Pipe compensators, also known as telescopers, expansion joints, or expansion joints, are mainly used to compensate for the thermal expansion and contraction of pipes due to temperature changes. Here are some of the main types of pipe compensators:
Metal corrugated compensator：
Also known as metal expansion joint, it is a compensation element composed of bellows (an elastic element) and attachments such as end tubes, brackets, flanges and conduits. It utilizes the effective expansion and contraction deformation of the bellows to absorb the dimensional changes of pipelines, conduits, containers, etc. caused by thermal expansion and contraction, or to compensate the axial, transverse and angular displacements of pipelines, conduits, containers, etc. In addition, it can also be used for noise reduction and vibration reduction, which is widely used in modern industry.
Non-metallic compensator：
It can compensate the axial, transverse and angular displacements of pipelines, and has the characteristics of no thrust, simplified bearing design, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, noise and vibration reduction, etc. It is especially suitable for hot air ducts and smoke ducts.
sleeve compensator：
The gap between the inner and outer tubes is sealed with packing, and the inner cannula can move freely with the change of temperature, thus playing a compensation role.
Square compensator：
It is made by bending pipe or welding by elbow assembly, and the flexible deformation of turnback pipe with less rigidity is used to eliminate thermal stress and compensate the thermal elongation of straight pipe at both ends. It has the advantages of convenient manufacture, large compensation, small axial thrust, convenient maintenance and reliable operation, but the disadvantage is that it occupies a large floor area.
Spherical compensator：
The angular displacement of the sphere is used to compensate the thermal elongation of the pipeline and eliminate the thermal stress, which is suitable for the thermal pipeline with three-way displacement. Its advantages are that it takes up little space, saves materials and does not produce thrust, but its disadvantages are that it is easy to leak water and steam, so it needs to be strengthened and repaired.
Rubber compensator：
It is a flexible joint made of rubber material, which has good acid and alkali resistance, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and wear resistance.
Elastic plate compensator：
It is a kind of flexible joint made of elastic material, which has good temperature resistance, acid and alkali resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and other properties.
Natural compensator：
The elasticity of the tube geometry is utilized to absorb thermal deformation. However, the disadvantage is that the transverse displacement will occur when the pipe is deformed, and the compensated pipe section cannot be very large.
The above are some main types of pipeline compensators. Different compensators have different characteristics and scope of application. It is necessary to choose the appropriate compensator according to the specific pipeline system and working environment.