When properly designed and installed, custom bellows and exhaust flex joints have a number of exceedingly useful applications. Before you get started with custom bellows, however, it’s important to know the facts. Here are some answers to common questions regarding custom bellows and expansion joints.
What purpose does an expansion joint have?
Simply put, an expansion joint’s primary basic function is to absorb and offset the growth caused by thermal expansion in piping systems of various sizes and designs. They’re also used to accommodate the movement of mechanical pipes and the seismic conditions that are typically seen in between building separations.
What’s the difference between an expansion joint and a bellows?
A bellows is the term used to describe the component used to build an expansion joint that is flexible in nature. An expansion joint, on the other hand, is created when the end fittings are installed in order to connect the bellows to the joints on the piping system already in place.
What do piping systems use metal bellows as opposed to corrugated metal hose?
While metal hose is designed for lateral offset, it isn’t suited for extension or compression. Metal hose also requires the addition of external braided wire in order to handle the pressure. Metal bellows, however, can be designed for three different types of motion: lateral, angular, and axial. Plus, the addition of braided wire is not typically needed in order to properly hold pressure within an engineered metal bellows.
How long does it take to get replacement parts in the event of a piping system outage or malfunction?
This depends, to a degree, on your location. However, some companies, such as Triad Bellows, make it an absolute priority to offer expedited rush delivery in order to get replacement parts, such as exhaust flex joints and expansion joints, to customers who simply don’t have time to spare. If you’re in need of parts in a hurry, don’t assume you’re out of luck.
Ultimately, as of mid-2017, the U.S. has a total solar power capacity of 47.1 gigawatts (GW), which is enough to power 9.1 million homes (Solar Energy Industries Association). Knowing the answers to these common questions about the standard bellows can help you make the best decision for your piping system application needs. For more information about exhaust bellows, contact Triad Bellows.
