Steel expansion joints

Steel expansion joints from STENFLEX and others

– Robust solutions in stainless steel

Industrial production and piping systems place high demands on flexibility, temperature resistance and long service life. Our STENFLEX steel expansion joints are tailored to meet these demands, with guaranteed operational reliability and precision.

At HNC Group we offer the entire standard range: diameters from DN 15 to DN 5500 mm in pressure ratings up to PN 16, as well as tailor-made special designs. STENFLEX steel expansion joints are built to withstand demanding conditions in power plants, chemical plants, marine installations and the process industry – and they require minimal maintenance.

Steel expansion joints
Steel expansion joints

Areas of application

Steel expansion joints are typically used in:

  • Power plants and heating plants
  • Chemical industry and process installations
  • Marine and offshore installations
  • Piping systems with high temperatures and pressures
  • Ventilation, heating and cooling systems
  • Exhaust and flue gas systems

Why choose steel expansion joints from STENFLEX?

STENFLEX has more than 50 years of experience and supplies steel expansion joints with high operational reliability, based on advanced CAD design and testing processes.

Here are some of the most important benefits:

  • Long service life and robustness – designed for many years of fault-free operation
  • Movement compensation – absorbs thermal movements, vibrations and misalignment
  • Reduced stress and damping – reduces the load on pipes and structure
  • High precision and quality – CAD design, quality testing and certifications (AD 2000-B13, EN 14917, EJMA)
  • Maintenance-free operation – stable and maintenance-free solutions
  • Flexible use – for plants in mechanical engineering, the process industry, marine, the chemical industry, heating and ventilation systems and more

Installation and operation – best practice

For correct and long-lasting operation, the following guidelines should be observed:

  • Plan anchor points and sliding supports correctly, so that the expansion joint is not exposed to unintended lateral load.
  • Install the expansion joint without forced bending – it must be able to “work” without being loaded unnecessarily.
  • Use correct connection methods (weld ends, flanges, threads, unions) that suit the chosen model.
  • Follow the tightening torques and installation instructions – View them here
  • After installation, and after operation, a visual inspection should be carried out regularly to ensure that there are no deformations, leaks or damage.
  • Avoid chemical attack and corrosion by choosing a suitable steel quality and surface treatment.
Steel expansion joints

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SA-10

SA-10

Axial expansion joint

Steel expansion joint, also for vacuum, made with stainless steel bellows and weld ends.

Design:Weld ends
Standard dimensions:DN 15 – DN 2800
Max. working pressure:PN 16
Materials:Stainless steel
  • Compensation of axial expansion
  • Reduction of mechanical stresses
  • Damping of noise and vibrations from: Compressors, motors, turbines, machines, process plants
  • Installation in: Industrial plants, exhaust systems, heating installations, gas pipelines
View datasheet
SF-10

SF-10

Axial expansion joint

Axial expansion joint consisting of stainless steel bellows and loose flanges.

Design:Swivel flanges
Standard dimensions:DN 15 – DN 2800
Max. working pressure:PN 16
Materials (Bellows):Stainless steel
  • Compensation of axial expansion
  • Reduction of mechanical stresses
  • Exhaust systems
  • Gas and water supply
  • Heating installations
View datasheet
SG-11

SG-11

Axial expansion joint

Vacuum-tight steel expansion joint consisting of stainless steel bellows and threaded connection pieces Bellows with flared ends, connection parts with union and sealing face. Unions with female thread.

Design:Galvanised unions with sockets
Standard dimensions:DN 15 – DN 50
Max. working pressure:PN 16
Materials (Bellows):Stainless steel
  • Compensation of axial expansion
  • Reduction of mechanical stresses
  • Damping of noise and vibrations from: Compressors, motors, turbines, machines, process plants
  • Installation in: Industrial plants, exhaust systems, heating installations, gas pipelines
View datasheet
SG-10

SG-10

Axial expansion joint

Vacuum-tight steel expansion joint consisting of stainless steel bellows and threaded connection pieces. Bellows with flared ends, connection parts with male thread.

Design:Nipples
Standard dimensions:DN 15 – DN 50
Max. working pressure:PN 16
Materials (Bellows):Stainless steel
  • Damping of noise and vibrations from: Pumps, Compressors, Motors, Turbines and machines
  • Reduction of mechanical stresses
  • Installation in heating systems
View datasheet

A steel expansion joint is a flexible component, normally made of stainless steel, used to absorb movements in piping systems. It compensates for thermal expansion, pressure variations and vibrations, which prevents damage to the piping system. Steel expansion joints are suitable for industrial applications, including power plants, chemical plants and HVAC systems, where a reliable and flexible pipe connection is essential.

Max-Comp

Max-Comp

Axial expansion joint

Max-Comp is particularly suitable for larger axial movement. Supplied pre-tensioned, ready for installation in a cold pipeline.

Design:Weld ends
Standard dimensions:DN 40 – DN 400
Max. working pressure:PN 16
Materials (Bellows):Stainless steel
View datasheet
URU

URU

Axial expansion joint

Design:Galvanised socket unions
Standard dimensions:DN 15 – DN 50
Max. working pressure:PN 10
Materials (Bellows):Stainless steel
View datasheet
GRU

GRU

Axial expansion joint

Design:Nipples
Standard dimensions:DN 15 – DN 54
Max. working pressure:PN 10
Materials (Bellows):Stainless steel
View datasheet

Frequently asked questions about steel expansion joints

What is a steel expansion joint?
A steel expansion joint is a flexible component with corrugated stainless steel bellows, which absorbs movements, vibrations and thermal expansion in a piping system. It protects the pipes against overloading and extends the service life.

When should a steel expansion joint be used instead of a rubber expansion joint?
Steel expansion joints are typically used in systems with high pressure, high temperatures or chemically aggressive media. Where rubber expansion joints have their strength in flexibility and damping, steel expansion joints are far more robust in demanding environments.

What types of steel expansion joints are available?
The most common types are:

  • Axial expansion joint (absorbs longitudinal expansion in the piping system)
  • Lateral expansion joint (absorbs lateral displacement)
  • Angular/hinged expansion joint (absorbs rotation or angular movement)

Which dimensions and pressure ratings can I get?
The standard range from STENFLEX covers from DN 15 to DN 5500 mm and pressures up to PN 16. For special tasks, specially designed solutions can be supplied.

Can steel expansion joints withstand vacuum?
Yes, certain models such as SG-10 and SG-11 are vacuum-tight and particularly suited to installations where both pressure and vacuum occur.

How long is the service life of a steel expansion joint?
STENFLEX steel expansion joints are designed for many years of operation under demanding conditions. The actual service life depends on correct sizing, installation conditions, pressure, temperature and type of medium.

Can you supply tailor-made expansion joints?
Yes. HNC Group offers special solutions where the expansion joint is adapted to your precise requirements in terms of diameter, pressure, temperature and movement.