Our Products #4953298

Expansion Compensators are essentially a small diameter externally pressurized expansion joints where the bellows is protected by and guided within pipe housing. While the industry also offers an internally pressurized compensator to serve the same function, it is an inferior product, susceptible to bellows squirm. Only externally pressurized bellows offer stability under large axial movements in small diameter piping.
Cut-away of an expansion compensator for steel piping.

Compensators are used primarily in building riser systems to compensate for thermal expansion and concrete shrinkage. They are designed to absorb straight axial compression and extension and can be installed in horizontal piping as well. Proper anchoring is critical for longevity of your system. Piping should be guided in accordance with EJMA regulations.

MDC supplies bellows capsules-only for variety of markets and applications. They include supplying expansion joint fabricators who weld-on their own fittings as they serve their geographical areas quickly and efficiently.

Another example is supply of bellows made from exotic materials in critical applications for industrial customers who have the ability to reuse expensive flanges or other types of attachments.

Bellows can be formed from most ductile materials that can be welded by the automatic T.I.G. welding process and result in a homogenous weld structure.

It is imperative that companies specifying and purchasing bellows give thorough consideration to the selection of the bellows material. Due to the fact that media will vary from system to system, and that most media specifications cannot accurately reflect what actually will occur during system operation, it is not appropriate for MDC to make specific recommendations regarding bellows material. If any doubt exists concerning proper material selection for the bellows, we recommend that a metallurgist with the appropriate basic material supplier be consulted. Available bellows materials include:

MDCs Externally Pressurized Expansion Joints are designed so fluid pressure acts on the outside bellows element rather than on the inside, as in the conventional expansion joint.

The stabilizing effect of the external pressure increases the bellows capability to absorb long axial movement without squirm, making this type of expansion joint the best solution for many situations involving extensive axial movement.

The construction of MDCs Externally Pressurized Expansion Joints includes a heavy outer pipe which contains the pressure, serves as a shroud to protect the bellows and also functions as a guide. An internal pipe acts as a liner and maintains fluid flow external to the bellows so that corrosive sediment cannot collect inside the bellows corrugations.

Drain or vent connections can be easily provided to remove any sediment or gas that collects inside the outer pressure shroud.

APPLICATIONS:

Steam lines
Steam condensate
Heating water
Domestic hot water
Chilled water
Other applications requiring large axial movements
Suitable for direct buried applications

Proper selection of metal hose type, its pressure rating and material is crucial to the proper life and function of the hose assembly for your application.

MDC corrugated hose is a high quality general purpose industrial hose. It is produced in T304 SS, T321 SS, T316L Bronze and Monel. Custom runs in Hasteloy, Titanium and other formable alloys.

Corrugated hose is manufactured from a cylindrical, thin walled tube formed from rolled strip and joined at the seam by butt welding.
Impressed into this tube is a corrugated annular profile. Annular corrugated hose has several advantages over helical hose. It is not subject to damaging torsional stress due to longitudinal expansion resulting from pressure rises.

Helical hose is formed in one continuous machine motion. It is generally less flexible than the annular hose, due to lower convolutions profile, but since less material is used in its fabrication and the manufacturing process is much faster, the cost is generally lower. MDC does not offer helical hose from stock.

When the corrugations are closely spaced, the hose is referred to as "standard pitch" hose. When the corrugations are more widely spaced, the hose is referred to as "open pitch" hose. All information in this section is relevant to standard pitch, annular corrugated hose. Data on open pitch hose is available upon request.

MDC Sleeve Type Rubber Expansion Joints are available in both single and multiple arch types. Both types are available in several construction design series, based on the application pressure and flexibility requirements.
Most Sleeve Type expansion joints are similar to the Spool (Arch) Type, except that the sleeve ends have an I.D. dimension equal to the O.D. of the pipe. These joints are designed to slip over the straight ends of the open pipe and be held securely in place with clamps. This type of joint is recommended only for low to medium pressure and vacuum service because of the difficulty of obtaining adequate clamp sealing.

The Lightweight version of the Spool Type expansion joint is dimensionally the same, except for reduced body thickness. This series is designed for very low pressure and vacuum applications. Joints are again available in single and multiple arch types. Consult MDC for the types of clamps available for sealing (T-bolt, Worm Gear, etc.)


Another variant of Sleeve Type expansion joint is the Enlarged End Type. This joint can be manufactured in the same body design as the Spool Type and Lightweight Type. sleeve ends of this design are the same dimension as the O.D. of the pipe, while the rest of the joint is the same dimension as the I.D. of the pipe.

This design can be manufactured with a filled arch to reduce possible turbulence and to prevent collection of solid material in the arch.

MDCs "TRC" Pump Connectors are the preferred solution to protect pumps and compressors in piping systems from stress, strain, vibration and thermal growth or permit motion of other piping elements.
"TRC" Pump Connectors utilize multi-ply bellows design for superior vibration control and maximum reduction in noise.
The design allows for the compensation of misalignment and supports easy and quick installation.


Depending on the media, pressure and temperature, three styles of pump connectors are offered.

Bellows Expansion Joints are engineered components which require careful attention when designing a piping system. This site provides the technical information required by a system designer.
By continuing to select MDCs products, you can be assured of receiving reliable, high quality and safe piping components.


MDC Metal Bellows Expansion Joints are known for their superior flexibility. The bellows are able to compensate for large movements in the axial, lateral and angular direction or mechanical vibration. MDC Bellows ensure the lowest possible forces combined with extreme longevity. This makes MDC Expansion Joints and Compensators ideal components to minimize stress and strain in pipes and extend the life of any piping system exposed to elevated temperatures.

MDC Flexible Bellows Connectors ensure that suction and discharge nozzles of pumps and compressors are protected from high forces and movements and that vibration is not transmitted into the piping system. This will increase the durability of rotary equipment and reduce the noise level throughout the entire system.
MDC Bellows Expansion Joints offer a cost effective alternative to other expansion devices while optimizing the productive life of the piping system. MDC expansion joints are designed to last as long as the system. All units meet the Standards of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association (EJMA).

MDC Rubber Expansion Joints are designed to relief stress in piping systems, compensate for axial, lateral, torsional and angular movement, reduce noise, and isolate vibration, specifically as pump connectors.
MDC products can be custom-built in a variety of styles and configurations. MDC offers flanged and slip-on connections, single or multiple arches, and a range of elastomers to meet process conditions, including Teflon-lined joints for severely corrosive applications.
Standards and Specials include a great variety of materials (see table):
Neoprene
EPDM
Gum Rubber
Natural Rubber
Butyl
Chlorobutyl
Buna-N Nitrile
SBR GRS Buna-S
Hypalon
Viton Fluorel
Silicone
Teflon TFE FEP
Most above materials available Teflon lined
For custom applications where internal and external conditions require different materials, we can fabricate joints with different tube and cover elastomers.

We can offer special flange drillings, higher pressures or movements than listed standards, filled arches, and other options with most models.
Control units or control cables are offered for movement restriction or containment of pressure thrust force.

Since its inception, Mark David Canada Inc. and Railmex Inc. have been heavily involved in fabrication and distribution of diesel engine parts.
Our fabrication capacity includes exhaust manifolds, bellows connectors, some gaskets and a variety of machined parts.

We forged long lasting relationships with a variety of reputable manufacturers and are in a position to offer over 60, 000 parts related to heavy diesel engines and locomotive components.

Today, we service: Locomotive, Marine and Stationary (gen-set) markets.

Our particular area of expertise involves AlcoBombardier, General Electric and EMD (General Motors) engines, but we also offer selected parts for other brands, such as Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Waukesha, etc.

Our markets include parts resellers, engine rebuilders, Class I railroads, Short Line railroads, marine companies, Coast Guard, and some OEM clients. Ours is a truly global market, spanning all continents.