Flexible Connectors and Fabric Expansion Joints

To meet its customers’ needs, MECAVENT SA offers a wide range of custom-made flexible connectors. Each one takes into account all the relevant technical criteria:

• The medium conveyed: liquids, solids, aggressive media (acids, bases, solvents or abrasives), powders, water vapour, hydrocarbons, etc.
• The geometry of your equipment: square, round, conical, square-to-round or oval connectors, flat or flanged edges (with or without holes), or eccentric connectors.
• The operating temperature, pressure or vacuum level.
• The environment: indoor or outdoor installation, nearby factors to consider (splashes, etc.).
• The application: industrial transfer, marine, nuclear, furnaces, chemical and petroleum industries, electronics, pharmaceutical, medical.
• Applicable certifications or regulations: food-contact compliance, ATEX.

What Is a Flexible Connector Used For?

• Decoupling the fan from the ductwork to limit the transmission of vibration and structure-borne noise
• Absorbing the thermal expansion of ducts and flue gas lines
• Compensating for misalignment and installation tolerances
• Making disassembly easier during maintenance
• Keeping the system airtight, under positive or negative pressure

Shapes, Dimensions and Materials

Our flexible connectors are made to your drawings or to dimensions taken on site: round, square, rectangular, conical or eccentric, with flat or flanged edges, with or without holes.

The choice of material depends on the medium, the temperature and the environment. Our main ranges:

• Neoprene: up to 100 °C, for ventilation, oil-laden air and outdoor use;
• EPDM: up to 130 °C, for humid air and outdoor use, with good UV and ozone resistance;
• Silicone-coated glass fabric: up to 250 °C, for hot air, the food industry and dryers;
• PTFE-coated glass fabric: up to 260 °C, for chemical and corrosive environments;
• Insulated multi-layer (glass fabric, PTFE, needled felt): 1200 °C and above, for flue gases, furnaces, turbines and hot ducts.

ATEX versions on request. For the food industry, see our range of food-grade flexible connectors, supplied with EC 1935/2004 compliance documentation. Temperatures are indicative and must be confirmed according to pressure, movements and the aggressiveness of the medium.

Applications

Industrial fans and air handling units, flue gas ducts and furnaces, dust extraction and pneumatic conveying, chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries, marine and nuclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a flexible connector and a fabric expansion joint?

Both terms often refer to the same part. “Fabric expansion joint” is generally used for large dimensions and high-temperature applications, where absorbing thermal expansion is the main function.

What information do you need for a quote?

Shape and dimensions of the flanges, free length, medium conveyed, operating temperature and pressure, movements to absorb and environment (indoor, outdoor, ATEX). A photo or drawing is enough to get started.

Can you replace an existing flexible connector?

Yes, we manufacture replacement connectors from the dimensions of the existing part, whatever its original brand.

Why Choose MECAVENT for Your Flexible Connectors?

With over 25 years of experience in air handling and industrial acoustics, MECAVENT SA sizes each flexible connector according to the fan, industrial equipment or ventilation duct it connects. Our connectors are manufactured in our workshops in Villeneuve (Switzerland), and our technicians travel on site for measurements and installation. Send us your dimensions or a photo of the existing part: we will propose a suitable solution.

Short lead times, emergency repair: a standard connector is manufactured in less than a week, and we provide emergency repair within 24 to 48 hours in the event of a production shutdown. From small fan connectors to expansion joints over one metre, we make one-off parts as well as series.