Lateral movement compensators, also known as lateral expansion joints, facilitate sideways movement. They find use in various industries that emit vibrations, jerks, and high temperatures through their pipes. The expansion joints respond to heat fluctuations and keep the pipes in working condition. They also act like buffers against tremors and protect the machines from damage.
Why Are Universal Expansion Joints Special?
This type of lateral expansion joint has a pipe section or a central spool, which is connected by two bellows. The design aids in absorbing a huge amount of lateral movement. As the name suggests, universal designs are remarkably flexible and perfect for long pipelines with or without considerable movement. The presence of the dual bellows helps in distributing the movement. This significantly reduces stress and offers smoother performance with lower maintenance.
Benefits of Using Compensator Joints
The lateral joints are an integral part of an industry’s plumbing system. They behave a lot like springs and help in the movement of the pipes. Here are some reasons why they are crucial for any piping system.
- In industrial usage, pipes tend to conduct a lot of heat when the machines are working. The resultant thermal expansion normally wreaks havoc on the pipe. But with the presence of metal bellows, the pipes remain safe. All the pressure generated is absorbed by the best lateral expansion bellow joints.
- Most expansion joints are made using a coil, also known as corrugation. In case of a lateral expansion bellow joint, the coils can move in accordance with the pipe, making the flow easier.
- They also absorb the thermal expansion in the pipes.
- Lateral expansion joints conserve space and are economical.
- The installation procedure is simple. It can be fitted anywhere easily.
Where do you find Universal Lateral Expansion Joints?
Any industry that requires large-scale lateral movement with high temperature fluctuations and pipelines spanning a huge distance will have use for the best lateral expansion bellows. Some of the common places where you can find them:
- Oil and gas pipelines
- Steel plants
- District cooling and HVAC
- Water treatment plants
- Chemical processing plants
- Power generation plants
A lateral expansion joint can perform commendably under pressure. The tie rods of a universal expansion unit allow the lateral movement while managing the pressure. The piping system comes under minimal stress. This allows engineers to design systems with fewer guides and anchors, which leads to reduced construction costs.
Conclusion
Investing in compensator joints is best for stress reduction in pipelines. If you want to buy the best quality lateral expansion joint, then contact Flexpert Bellows today.