Expansion Joint Terminology
Understand the most commonly used technical terms when referring to Metal Expansion Joints, Rubber Expansion Joint, Fabric and PTFE Expansion Joint.
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Expansion Joints & Bellows
Typically, rubber expansion joints have been employed for the purpose of noise and vibration absorbtion due to their inherent flexibility and damping properties. However, the limitations of rubber materials become apparent in external environments characterized by corrosive substances or extreme conditions. In such scenarios, stainless steel pump connectors ( also called pump compensators or pump isolators ) emerge as a robust and reliable alternative, specifically engineered to withstand these challenging conditions while effectively absorbing vibrations and accommodating small axial movements
As a expert manufacturer, Ocelflex uses very thin sheets of stainless steel, often in single-ply and multi-ply designs, to enhance the expansion joints ability to absorb higher levels of noise, vibration, and axial movements. A key design feature is their low spring rate, which contributes significantly to their vibration isolation capabilities. Primarily utilized in applications where pump vibration is a concern, stainless steel pump connectors are assembled in lengths typically ranging from 130 mm to 150 mm. This design not only compensates for installation misalignments between pipe systems and pumps but also accommodates thermal growth within the system.
Unlike their rubber counterparts, these vibration absorbers made of stainless steel exhibit remarkable resistance to aging, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to reduced long-term operation and maintenance costs, increased reliability, and an extended service life for both the pipe system and the connected equipment.
Additionally the pump connector expansion bellow element are mostly constructed from austenitic stainless steel, operate effectively in environments exceeding 900°C and under high pressures.
Moderate. Pump Connectors can easily account for axial compensation.
Moderate. Pump Connectors can easily account for lateral deflection.
Moderate. Pump Connectors can easily account for angular deflection.
Ocelflex manufactures flexible pump connectors from sizes ranging :
From 1 1/2 inch NB ( DN 40 ) to 60 inch ( DN 1500 ).
We can manufacture expansion bellows of customised lengths for any size. Our standard lengths are :
For Diameters less than 24 inch, lengths upto 18 inch.
For Diameters from 24 inch to 60 inch, lengths upto 24 inch.
Depending upon the design, our pump connectors type expansion joints can work at operating temperatures ranging form - 270 ℃ to 1000 ℃.
Ocelflex's flexible pump connectors or vibration absorbing metal expansion joints are available in single ply and multiply design, for upto 40 bar pressure rating and full vacuum conditions.
Wide range of materials like :
Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301),
Stainless Steel 304L (1.4307)
Stainless Steel 316 (1.4401),
Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404)
Stainless Steel 321 (1.4541),
Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel
EJMA X, ASME Sec. VIII, Div. 1, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.1, EN 14917, EN 13480, EN 13445
Expansion Joint
Understand the most commonly used technical terms when referring to Metal Expansion Joints, Rubber Expansion Joint, Fabric and PTFE Expansion Joint.
Expansion Joint
Know what parameters to consider when choosing the right expansion joint for your application.
Expansion Joint
Understand the axial, lateral, angular and torsional movements an expansion joint is designed to compensate, based on different expansion joint design specifications.
Expansion Joint
Confused which type of expansion joint is right for you? This guide will help you understand the difference between fabric expansion joints, metal expansion joints and rubber expansion joints.