External pressurized expansion joints are an ideal choice for effectively absorbing significant axial movement in pipe systems. Among the frequent uses are those for oil refineries, liquefied natural gas (LNG), steam power plants, flare stacks, and industrial cooling systems. Squirm of the bellows is not an issue because of the expansion joint’s design.
The bellows expand when a compression force is supplied to an externally pressurized expansion joint, much like tugging on the ends of a rope. Because they have two built-in guides, externally pressurized expansion joints are certified for little lateral movement.
But the question remains: How does an externally pressurized expansion joint work? Let’s find out in this post.
What is an externally pressurized expansion joint?
Externally Pressurized Expansion Joints, also used in the name of pressure compensators, are preferably used to absorb long axial movements. Under External Pressurization, the main purpose of joints, sometimes called pressure compensators, is to absorb large axial movements. Even though they are usually more costly, externally pressurized bellows have advantages over internally pressurized versions.
These are constructed with a sturdy exterior pipe and an inner liner that expands within. In addition to making them safer, this design prevents material from escaping from the unit should the bellows fail since the pressure is kept within the outer pipe. Furthermore, in an anchor failure, the outer pipe absorbs pressure.
These versions are perfect for most operations that run into these problems since they can take significantly higher levels of thermal stress and expansion. Externally pressurized bellows can perform well when internally pressurized alternatives could squirm or fail.
In the case of an equipment breakdown or damage, they can be modified to reduce leakage. They can also be self-draining, which would give more defense against cross-contamination.
Why choose Externally Pressurized Universal Expansion Joints?
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- To absorb compression and thermal expansion
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- To reduce the pressure on the piping system.
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- To reduce mechanical vibration and noise.
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- Because it is compact
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- To fix the misalignment.
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- To prevent electrolysis between different metals.
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- Reduce piping pressures on the nozzles of the piping system.
Common Applications of Externally Pressurized Expansion Joint
External pressurized expansion joints are often used instead of several expansion joints or a pipe loop to accommodate thermal motions. These components are frequently used in heating and cooling systems and in applications involving steam, water, and steaming condensate.
Externally pressurized expansion joints are the best option in some situations since they may be buried underground because the bellows are enclosed within a rigid pipe.
Advantages of externally pressurized expansion joint
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- Large expansion motions are simple to absorb.
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- Axial expansion joints can be cut down to save money and effort.
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- Minimum application range
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- The safety of the system is increased by eliminating axial errors.
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- Using internal guide rings in construction provides an extremely sturdy framework for connections.
How does an externally pressurized expansion joint work?
Unlike the traditional internally pressurized bellows expansion joint, the externally pressurized expansion joint has an external shroud that serves as a container for fluids to flow around the outside side of the bellows convolutions.
The bellows are attached to the shroud on one end and to a section of pipe that may slide into or out of the shroud’s opening to accommodate expansion or contraction and serve as an interior liner to safeguard the bellows.
A dual externally pressurized expansion joint with an anchor base is a frequent name for one conceivable arrangement. With this arrangement, considerably greater axial movement is possible due to two sections of pipe coupled to internal bellows that slide in and out of both ends of the shroud.
This arrangement must have an anchor base and be securely fastened. On an externally pressurized expansion joint, flanged ends, weld ends, and male or female pipe threads are the most typical end fittings.
Other Types of Expansion Joints
Some of the other kinds of expansion joints are given below. Do read to understand what expansion joints are:
High-temperature stainless steel bellows
High-temperature Stainless steel bellows are a great solution for several issues with pipe systems. Equipment movement, temperature increase, pressure pulsation, or vibration can disrupt the piping system, resulting in poor performance and damage. Bellows made of stainless steel assist in preventing these problems and maintaining excellent performance levels.
Pump Connector Expansion Joint
Pump connector Expansion joints allow certain longitudinal or angular movements while limiting the transfer of pressures. Pump connector Expansion joints are installed to compensate for piping movements, regardless of their source, as well as to prevent vibrations in other pipe sections.
Metal bellows Expansion Joints
Metal bellows expansion joints, also known as compensators, compensate for relative movement and thermal expansion in pipes, containers, and machinery. Depending on the application, they may have one or more metal bellows, connections at both ends, and tie rods.
Gimbal Expansion Joints
Gimbal Expansion Joints are used to absorb angular rotation in any plane, using two pairs of hinges attached to a common floating gimbal ring. This type of construction provides a close control over the movement imposed up on the bellows and also supports the dead weight of the pipe.
Conclusion
When high pressure, high temperature, and extended axial motions are required, externally pressurized metal bellows expansion joints are the perfect solution. Are you reading this post to install externally pressurized expansion joints for your application? We recommend that you try bellows and expansion joints manufactured by Flexpert Bellows. They are India’s leading metal bellows manufacturers.
Their externally pressurized Expansion Joints find applications in almost all core sector Industries, including Steel, Cement, Sugar, Power Generation, Petrochemical, Paper, Shipping, Rubber, Chemical, Metal Refining, Aerospace, Heat recovery, and Nuclear Power Industries. Some of their Clients trust them for their regular requirements of steam Piping Expansion Joints.
The most important feature of FLEXPERT Metal Bellows Expansion joints is the multiply/multi-wall laminated bellows structure of the metal bellows elements. The metal bellows are manufactured from multi-wall laminated tubes of plies ranging from 2 to 20 depending on the diameter specified operating pressure and other design parameters.
Apart from those listed below, they have many more international engineering project consultants approaching them for consultation for their requirements of Piping Expansion Joints.