Metal bellows are unique structures, as they are often designed with their application in mind. They are made to be very strong yet flexible so that they can be used as a kind of connector joint in several different situations. There is a balance between flexibility and strength that is different for each bellows, depending on its intended job. This is why custom bellows are so popular. The United States [...]
Bellows, in general, are used as a kind of connector. They are very strong, yet flexible, and they need to be able to withstand very intense conditions. Iron ore usually melts at around 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. Steel, on the other hand, has a melting point of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The material chosen for a bellow depends on the job and conditions that the bellow must withstand. Expansion joints are [...]
What are Metal Bellows? Metal bellows are like elastic vessels that have the ability to be compressed when pressure is applied. They then re-expand back to their original shape when the pressure is off. They also extend when under a vacuum, and of course, go back to their original shape when the vacuum is released. The key component of metal bellows is that they are flexible. This balance can be [...]
Standard bellows are found all across the metalworking industry and have been in use for a long time. Modern metal bellows are elastic components that can expand or contract under pressure (or the lack thereof) and still retain their original shape. There are many different industries that benefit from this technology today. In the oil and gas industry, custom metal bellows and expansion joints are essential for petroleum systems to [...]
Choosing the right type of expansion joints can be difficult. There are so many different types, materials, and features associated with each that it can be nearly impossible to ascertain which is right for your application. Fabric and metal bellows and expansion joints are both common and come with a number of advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few pros and cons to consider when deciding between fabric [...]
Wondering what bellows are used for in modern engineering? There's no one answer to this question, and these components have a wide range of applications. Metal exhaust bellows and expansion joints have countless applications in the exhaust industry, but perhaps most interestingly, the exhaust gas system of a ship's engine. The exhaust gas system of a marine engine has five main components: the exhaust gas pipes, the exhaust gas boiler, [...]
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 [...]
If you're dealing with metal bellows expansion joints failures, you're certainly not alone. Metal expansion joint failures are surprisingly common and have a number of causes, but one of the most common involves improper installation. Fortunately, understanding what leads to these failures can help you prevent them in the future. Here are just a few potential situations that can lead to improper installation of metal expansion joints. Improper Timing Of [...]