伸缩器也称伸缩节、膨胀节、补偿器，分为：波纹补偿器、套筒补偿器、旋转补偿器、方形自然补偿器等几大类型，其中以波纹补偿器较为常用，主要为保障管道运行。
另外，管道伸缩器也是伸缩器的一种，管道伸缩器的链接主要有法兰连接、焊接两种，直埋式伸缩器（非地沟、设井安装时）一般采用焊接。管道伸缩器具有良好的综合性能，所以它广泛用于化工、建筑、给水、排水、石油、轻重工业、冷冻、卫生、水暖、消防、电力等基础工程。
Expansion joints, also known as expansion joints, expansion joints, compensators, divided into: several types of bellows, sleeve compensator, rotating compensator, a square natural compensation, etc., of which the bellows is more commonly used, mainly for the protection of pipelines safe operation.
In addition, the pipe expansion joints is also a kind of expansion joints, pipe expansion joints link the main flange connection, welding, two Buried expansion joints (non-trench, located wells when installed) commonly used welding. Pipe expansion joints with a good overall performance, so it is widely used in chemical, construction, water supply, drainage, oil, light and heavy industrial, refrigeration, sanitation, plumbing, fire, electricity and other infrastructure projects.