Introduction to Flexible Pipe Connectors
There are many types of flexible pipe connectors produced by Mason Industries. They can be broadly categorised into two groups; rubber expansion joints and stainless steel flexible connectors.
This page gives a brief overview of both product groups. For more details, click the links at the bottom of this page.
Rubber Expansion Joints
Rubber expansion joints comprise of a rubber element formed into arches encapsulated at both ends by flanges. The purpose is to remove the pulsations generated by machinery such as pumps. The pulsations travel in the fluid and can cause a noise or vibration problem as they travel down the pipe.
The rubber arches in the expansion joint are designed to expand outwards as each pulse passes through the joint. The energy to do this is taken from the pulse, which smoothes the fluid flow, greatly reducing noise further down the line. Rubber expansion joints are normally placed at pump inlet and outlets. Mason U.K. can supply a wide range of rubber expansion joints and can also build bespoke if required.
Stainless Steel Flexible Connectors
Stainless steel flexible connectors are normally used when pipes will be moving relative to each other. This could be because they straddle a building isolation joint, or one pipe is attached to a piece of equipment which is mounted on moveable isolators.
Typically, flexible connectors comprise of a stainless steel corrugated core which permits bending, surrounded by a stainless steel braid which allows the connector to be pressurised. Other materials can be used and flexible connectors can be supplied with a range of flanges, threaded or sweat ends.
Related Products
Introduction to Flexible Pipe Connectors