Let me introduce you to the functions and installation of expansion joints.

Release time:

2021-09-07

　　Let me introduce you to the functions and installation of expansion joints.

　　With the development of centralized urban heating systems, the application of thermal pipelines is becoming increasingly widespread. Since objects expand when heated and contract when cooled, steam insulation pipes are no exception. Relying solely on the displacement of the steam pipe itself is insufficient to counteract thermal expansion. Therefore, conventional steam insulation pipes typically incorporate expansion joints to mitigate the effects of thermal expansion.

　　1. The function of a compensator

　　Compensators, also known as expansion joints, serve to absorb the length extension of pipelines caused by thermal expansion and to compensate for the contraction caused by cold shrinkage.

　　2. Types of compensators

　　There are two types of compensators: natural compensators and artificial compensators.

　　A natural compensator is a natural bend in a heating pipeline.

　　The advantage of bellows expansion joints is their compact structure and limited compensation capacity.

　　The advantage of rotary compensators is their large compensation capacity. They can be configured according to natural terrain and pipeline strength, but they take up a considerable amount of space.

　　3. Fabrication of Direct-Buried Bellows Compensators

　　The corrugated compensator used for directly laying heating pipelines is generally also referred to as a directly buried axial corrugated compensator. In other words, the main body of the corrugated compensator is thermally insulated and installed over an outer casing made of a corresponding steel sleeve, followed by anti-corrosion treatment.

　　4. Installation of Artificial Compensators

　　Generally speaking, heating pipelines do not require artificial expansion joints to be installed along every single section from start to finish. In actual engineering practice, some pipeline sections need to be equipped with artificial expansion joints, while others do not.

　　If the heating pipeline has natural curves—such as Z-shaped, L-shaped, or U-shaped natural compensators—then the straight pipe sections before and after the bends can be shorter, and artificial compensators may not be required.

　　When heating pipelines have no natural bends, artificial compensators should be installed; alternatively, if there are natural bends, artificial compensators should be installed on the straight pipe sections.

　　The artificial compensator shall be installed at the midpoint of the straight pipe section between two fixed supports. During installation, it should be placed horizontally, with its slope and slope direction identical to those of the corresponding pipeline.

　　When installing bellows expansion joints, pre-stretching or pre-supporting is required—meaning that cold stretching or cold supporting must be carried out without heating. The stretching is typically performed using tubular devices or manual hoists, but jacks can also be used for preliminary support.

　　That’s all for today’s introduction from the compensator manufacturer. Based on what I’ve just described, I’m sure you now have a better understanding and have learned something new. Be sure to stay tuned—you’ll be able to keep up with our company’s latest updates and enjoy various special offers on compensators. As a direct manufacturer with no intermediaries, we can offer you competitive pricing. Well then, I wish you all a happy life and plenty of good cheer every single day!

Jiangsu Yaxing

Address: Qingdun Industrial Park, Hai'an City, Jiangsu Province

Phone: 86-513-88483622 ，86-513-88480666,

86-513-88480999

Fax: 86-513-88482423

Email: yx@ntyxbwg.com