Pressure Balanced High-Tech Expansion Joint for the Ribeira Grande Geothermal Power Plant in the Azores

On this occasion, we have successfully supplied several engineered Expansion Joints for the revitalization of the 5 MW Ribeira Grande Geothermal Power Plant, located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal.

The scope included the design and manufacture of a highly specialized DN1300 Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint (MPB-E), together with several rubber expansion joints and a DN450 Universal Tied Metallic Expansion Joint.

The DN1300 Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint represents a custom-engineered solution developed to absorb thermal movements while eliminating pressure thrust loads transmitted to the piping system. 

Design features:

• Pressure Balanced design to neutralize pressure thrust forces.

• Customized oval geometry and flange arrangement.

• Integrated flow vane system to optimize flow distribution and reduce turbulence.

• Multi-ply stainless steel bellows.

• Design pressure of 8 barg with full vacuum capability.

• Hydrostatic test pressure of 12 barg.

• Design temperature up to 150°C.

• Controlled spring rates to minimize loads on connected equipment.

• Comprehensive quality control including RT, PT, MT, UT, vacuum testing and hydrostatic pressure testing.

• Designed according to EJMA and PED Module H requirements.

The modernization of the Ribeira Grande facility further strengthens the role of geothermal energy as a reliable and sustainable source of renewable power in the Azores and demonstrates MACOGA's capability to provide highly engineered expansion joint solutions for critical energy applications worldwide.

More information: https://www.macoga.com/en/news/category/power-generation/geothermal