Compensator for the pipeline: types, manufacturers, description and reviews. Compensators for pipelines made of polypropylene

The operation of many devices, communication nodes and mechanisms places high stress on the materials and structures used in such systems. Vibration, excessive pressure, and humidity with temperature also have a negative effect. To minimize phenomena that contribute to the deformation of materials, technologists provide for the integration of compensators. Especially similar additions are common in heating and water supply systems. In particular, for such needs a compensator is used for the pipeline, which extends the working life of the communication line. There are many variants of constructions of such elements, but all of them are subordinated to one task - reduction of loads and harmful influences on pipes.

Principle of operation

To understand the functions performed by the compensator, it is necessary to say about the natural processes occurring in the pipeline during its operation. The fact is that under the influence of high temperatures, the pipe lengthens. Conversely, when cooled, it assumes the usual state. If the line has a reliable fixation at two points, then there is a very real risk of mechanical deformation of the material. To prevent this from happening, a compensator for the pipeline is introduced into the structure, which takes on all the loads from the natural deforming processes. We can say that there is a local concentration of elongation and narrowing at specific sites where compensating devices are installed. What happens to this element? Several forces act on it, including transverse and longitudinal forces. In this case, the compensator can flex and take different forms. But in any case it should be a reliable element, capable of carrying a responsible service, keeping the tightness of the pipes.

Variation of expansion joints

There are two main classifications of such devices - by design and by materials. In this case, the design can influence the choice of material by the manufacturer. So, today there are the following types of pipe expansion joints, which differ in structural features: bellows, tube, stuffing and lenticular. Each of these options provides the performance of functions to reduce deformation, but it has a special device and, as a consequence, recommendations for use. The classification according to the materials is not so wide. At the moment, metal, rubber and polypropylene models are more often used. And now it is possible to consider more in detail the varieties of compensators.

Tube models

This is the simplest kind of compensator, which is also called U-shaped. Its features include the possibility of using the effect of pipe self-compensation. This ability of the line is usually achieved through the special design of communications. So, what does the installation of expansion joints on P-shaped pipelines give in practice? First of all, it should be noted that they can be used even under the condition of a high level of temperature indicators. Thus, the pipe compensator allows you to protect the structure in the most severe operating conditions and under increased pressure. Part of this is facilitated by the reliable device of the part itself - the production of the element uses a curved pipe or several fragments of bent taps connected by welding. But there are disadvantages to this kind. In most cases, these are massive components that require an appropriate amount of consumables for production. Accordingly, this is not the cheapest solution to the problem of deformation on pipelines.

Lens Models

In this case, the lens is a welded structure, in which two metal thin-walled components are used. It is thanks to them that harmless deformation compression occurs. As a rule, the lens compensators of pipelines are used not in the singular, but in series. This can be a series of successive elements, each of which takes its compensating load. Inside the element special glasses are provided, by means of which resistance to movement of water can be weakened. To ensure the release of condensate, the lower parts of such lenses also provide drainage fittings. Such models are effective in the sense that they make it possible to rationally use both the potential of the compensator itself and the pipeline resource due to the selection of the optimal number of elements.

Packing box

The design is a combination of two nozzles connected together. To be more precise, they integrate into each other. In order to increase the sealing function, manufacturers supply devices with gland packing seals with a packing book. As a result, such a system allows us to provide a fairly high compensating effect, while possessing small dimensions. However, in technological communications such models are practically not used because of the complexity of sealing sealing gaskets. It is better to use gland expansion joints for heating pipelines and other communications, where no intensive wear of the seal is expected. It is important to remember that damage to the stuffing box will mean a breach of the seal, which is particularly unacceptable in pipelines through which flammable and toxic media are transported.

Bellows expansion joints

This is one of the most practical and long-lasting compensators. It is distinguished by its small dimensions, the presence of high quality stainless steel in the structure, as well as the device itself, which is designed to receive dynamic and static loads. Also, the advantages of such devices include the lack of stringent requirements for laying, maintenance and installation of special cameras. Regardless of the operating conditions, the bellows expansion joints of the pipelines are able to cope with both hydro impact and vibration loads, while maintaining the integrity of the communications. By the way, according to the service life of the device correspond to the pipes themselves, therefore, premature replacement is not required. The operating range in temperature ranges from 0 to 1000 ° C, which also puts the bellows components in a number of the most cost-effective expansion joints.

Rubber Models

Models of this type are made of elastomers and differ in cord reinforcement. Usually rubber expansion joints are used for working in liquid media. Actually, based on the characteristics of the coolant, and should be selected elastomer. For example, the most popular is ethylene-propylene or butadiene-nitrile rubber. In the first case, the device is supposed to be used in an aquatic environment, and the second option is intended for working with petroleum products. Not all expansion joints for pipelines are able to work with acids and alkalis. The rubber models intended for aggressive environments are made of a special material called gipalon. To enhance the resistance to chemical attack, manufacturers provide the compensator material and Teflon sputtering. Technologists are also concerned about the structural functionality of rubber products, supplying them with all kinds of connecting rods and corner stops.

Advantages of models from polypropylene

Products of this type are designed for the maintenance of plastic pipes, which have many differences from metal analogues. In particular, compensators for polypropylene pipelines provide protection against displacement and stretching under the influence of temperature fluctuations and water hammers. Such devices can be used both in cold supply communications and in hot water supply systems. The range of assignment of compensators by type of objects is not limited either. They are installed on the plumbing of administrative buildings, in homes and enterprises.

Although composites and plastics are the most technologically advanced materials at the moment, they can not be called unconditional leaders in terms of engineering and operational development. Nevertheless, compensators for polypropylene pipelines have many advantages. For example, they are distinguished by a simple device and ease of installation. To the undoubted merits of the material itself is a light weight. As a result, the expansion joints ensure the reliability of the pipeline operation without disruptions and deformations.

Manufacturers

In the domestic market, the products of Russian enterprises are mainly represented, which is distinguished by an affordable price and relatively good working qualities. For example, the company "Armatek" specializes in rubber vibrovstavkah - these are expansion joints, which differ in their small size and versatility in the gasket. Quite a lot of manufacturers are actively developing the segment of bellows models. Compensators of this type with a good quality are produced by Compens and Metalcomp. If the compensator for the pipeline needs to be supplemented with other fittings and, in particular, with metal hoses, then it is worth turning to the assortment of the Vladimir plant "VZR". Of course, the domestic manufacturer is not able to fully cover all the demand. Especially in advanced developments and technical innovations, Russian enterprises lag behind foreign colleagues. In this regard, it is worth noting the company "Apel" and "ANT", which not only produce, but also supply from Europe high-quality compensators of famous brands.

Mounting of expansion joints

It is advisable to mount the devices starting from the drawing up of the pipeline diagram. It marks the points where the compensators will be located. For the correct determination of these areas, two main factors must be taken into account: temperature changes throughout the entire length of the line, and also the distance from the pipe attachment points. Typically, the elements are set in the middle between two fixing points. Directly the installation of pipe expansion joints is usually realized by welding. To simplify this operation, the device is removed and the fixing cage is moved. A special mounting device is attached to the free end of the compensator and the prepared pipeline section, by means of which the device is stretched to the junction with the pipe. After this, the joint is brewed and the adaptation for the installation is removed from the compensator.

Feedback about compensators

The content of additional reinforcement necessitates additional costs. This factor forces many service organizations to pre-calculate the communication network with the possibility of self-compensation. And yet, users who decided to put a special compensator for the pipeline, reviews about its benefits are mostly positive. Today, one can not fully appreciate its effect, since practically all pipelines are supplied with such devices. But there are also critical opinions. They are usually associated with the need for calculations, errors in which often lead to accidents. In terms of the longevity of the compensators, too, everything is not going smoothly. Many recommend not to save and immediately acquire strong and efficient bellows models.