Bellows play an essential role in various industries: the medical field as drug pumps, automotive as mufflers, and even aerospace as altitude sensors. They help systems withstand pressure in all forms —liquid or gas. They handle stress by deforming to keep the systems operating and providing an airtight seal to allow for movement and absorb vibrations.
There are three types of bellows: formed, welded, and electroformed, and each provides a slightly different function. Welded bellows are the most cost-effective option, while electroformed bellows are used in precise applications.
Read on to learn more about the common applications of bellows.
Load Cells
Load cells deform when pressure is placed on them. This deformation is measured with a gauge beneath the bellow that has a low voltage current. When a change in pressure occurs, the indicator detects it and displays it on a control panel. A bellow is attached to protect the load cell and give accurate readings.
Vacuum Interrupters
Vacuum interrupters are used to help power sub-stations safely switch high voltage power. Transferring currents can cause explosions due to sparks. But bellows play a role in preventing problems by removing sparks to keep the area from igniting. The site is sealed with bellows and filled with inert gas to prevent explosions.
Pressure Gauges
To measure the pressure of high-pressure systems, the gauge needs to be separated from a gas or liquid flow. A diaphragm seal is used to create a tight seal to prevent leakage and obtain an accurate reading.
Mechanical Seals
Mechanical seals are used to prevent leakages on pumps. They have both a stationary and rotating ring attached to pump shafts, and the bellow is placed in between them.
Sensors
A convoluted bellow creates a vacuum filled with inert gas. A current passed through, and temperatures fluctuate, making changes in expansion. A sensor measures these changes for actuator pumps or valves.
Exhaust Bellows
Engines will always have vibrations, and bellows play a vital part in maintaining them. Exhaust bellows reduce vibrations as well as changes in expansion due to high temperatures.
Piping Systems
Piping systems can cover massive areas. They need bellows installed at various points to absorb vibrations and expansion to prevent critical damage. The types of bellows used in piping systems are expansive.
There is a multitude of ways the common applications of bellows are used in everyday life. Bellows are ubiquitous elements in manufacturing and industrial processes.
