant involved in a major upgrade at one of the largest aluminium smelters in Oman. Ocelflex was chosen to design and manufacture a metal expansion joint for the potline exhaust ducting system, providing vibration isolation along with durable resistance to erosion and corrosion under extremely demanding operating conditions.
Their aluminium smelting process relied on Hall–Héroult pots that produce hot process gases, which are drawn through large exhaust ducts and directed to the Gas Treatment Centre (GTC). These ducts operate under extremely demanding service conditions:
The consultant required a steel expansion joint solution capable of absorbing thermal expansion and contraction of the ductwork, isolating vibration from high-capacity rotating equipment, and resisting the harsh internal environment.
OPERATING CHALLENGES
High Temperature Variation
Corrosive Gases
Abrasive Particulates
Strong Mechanical Vibration
Cyclic Movement & Loading
Long Fatigue Life Required
CLIENT EXPECTATION
The consultant required a steel expansion joint solution capable of absorbing thermal expansion and contraction of the ductwork, isolating vibration from high-capacity rotating equipment, and resisting the harsh internal environment. A flexible, fatigue-resistant metal expansion joint was identified as the only reliable long-term solution for this demanding application.
OCELFLEX DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
As an experienced metal expansion joint manufacturer in Oman, Ocelflex developed a customized solution tailored specifically to the smelter's demanding operating conditions.
ENGINEERED BELLOWS CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL SELECTION
PROTECTIVE FEATURES
STRATEGIC INSTALLATION
The metal expansion joints were installed near the suction and discharge of high-capacity fans. In these locations, the flexibility of the metal expansion bellows helps dampen vibration, preventing the transmission of dynamic loads into the ducting structure.
By positioning the steel expansion joint assemblies in high-vibration zones around the fans, the system achieved maximum vibration isolation while protecting both the ductwork and the rotating equipment.
