How to Choose the Right Flexible Connector for Your System
Flexible metal connectors may look simple, but they play a major role in protecting pumps, piping, and critical equipment. Whether you’re responsible for purchasing, safety, engineering, or maintenance, knowing the difference between metallic expansion joints and braided pump connectors helps prevent failures and reduces downtime.
At TIPCO Technologies, this question comes up constantly in the field. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you choose the right connector for your system.
Why Choosing the Right Connector Matters
Selecting the right connector can:
- Reduce vibration and noise
- Extend equipment life
- Prevent leaks and unexpected failures
- Improve pump and system efficiency
- Lower long‑term maintenance costs
Selecting the wrong connector can do the opposite — even if it seems like a small component.
TIPCO’s goal is to help facilities make confident decisions backed by industry‑proven best practices.
Option 1: Metallic Expansion Joints
Accommodates thermal expansion, contraction, and multidirectional movement in piping systems.
Metallic expansion joints are engineered to handle movement in multiple directions, particularly in systems where high temperatures cause piping to expand or contract.
What They Do Well
- Handle axial, lateral, and angular movement
- Absorb vibration
- Compensate for thermal expansion
- Reduce stress on pumps and piping
- Provide internal vibration dampening
Extreme Temperature & Pressure Capability
Metal bellows expansion joints can be engineered to withstand temperatures ranges from -450°F up to 2000°F and pressures up to 3000 PSI, making them suitable for steam, high‑temperature gas flow, and harsh industrial environments.
Where They’re Used
- Long pipe runs subject to temperature fluctuation
- Boiler and heat exchanger headers
- Chemical processing
- High‑temperature steam and hot oil systems
- Expansion/contraction points in fixed piping systems requiring engineered movement
Option 2: Braided Pump Connectors (Flexible Metal Connectors)
Absorb vibration and reduce stress on pumps, compressors, and other rotating equipment.
Pump connectors are corrugated stainless‑steel hoses with an external braid. Their job is to isolate vibration generated by pumps and rotating equipment.
What They Do Well
- Absorb pump vibration
- Help correct slight misalignment
- Reduce noise and mechanical stress
- Protect equipment from resonant vibration transfer
Understanding Movement Limits
Pump connectors allow for lateral movement and vibration absorption — they are NOT designed to handle axial compression or large angular deflection. Misapplying them can lead to premature failure, braid wear‑through, or fatigue.
Where They’re Used
- Pump suction/discharge
- Compressor connections
- HVAC, boiler and chiller systems, cooling towers
- Process skid systems
- Equipment that generates vibration or minor alignment shifts
Quick Comparison
Failure Modes to Watch For
Choosing the wrong connector often leads to predictable failure patterns:
- Vibration — occurs due to misaligned pumps, unbalanced rotating equipment, worn bearings and loose or damaged mountings
- Overbending — Bulged braid behind fitting, deformed corrugations due to taking hose past its designed bend radius
- Torque — While pump connectors can flex in various directions, metal hose is not designed to handle rotational stress or twisting
- Chemical compatibility/Corrosion— when the alloy isn’t properly matched to the corrosive media.
- Axial extension/compression — especially in systems that needed an expansion joint but used a pump connector instead.
TIPCO Certifications & Quality Standards
TIPCO’s manufacturing partners and engineered solutions follow strict industry standards, including:
- ASME Section IV certifications for welded assemblies and engineered components
- ISO‑certified manufacturing ensuring consistent quality and traceability
These certifications help ensure that the flexible connectors, bellows, and assemblies TIPCO provides meet the highest safety and reliability standards found in industrial applications.
(Some referenced manufacturers also carry ISO 9001, ASME U Stamp, EJMA, PED/CE, and Canadian CRN certifications, demonstrating widespread compliance in the flexible connector industry.)
How to Choose Between the Two
· Use pump connectors at the pump for vibration absorption and minor misalignment.
· Use expansion joints in the piping system for thermal expansion /contraction, multi‑directional movement, or engineered flexibility.
· Only interchange after a full STAMPED review: Size • Temperature • Application • Media • Pressure • Ends • Dynamics
Why Facility Teams Trust TIPCO
TIPCO supports facilities by helping:
- Troubleshoot vibration issues
- Identify misapplication before failure occurs
- Match materials and designs to each system
- Source custom metal expansion joints
- Improve reliability and reduce downtime
Even though flexible connectors are small components, they have a big impact — and the right decision upfront prevents problems later.
Need help selecting the right connector?
TIPCO’s technical specialists are available for on‑site evaluations, system reviews, and application support. Contact TIPCO Technologies today to schedule an on-site assessment or request a quote.
