Description
Exhaust Bellows – High Temperature Engine Exhaust Expansion Bellows
Overview
Exhaust bellows are specialized metallic expansion joints designed for diesel generator exhaust systems, engine exhaust pipes and high-temperature gas applications. Manufactured from high-grade stainless steel (304/316/321), these bellows absorb thermal expansion, engine vibration and misalignment in exhaust systems operating at temperatures up to 650°C and beyond.
Features
- High-temperature stainless steel construction
- Single or multi-ply bellows for pressure containment
- Flanged or butt-weld end connections
- Can include flexible pipe sections
- Designed for pulsating exhaust flow
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Manufactured to EJMA and international standards
Applications
- Diesel generator (DG set) exhaust systems
- Gas generator exhaust connections
- Industrial engine exhaust piping
- Marine engine exhaust systems
- Boiler breechings and flue gas connections
- Turbine exhaust systems
- Incinerator and furnace exhaust
- High-temperature process gas piping
- Emergency generator exhaust in buildings
Technical Specifications
- Material: Stainless Steel 304, 316, 321, Inconel, Duplex
- Temperature: Up to 650°C, up to 1000°C
- Pressure: Typically low pressure, up to 0.5 bar in exhaust systems
- Size Range: DN25 (1″) to DN1200 (48″)
- Bellows Type: Single-ply or 2-ply for safety
- End Connections: Fixed flanges, floating flanges or butt-weld
Why Exhaust Systems Need Bellows:
- Thermal Expansion: Exhaust pipes expand significantly (steel expands 12mm per meter at 500°C).
- Engine Vibration: Running engines create substantial vibration requiring flexible connections.
- Misalignment: Building settlement or foundation movement needs compensation.
- Acoustic Isolation: Flexible bellows reduce noise transmission through exhaust piping.
- Stress Relief: Prevents stress on engine exhaust manifold and silencer connections.
Construction Types
Basic Exhaust Bellow: Stainless steel bellows with flanges, suitable for moderate temperatures.
Braided Exhaust Bellow: Outer stainless steel braid protects bellows and improves appearance.
Flexible Exhaust Pipe: Long corrugated flexible pipe (up to 3 meters) with or without braid.
Design Considerations
- Exhaust gas temperature (peak and average)
- Engine vibration amplitude and frequency
- Thermal expansion of exhaust piping
- Back pressure requirements (low restriction)
- Flange standards (ANSI, DIN, custom)
- Installation space and routing
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Required service life
Benefits
- Accommodates thermal expansion in hot exhaust systems
- Isolates engine vibration from exhaust piping
- Reduces stress on engine exhaust manifold
- Prevents exhaust system failures and leaks
- Allows flexibility for engine movement
- Reduces noise transmission
- Long service life in high-temperature applications
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction
Contact RMS Corporation with engine/generator specifications (kVA rating, exhaust temperature, pipe size, flange type) for exhaust bellow selection and supply.



