Inconel Bellows for Sour Gas Application

Challenge:

A shutdown maintenance team urgently needed replacement bellows for a sour gas line operating in a highly corrosive environment with H₂S content. The original bellows had failed prematurely due to material incompatibility. The client required a fast replacement with a corrosion-resistant alloy — without redesigning the pipeline layout.

Solution Provided:

FlexiBel delivered a custom-engineered metallic expansion joint using Inconel 625 LCF for the bellows element, with carbon steel flanges and tie rods for pressure thrust restraint. The unit was designed to match the existing face-to-face length and bolt pattern. Third-party witnessed hydro and PMI testing was conducted on site.

Why FlexiBel:

• Fast-track delivery within 7 working days, including material sourcing
• Expertise in material selection for sour service (per NACE MR0175 guidelines)
• Full dimensional match to existing line – zero field rework required
• Emergency logistics support for overnight cross-border delivery

Result:

The replacement bellows were installed during the shutdown window with no delays. Post-installation inspection confirmed proper alignment and sealing. The client later standardized Inconel bellows for similar applications across its upstream assets, citing FlexiBel’s technical responsiveness and quality assurance.