Cardwell Ltd. www.cardwell-limited.co.uk has supplied 5 DN 2600 gimbal and some DN 1800 hinged units in two power plants in Lebanon. More precisely they are installed in the exhaust steam ducts from Turbine to air cooled condensers.

The pipe system, in which these large units are installed, is designed so that the movement is most efficiently absorbed as angular rotation of the bellows and as a result the best expansion joint solution uses gimbal expansion joints. Designing expansion joints with gimbals gives many advantages; the system of gimbal ring, pins and hinges allows the expansion joint to rotate in all directions so offering greater flexibility in design and usage. At the same time the gimbals ensure control of movements absorbed, and restrain pressure thrust – and extraneous forces on the bellow.

By using these gimbal units the plant got a solution that gave stability to the pipeline, required minimal guiding and significantly reduced the cost of the system main anchors.

When designing expansion joints with gimbals it is important to be aware of any surrounding external hardware or pipes as the gimbals require the necessary space to be installed and also clearance to move in operation.

Gimbal expansion joints working as a pair, can give advantages over lateral expansion joints, saving the need for substantial anchors, however the pipework still needs to be supported and guided as required to correctly direct the expansion onto the compensating system.

Using our group capabilities and extensive experience with a broad range of sizes, types and design we can offer our Cardwell customers a vast range of solutions to expansion problems. Some units are manufactured in Cardwell facilities and some units are manufactured in Belman facilities in Denmark.

In our Denmark facilities we can design and manufacture up to DN 12.000 in diameter. Compensators over DN 6 000 are special customized designs and are supplied in segments for transport and logistical reasons.

These units need to assembled at site and this work can be done by the customer or, if preferred, we can assist in the on-site welding. Our group service team is experienced in this kind of work and is always ready to assist.

ABOUT:-

Cardwell Limited are Designers and manufacturers/providers of Metallic expansion joints, compensators, and bellows in stainless steel, and nickel alloys. The company was established in 1984 with the objective of providing good technical response supported by manufacturing capacity for bellows and expansion joints.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:-

Steve Cawley

Cardwell Limited.

Unit 2, Mackenzie Industrial Park, Bird Hall Lane, Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire, SK3 0SB

Email: [email protected]
Website:www.cardwell-limited.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 161 491 5515
Fax: +44 (0) 161 491 2354