Operations in the exhaust systems in industrial plants are demanding. They consist of temperatures that exceed almost 1000°F. This is a part of consistent thermal cycling. This thermal cycling further causes thermal stress. It is a challenge handled by exhaust expansion joints. Why do we need them?
It is dangerous if there is no proper accommodation for thermal expansion. It causes pipes to crack and fail the entire system. Expansion joints, hence, become a crucial component. It is the one flexible backbone that keeps the operation running.
Thermal Stress in Exhaust Systems
If you want to understand how exhaust pipe bellows expansion joints protect these systems, read on. This article briefly explains the workings of these wonderful fittings.
1. Absorbing Movement
Expansion joints are points of flexibility in an otherwise rigid piping system. They are specifically made to compress, extend, and flex. This is done in order to absorb the dimensional changes. These changes are caused by temperature variations while maintaining system integrity.
Metal expansion joints have twisted folds that may shrink when the pipe expands and stretches when it contracts. Fabric expansion joints are made of heat-resistant, flexible materials that can move simultaneously in multiple directions.
Unlike thermal forces that build up until something breaks, the exhaust expansion joint absorbs the movement without causing damage. This protects the piping system. They also safeguard connected appliances such as boilers, turbines, fans, and exhaust stacks.
2. Critical Components
These areas are most vulnerable to heat stress. The exhaust expansion joints are typically the links between pipes and equipment. For example, the turbine that holds gas outflow may reach extremely high temperatures. All this can happen when the ductwork below stays comparatively cool. This temperature difference is causing various regions of the system to expand at different rates.
Expansion joints positioned near these transition points prevent heat stress from transferring from one part to another. This is exercised by serving as strong shock absorbers. It helps in protecting expensive equipment from damage caused by pipe movement. This sort of isolation is also crucial for preventing premature wear on mounting brackets and flanged connections.
Conclusion
These components are the protectors of critical parts in an exhaust system. Without them, the entire system, with all its rigid components, would collapse under thermal stress. For the best joints in the market, Flexpert Bellows is your one-stop expert in exhaust expansion joints.