Metal bellows expansion joints for pressure applications

The selection of the optimum expansion joint depends on a technical as well as an economical aspect. The bellows is the basic element of expansion joints. The aim of this research is to perform a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of metal bellows to investigate its static behavior and validate it with Expansion Joints Manufacturing Association (EJMA) standard. Further a parametric study is used to investigate the meridional stress component on the metal bellows at various temperatures. The result explains that the dimensions of convolution curvature are sensitive to its mechanical behavior. Also the component becomes flexible and peak stresses are reduced at elevated temperature.

Determination of Gimbal and Hinged Expansion Joints Reaction Moments

Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology ◽

10.1115/1.4024435 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 135 (5) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

José Carlos Veiga ◽

Nelson Kavanagh ◽

Ana Maria F. Sousa ◽

Jorivaldo Medeiros ◽

Jordana Luiza Veiga

Keyword(s):

Calculation Method ◽

Joint Movement ◽

Expansion Joint ◽

Expansion Joints ◽

Spring Rate ◽

Large Size ◽

Metal Bellows ◽

Media Pressure

This paper proposes a method to estimate the actual reaction loads in gimbal and hinged metal bellows expansion joints. Friction and some media pressure forces, which are not considered in current Expansion Joint Manufactures Association (EJMA) standard calculations, are added to bellows spring rate to estimate the expansion joint movement reaction moment. The proposed calculation method is based upon pressure and movement tests of large size expansion joints.

Development of a CAD/CAPP Integrated System for Metal Bellows Expansion Joints

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.455.580 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 455 ◽

pp. 580-584

Author(s):

Yan Fu Zhang ◽

A Chun Wang

Keyword(s):

Process Planning ◽

3D Modeling ◽

3D Models ◽

Integrated System ◽

Engineering Drawing ◽

Software Environment ◽

Expansion Joints ◽

Design Efficiency ◽

Metal Bellows ◽

Engineering Drawings

To meet the requirements of improving design efficiency and decreasing technique mistakes in the enterprise whose productions are customized by users, a method is introduced to develop CAD/CAPP integrated system. The functions of the integrated CAD/CAPP system developed according to this method include 3D modeling automatically assembled, 2D engineering drawing automatically drawn, process planning sheets automatically filled and parameters of key parts checked and optimized. This method is based on adding special features to the 3D modeling. An example CAD/CAPP integrated system of Metal Bellows Expansion Joints (MBEJ) is developed by using VisualBasic6.0 based on SolidWorks platform. This system can design MBEJ part parameters per GB/T12777 standard. These parameters have been used to generate MBEJ 3D models, engineering drawings and processing planning sheets automatically. All the functions have been integrated in SolidWorks software environment. The drawing paper and processing planning sheets can be modified manually to satisfy special demand.

Determination of Gimbal and Hinged Expansion Joints Reaction Moments

ASME 2010 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference: Volume 3 ◽

10.1115/pvp2010-25223 ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

Jose´ Carlos Veiga ◽

Nelson Kavanagh ◽

Ana Maria F. Sousa ◽

Jorivaldo Medeiros ◽

Jordana Luiza Veiga

Keyword(s):

Calculation Method ◽

Joint Movement ◽

Expansion Joint ◽

Expansion Joints ◽

Spring Rate ◽

Large Size ◽

Metal Bellows ◽

Media Pressure

This paper proposes a method to estimate the actual reaction loads in gimbal and hinged metal bellows expansion joints. Friction and some media pressure forces, which are not considered in current EJMA Standard calculations, are added to bellows spring rate to estimate the expansion joint movement reaction moment. The proposed calculation method is based upon pressure and movement tests of large size expansion joints.

Cyclic Fatigue in Metal Bellows

Volume 3: Design and Analysis ◽

10.1115/pvp2013-97026 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Scott Stelmar

Keyword(s):

Fatigue Life ◽

Additional Data ◽

Low Cycle Fatigue ◽

Cyclic Fatigue ◽

Data Sets ◽

Cycle Fatigue ◽

Calculation Methods ◽

Data Set ◽

Expansion Joints ◽

Metal Bellows

Engineers who encounter the need for metal bellows expansion joints in piping and heat exchangers are often challenged by cyclic fatigue life calculation methods. ASME has published formulas for predicting low cycle fatigue life of metal bellows. Both B31.3 Appendix X and BPVC VIII Appendix 26 are similar in their approach, but are based on a data set generated in 1986 that produces excessively conservative results. Since that time, members of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association and others have provided additional data sets that allow further extension and accuracy of formulaic methods for calculating fatigue life. Additionally the experiments were designed to allow discrimination by various metal classes identifying superior alloys for bellows element performance. Major corrections are possible that will allow increased confidence and economy of design for those engineers that must adhere to the requirements of the American Codes.

Metal bellows expansion joints for pressure applications

10.3403/30178609 ◽

2009 ◽

Keyword(s):

Expansion Joints ◽

Metal Bellows

The Design of Rectangular Metal Bellows

Volume 3: Design and Analysis ◽

10.1115/pvp2007-26010 ◽

2007 ◽

Author(s):

Robert K. Broyles

Keyword(s):

Beam Deflection ◽

Expansion Joints ◽

Lateral Deflection ◽

Linear Elastic ◽

Linear Limit ◽

Metal Bellows ◽

Improved Methods ◽

8Th Edition ◽

Turbine Exhaust

Rectangular metal expansion joints are commonly used in flue gas ductwork, turbine exhaust systems, and heat exchanger applications. The Standards of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association (EJMA) are widely referenced for the design of rectangular metal expansion joints. The 8th edition, 2005 addenda, contains equations for rectangular metal bellows pressure stresses, movement stresses, beam lateral deflection, fatigue life, and spring rate. This paper evaluates the accuracy of the EJMA equations based on failure reports and FEA studies. Both linear elastic and non-linear limit analyses are used for the evaluations. Improved methods are proposed for the determination of pressure capacity, beam deflection, moment of inertia, and corner rigidity. New lateral deflection limits and acceptance criteria are provided herein. This paper also includes design considerations for the pressure stops used to support bellows rails.