Lens Expansion Joints
Lens expansion joints are single-wall metal expansion joints designed for high-pressure and high-temperature applications where thick, single-layer bellows are required. Their robust construction makes them ideal for pressurized equipment and heat exchangers.
Overview
Lens expansion joints are single-walled metal expansion joints manufactured in single or multi-shaft configurations. They are specifically designed for applications requiring limited movement but extremely robust construction, particularly under high pressure and high temperature conditions.
Design & Construction
- Single-layer metal bellows construction
- Formed from one or more semi-circular plates
- Welded with circular seams at corrugation peaks and troughs
- Available as half convolution, full convolution, or complete bellows
Material & Thickness Considerations
- Designed for applications requiring single-layer bellows
- Ideal when required material thickness exceeds 4 mm
- Alternative to multi-layer bellows where multi-layer designs are not accepted
Supply Configuration
- Supplied as individual lens elements or fully assembled bellows
- Can be delivered pre-welded or suitable for on-site welding
- Configuration tailored to customer and application requirements
Key Advantages
- Extremely robust construction for high-pressure service
- Suitable for high-temperature environments
- Allows use of thick single-layer material where standard bellows are not feasible
- Reliable solution when multi-layer bellows are not acceptable
- Long service life under severe operating conditions
Applications
- Pressurized equipment
- Heat exchangers
- High-pressure piping systems
- High-temperature industrial processes
- Power generation and heavy industry
Typical Use Cases
Lens expansion joints are preferred in industries where operating pressures and temperatures demand thick, single-layer bellows that cannot be manufactured using conventional expansion joint designs.