A PTFE lined bellows is a type of flexible connector used in piping systems that combines the mechanical strength of a traditional metal (often stainless steel) or rubber bellows with the superior chemical resistance of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
Bellows: Bellows are flexible, corrugated tubes designed to compensate for various movements in a piping system. These movements can include:
Thermal expansion and contraction: As temperatures change, pipes expand and contract, and bellows absorb this movement to prevent stress on the system.
Vibration isolation: Bellows can dampen vibrations from pumps or other equipment, protecting delicate components and reducing noise.
Misalignment: They can accommodate slight misalignments in piping runs.
Angular movement: They can allow for changes in pipe angles.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Also widely known by its brand name Teflon, PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer renowned for its exceptional properties.
Why the "Lining"?
While pure PTFE bellows exist, they often have lower pressure-bearing capacity and mechanical strength compared to metal bellows. This is where the "lined" aspect comes in. A PTFE-lined bellows essentially means that a strong metal bellows forms the structural integrity and handles the pressure, while an inner layer of PTFE provides the critical chemical resistance. The PTFE lining isolates the circulating medium from direct contact with the outer bellows material, preventing corrosion and contamination.
A PTFE lined bellows is a type of flexible connector used in piping systems that combines the mechanical strength of a traditional metal (often stainless steel) or rubber bellows with the superior chemical resistance of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
Bellows: Bellows are flexible, corrugated tubes designed to compensate for various movements in a piping system. These movements can include:
Thermal expansion and contraction: As temperatures change, pipes expand and contract, and bellows absorb this movement to prevent stress on the system.
Vibration isolation: Bellows can dampen vibrations from pumps or other equipment, protecting delicate components and reducing noise.
Misalignment: They can accommodate slight misalignments in piping runs.
Angular movement: They can allow for changes in pipe angles.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Also widely known by its brand name Teflon, PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer renowned for its exceptional properties.
Why the "Lining"?
While pure PTFE bellows exist, they often have lower pressure-bearing capacity and mechanical strength compared to metal bellows. This is where the "lined" aspect comes in. A PTFE-lined bellows essentially means that a strong metal bellows forms the structural integrity and handles the pressure, while an inner layer of PTFE provides the critical chemical resistance. The PTFE lining isolates the circulating medium from direct contact with the outer bellows material, preventing corrosion and contamination.