Reinforced Expansion Joint
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Ring reinforced expansion joints with equalising rings and reinforcing ring bellows are usually chosen for high-pressure installations.
Equalising rings are solid stainless steel rings fitted externally on the bellows of the ring reinforced expansion joints.
The rings are precisely machined so they fit into the root between each of the bellows convolutions.
The purpose of the rings is to rein-force the bellows against internal pressure. By adding moment of inertia to the bellows cross section,
this counteracts the bellows ability to blow out or buckle (also called squirm) and enhances its stability and pressure integrity.
Bel-lows with reinforcing rings can be made for any type of expansion joint (axial, lateral or angular etc.)
The disadvantage of the ring reinforced expansion joints having reinforced bellows are the significantly increased stiffness of the bellows and their limited movement properties.
