Rubber flexible connectors, also known as rubber flexible joints, flexible rubber joints, flexible rubber couplings, rubber dampers, etc., are a type of pipeline joint with high elasticity, high airtightness, media resistance, and weather resistance. The following is a detailed introduction to rubber flexible connectors:

Structural Composition

Rubber flexible connectors are mainly composed of inner and outer rubber layers, a carcass layer, and a steel wire ring to form a tubular rubber component. After high-temperature and high-pressure vulcanization molding, it is combined with a metal flange loose fitting. Among them, the rubber sphere is the core part, and common materials include natural rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, etc., each with different characteristics to adapt to different working environments. Metal flanges are generally made of carbon steel or stainless steel and are tightly bonded to the rubber sphere through a vulcanization process.

Classification

Rubber flexible connectors can be classified according to different classification standards:

1. Classification by external morphology: including single-sphere rubber joints, double-sphere rubber joints, triple-sphere rubber joints, concentric eccentric rubber joints, eccentric eccentric rubber joints, clamp-type rubber joints, 90° rubber elbows, etc.

2. Classification by working medium: including general-purpose (ordinary) rubber joints, high-temperature resistant rubber joints, acid and alkali resistant rubber joints, wear-resistant rubber joints, desulfurization-specific rubber joints, etc.

3. Classification by working pressure: including rubber flexible connectors of different pressure levels such as 0.25Mpa, 0.6Mpa, 1.0Mpa, 1.6Mpa, 2.5Mpa, 4.0Mpa, etc.

Working Principle

In the pipeline system, rubber flexible connectors mainly play the role of shock absorption, noise reduction, and absorption of displacement generated during pipeline operation. When the fluid medium flows in the pipeline, it will generate pressure fluctuations, vibrations, and thermal expansion and contraction leading to pipeline displacement. The rubber sphere of the rubber flexible connector can adapt to these changes by relying on its elastic deformation, thereby protecting the pipeline system and other components from damage.

Features and Advantages

1. High internal density: It can withstand higher pressure and has good elastic deformation.

2. Shock absorption and noise reduction: The product design is lightweight, easy to install and maintain, and can reduce structural noise transmission and has strong vibration absorption capacity during operation.

3. Good flexibility: It can adapt to various complex installation environments and pipeline layouts, can bend and twist, reducing installation accuracy requirements and improving construction efficiency.

4. Excellent sealing performance: The rubber sphere and metal flange are tightly combined, and the elasticity of the rubber itself can effectively prevent leakage.

Application Range

Due to its good comprehensive performance, rubber flexible connectors are widely used in various pipeline systems, such as fire protection, chemical industry, and pump valve fields. Especially suitable for pump and valve connections, pipelines with large vibrations, and pipelines with frequent hot and cold changes. Commonly used in seawater, fresh water, hot and cold water, drinking water, domestic sewage, crude oil, fuel oil, lubricating oil, finished oil, air, gas, steam, and granular powder fields.

Installation and Maintenance

1. Pre-installation preparation: Check whether the specifications and models of the rubber flexible connector meet the design requirements; check whether the flange sealing surface is flat and smooth; check whether the predetermined installation distance is appropriate; check whether the specifications of the flange connecting bolts meet the standard regulations.

2. Installation method: Rubber flexible connectors can be installed using flange connections, clamp connections, or threaded connections. During installation, certain specifications and requirements should be followed to ensure that the connection is tight and firm.

3. Maintenance requirements: Regularly check the use of rubber flexible connectors. If aging, leakage, or other problems are found, they should be replaced in time; avoid damage to the rubber flexible connector caused by high temperature, ozone, oil, and acid-base environments