Lens Metal Expansion Joints
Lens Metal Expansion Joints
Lens metal expansion joints, constructed with sturdy materials, can have single or multiple bellows variations. Metal bellows are obtained by welding one or several components together, depending on the size of the expansion joint. While polygonal frames can be produced in U-profile or V-profile configurations, circular frames are exclusively made from U-profiles.
Lens-type metal expansion joints offer several advantages compared to traditional bellows-type metal expansion joints:
1) They exhibit higher resistance against mechanical damage compared to thin-walled bellows.
2) Thicker-walled lens bellows display enhanced resilience against corrosion attacks.
3) Drainage couplings can be positioned by welding beneath the convolutions.
4) Weld repairs can be conveniently performed by maintenance personnel.
Based on their geometric structures, Lens metal expansion joints are categorized into three distinct types: RoundTec, PolyTec, and RectaTec.
RoundTec PolyTec
RoundTec metal expansion joints effectively absorb the compression-extension and/or angular movements
occurring along the channel by allowing the parallel faces of the U-profiled joints that constitute them
to undergo positive or negative angular changes. On the other hand, the central pipe between the
U-profiled convolutions takes on the role of absorbing lateral movements along the channel.
The cumulative total of channel movements, including factors such as channel dimensions, line pressure,
fluid temperature, is compiled and calculated according to the AD2000 B13 standard to obtain an
appropriate design. Based on this design, one or more convolutions are combined with the central pipe to
create the final product.
Depending on environmental conditions, a portion of the loads accumulated on the convolutions of the
metal expansion joint can be transferred to the pipeline using components, thereby extending the service
life of the metal expansion joint. These components, often including limit stops, pantograph shears,
hinges, universal joints (gimbals), are custom-designed according to the type and magnitude of the
movement the compensator needs to absorb.
RoundTec compensators are categorized based on manufacturing types as NO-WELD and ONE-WELD.
ONE-WELD lens type metal compensators are composed of U-shaped bellows, obtained by joining two separate
parts with integral cross-sections at their apex through circumferential welding.
Lens type metal compensators, through the integrated design of parts welded together, ensure superior
durability, enhancing their ability to withstand effects such as thermal expansion, impact, and
displacement. These compensators find extensive use across a wide range of industrial applications,
delivering long-lasting performance attributed to the precision and accuracy achieved through spinning
and pressing.
The diversity of lens type metal compensators, coupled with various connection options, offers
flexibility and applicability. These compensators provide tailored solutions to different industrial
needs through customized design and assembly options. Ultimately, lens type metal compensators, crafted
with innovation and exceptional engineering, play a pivotal role in elevating the efficiency and
durability of industrial systems.
• Large production capacity from DN 200 to DN 8000
• Sheet thickness option up to 10mm
• Unlimited pitch (knuckle) height. (See: AD2000 Calculations)
• Manufacturing with one or more nodes.
• Flanged, swivel flange or welded flange connection option.
• Limit rod, gimbal, universal joint features can be added according to the ambient operating
conditions.
NO-WELD lens-type metal compensators, presented as an exceptional feat of engineering, are meticulously
crafted using a seamless bellows profile, eliminating the necessity for any circumferential welding on
the expansion joint. This unique manufacturing technique ensures that the expansion joint profiles
remain untouched by the hardness induced by heat during welding, thereby preserving their inherent
flexibility. As a result, these expansion joints enjoy significantly prolonged lifespans; NO-WELD
lens-type compensators offer an average usage life that is 20% to 30% longer than their ONE-WELD
counterparts manufactured withcircumferential welding. This innovative approach, abolishing the effects
of weld-induced hardening, elevates the service life of the expansion joints, delivering an amalgamation
of exceptional performance and unwavering reliability.
• Wide production capacity ranging from DN 1000 to DN 12000.
• Sheet thickness options from 2mm to 4mm.
• Maximum span (convolution) height of 222mm. (See: AD2000 Calculations)
• Single or multiple convolutions.
• Connection options include flanged, swivel flange, or welded end connections.
• Additional features such as limit rods, shear stops, hinges, gimbals and universal joint
characteristics can be added based on operating conditions.
PolyTec metal expansion joints effectively absorb the compression-extension and/or angular movements
occurring along the channel by allowing the parallel faces of the U-profiled joints that constitute them
to undergo positive or negative angular changes. On the other hand, the central pipe between the
U-profiled convolutions takes on the role of absorbing lateral movements along the channel.
PolyTec metal compensators, which have a very wide production range in terms of dimensions, are produced
from rectangular geometry to hexadecagon geometry. According to the operating conditions of the
compensator and the expected cycle life, the appropriate form is selected from 6 different corner
types.
Depending on environmental conditions, a portion of the loads accumulated on the convolutions of the
metal expansion joint can be transferred to the pipeline using components, thereby extending the service
life of the metal expansion joint. These components, often including limit stops, pantograph shears,
hinges, universal joints (gimbals), are custom-designed according to the type and magnitude of the
movement the compensator needs to absorb.
Single Angle
This is the most common and cost-effective type used to compensate for thermal expansion. It is
preferred for low-speed and vibration-free applications.
Single Double Angle
With both inner and outer corners double-angled, it offers better performance compared to the
single-angled corner design.
Rounded
This type is used in applications where vibration and cycle life are critical factors. The
manufacturing of rounded corners is the most expensive, but it has the advantage of reducing
corner stress.
Double Angle
The production of this type is slightly more costly than the single-angled corner design, but it
offers a longer lifespan under the same operating conditions.
Camera
This type is primarily used in low-pressure applications. It has good cycle life characteristics
and is less expensive than the double-angled corner design.
Full Rounded
With both inner and outer corners rounded, it offers much better performance than the previous
corner design.