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Rubber Expansion Bellows

High pressure rubber bellows available from stock with various elastomers and flange tables.
Rubber expansion joint Bellows

Rubber Expansion Bellows

Essential Components for Piping Systems

Rubber bellows, also known as rubber expansion bellows or rubber expansion joints, are indispensable in piping systems for absorbing movement, vibrations, and misalignments between connected sections. Various materials are available, including natural rubber, neoprene, and nitrile rubber, and they are known for their flexibility and durability.

Functions and Benefits of Rubber Expansion Bellows

The primary role of rubber expansion bellows is to absorb vibrations and shocks within a piping system. This capability is crucial in preventing stress, fatigue, and potential damage to pipes and associated equipment. Temperature variations, pressure fluctuations, or dynamic forces typically cause such movements.

Rubber bellows are suitable for various industrial applications, such as HVAC systems, power plants, chemical plants, and pipelines. Their flexibility helps maintain the integrity and longevity of the entire system. They are available in axial, lateral, and angular designs to accommodate specific directional movement requirements.

In summary, rubber expansion bellows are flexible connectors within piping systems, providing a reliable solution for accommodating movements and maintaining overall infrastructure stability.

UK-Stocked Rubber Expansion Bellows for Fast Dispatch

We stock a comprehensive range of rubber expansion bellows in the UK, ensuring fast dispatch and reducing downtime on-site, ranging in diameter from 25mm to 600mm, catering to various needs.

Our rubber expansion bellows are available with mild or stainless steel spinning flanges. We can machine these flanges to match any flange table or non-standard drilling requirements. Additionally, we offer bellows with mild steel female union end fittings that are 200mm long for bore sizes up to 50mm.

Custom Lengths and Identification

Our standard stock flanged expansion bellows have overall lengths of 130mm and 150mm, but we can provide custom lengths upon request. To help with identification, manufacturers typically mark different types of rubber bellows with specific colour spots or bands: Nitrile rubber with a yellow spot or band, EPDM with a red spot or band, Viton with a purple spot or band, and Hypalon with a green spot or band.

Additional Features and Customization Options

Our rubber expansion bellows are designed for optimal performance, combining sturdiness and versatility. For enhanced strength, we offer tie bars with each below. We can also accommodate non-standard flanges if you require them.

Hand-fabricated rubber bellows might be more suitable for applications where standard sizes do not meet your needs. 

For more detailed information, click here.

Conclusion

Rubber bellows are critical for the efficient operation and longevity of piping systems across various industries. They absorb vibrations and accommodate movements, protecting your system from stress and damage. With our UK-stocked range and customisation options, we provide quick and reliable solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need standard sizes or bespoke hand-fabricated bellows, we ensure your system operates smoothly and efficiently. 

Moulded Rubber Bellows
Rubber Expansion Bellows

Standard Materials

EPDM
Nitrile
Hypalon
White Nitrile
Viton

Applications

Pump vibration isolation
Thermal expansion
Cooling water
Heating systems
Sound and vibration dampening

Ask the experts

With over 50 years experience manufacturing bespoke flexible connectors, we can help with the design process and material selection. Why not give us a call to see how we can help you find the right solution.

Call us on 01606 836024 or email: sales@flexibleconnections.co.uk

Chemical table

ColourMaterialMain ApplicationsMax Temp C
RedEPDMHot water, heating & ventilation systems, weak acids & alkalis90
Double RedEPDMHigh temperature hot water, heating & ventilation systems, weak acids & alkalis.130
YellowNitrileOil & gas transportation, refineries80
GreenHypalonWater, Good chemical resistant qualities for acids90
PurpleVitonHigh temp applications, transportation of products derived from petroleum / chemicals / oils / solvents130
WhiteFood Grade NitrileTransportation of food stuffs, potable water distribution80
BlueButyl HTHigh temperature110

Size Table

Nominal Bore
(NB)

Standard LengthsAlternative LengthWorking
Pressure

Movements
Axial (mm)Lateral (+/-)Angular (+/-)
MMINSMMMMBARCOMPRESSIONELONGATIONMMDEG
25113015095161391315
321 1/413015095161391315
401 1/213015095161391315
502130150105161391315
652 1/2130150115161391315
803130150-161391315
1004130150-161391315
1255130150170161391315
1506130150180161391315
2008130150205161391315
25010130200-161391315
30012130200-161391315
35014-200-1015102010
40016-200-1015102010
45018-200-101510208
50020-200-101510206
60024-200-101510206

Get in touch today for a quote

Feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions or bespoke requirements

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