Stainless Steel Expansion Bellows / Expansion Joints
Metal Expansion Bellow — Axial, Lateral, Angular and Universal Types
Metal expansion bellows (also called metal expansion joints or compensators) absorb thermal expansion, vibration and pipe misalignment in steam, exhaust, hot gas and high temperature pipelines — the duty where rubber expansion joints cannot be used. Zhongsong supplies stainless steel bellows assemblies with flanged, butt-weld or threaded ends, made to your pipeline drawing.
Construction
- Corrugated stainless steel bellows, single or multi-ply: SS304, SS316L, SS321
- Optional inner sleeve (guide tube) to protect the bellows from flow erosion
- Optional external cover for outdoor and dusty service
- Limit rods, hinges, gimbals or tie rods according to the movement to be absorbed
Types
- Axial — absorbs compression and extension along the pipe axis
- Lateral — absorbs offset at right angles to the pipe axis
- Angular — absorbs rotation at the joint; two or three units form a universal assembly
- Universal (twin bellows with centre pipe) — absorbs large lateral movement in one assembly
Typical applications
Steam and condensate lines, turbine and engine exhaust, flue gas ducts, heat exchangers, power and chemical plants, petrochemical and refining, district heating, pump and compressor connections, HVAC plant rooms.
Specifications
- Type: axial / lateral / angular / universal (twin) / hinged / gimbal
- Bellows material: SS304, SS316L, SS321; single or multi-ply
- Size: DN25–DN1200 standard; larger sizes quoted on request
- End connections: flanged (GB/T, DIN, ANSI, JIS, BS), butt-weld, threaded
- Design pressure: PN6–PN40 (6–40 bar); higher pressure with multi-ply bellows
- Design temperature: up to +600 °C depending on material and construction
- Movement: axial, lateral and angular; inner sleeve and limit rods optional
- Media: steam, hot water, hot air, exhaust and flue gas, chemical vapour
How to specify
Send us the nominal size (DN), medium, design temperature and pressure, the movement to be absorbed (axial / lateral / angular, in mm or degrees), the end connection (flange standard or weld), and whether an inner sleeve or limit rods are required. We will return a drawing and quotation within 24 hours on working days.
Quality and testing
Batch test reports are supplied with each shipment. Third-party inspection (SGS / BV / TÜV) can be arranged at the factory before shipment, and pre-shipment photos and videos are sent for confirmation.
Why buyers work with us
Bellows are made to your drawing and size, not selected from a fixed stock list — so unusual lengths, flange drillings and multi-ply constructions are normal work for us. Neutral packing and OEM marking are available, and long assemblies are braced and crated so they arrive straight.