METAL PIPELINE EXPANSION JOINT Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: civil engineering. SUBSTANCE: invention can be used at laying of pipelines, for instance, water outlet pipelines of hydroelectric stations. According to invention, inner ends of two short pipes placed inside coupling form expansion clearance in which bellows member is placed provided with at least one corrugation and capable of extending and compressing axially under action of applied external force. Ends of bellows member are hermetically connected with inner ends of short pipes. One end of coupling is free end relative to two short pipes, and top of corrugation of bellows member is made for touching inner surface of coupling wall. Valley of corrugation of bellows member is provided with mated insert. Clearance is formed between surfaces of corrugation valley and insert to permit deformation of corrugation without exceeding its limit of elasticity. Outer surface of insert wall is made for contact with inner surface of coupling wall. Insert is of multiple segment design. EFFECT: improved reliability of joint. 3 cl, 7 dwg