How to Get High Quality Stainless Steel Bellows?

A metal bellows expansion joint is considered to be an extension or compression of a piping system in its longitudinal axis, which means that the total length of the expansion joint is extended or compressed during the absorption of movement. Axial expansion joints designed to absorb large movements can contain one, two or more bellows in a single unit, or larger movements can be achieved by pretensioning or installing multiple expansion joints on a pipe section.

Choosing the correct material for your metal bellows is critical. Stainless steel bellows are designed to withstand high pressures, high temperatures or critical media.

 

Stainless Steel Bellows

Stainless steel bellows are widely used where temperature, pressure or media prevent the use of rubber bellows. They are made of thin-walled tubes with the number of convolutions determining the available movement. For bellows units, only a relatively small amount of convolution can be safely designed before the unit becomes unstable under pressure. For larger motion requirements, additional bellows must be installed or an alternative system design must be used. Since each expansion problem usually has specific design criteria, each bellows is designed and manufactured to meet customer requirements including length, pressure, end termination and movement requirements.

 

Axial Bellows

Axial bellows are designed to absorb the thermal expansion of straight pipe sections operating below 10 bar. Each unit must be installed between two anchor points with adequate guiding over the entire length of the pipe.

 

Double-layer bellows

The double system bellows is designed to absorb thermal expansion in the transverse plane and is usually placed at an angle of 90 degrees to the main pipe. Greater movement capacity can be obtained from the two transverse planes of the system. These units can also accommodate some axial movement.

 

Double-Hinged Bellows

Double-hinged bellows are positioned in the same way as double-system bellows and can also absorb larger movements. Unlike double-series bellows, lateral movements can be made in only one plane due to the hinge bracket. These systems are very suitable for high pressure systems, or where the forces on the anchor point cannot be controlled.

 

Single hinged Bellows

Single hinged bellows are used in two or three pin systems that need to withstand large amounts of expansion. Again, these units are ideal for high pressure applications and work in a similar manner to double-hinged bellows.

 

End Fittings

Each bellows is offered with a range of end connections including fixed or swivel flanges, stubs, BSP male and female threads, and copper stubs.