An industrial system operating constantly under extreme temperature require component engineered for reliability, flexibility, and long life span. High-temperature composite expansion joints play a crucial role in such environments, especially in systems exposed to temperatures ranging from 400°F to as high as 1200°F. These materials are lightweight and are usually capable to bear temperature up to 1000°C, depending on the capacity of the material. Some of the major types of high-temperature composites are ceramic, matrix, polymer matrix composites, metal carbides and nitrides. They are used in manufacturing various components such as engine parts, exhaust parts, heat shields and fire barriers, among others. These specalised joints are designed to absorb movement, reduce vibration and protect equipment from the damaging effects of thermal expansion. They also maintain system’s integrity under intense operating conditions.
- Flexibility and controlled movement
Due to thermal expansion, all high-temperature systems- such as ducting, piping and exhaust systems- will experience some movement as a result of heating and cooling. Most systems, when heated up or cooled down, they expand and contract. If there is a lack of appropriately sized or designed expansion joints in the system, they will eventually fail due to cracking, warping, leaking or ultimately failing to operate altogether. High composite expansion joints provide flexibility and controlled movement at high temperatures without structural strength.
- Insulation layers
The addition of vapour barriers adds a level of protection by inhibiting moisture, gases and corrosive materials from entering the expansion joint assembly. This function is extremely critical in industrial environments where high temperatures are present in conjunction with condensation or other chemicals produced through industrial processes. Insulation helps in restricting the heat transmitted to the internal components, allowing them to operate effectively for longer periods of time.
- Superior performance for extreme applications
High temperature composite expansion joints are most often utilised in the following applications: Power Generation (Power Generating Plants), Petrochemical (Chemical Processing Plants), Steel, Incineration and Industrial Boiler Systems. In addition to extremely high temperatures, these joints are also required to withstand the continuous up and down fluctuations in pressure, and the constant vibration and mechanical movement. The composite design has the benefit of having a lower weight than its metal alternative while still providing superior performance for extreme applications.
- Customised design
Customised design is another benefit associated with composite expansion joints. Each composite expansion joint must be designed according to the environmental conditions in which it will be used (temperature range and pressure range), as well as the specific movement and environmental conditions under which it will be working. High-temperature expansion joints can be engineered to handle axial, lateral, and angular movement while fitting in a smooth manner to existing systems. These customised designs permit the joint to perform optimally with limited stress placed on the other equipment connected to the joint.
- Multiple layers for protection
High-pressure expansion joints are constructed of multiple layers of thermal insulation with numerous strategically located vapour barriers. This layer approach enables extensive heat dissipation yet supports internal system pressures and prevents heat from transferring into adjacent assemblies and hardware. Each layer is designed to serve a specific purpose such as thermal insulation or mechanical strength.
Advanced Flexible Systems, Inc. is a reliable and expert expansion joint manufacturer engaged in designing and manufacturing advanced composite expansion joints for use in extreme environments. We design our high temp joints using various layers of thermal expansion, offset by vapor barriers. These expansion joints are thoughtfully designed to withstand the high temperatures and accompanying levels of pressure. We also specialise in providing expansion joint covers to maintain the integrity of the composite rubber joints from any external elements.