Hinge Bellows

Product Description

A Hinged Bellows (also called a Hinged Expansion Joint) is a mechanical component designed to absorb angular movement in piping systems while preventing axial movement and resisting internal pressure thrust. It consists of a metal bellows element combined with a hinge mechanism that controls movement to a single plane.

Detailed Description

• Structure

  • A single corrugated metal bellows that provides flexibility.

  • Hinge plates and pins connected to the ends of the bellows.

  • The hinges are designed to take the full pressure thrust, so the bellows itself does not extend axially.

• Function

  • Allows rotation in one plane only, accommodating angular deflection due to thermal expansion, misalignment, or structural movement.

  • Prevents axial movement and lateral displacement (when used singly).

  • Reduces load on adjacent piping and anchors because the hinge absorbs pressure thrust.

• Usage

  • Typically installed in pairs or sets of three to absorb large thermal movements.

  • Common in pipelines, refineries, power plants, and HVAC systems where controlled flexibility is required without imposing high loads on the piping system.

Key Features

• Absorbs angular movement only (single plane).

• Hinge mechanism resists pressure thrust.

• Requires low anchor loads compared to unrestrained bellows.

• Compact, strong, and reliable for high-pressure applications.

• Often used in combination with gimbal or universal joints for multidirectional movement.