WhoshouldIsee Tracks Custom Bellows for Heat Exchanger Specialists - Teconnex Bellows

Custom Bellows for Heat Exchanger Specialists

Sector: Oil & Gas Equipment Manufacturing

Background

Our client, a leading heat exchanger manufacturer based in the Netherlands, needed a durable and efficient solution for one of their high-performance systems. Their equipment often runs under high pressure and fluctuating temperatures, which puts stress on key components. Therefore, they required a highly reliable expansion joint to ensure performance and safety. 

Challenge

The key challenge was to design a specialised expansion joint that could be built directly into the heat exchanger shell. It needed to: 

  • Handle internal movement caused by thermal expansion and contraction
  • Withstand high pressure and temperature
  • Meet strict safety standards and material traceability requirements
  • Deliver long-term, consistent performance

Solution

Utilising our engineering expertise, we designed and manufactured a custom single-axial bellow tailored to the client’s specifications. 

  • Integrated Design: The bellow was created for direct welding into the heat exchanger shell, allowing for easy and secure integration.  
  • Durability: We used a 2-ply, root ring-reinforced bellows membrane made from 316 stainless steel, known for its strength and corrosion resistance. 
  • Precision Movement Compensation: The design allows for ±15mm of axial movement, protecting the system from damage.
  • Quality Assurance: The manufacturing process followed rigorous quality controls to meet all relevant industry standards and client requirements. 

Technical Data

  • Type: Single Axial Bellows
  • Configuration: Designed for direct welding into heat exchanger shell
  • Design Pressure: 20.7 Bar
  • Design Temperature: 343ºC
  • Axial Movement: ±15mm
  • Design Cycles: 10,468
  • Bellows Material: 2-ply, root ring-reinforced 316 Stainless Steel
  • Braketry and Pipes Material: ASTM A516 Gr 70
  • Quality & Testing:
    • 100% Radiographic inspection of membrane butt welds to ASME V
    • 100% LPI inspection of all attachment welds
    • Full 3.1 material certificates for all parts
    • Hydro Test certificates at 32 Barg
    • WPS & WPQR documentation
    • CE marking and documentation to PED Cat: III

Result

The custom expansion joint greatly improved the performance and reliability of the client’s heat exchanger system. This helped reinforce their reputation for producing durable, high-quality equipment built to perform in the most demanding conditions.