Heat Exchanger World Magazine May / June 2024 | Page 25

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Tech Talk
environment which can ultimately cause the fabric to deteriorate . Flange Connection : If possible , the use of a welded connection is often recommended to mitigate the risk of connection failure . Inner Sleeve : Designed to protect the bellows and insulation pillow from turbulent flow and control the accumulation of particulate materials in the frame cavity , Inner Sleeves are generally adopted when the flow velocity exceeds 10m / s . Insulation Pillow : Used when the media being conveyed has solid particulates to prevent the materials from accumulating in the frame . If the material is able to accumulate the fabric joint will lose its flexibility or combust . They can also be used in exhaust turbine ducts and large draft fans to fill out any cavities to avoid pressure variations and flutters on the application start-up . Cuff : Fabricated with fabrics with high thermal insulation properties , a cuff is used to protect the bellows from heat transfer through the metallic frame . Back-up Bar : A back-up bar is placed on the external surface of a bellow and is used to connect bellows to the metallic frame . It is important to consider its width and thickness as it is designed to provide the system with additional sealing when in operation .
4 – Pipe to joint sealability One often overlooked element of fabric expansion joints is the importance of their sealability . A tight seal ensures that harmful gases or particulate matter cannot leak into the surrounding environment , preventing air pollution and potential health hazards . Despite the bellows having their sealing surface , it is necessary in some situations to incorporate additional sealing to compensate for irregularities . Additionally , proper sealability helps maintain the optimal flow of gases through the ducts , ensuring efficient operation of industrial processes such as heating , ventilation , and air conditioning systems . By preventing leaks and maintaining airflow , sealability in fabric expansion joints contributes to overall system reliability , safety , and compliance with environmental regulations . Investing in high-quality seals and regularly inspecting and maintaining them is crucial for the effective functioning of flue duct systems .
5 – Maintenance matters Regular maintenance is essential for maximizing the performance and longevity of fabric expansion
Teadit fabric expansion joint .
Teadit fabric expansion joint .
joints . Regular inspection and maintenance routines should include checking for signs of wear , corrosion , or damage , as well as verifying proper alignment and movement capability . Indications of damage such as discoloration , corrosion , or the presence of hot spots , must be met with immediate steps to replace the compromised assets . Timely replacement of worn or damaged expansion joints is necessary to prevent potential system failures and costly downtime .
Overview Fabric expansion joints are critical components in industrial ductwork systems , providing flexibility while maintaining system integrity and preventing leaks . Understanding the key aspects of these expansion joints , including their purpose , construction , types , installation , maintenance , and selection considerations , is essential for ensuring efficient operation and longevity of industrial processes . By prioritizing proper installation , regular maintenance , and appropriate selection , industrial facilities can optimize the performance and reliability of their flue duct systems , minimizing downtime and enhancing overall productivity .
About the Author
Angelica Pajkovic is a Client Specialist at Teadit , with a particular focus on technical content development . Hailing from Toronto , Canada , she has over six years of experience in the industrial industry . In her previous role as Editor-in-Chief at an industrial publishing company , she gained a rounded understanding of the challenges , interests , and business relationships in the industrial sector . For more information , please contact Angelica via email at : angelicap @ teadit . com . www . heat-exchanger-world . com Heat Exchanger World June 2024
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