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Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator

Thrust-free Axial Expansion Joints For Stress-free Piping

A non-thrust sleeve compensator is a type of expansion joint used in piping systems to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without generating axial thrust forces.

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator

Thrust-free Axial Expansion Joints For Stress-free Piping

A non-thrust sleeve compensator is a type of expansion joint used in piping systems to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without generating axial thrust forces.

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator
Pipeline Expansion Joint
Thermal Expansion Absorber
Axial Compensator

The Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator, also known as a pipeline expansion joint, is an advanced solution engineered to absorb thermal expansion and contraction in piping systems without transferring thrust forces to adjacent equipment or structures. This axial compensator is designed for industries such as petrochemical, power generation, district heating, and water supply, where high temperatures and pressures are prevalent. Its innovative design, featuring a sliding sleeve, flexible graphite sealing rings, and a robust outer casing, ensures excellent corrosion resistance and long-term reliability in demanding environments.

The Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator operates by allowing the inner sleeve to slide freely within the outer casing, compensating for axial movements caused by temperature fluctuations, vibrations, or ground settlement. Conforming to standards like GB/T 12777 or EJMA, it is available in sizes from 2" to 48" (DN50 to DN1200), with pressure ratings up to PN25 and operating temperatures exceeding 400°C. Materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel (304/316L), or high-alloy steels provide durability, while advanced sealing materials like flexible graphite ensure leak-proof performance without aging, minimizing maintenance needs.

Unlike traditional bellows or thrust-generating expansion joints, the Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator eliminates axial thrust forces, reducing the need for heavy anchors or large mounting brackets. This makes it ideal for long pipelines or systems where fixed anchors are impractical. Rigorous testing, including hydrostatic, sealing integrity, fatigue, and non-destructive tests, ensures compliance with industry standards. The compensator’s thrust-free design and lack of pre-tightening requirements simplify installation in both aboveground and buried piping systems, enhancing its role as a thermal expansion absorber.

The Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator excels in applications requiring significant axial compensation, such as steam, hot water, or oil transmission pipelines. Its ability to handle large compensation distances (up to 500m in a single pipeline section) makes it a cost-effective alternative to bellows joints or natural compensation methods. Optional surface treatments, such as 3LPE or epoxy coatings, further enhance corrosion resistance, while welded or flanged ends ensure compatibility with various piping configurations. This makes it a versatile solution for pipe stress relief in complex industrial systems.

In practical applications, the Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator minimizes pipeline stress in power plants, chemical refineries, and municipal water systems, preventing cracks, leaks, and costly downtime. Its long service life, comparable to the pipeline itself, and low maintenance requirements make it an economical choice for engineers seeking reliable pipeline expansion joint solutions for high-throughput systems under extreme conditions.

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator

Designed for axial thermal expansion compensation without generating thrust forces.

Applications

  • Hot water, steam, oil, and chemical pipelines
  • Absorption of axial thermal expansion in linear pipelines
  • Systems with high chloride ion content
  • Direct-buried pipelines (no maintenance wells required)

Advantages

  • Long service life, equal to the pipeline
  • Superior corrosion resistance (>50× stainless steel in saltwater)
  • Easy maintenance with replaceable sealing rings
  • Two-way compensation available
  • Cost-effective direct-buried installation

Design Features

  • Sliding sleeve mechanism for axial movement absorption
  • Available in one-way or two-way compensation structure
  • Flexible graphite sealing rings with low friction coefficient (0.04–0.10)
  • Anti-corrosion treatment for superior performance in chloride-rich environments
  • Direct-buried installation reduces engineering costs

Technical Parameters

Parameter Value
Design Pressure ≤ 2.5 MPa
Medium Temperature -40°C to +600°C
Compensation Amount Up to 60 mm (standard)
Sealing Material Flexible graphite ring
Service Life Comparable to pipeline lifespan
Corrosion Resistance >50× austenitic stainless steel in saltwater

Installation Guidelines

  • Protect from sun, rain, and dust before installation
  • Ensure no dents, rust, or defects before use
  • Welded ends must be grooved and hydrostatically tested
  • Tighten packing bolts during installation, and re-tighten after 24 hours
  • Guide supports must prevent lateral displacement, ensuring axial-only expansion
  • Expansion section must not be restrained by insulation or waterproofing
Chemical Composition of Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator
Element Composition (%)
Carbon (C) ≤0.08
Manganese (Mn) ≤2.00
Phosphorus (P) ≤0.045
Sulfur (S) ≤0.030
Silicon (Si) ≤1.00
Chromium (Cr) 18.0-20.0
Nickel (Ni) 8.0-12.0
Molybdenum (Mo) -
Mechanical Properties of Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator
Property Value
Tensile Strength, min (MPa) 515
Yield Strength, min (MPa) 205
Elongation, min (%) 40 (Longitudinal), 30 (Transverse)
Hardness, max (HBW) 201

FAQs of Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator

Engineered to meet diverse industrial needs with robust materials and versatile designs.

A Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator is a pipeline expansion joint designed to absorb axial thermal expansion and vibrations without transferring thrust forces, ensuring stress relief and durability in piping systems.

It includes a sliding sleeve, outer casing, flexible graphite sealing rings, and a sealing gland, designed for leak-proof performance and corrosion resistance.

Common materials include stainless steel (304/316L), carbon steel, and high-alloy steels, with optional coatings like 3LPE or epoxy for enhanced corrosion resistance.

For stainless steel 304: - Carbon (C): ≤0.08% - Manganese (Mn): ≤2.00% - Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045% - Sulfur (S): ≤0.030% - Silicon (Si): ≤1.00% - Chromium (Cr): 18.0-20.0% - Nickel (Ni): 8.0-12.0%

For stainless steel 304: - Tensile Strength: ≥515 MPa - Yield Strength: ≥205 MPa - Elongation: ≥40% (Longitudinal), ≥30% (Transverse) - Hardness: ≤201 HBW

Available in sizes from 2" to 48" (DN50 to DN1200), with pressure ratings up to PN25 and operating temperatures exceeding 400°C.

Tests include hydrostatic, sealing integrity, fatigue, and non-destructive tests to ensure compliance with GB/T 12777 or EJMA standards.

Used in power plants, petrochemical refineries, district heating, and municipal water systems for absorbing axial thermal expansion and vibrations.

Requires no pre-tightening; welded or flanged ends simplify installation. Maintenance involves periodic inspection of sealing materials, with easy replacement due to the sliding sleeve design.

It eliminates thrust forces, reducing the need for heavy anchors, unlike single-flow or rotary sleeve compensators, making it ideal for long pipelines or systems with limited anchor points.
CS thermal pipeline expansion bend

The Right Sleeve compensator for Your Needs

We are professional in Sleeve compensator include Single flow sleeve compensator, Rotary compensator, Spherical compensator and Non thrust sleeve compensator.

DN150 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.

Key Factors When Specifying Expansion Joints

S
Size

Specify the correct diameter and length to fit your piping system.

T
Temperature

Consider the full operating temperature range for durability and safety.

A
Application

Match the expansion joint to the type of system and operating conditions.

M/P
Media & Pressure

Identify the media and pressure range for safe, leak-free operation.

What is honed tube?

Delivery

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator

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.

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator Applications

Non-Thrust Sleeve Compensator are essential in industries requiring flexible, corrosion-resistant solutions for thermal expansion and vibration control in piping systems.

Oil & Gas Industry

Absorbs thermal expansion in pipelines and refineries.

Petrochemical Industry

Handles corrosive media and vibrations.

Power Generation

Protects boilers and turbines from thermal stress.

Water Treatment

Ensures leak-free operation in piping systems.

LNG Terminals

Manages cryogenic temperatures and vibrations.

HVAC Systems

Reduces noise and vibration in piping.

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