Flexible Fabricated Products
Non-Metallic Fabric Compensator
Code prefix FBC
Non-metallic fabric compensators are flexible fabric expansion joints for low-pressure gas pipelines. They are supplied in flange connection and pipe connection types, and in compound, angular and square forms. The fabric body compensates multi-directional thermal expansion, absorbs installation deviation, attenuates sound and vibration from boilers and fans, and generates a lower axial reaction thrust than a metal compensator, which simplifies support design. The temperature class follows the fabric selected, and the joint seals well under suitable conditions.
- Continuous
- 1000°C
- 1832 °F
- Short peak
- 1260°C
- 2300 °F
- Construction
- Unreinforced
- FBC
Spec sheets are issued against the confirmed grade, with the test method named on the report.
01 — Product description
A fabric joint, not a metal bellows
Non-metallic fabric compensators are flexible fabric expansion joints for low-pressure gas pipelines. They are supplied in flange connection and pipe connection types, and in compound, angular and square forms. The fabric body compensates multi-directional thermal expansion, absorbs installation deviation, attenuates sound and vibration transmitted from boilers and fans, and generates a lower axial reaction thrust than a metal compensator, which simplifies support design and reduces support and construction cost. Temperature resistance follows the fabric selected, and sealing is good under suitable conditions.
Product features
- Multi-directional displacement compensation for pipeline thermal deformation.
- Absorbs positional deviation from installation and reduces system stress.
- Fiber fabric and insulation interlayer absorb sound and isolate vibration.
- Low axial reaction thrust; note that stress still occurs under over-pressure and over-temperature.
- Temperature grade follows the fabric selection, suiting different flue gas and hot air conditions.
- Good sealing under suitable conditions; not for high pressure, strong erosion or strongly corrosive media.
- Light weight, simple structure, convenient disassembly, assembly and maintenance.
Application and restriction scope
Applicable to low-pressure gas pipelines such as boiler and fan system hot air ducts, flue gas ducts and dust-laden ducts. Not applicable to high-pressure pipelines, liquid medium pipelines, strongly erosive conditions with hard abrasive particles, strongly corrosive medium pipelines, severe vibration or impact conditions.
Usage precautions
- A flexible fabric compensation component for low-pressure gas only; over-design-pressure and over-design-temperature use are strictly prohibited.
- Inspect the fabric surface and sealing structure at intervals during long-term operation.
- Replace promptly when the fabric is aged, damaged or cracked.
- All technical data are for reference; users should test suitability and follow relevant safety regulations.
02 — Characteristics
Multi-directional compensation
Absorbs thermal expansion in several directions and installation deviation in the pipeline.
Sound and vibration
Fiber fabric and insulation interlayer absorb sound and isolate vibration from boilers and fans.
Low reaction thrust
Flexible fabric body gives lower axial thrust than a metal compensator, simplifying supports.
Light and serviceable
Light weight, simple structure and convenient disassembly, assembly and maintenance.
03 — Typical properties
Values typical, confirm against duty
| Test item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Two types | |
| Forms | Three types | |
| Duty | Hot air, flue gas, dust | |
| Temperature | Select the grade | |
| Sealing | Not high pressure |
04 — Standard sizes
| Product code | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| FBC-FL | Flange connection, to duct size |
| FBC-PP | Pipe connection, to duct size |
| FBC-SQ | Square form, to drawing |
| FBC-ANG | Angular form, to drawing |
05 — Where it is used
- Boiler and fan hot air ducts
- Flue gas ducts
- Dust-laden gas ducts
- Low-pressure gas pipeline expansion
- Vibration isolation between equipment and ducting
Service limits
- For low-pressure gas duty only; over-design pressure and over-design temperature use are prohibited.
- Not for high-pressure pipelines, liquid media, strongly abrasive media, strongly corrosive media, severe vibration or impact.
- The temperature grade follows the fabric selection; confirm the grade against the flue gas or hot air temperature.
- Inspect the fabric surface and sealing structure at intervals and replace when aged, damaged or cracked.
Related materials
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Non-Metallic Fabric Compensator
FBC