What are the uses of non-metallic expansion joints?

Release time:

2022-11-17

Non-metallic expansion joints—except under conditions where high temperatures (above 400°C) exceed their operational limits—can serve as a suitable replacement for fiber fabrics in virtually all other operating conditions. Below, we’ll introduce some of the common applications of non-metallic expansion joints.

What are the uses of non-metallic expansion joints?

Non-metallic expansion joints boast excellent sealing performance, high-pressure resistance, and superior strength. They can withstand mist-laden gases as well as small amounts of liquid. By using specialized rubber compounds, these joints can achieve outstanding resistance to oils, acids, alkalis, and aging. Today, non-metallic expansion joints are widely used at the inlets and outlets of equipment in steel mills, smelters, petrochemical plants, thermal power plants, cement plants, nuclear power plants, and other facilities. They outperform metal expansion joints and have thus won widespread acclaim from customers. They have received unanimous praise from users and are being vigorously promoted and applied. In fact, the selection of a non-metallic expansion joint should primarily be based on the specific operating conditions and environment. The choice of fabric and leather materials is also dictated by the working conditions and environment. The key factor determining the quality of the rubber is the raw material itself. Some joints may crack prematurely after only a short period of use, and their aging process can be quite severe—both phenomena are attributable to the use of low-quality rubber. A simple way to distinguish between different grades of raw materials is to expose them to sunlight or artificial light and observe their color. Poor-quality joints often have oil applied to them to mimic the appearance of high-quality rubber; such joints will appear dark and glossy. In contrast, high-quality joints will exhibit the natural color of rubber.

Non-metallic expansion joints can compensate for or absorb installation errors; they have low stiffness and produce small elastic reaction forces; they isolate vibrations and reduce noise; and they can accommodate multi-dimensional movements. They come in a variety of forms, offer large compensation capacities, and boast long service lives. These joints feature characteristics such as zero thrust, simplified bearing designs, corrosion resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and excellent noise reduction and vibration damping—making them particularly well-suited for hot-air ducts and flue gas exhaust systems. They also exhibit outstanding overall performance. Non-metallic expansion joints can be widely used in numerous engineering fields. Flat-type expansion joints are typically employed in ventilation, dust removal, smoke exhaust, and air-conditioning insulation pipelines and equipment operating at lower pressures. Essentially, these joints consist of a flexible non-metallic outer layer connected via a soft lining, with thermal insulation cotton filling the space between them. The outer skin is made from fiber fabrics coated with silicone rubber or fluororubber, offering excellent tensile strength and lateral displacement capabilities. The thermal insulation cotton effectively isolates the high temperature of the medium inside the pipeline from the outer skin, creating a temperature gradient that decreases pressure on the skin. Of course, the comprehensive performance of non-metallic materials—including their high-temperature resistance, mechanical properties, and chemical stability—is far superior to that of metallic materials. As a result, non-metallic expansion joints have already replaced metal bellows-type joints in many applications.

By learning about the various applications of non-metallic expansion joints, you’ll be better prepared when it comes time to use them in the future. If you’re not already familiar with these uses, be sure to read carefully. Alright, that’s all for today’s key points—hopefully, this information has been helpful to you!

Jiangsu Yaxing

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