Vibration inserts (flexible inserts, rubber compensators). Vibration insert for compensating pipeline displacements, installation and application features Where to buy vibration inserts and vibration compensators

Flexible inserts (vibration compensators) separate pipeline communications into functional areas. This is done for many reasons; extending the service life of laid pipes and connected equipment is one of the main ones. Vibration compensators consist of metal connecting ends and, in fact, the body of the vibration head: a bellows steel jumper, or a rubber one in the form of a corrugated cylinder or sphere (several spheres) with cord reinforcement and multilayer reinforcement in the middle.

Types of vibration compensators

Flexible inserts are divided according to the material of the compensating bridge: stainless steel, heat-resistant steel, rubber (EPDM); and by type of connection: detachable - coupling (threaded) and flange, one-piece - welding. Flexible inserts differ in type working structure and the method of passive compensation; the industry produces more than ten options.

Scope of application

Main functions of vibration compensators:

compensation for misalignment and thermal deformations of pipelines;
reduction of mechanical stress;
reduction of vibration during equipment operation;
noise reduction;
protection against water hammer;
galvanic isolation (rubber).

Selection of flexible pipe inserts

Vibration compensators should be selected taking into account the diameter and shape of pipeline ends. Important to consider chemical composition material transported through pipes. To work with chemically aggressive mixtures, it is necessary to install special flexible inserts. Great value there is a temperature difference inside and outside the pipeline; this is also taken into account when choosing a vibration compensator.

Characteristics of vibration compensators

Flexible inserts withstand strong internal pressure and maintain tightness during axial displacement. The central element made of reinforced wear-resistant rubber is designed for operation at temperatures up to one hundred and twenty degrees. The steel bellows bridge is made of heat-resistant steel and can withstand elevated temperatures and large differences in internal pressure. The working life of a vibration compensator depends on the proximity of installation to active equipment that creates vibration vibrations, on the method of laying the pipeline, on soil subsidence and displacement of soil horizons.

Features of flexible inserts for pipelines

Vibration compensators “save” the pipeline during transverse and longitudinal displacements, taking on the resulting shifts. If the displacement turns out to be critical, then the flexible insert serves as a fuse; Replacing a failed compensator will cost less than finding the rupture site in the pipeline and repairing it. Vibration compensators dampen noise, vibration and reduce the force of hydraulic shock.

Application of vibration compensators

Flexible inserts are installed at the joints of pipeline sections in the chemical, mining, and processing industries, in heating networks, and on main water pipelines. Pipes and active equipment are connected through them. The use of vibration compensators next to pump modules significantly extends the service life of technical units.

Installation and installation of flexible inserts

For installation of vibration compensators it is used hand tool, levers, sets of keys, solid and adjustable. Welded elements are connected by autogen or electric arc welding. When installing dimensional inserts, various supporting and lifting mechanisms, jacks, cranes, winches.

Working environment: from -10 to 105 °C.

Working pressure: 8-10 bar. For some models, short-term overpressure cold water up to 1.5 MPa.

Installation requirements

The vibration compensator can be installed in any position. Installation locations must be selected taking into account the operating conditions of the pipeline system (location space, displacement amplitude values, etc.) and the maximum deformations of the expansion joints.

When conducting installation work Twisting, compression, bending or stretching of the flexible element is not allowed. Pre-compression should not be more than 5 mm.

During installation, supports must be installed under the pipeline in close proximity to the compensator. The maximum distance between the supports and the flexible insert should not exceed three pipeline diameters.

Before installing the vibration compensator, it is necessary to check that the surfaces in contact with the joint are thoroughly cleaned and do not have sharp edges that could damage the joint surface.

It is prohibited to place gaskets between the compensator and the pipeline flanges, and the use of lubricant is also prohibited, as this may lead to the rubber flanging of the compensator being torn out of the connection.

The bolts should be tightened crosswise. Flange connection bolts must be installed with their heads facing the flexible element to prevent damage to the compensator.

When executing welding work The vibration compensator must be dismantled or reliably protected from splashes of molten metal.

Get expert advice

It's all about their design features:

The elastic element of the flexible insert is maximally resistant to aggressive environments. Constant pressure doesn't harm him hot water, and even after long use the element will not lose its functions;
expansion joints are quite flexible, which allows them to successfully restore their shape after mechanical impact. In addition, the flexibility allows expansion joints to be installed in pipelines with little misalignment;
Are the pipes exposed to shock loads, vibrating and making a lot of noise? All these problems will be eliminated after installing a compensator that successfully resists hydraulic shocks;
heat resistance - flexible inserts are made of heat-resistant synthetic rubber of a special composition;
light weight, making them very convenient to transport, and the installation process will not cause difficulties.

Flexible inserts will increase the service life of pipes

A flexible insert, also called a vibration damper, is an element whose main purpose is to reduce or completely eliminate noise. In addition, these parts eliminate vibration, absorb hydraulic shock and compensate for displacement, shear and thermal expansion.

All these factors make vibration compensators indispensable in pipelines - they are installed in water and gas supply systems, air conditioning, etc. As a result, the service life of pipes increases significantly.

Quality assurance

ADL guarantees that all flexible inserts purchased from us will perform their functions as accurately as possible - the products have a GOST P certificate of conformity.

Installing a vibration compensator will give you confidence that the pipes will not fail at the most inopportune moment. You will save a lot of money on repairs,
and also eliminate the need to spend time inspecting pipelines too often. With us you will receive high-quality service support, as well as a guarantee for all purchased goods.

Temperature changes caused by seasonal climate change or changes in the characteristics of the transported medium, as well as dynamic loads created by operating equipment, can cause the pipeline to shift relative to its original position. Even if it is relatively small, regular loads significantly increase the risk of damage. pipeline fittings, supports and other elements of the highway. In this case, the use of a vibration insert or vibration compensator can eliminate the negative impact.

What is a vibration insert and where is it used:

A vibration insert, or flexible insert, is a type of industrial pipeline fittings designed to compensate for lateral, angular and axial displacements of the pipeline. It consists of an elastic middle part, made mainly of reinforced heat-resistant rubber or a similar elastic polymer, as well as two connecting metal (most often steel) elements. The latter can be presented in the form of a threaded shank or flange - this depends primarily on the diameter of the pipeline for which the product is intended.

In high-quality vibration inserts, the elastic element has a multi-layer structure. Its inner layer has no seams and is made mainly from materials that can be used in systems with clean water. Next comes a reinforcing layer of impregnated rubber synthetic fabric(nylon), and another layer of rubber is applied on top of it, providing resistance to ultraviolet radiation and ozone. As for the connecting parts, they are coated with an anti-corrosion layer, which provides protection from external influences. The flanges and couplings do not come into contact with the medium.

The flexible insert is mounted on sections of the pipeline that are most susceptible to spatial movements and vibrations, for example, located near compressors, pumps, etc. technological equipment. Most often, the above-mentioned units themselves stand on special supports that compensate for vibration, but it is transmitted to the main line. Also, the installation of vibration inserts is justified in cases where it is necessary to ensure the possibility of slight displacement of the pipeline due to temperature effects or a change in direction. But it is not allowed to use vibration inserts to correct errors made during the installation of the pipeline - they should not be under load in their original position. Certain restrictions also exist for transported media.

Standard vibration compensators can be installed on pipelines intended for transportation:

cold water;
hot water with a temperature not exceeding 100º C;
non-concentrated (up to 10%) acids;
organic and inorganic alcohols;
solutions of salts and alkalis.

Their use in systems for transporting petroleum products, very hot and aggressive environments is unacceptable. This is primarily due to the low resistance of the elastic central part to them. For the same reason, this fitting cannot be used on highways running indoors, the conditions in which can destroy the outer layer of the insert. In such cases, vibration inserts are used special purpose, resistant to these environments (if they exist) or more expensive metal vibration compensators.

Selection of vibration compensator and installation features:

When choosing a vibration compensator for a specific object or area, you must first take into account the following points:

type and temperature of the transported medium;
the nature of the applied loads (compensated deviations);
pipeline diameter;
possible mechanical and chemical external influences on the fittings.

Some of the above factors may affect not only the type of product used, but also the installation features of the vibration insert. In particular, in some cases it is advisable to use elements that limit the possibility of its deformation: restrictive rings, control rods or special rods.

In order to vibration insert not only worked effectively, but also served within the estimated period, it is necessary to strictly comply with all requirements regarding their installation. In particular, a sliding or movable support must be installed on one side of the flexible insert, and a fixed one on the other. You should also avoid contact with the flexible part of the insert of bolts, studs and other fasteners, and place the nuts on the outside of the flange. For installation of vibration compensators, it is preferable to use collar flanges, or thoroughly clean welding seam flat, in order to avoid damage to the elastomer section located on the connecting element when screeding.

– these are devices that can reduce the level of noise, vibration or water hammer in a pipeline system, as well as compensate for displacements and deformations due to temperature changes or mechanical stress. Some people do not attach importance to the advantages of using such a vibration insert, but with its help many unforeseen situations can be avoided.

What are vibration compensators?

In order to choose the right vibration compensator It is necessary to understand what types of this device there are.

According to the execution material:

Rubber expansion joints.
Elastomer (rubber) is the basis of this variety vibration compensator, its composition is selected based on the working environment in which the device will be used. Rubber expansion joints are most often used in systems with liquid media, in conjunction with pumping and other equipment. Why are vibration inserts for pumps very wide scope use, in particular air conditioning and heating systems, sewer and plumbing systems etc.. Maximum permissible temperature fluctuates within 200 C, however average does not exceed 100 -110 C.
Bellows expansion joints.
The bellows is the basis of this type of compensator, and is an elastic corrugated metal shell. The bellows design maintains tightness even when used in corner, longitudinal and transverse areas. Such conditions do not prevent it from stretching and deforming in various directions. The required type of corrugation deformation is selected in accordance with the design of the compensator itself. The bellows compensator most often finds its application in systems with liquid and vaporous media, and is also able to function successfully in aggressive environments. Due to its characteristics, it is more in demand in industry (energy, chemical, oil refining, gas, etc.). This type of compensator is considered the most reliable and can be used for high pressures(up to 16 bar) and temperatures (up to 300 C).

By type of connection:

A threaded (socket) compensator is a bushing that is secured with union nuts.
The flange expansion joint consists of a rubber bushing and flanges for connection. To increase the service life of such a compensator, the technology of reinforcement and reinforcement with nylon cord is used.

Where to buy vibration inserts and vibration compensators

You can get information on how to choose in our online store by contacting our specialists. The assortment includes large selection the most popular type of these products manufactured by Genebre. With our help, choosing a rubber vibration compensator of the required size will not be difficult.