What is the difference between Metal Expansion Joints and Braided Flexible Connectors?

A metal pipe expansion joint and a braided flexible metal hose serve different purposes and have distinct design features.

A metal pipe expansion joint is used to absorb thermal growth, reduce stress on pipes, and isolate mechanical vibration and noise. Expansion joints are made from metal and are usually bellows-shaped, which allows the joint to compress or expand as the temperature changes. They are designed to be used in piping systems to accommodate for movement and to minimize stress and vibration that can cause damage to the system.

A braided flexible metal hose, on the other hand, is designed for plumbing applications that require the transfer of liquids or gases. The hose is composed of a flexible inner tube, typically made from a corrosion-resistant metal such as stainless steel, surrounded by a braided metal reinforcement layer. The metal reinforcement provides a higher degree of pressure resistance and durability, making it useful in high-pressure applications. Unlike expansion joints, braided flexible metal hoses are not designed to absorb thermal expansion, but instead to provide flexibility and bendability to a piping system.

In summary, while both metal pipe expansion joints and braided flexible metal hoses are used in piping systems, they have different functions and design features to accommodate for different types of movement and to provide different levels of pressure resistance and durability.