The expansion joint guide tube plays a vital role in the bellows series products, and its specific functions can be summarized as follows:
Smooth media flow: Providing the guide tube can make the medium flowing in the expansion joint more smoothly. This helps to reduce the structural vibration caused by the change of fluid flow characteristics when the high-speed fluid flows through the bellows, thus playing a role in protecting the bellows.
Scour and abrasion resistant: In the pipeline expansion joint with strong scour force, the guide tube can effectively play the role of anti-scour and wear resistance. It protects the bellows from direct scouring of the medium, thus extending the life of the expansion joint. In particular, when particulate matter or dust is contained in the fluid medium, the flow guide can be provided to avoid abrasion of the bellows by these particulate matter or dust.
Extended service life: By preventing the bellows from being subjected to direct erosion and abrasion, the guide tube is able to significantly extend the service life of the expansion joint. In addition, it can also avoid the problem that the guide tube is bent due to the excessive flow rate of the medium, thus hindering the flow of the medium and increasing the resistance of the medium.
Avoid bellows instability: The guiding action of the guide tube helps to avoid the destabilization of the bellows caused by the expansion joint when absorbing the deformation of the pipe. This allows the expansion joint to perform its useful life and function properly.
Importance of Proper Installation: The direction of the guide tube in the compensator is generally consistent with the flow direction of the medium. If it is installed backwards, the medium will directly scour the corrugated part through the gap between the guide tube and the connector, which is detrimental to the service life. Therefore, proper installation of the deflector is key to ensuring that it functions properly.
In summary, the expansion joint guide tube has a significant role in protecting the bellows, prolonging the service life of the expansion joint and avoiding the instability of the bellows. At the same time, proper installation and use of the deflector is also an important factor to ensure its proper function.