Metallic expansion bellows

About Metallic expansion bellows

Metallic Expansion Bellows are flexible components made of thinwalled metallic material formed into convolutions to absorb thermal expansion vibration and movement in piping systems ducts and vessels They are widely used in highpressure hightemperature and corrosive environments such as refineries power plants and chemical processing

What Does a Metallic Expansion Bellows Contain

Bellows Element Core Component

Made of stainless steel or highalloy metals Inconel Hastelloy Monel

Corrugated convoluted design provides the required flexibility to absorb

Axial movement compressionextension along the axis

Lateral movement offset

Angular rotation

End Connections

Weld Ends or Flanges to connect with the pipeline or equipment

Internal Accessories Optional

Inner Sleeve Flow Liner Protects bellows from fluid turbulence erosion and highvelocity media

Insulation Liner For hightemperature services to prevent heat transfer to bellows material

External Accessories Optional

Outer Cover Shroud Shields bellows from external mechanical damage and environment

Tie Rods Limit Rods Control pressure thrust and prevent overextension or compression

Hinges Gimbals For controlled angular movements in special designs

Features Characteristics

Material Stainless steel SS 304 316 321 Alloy steel or highperformance alloys

Operating Range

Temperature Up to 1000C depending on material

Pressure Highpressure ratings possible with reinforced design

Movements Absorbs axial lateral and angular depending on design type

Corrosion Fatigue Resistance Designed for repeated thermal cycles

Types of Metallic Expansion Bellows

Single Axial Bellows For axial expansion and contraction only

Universal Bellows Two bellows with a center spool for lateral movement

Hinged Bellows Angular rotation in one plane

Gimbal Bellows Angular rotation in multiple planes

Pressure Balanced Bellows Neutralizes pressure thrust while absorbing axiallateral movement

Applications

Steam and condensate lines

Boiler and turbine connections

Petrochemical and refinery pipelines

HVAC systems for thermal expansion absorption

Highpressure process lines