BEST-IN-CLASS

AEROSPACE & RESEARCH
EXPANSION JOINTS

Expansion Joints for the Research and Aerospace sectors are used in a wide variety of applications. Through numerous projects across these sectors, Belman has gained extensive experience with a wide range of installation purposes. The operating conditions in these applications can vary significantly, placing high demands on the Expansion Joints.

Applications:

Feedlines for space rockets
Pressurization lines in/at space
rockets
Pilot plants
Helium gas applications
Cryogenic pipelines
Hydrologic response units (HRU)
Filters
Autoclaves
Vacuum pipelines and chambers
and many more applications

Design expertise:

High pressure
Cryogenic temperatures
Special media compositions
Special material requirements
Special requirements for safety due to the nature of the applications
Minimizing the pressure drop

Design range and scope of supply within Aerospace & Research Expansion Joints

The capability design range for Belman and Aerospace & Research Expansion Joints are:

DIMENSIONS:
DN 15-12.000

PRESSURE:
Up to 150 barg or more if required

TEMPERATURE:
-256°C to +1000°C

MATERIALS:

Austenitic stainless steels, High alloys, Duplex, Titanium, Hastelloy,
Incoloy, Inconel, Alloy 59

DESIGN CODES:

EN 13445, EN 13480, EN 14917
ASME VIII, div.I, ASME B31.3
ASME B31.1, EJMA, AD 2000
and others on request

TESTS:

Radiographic examination (X-ray), Helium leak testing, Pressure test, Air test, Dye penetrant test, Magnetic particle examination and many more

ENGINEERED

AEROSPACE & RESEARCH EXPANSION JOINTS

Piping-bellow-for-particle-generator-BELMAN_P2

Finger-type-bellows-for-research-centre-BELMAN_P3

Expansion-bellows-for-autoclaves-at-research-facilities-BELMAN_P4

Metallic-bellows-for-university-pilot-project-BELMAN_P1

REDUCING LOADS ON CRITICAL EQUIPMENT USING EXPANSION JOINTS AT A RESEARCH FACILITY

CASE STORY

Belman designed and manufactured eight high-precision Expansion Joints for a multinational research facility in Sweden, specifically for installation in their Hydrologic Response Unit (HRU) and a filter unit. Given that the reactor operates with helium gas as the medium, ensuring exceptional tightness was a critical requirement to maintain system integrity and performance. The client and Belman together selected this best and most durable solution for the application – one that provided the lowest possible spring rates and no pressure-induced reaction forces.

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LAUNCH VEHICLE FEEDING LINE PIPING BELLOWS

CASE STORY

Belman has designed and manufactured a total of six Expansion Joints for a European space tech company. The Piping Bellows, which have different designs and installation lengths, will be installed in a cryogenic environment. More specifically, they will be installed on the feeding and pressurization lines of both the main stage and the upper stage of a launcher, where they will need to handle either LOX (liquid oxygen) or LCH4 (liquid methane), LN2 (liquid nitrogen), GN2 (gaseous nitrogen) and GHe (gaseous helium).

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EXPERIENCED & APPROVED SUPPLIER

REFERENCES

ESS • PLD Space • University of Oxford • CERN • Universität Bundeswehr München •
DESY (German Electron Synchrotron) • MaiaSpace • Technische Universität Berlin • RWTH Aachen Universität • Concordia University • Technische Universität Damstadt • University of Copenhagen • Orbital Express Launch • Ricardo • ArianeGroup • Red Bull Techology • DTU Risø Campus •

DLR (German Aerospace research and technology centre) • Technische Universität Dresden • Isar aerospace technologies • Cranfield University • Climeworks • Universität Rostock • Universität Stuttgart • Vienna University of Technology • Technische Universität Dortmunds • Science Campus Braun-schweig-Süd (Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung) • MT Aerospace •

References & Testemonials

AEROSPACE & RESEARCH EXPANSION JOINTS

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

TYPES & DESIGN

The Expansion Joint types and designs used in Research & Aerospace applications include both standard catalogue Expansion Joints as well as fully customised Expansion Joints tailored to specific application requirements. However, the main types of Expansion Joints which, in Belman’s experience, are used in these industries are:

Customised Aerospace and Research Expansion Joint solutions
In most projects, Belman is brought in to assist with identifying the optimal solution for the application. This often requires custom-designed Expansion Joints, engineered specifically to address the challenges of complex and critical piping systems. Due to varying media compositions and diverse operating conditions, the design and features of the Expansion Joints can differ significantly from one project to another. Belman specialises in deve-loping tailored solutions that meet the exact needs of both the client and the application.

How we do

MATERIALS

Materials
Expansion Joints for Research and Aerospace applications are primarily manufactured from austenitic stainless steels, but can also be made from high-alloy or heat-resistant steels. The choice of material depends on the specific design and the application requirements, covering all components—including the bellows, inner sleeves, flanges, middle pipes, and welding ends. Belman can design and manufacture Expansion Joints for the Research and Aerospace industry from the following materials:

All austenitic stainless steels including 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti), 1.4404 (AISI 316L), 1.4541 (AISI 321).
1.4878 (AISI 321 H)
Incoloy 800H
Inconel 625
Incoloy 825

ADVANTAGES

The correct Expansion Joint solution for the application
Customised in all kinds of materials, even high alloys
Cost-efficient solution for critical applications

Research-institute-and-spacetech-Expansion-Joints-BELMAN_brochure

PRODUCT
BROCHURE

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CATALOGUE

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QUALITY & TESTS

Belman is known for high quality products and therefore our quality control is a fundamental part of our business. All processes during production designed by the Belman quality engineers, is strictly follow and implement according our procedures and instructions and carefully inspected by Belman quality inspectors. All checks and inspections are done according to the strict prevailing Belman quality control procedures which is part of the Belman ISO 9001 quality management system approved by DNV.

ITP & Test
Inspection test Plan generated by the quality management system makes sure that each step of manufacturing has the appropriate inspection points such as Hold and Witness points.

Based on manufacturing code, project specification, application, media, and eventual ship classification rules Belman performs a large variety of quality tests including destructive, non-destructive testing and proof testing. All tests can be witnessed by the 3^rd part based on the customer and classification requirements.

Destructive test: such as life cycle test and burst test to validate the design, i.e., vessels and offshore platforms
Non-destructive test such as Visual testing, dye penetrant test, Radiography examination, Magnetic testing, ultrasonic testing, hardness testing and PMI for all applications
Proof tests: leak test with air, leak test with helium and formier gas, hydrostatic pressure test for all application

QA & TEST AT BELMAN

BELMAN EXCELLENCE IN

CRYOGENIC APPLICATIONS

Belman has extensive experience with cryogenic applications across the Aerospace and Research sectors, as well as in various other industries worldwide – an expertise that is second to none. This depth of knowledge ensures the highest quality and seamless execution of projects involving cryogenic conditions. For critical cryogenic applications, Belman provides expert support in designing Expansion Joints for a wide range of media, including but not limited to:
• Helium
• Helium gas
• LPG
• LNG
• Hydrogen
• LOX (liquid oxygen)

Tests at -189°C and below
Cryogenic applications place extremely high demands on all components involved, including Expansion Joints. The design and manufacture of high-quality, customised Expansion Joints has always been a core part of Belman’s expertise. To ensure performance and reliability, the mechanical properties of each Expansion Joint are verified through comprehensive testing, with particular focus on the strength and ductility of the materials using non-destructive
methods. Belman is also capable of performing hydrostatic testing at cryogenic temperatures. In fact, some tests conducted by Belman have reached temperatures as low as -189°C.

UNPARALLELED QUALITY

Special cleaning (cleanliness)

For many cryogenic applications – and the clients operating them – cleanliness of each component is critical. Even the smallest contaminants can compromise system performance or safety. Belman is well-versed in meeting strict cleanliness requirements and adheres to detailed cleaning procedures and policies as specified by clients in the Research and Aerospace sectors. This includes degreasing, particle-free cleaning and packaging in controlled environments, ensuring the Expansion Joints are ready for cleanroom or high-purity service upon delivery. Belman’s commitment to cleanliness supports the safe and reliable operation of cryogenic systems where precision matters most.

WE HAVE ENGINEERED

EXPANSION JOINTS SINCE 1994

This enables us to find you the optimum solution to your piping system.