U.S. Bellows, Inc. fabricated rectangular fabric expansion joints for a gas turbine. They are 136″ L x 54″ W 12″ face-to-face. The frame and liner are fabricated from stainless steel and the fabric belt is 1-ply PTFE. The expansion joints are designed for 600°F at +/- 100″ water column.Dye penetrant examination was performed on the welds prior to shipment.
In gas turbine installations, fabric expansion joints are essential for managing the high-temperature exhaust gases that flow from the turbine into downstream components such as heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), bypass stacks, and emissions control systems. These joints are typically installed in the rectangular ductwork that channels exhaust flow, and they provide the flexibility needed to absorb thermal expansion, vibration, and slight misalignments between components. Because gas turbines operate at extreme temperatures and may cycle frequently, fabric expansion joints are engineered with high-performance materials—such as PTFE, silicone, or high-temp insulation layers—to withstand intense heat, pressure fluctuations, and corrosive gases. Their ability to handle large movements and simplify maintenance access makes them a preferred solution over rigid metal joints in many turbine exhaust applications.
Rectangular fabric expansion joints are a critical component in industrial ducting systems where flexibility, thermal movement, and vibration isolation are essential. These joints are widely used in power plants, refineries, steel mills, cement plants, and other heavy industrial environments—particularly in systems that carry hot gases, air, or exhaust rather than liquids. Their lightweight and flexible design allows them to absorb multi-directional movements and misalignments that occur in large duct systems, especially around boilers, precipitators, scrubbers, and stacks. Fabric joints can be customized with layers of insulation, reinforcement, and protective coatings to handle high temperatures, chemical exposure, and particulate-laden flows—making them a smart, cost-effective solution in challenging service conditions.
PT&P REF. ORIGINAL POST 02162014
Read More