Flex-Weld, Inc.

For the Control of Pipe Expansion & Contraction in Water & Steam Systems The heavy-duty Keflex™ 7Q Expansion Compensators are specifically designed for high pressure service, available in sizes ¾" to 4", in both single and dual units. The single type is capable of absorbing 2" total movement, 1 ½" in compression and ½" in extension from the factory predetermined setting. The dual type is capable of absorbing 4" total movement, 3" in compression and 1" in extension from the factory pre-determined setting. The heart of the Keflex™ 7Q Expansion Compensator is the multi-ply type 316L corrosion-resistant stainless steel bellows. These bellows are internally pressurized and operate primarily in compression where they have the greatest hoop strength capability. The Quadra-Side® square telescoping shrouds encompass the bellows to provide protection against torsion, squirm, misalignment and external damage, as well as preventing over-compression of the bellows. Additionally, the unique design provides visual evidence that the traverse of the unit has not been exceeded. The integral guiding feature of the Quadra-Side® prevents offset to assure the pipe movement is directed axially into the bellows, a requirement for optimum performance. The square telescopic shroud does not serve as a chamber to contain liquid or gas as do the covers on some other high pressure "compensators". Therefore, the outside diameter of the Quadra-Side® type compensator is considerably smaller, permitting it to be installed in walls, under floors or behind radiator covers without expensive modifications at the point of installation.

Flex-Weld, Inc. is a premier manufacturer of metal bellows and bellow assemblies with over 90 years of design and manufacturing experience in the production of precision-formed metal bellows. Flex-Weld, Inc. bellows are formed when TIG welded tubing is fabricated, assembled and tested to exact specifications. A variety of forming methods can be utilized to achieve optimum performance. Bellows can be selected or designed for any application or market. Single or multi-ply fabrication capabilities allow for a wide range of pressure, cycle life, or spring rate requirements. Flex-Weld, Inc.’s exceptional manufacturing methods result in a bellows configuration that exceeds each industry’s highest standards. Uniform wall thickness, symmetrical convolutions and reliable spring rates are assured. All incoming material is verified against industry standards. Our proprietary forming processes preserve and increase the inherent strength and ductility of the bellows material to enhance cycle life and fatigue resistance. The most important feature of Flex-Weld bellows is the multi-ply geometry produced by telescoping thin wall precision tubing. Utilizing the same dimensions, Flex-Weld bellows can accept significantly more movements than our competitors. The stresses induced on the individual layers of Flex-Weld bellows are a fraction of the stresses induced in single wall bellows of equal thickness. This results in Flex-Weld bellows having a much higher cycle life and lower spring rates than our competition.

Externally-Pressurized Expansion Joints are Designed to Replace: High-Maintenance Packed Joints Space-Confining Pipe Loops Costly Equalizing Expansion Joints Externally PressurizedMULTI-PLY SAFETY FACTORS - In a critical application, a multi-ply expansion joint can, in most cases, preclude a catastrophic failure. If a failure occurs in one ply due to corrosion or fatigue, the intact plies will work as a protective barrier to contain the pressure and the medium until a replacement can be made. Flex-Weld multi-ply expansion joints are designed to provide utmost safety in the event of system failure. The burst pressures are a multiple of the operating pressure making the Flex-Weld multi-ply bellows the most reliable component in the system.

Maximum vibration absorption Longest cycle life Soft spring rate Ease of installation and maximum safety Stainless Steel Pump Connector Keflex™ Bellows-Type Pump Connectors are designed to compensate for multi-plane axial, lateral and angular movement in non-torsional applications. They are intended for use in both suction and pressure lines to absorb mechanical vibrations caused by pumps, compressors and other pipeline equipment. Bellows-Type Pump Connectors aid in compensating for minor piping misalignment. Heavy-duty restraining rods and spacers assure protection against bellows distortion in the event anchors are not properly secured. Keflex™ shatter-proof spacers absorb mechanical vibration without hampering axial, lateral or angular movement of the pump connector. Multi-ply bellows were pioneered by Keflex™. Our standard product has a minimum of four (4) plies, but the larger diameter models are constructed with up to sixteen (16) plies. Most of the bellows-type pump connectors provided by competitors are produced "offshore" with only one (1) or two (2) plies. Unlike rubber and elastomeric connectors, multi-ply laminated stainless steel bellows capsules are not subject to premature deterioration resulting from elevated temperature conditions or UV exposure. Thus, they offer a longer cycle life in a wide variety of temperature applications ranging from sub-zero to super-heated steam. In the latter case, it may be necessary to include the optional internal liner to prevent excessive flow velocity from damaging the assembly. (Available on welded-flange units only) Standard units are designed for a total axial traverse of 58” (12” compression, 18” extension), a total lateral movement of 18” (116” each side of centerline), and an angular offset of 3-12 degrees maximum. Custom-built assemblies are available to meet conditions beyond these specifications. Flanged-type series 150, 151 and 301-1215 assemblies from 2” to 12” ID measure a compact 5.0” face-to-face to save valuable space. Sizes of 14” ID and up measure 9.0” face-to-face. Custom lengths are always available. Welded flange-types 1512 and 3012 are 6” face-to-face OAL for sizes up to and including 8”. They are intended as replacements for short-style braided metal hose, rubber and elastomeric spool type expansion joints. For sizes 10” and larger, the standard OAL is 8” face-to-face. Lengths other than standard are available upon request.

Rubber expansion joints are offered from Flex-Weld, Inc. Keflex™ in standard or custom designs. We have a wider array of material and configuration types for rubber expansion joints than any other manufacturer. Our products are designed and engineered to carry a variety of media in pressure or vacuum applications. They absorb distructive system vibration and will contract or expand in response to pipe motion induced from thermal expansion and contraction. We offer all types of rubber expansion joints from single sphere to triple, floating flange to cable-tied. We offer standard sizes and diameters in addition to custom lengths and reducers. Materials range from the standard Neoprene and EPDM to PTFE. Our in-house molding, custom ducting assembly lines and off-shore proprietary sourcing provide a number of manufacturing options. Flex-Weld, Inc. Keflex™ will design, engineer and fabricate your expansion joints to meet the unique requirements for each application. We can cross-reference to any existing product or redesign to fit a new system requirement.

The Keflex™ 3150 Series Expansion Bellows is designed to meet applications that require pressure ratings up to 150 PSI in a compact length. This is achieved using 3 or 4 plies of heavier gauge stainless steel than is used in our lower pressure rated products. The 3150 series is available in pipe sizes from 2" up to 12". These bellows are ideal for OEM's or repair facilities looking to add desired connections or simply weld the bellows in place in the application. Keflex™ can also create ready to install assemblies using these standard bellows and then installing to customer specification flanges or any other type of connection. Contact us for additional details on custom assemblies utilizing the 3150 Series Bellows.