At the heart of combined cycle heat recovery boiler (HRSG) plants, controlling thermal expansion is one of the most complex challenges, for maintenance personnel and plant managers. Thermal and mechanical stresses, irregular operating cycles and high temperatures put a strain on the seal and reliability of components.
In this critical context Piperflex® the textile through-wall expansion joint, designed by New Componit, establishes itself as one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions. A strategic choice that combines resistance, reliability and control, responding to concrete and increasingly pressing operational needs.
But what makes Piperflex® so reliable even in the most extreme conditions? Let’s find out point by point with a concrete look at its performance on the field.
Beyond the limits of metal expansion joints: Piperflex® in the most critical areas of HRSG plants
New Componit supplies textile expansion joints for all critical areas of combined cycle plants: from the air intake to the stack. In particular, Piperflex® is designed for the wall passages of HRSG boilers – an area subject to strong temperature changes, mechanical movements and high pressure.
This is where traditional solutions, such as metal expansion joints, begin to show their limits.
One of the strengths of Piperflex® is the ability to compensate for large axial and lateral movements ,protecting the structural integrity of the system and reducing the need for frequent interventions.
Unlike metal expansion joints – which tend to wear out quickly under “stop & go” operating conditions – Piperflex® maintains high performance over time even in particularly unstable situations.
With a thermal resistance of up to 950°C and excellent gas tightness, this expansion joint is particularly suitable for the high temperatures typical of HRSG systems. Not only it improves thermal efficiency, but it also helps to minimize the risk of dispersion and leakage.
Each Piperflex® expansion joint is custom-designed: it is made after a careful analysis of the operating conditions of the plant, thanks to advanced design engineering, technical simulations and tests in a test chamber. The production is completely internal, to guarantee full control over materials quality and precision.
Also the installation is entrusted to highly qualified personnel, for an impeccable and long-lasting result.
More reliability, fewer surprises: Expansion Control System service
Piperflex® is not only an expansion joint. It is part of a comprehensive service that accompanies the customer at all stages: from design to post-installation maintenance. With the Expansion Control System program, New Componit provides a range of services designed to monitor the performance, identify potential problems and optimize plant management.
Technical support is provided by an international team of specialists, able to intervene anywhere in the world. This means controlled installation, on-site supervision, timely repairs and above all, preventive maintenance:an approach that prevents breakdowns, reducing operating costs and extending system life.
At a time when unplanned outages can cause considerable economic damage, having a joint that ensures operational continuity makes all the difference. Piperflex® is designed to resist, adapt and last and it does so without compromise.
Concrete benefits of Piperflex® include:
- Superior reliability compared to metal expansion joints, even under irregular cycles
- Maximum thermal resistance up to 950°C
- Ability to absorb axial and lateral movements
- Perfect gas tightness even under complex operating conditions
- Custom and in-house manufacturing, with engineering materials selected to ensure high performance over time
- Installation performed by certified teams
- Ongoing technical support and proactive maintenance
Piperflex® is also a strategic asset for HRSG plants. Choosing it means reducing unscheduled shutdowns, containing downtime and achieving a tangible return in terms of business continuity and long component life
The robustness of an HRSG plant is also built through decisions that affect the most critical and stressed areas, when we talk about elements exposed to extreme conditions, what matters is the quality of the design and the precision of the implementation. Piperflex® is much more than a textile expansion joint: it is a guarantee of performance, a protection you can count on and an investment focused on operational continuity and sustainability.
Want to improve comfort and performance in your plant with a tailored solution?
Sales Manager
Coordinates sales activities and supports customers in choosing solutions for industrial insulation and expansion joints.
