Hinge Expansion Bellows

Product Description

Hinged Expansion Bellows (or Hinged Expansion Joints) are mechanical devices installed in piping systems to absorb angular movement due to thermal expansion or other mechanical forces. They consist of a metal bellows element with hinges on either side, allowing rotation in one plane while restraining axial movement and absorbing pressure thrust.

How They Work

• The hinge pins are aligned perpendicular to the centerline of the bellows, enabling angular bending in only one plane .

• Pressure thrust forces are fully contained within the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for main anchors in many cases.

• In piping systems, two hinged joints installed in series act together to allow lateral deflection, and three hinged joints can accommodate large axial plus lateral movements if needed.

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• Where Are Hinged Expansion Bellows Used?

  Hinged expansion bellows are used in industrial piping systems where thermal expansion, vibration, or movement due to mechanical forces must be accommodated ï without allowing axial displacement.

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  Key Applications by Industry

  Industry	Application
  Power Plants	Steam lines, turbine piping, boiler feedwater systems
  Petrochemical & Refinery	High-temperature hydrocarbon piping, distillation columns, heat exchanger lines
  Oil & GAS	Transmission pipelines, risers, offshore platforms
  HVAC Systems	Hot water and steam heating loops, large building services
  Chemical Plants	Corrosive and high-temperature fluid handling
  Steel & Metal Plants	Furnace gas piping, cooling water loops
  Pulp & Paper	Digesters, steam and chemical lines
  Shipbuilding / Marine	Engine exhaust lines, fuel lines subject to vibration and temperature changes
  District Heating	Long-distance hot water or steam piping systems under roads or tunnels
  Nuclear Facilities	Reactor coolant systems, containment piping with strict stress requirements

• In Summary

  Hinged expansion bellows provide a robust, compact solution for absorbing angular and lateral movements in piping systems, especially when pressure thrust and axial deflections must be managed without heavy anchoring. When correctly configuredïtwo or three units spaced appropriatelyïthey offer efficient movement control, structural support, and stress relief in thermal systems and directional piping layouts.