At enterprises of the oil and gas, chemical, energy and other industries, equipment often operates in conditions of increased danger. Leakage of combustible gas, evaporation of flammable liquids, or accumulation of combustible dust can lead to the formation of an explosive environment. Therefore, when designing engineering systems, special attention is paid not only to the main units, but also to the connecting elements, cable routes and protective shells.
One of these elements is an explosion-proof metal jacket. It is used where a flexible connection, additional mechanical protection, or vibration load compensation is required. Depending on the purpose, the product can be included in a pipeline system or used to protect electrical cables. These options have different designs and should not be considered interchangeable.
When choosing equipment, it is important to take into account the characteristics of a specific explosive zone, the type of working environment and the requirements of the project. For example, an explosion-proof metal jacket is selected taking into account the operating conditions, connection parameters and the confirmed purpose of the product.
Construction and basic elements
The metal flexible sleeve is usually a corrugated shell made of corrosion-resistant steel. The corrugations ensure the mobility of the structure, allowing it to compensate for small displacements of the equipment and facilitating connection in places where it is impossible to use a rigid section of the pipeline.
Depending on the type of product, the design may include several components:
- A corrugated bellows. It forms a flexible shell and ensures tightness within the specified characteristics.
- Metal braid. In some models, it takes on some of the mechanical loads and limits the deformation of the sleeve under pressure.
- End fittings. Provides connection to a pipeline or equipment. The connection design is selected taking into account the installation conditions.
- Protective and sealing elements. They are used depending on the design and purpose of a particular product.
Cable metal hoses have a different task.: they form a protective channel for wires and cables. In such a system, not only the characteristics of the metal shell are important, but also the compatibility of connectors, inputs and other elements of the electrical installation.
How security is ensured
The mere presence of a metal corrugation does not mean that the product is automatically suitable for use in an explosive zone. Safety is determined by the entire design,
