How do metallic expansion joints work?
Metallic expansion joints use a flexible stainless‑steel bellows to absorb movement, vibration, and thermal expansion in pipelines. The corrugated bellows flex in response to axial, lateral, or angular movement, protecting connected equipment from mechanical stress.
Advantages of metallic expansion joints...
• Absorbs thermal expansion and contraction
• Handles high‑temperature and high‑pressure service
• Reduces vibration and noise transmission
• Compensates for misalignment
• Long service life in demanding environments
• Handles high‑temperature and high‑pressure service
• Reduces vibration and noise transmission
• Compensates for misalignment
• Long service life in demanding environments
Technical Parameters:
Movement Range
Typically ±25 mm to ±100 mm axial movement (larger on request) Lateral movement up to ±50 mm Angular movement up to 15°
Size Range
Standard: DN25–DN1000 (1″–40″) Custom builds up to DN4000 (160″) available for large‑scale applications
End Connection Types
Flanged (drilled to EN/ASME standards) Weld‑end (butt or socket) Grooved ends
Bellows Design
Single‑ply or multi‑ply stainless steel bellows Multi‑ply designs increase flexibility and fatigue life Designed to absorb thermal expansion, vibration, and misalignment
Cycle Life
Designed for thousands of thermal and mechanical cycles, depending on movement magnitude and operating conditions
Materials
Bellows: stainless steel 304 / 321 / 316L
End fittings: carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steels
End fittings: carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steels
Optional Features
Internal flow liners - protect bellows from erosion/turbulence in high‑velocity service External covers - shield bellows from mechanical damage Tie rods or limit rods - control movement and prevent over‑extension
Industry Application:
EFW
Oil & Gas
Power
Media Type:
Water
Gas
Steam
Oil
Chemicals
