Flexible And Corrosion-resistant Solutions For Industrial Piping Systems
A spherical compensator, also known as a spherical expansion joint or spherical bellows, is a type of expansion joint used in piping systems to accommodate movement in multiple directions.
Flexible And Corrosion-resistant Solutions For Industrial Piping Systems
A spherical compensator, also known as a spherical expansion joint or spherical bellows, is a type of expansion joint used in piping systems to accommodate movement in multiple directions.
A flexible solution for absorbing axial, lateral, and angular movements in piping systems.
A spherical compensator consists of a spherical-shaped bellows or flexible element that allows movement in multiple directions, including axial, lateral, and angular. It is designed to absorb thermal expansion, contraction, and other types of movement while maintaining system integrity.
The three-dimensional spherical compensator is composed of two spherical structural elements and a sleeve element. Together, they form a toggle structure that can simultaneously absorb three-dimensional expansion.
Multi-directional flexibility and expansion absorption
Capable of large deflection angles and axial displacement, effectively handling boiler downward displacement and thermal expansion in pipelines.
Horizontal installations mainly absorb angular displacement, while vertical installations primarily absorb axial displacement—allowing engineers to select the correct model for their needs.
Available in DN200–DN600 (9 sizes) or 18"–32" (8 sizes), with lengths ranging 1200–3000 mm, totaling 85 specifications to cover diverse project needs.
Spherical Compensators are advanced components designed for pipeline thermal expansion and industrial piping solutions, offering exceptional corrosion resistance and flexibility. Typically made from stainless steel (SS304 or SS316L), these compensators feature a spherical bellows design that efficiently absorbs multi-directional movements, including axial, lateral, and angular displacements, in piping systems. They are ideal for boiler systems, petrochemical plants, power generation, and HVAC applications, where they mitigate thermal stress and provide vibration damping.
Available in sizes from 2” to 24” (DN50 to DN600), spherical compensators operate at pressures up to 40 bar (580 PSI) and temperatures from -200°C to 500°C, depending on the material and configuration. Compliant with standards like ASME B31.3, EJMA, and DIN, these compensators consist of a spherical bellows core, often reinforced with stainless steel braiding or tie rods for enhanced stability. The spherical design allows for greater movement absorption compared to traditional bellows, reducing stress on pipelines and connected equipment.
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel makes these compensators suitable for handling aggressive media, including steam, hot water, and chemicals, in harsh environments. Their ability to absorb pipeline thermal expansion and vibrations ensures equipment protection, extending the lifespan of pumps, valves, and other components. Features like welded end fittings (flanges, threaded, or welded ends) and optional liners enhance compatibility with diverse piping systems, while external coatings (e.g., 3LPE) improve abrasion resistance. Custom configurations are available to meet specific project requirements.
Compared to axial or hinged compensators, spherical compensators offer superior flexibility for multi-directional movements but may have lower pressure ratings in high-pressure applications. They undergo rigorous testing, including pressure, leak, and fatigue tests, to ensure compliance with industry standards. These compensators are particularly effective in boiler pipeline protection, where thermal expansion and vibration are critical challenges. Their robust design ensures reliable performance in demanding environments like refineries and power plants.
Spherical compensators address critical issues like pipeline stress, corrosion, and vibration in industrial systems. Their stainless steel construction and spherical design make them a reliable choice for engineers seeking durable industrial piping solutions for extreme conditions, ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity in applications like steam pipelines, chemical processing, and HVAC systems.
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08 (SS304), ≤0.03 (SS316L) |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18-20 (SS304), 16-18 (SS316L) |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8-10.5 (SS304), 10-14 (SS316L) |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0 (SS304), 2-3 (SS316L) |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, min (MPa) | 515-690 |
| Yield Strength, min (MPa) | 205-275 |
| Elongation, min (%) | 40 |
| Pressure Rating (PSI) | Up to 580 |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -200 to 500 |
We are professional in Sleeve compensator include Single flow sleeve compensator, Rotary compensator, Spherical compensator and Non thrust sleeve compensator.
The sleeve type compensator/tube type expansion joint adopts a new type of sealing material flexible graphite ring, which has the characteristics of high strength, no aging, good effect and convenient maintenance. The tubular telescopic joint has a long service life and a fatigue life comparable to that of a pipe.
The sleeve compensator, also known as a pipe-type expansion joint, functions as a compensating device within hot fluid pipelines. Its primary application is in the auxiliary equipment of straight pipelines. It is suitable for conveying hot water, steam, grease, and other media. It achieves thermal expansion compensation through the sliding movement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve.
The sleeve compensator is designed for use in medium engineering applications with a pressure rating of ≤2.5MPa and is suitable for a temperature range of -40℃ to 600℃.
This compensator employs a new type of sealing material, namely, a flexible graphite ring. This material offers several advantages, including high strength, a low friction coefficient (0.04~0.10), resistance to aging, and effective sealing, along with easy maintenance.
The sleeve compensator boasts a lengthy service life, with fatigue resistance equivalent to that of the pipeline. Its sliding surface is specially treated to provide excellent corrosion resistance, even in saltwater, salt solutions, and similar environments, surpassing austenitic stainless steel by over 50 times. In cases where the sealing effect weakens due to wear over many years, the flange can be retightened to enhance the sealing performance. Alternatively, the bolts can be loosened, the pressure ring can be removed, and one or two layers of sealing rings can be added to compress the pressure ring for continued use.
Specify the correct diameter and length to fit your piping system.
Consider the full operating temperature range for durability and safety.
Match the expansion joint to the type of system and operating conditions.
Identify the media and pressure range for safe, leak-free operation.
Delivery
Inner plastic film packing, outer standard export wooden case packing.
Courier company transport, air freight and sea transport. It depends on your actual order details and quantity.
Spherical compensator are essential in industries requiring flexible, corrosion-resistant solutions for thermal expansion and vibration control in piping systems.
Absorbs thermal expansion in pipelines and refineries.
Handles corrosive media and vibrations.
Protects boilers and turbines from thermal stress.
Ensures leak-free operation in piping systems.
Manages cryogenic temperatures and vibrations.
Reduces noise and vibration in piping.
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