Silencer Bellows Seals (SBS)

Silencer Bellows Seals (SBS) were designed to reduce the cost of accommodating the large thermal growth problem which is common on safety relief steam and vent piping.

Steam Relief Valve piping is commonly a high-pressure steam application that involves daily boiler movements and larger thermal movements when the valve is opened. The typical expansion joints used in these piping systems are very expensive and complex. The SBS is integrated into the exhaust silencer where the pressure has been reduced dramatically. This integration allows a simple and ineffective yet effective bellows seal to be used. The seal, located at the inlet to the silencer, supports all boiler and piping thermal movements. EJS also provides the sound attenuation jacket that surrounds the seal ensuring that little noise escapes from the SBS unit.

Silencer Bellows Seals are integrated directly with the silencer and because they are part of the silencer itself, the resulting pressure they are exposed to is very low. Although the inlet line pressure can be over 1000 PSIG, silencer internal pressures are normally maintained between 1 PSIG and 15 PSIG. These seals will accommodate 1" axial extension and 2" of lateral movement, which are generally large enough for equipment and piping thermal growth.

The SBS units can either be installed by the silencer manufacturer or bolted (SBS-B) together on site. Whichever type is chosen, the inlet diffuser pipe has to be modified to accommodate the SBS unit. EJS can put you in contact with a Silencer Manufacturer who uses the SBS system with their Silencers and the resulting cost saving can be dramatic.

Expansion Joint Systems, Inc., 10025 Prospect Avenue, Suite 202, Santee, CA 92071. Tel: 619-562-7458; Fax: 619-562-0636.