PTFE Bellows

ZHW®  PTFE bellows process technology is focused on supporting the technical processes of our globally operating customers in the chemical industry, metal manufacturing and environmental protection technology. A maximum degree of know-how and expertise in corrosion protection, a global presence and full-package systems from a single source: that’s what our customers need – and get from us:

►   Long-standing experience and a high level of expertise in process technology

►   Comprehensive process, material and design know-how on graphite, PTFE and silicon carbide (SiC)

►   Closeness to customers: cost-effective manufacturing to international and local standards at our production sites in China, Aisa, South America, and worldwide customer service

►   A consistently high standard of quality

Our comprehensive range of products and services extends from process equipment and components made from graphite and virginal, paste-extruded PTFE through skived PTFE sheet-lined steel equipment bellows, ZHW® pipe systems, ZHW® silicon carbide heat exchangers and graphite or exotic metal pumps, to the planning and assembly of complex systems.

Description

ZHW® PTFE bellows are manufactured from virgin paste-extruded PTFE. They are designed for maximum flex-life in a wide range of high temperature/high purity Chemical Process Industry (CPI) applications. General ZHW® bellows or flexible connectors or expansion joints, are used in piping systems to absorb vibration caused by rotating equipment, to absorb thermal expansion and contraction of piping systems and protect stress-sensitive process equipment (graphite, glass, glass-lined steel, FRP, dual laminate, etc.). PTFE is ideal for use as a bellow material because of its near universal corrosion resistance, low spring rate and near unlimited flexible life. Providing this system flexibility, any bellow is virtually designed to be the most sensitive link in a piping system. ZHW’s engineering team has conducted long term PTFE studies to ensure comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the bellow design, manufacture and quality control to maximize performance and safety. We can supply our PTFE with static dissipating (antistatic) properties suitable for use with solvents and other liquids where static build up is an issue.

The steps in the engineering & manufacturing optimization process were:

• Optimize bellow geometry and wall thickness to achieve maximum burst pressure and minimize spring rate.
• Manufacture the bellow according to the principles found in the theoretical calculations, without reducing the bellow performance due to manufacturing limitations.
• Use best available PTFE liner to form the bellow.
• Define operating parameters such as operating pressures that are important to the customer and take into account, that the lifetime of the bellow is influenced by PTFE creep.
• Comply with the Import Pressure Equipment Directive.

For more information about the features and benefits of the ZHW PTFE bellows, Download our brochure.

For up-to-date pricing and availability information. Contact ZHW today.