Fabric Expansion Joints 

TCI Fabric expansion joints (Bellows) are available in virtually any size and shape, from a range of proven standard constructions or designed specially for defined application.

• TCI Fabric Expansion Joints have distinct advantages as they can accommodate relatively large movements and even some misalignment of flanges. They are also light weight easy to install and with the addition of internal insulation bolsters have good acoustic properties. Fabric expansion joints can be supplied fully assembled and fitted to support steelwork ready for insertion into ductwork. For retrofit applications, we can supply as factory joined or open for on-site joining where access is limited.
• TCI Fabric Expansion Joints are in use in Power Plants, Gas Turbine installations, offshore installations, Cement works, the Chemical industry and many others. Rex Fabric expansion joints are available in virtually any size and shape, from a a range of proven standard constructions or designed specifically for your application. Th e combined temperature pressure and media are all decisive factors in the selection of fabric expansion joints.
• TCI has always believed the importance of design criteria, selection of correct raw materials, manufacturing and installation of the Fabric Expansion Joints (bellows).

Profile 1

Suitable only for applications operating under negative pressure. But will accommodate relatively large movements.

Profile 2

Suitable only for applications operating under positive pressure. But will accommodate relativelv large movements.

Profile 3

Used when flange depth is limited and is suitable only for applications operating under positive pressure.

 

Profile 4

Suitable for both positive and negative pressures. Being preferred design this profile is the easiest to install and if used with a suitable insulation bolster (fitting inside the cavity) will provide excellent resistance to the highest temperatures.

Profile 5

Suitable for operating under both positive and negative pressures. Mostly for applications with small flanges and little movement.

The temperature capabilities range from -50o C to +12600 C and the pressure range from -50kPa to +50kPa. Rex fabric expansion joints are also available as units including steel work and ready for installation

Applications

Fabric expansion joints are widely used for a large number of industrial applications : In Gement Industry.

Raw mill	Cement mill	Coal mill circuit	Fan connectors
Vibration isolators	Kiln	Cooler circuit	Gas turbine.
Coal based power Plant.	Sinter plant.	Flue gas circuit.	Copper and Aluminum smelter.

 

Other Industries

Nuclear Power Plant	Power plants.	Cement Industry	Fertilizers
Chemicals	Petrochemicals	Gas Turbines	Dust extraction plants.
Paper Industry	Steel Industry	Copper Industry	Paints & Dyes
Pharmaceuticals	Filter systems	Incinerator plants.	Food & beverages.
Lime works	Industrial furnaces.	Ship building.	Flue gas Desulphurisation

 

 

 

Advantages

 

Fabric Expansion joints are of various types depending on the various conditions like temperature, pressure, media (acidic / alkaline), vapours/abrasive powders, suction/discharge, etc. The implementation of fabric expansion joints provides a number of advantages, which are technically and economically important:

• Expansion Joints can accommodate relatively large amounts of movement and some misalignment of flanges.
• Expansion Joints are lightweight, easy to install and with the addition of insulation bolsters have good acoustic properties.
• Expansion Joints can be supplied fully assembled with the supporting steel flange arrangements, ready to slot into ductwork.
• Expansion Joints for existing applications can be supplied factory joined or open for on site joining where access is limited.

 

Extremely flexible absorbing large movements.	Absorbing different movements simultaneously.
Only requiring a limited building length.	Light weight
Easy to handle, store, install, repair, replace.	Not transmitting noise or vibrations.
Reducing the necessary strength of fix points. And supports.	Non corrosive
Dimensionally stable.	Extremely cost effective.

Layers

 

• For mechanical protection, the internal layer of Standard Fabric Expansion Joints is either glass fabric or wire mesh.
• Where temperatures are above 3000C, Rex Fabric Expansion Joints are de-signed with one or more layers of insulation
  material for thermal orotection.
• lf the medium conveyed is aggressive, a gastight membrane serves as a chemical barrier. (PTFE Sheetings)
• The outer layer primarily functions as a protection against ambient and mechanical influences, and as pressure
  reinforcement.
• Flange reinforcement for mechanical and thermal protection of the fabric expansion joint in the flange area.
• The materials used for the above mentioned layers, very according to the individual type of expansion joint and the
  operational conditions.

Material of Construction

Fabric Expansion joints can be single layered, two layered or multilayered depending on the application and above mentioned conditions.
Generally the following materials are used for construction of fabric expansion joints (bellows). In accordance to your application, please select the materials required or let us customize it for you.

 

PTFE foils	Aluminum sheeting
Silicone coated fabrics	Glass fabrics
High silica fabrics	Ceramic fabrics
EPDM / Neoprene / Nitrile / Silicone Elastomers	Ceramic felt
Stainless steel wire mesh

Our experienced teams of fitters are always available to respond to customers requirements for on site installation services.
And will carry out all such work in safe and efficient manner.