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Terminology

Bellows Specific

TERM	DESCRIPTION
Bellows Assembly	bellows core pack welded to adapters/end fittings
Bellows Element/Core Pack	convolutions welded together
Convolution	two diaphragms welded together at the ID
Diaphragm	Blanked' metal disc with ripple(corrugation) / or without (flat diaphragm)
Deflection / Stroke	movement through which a convolution is extended/compressed
Effective Area	area of a bellows responding to a differential pressure resulting in an axial force
Effective Diameter	an imaginary diameter used to define the effective area against which presure will act
Mean Diameter	(O.D + I.D)/2
Pitch	centreline to centreline dimension for adjacent O.D weld beads
Span	radial width of diaphragm given by dividing the difference of the outer and inner diameters by two
Spring Rate	the force required to deflect a bellows element a given distance(expressed in N/mm)

. . . flexibility is our strength

Bellows Applications

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TERM	DESCRIPTION
Pressure Sensing, Null	converts a small change in pressure to a force that can operate a switch where linear force output with pressure is most desirable
Pressure Sensing, Actuator	general applications, where a long and linear stroke with pressure is required
Mechanical Seals	the bellows is used to seal the stationary or rotating face of a radial shaft seal, where short oprating lengths and low spring rates are required
Valve Stem Seal	requiring good pressure and movement capability
Reciprocating Shaft Seals	where long stroke and high cycle life has to be considered, ideal for the Nested type bellows design
Expansion Joints/Flexible Connectors	requiring good pressure capability combined with a high degree of flexibility. Generally used in vacuum systems where lateral offsets and/or angulation is required, coupled with low axial stiffness to reduce reaction forces
Dampers / Volumetric Compensators	bellows acts as a flexible membrane in a system seperating gases / fluids, to accomodate large changes in volume due to temperature effects

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