Bellows Expansion Joint is the compensating element for thermal expansion and relative movement in pipelines, containers and machines. They consist of one or more metal bellows, connectors at both ends, and tie rods that depend on the application. They are differentiated according to the three basic types of movement: axial, angular and lateral expansion joints. 
 
Bellows Expansion Joint is elastic vessel that can be compressed when pressure is applied to the outside of the vessel, or extended under vacuum. When the pressure or vacuum is released, the bellows will return to its original shape (provided the material has not been stressed past its yield strength).
 
Features: 

• Economical end usage
• Providing for lower initial costs in piping & construction work

Applications:

• Diesel engine sets
• Pipelines
• Turbines
• Compressors
• Blowers
• Vacuum pumps
• Heat exchangers 

Advantages:

• Reduce vibration
• Dampen sound transmission
• Compensate lateral, torsional & angular movements
• Compensate axial movements
• Minimal face-to-face dimensions
• Lightweight
• Low movement forces required
• Reduced fatigue factor
• Reduced heat loss
• Corrosion, erosion resistant
• No gaskets