DN80 (3") stainless steel expansion joint — 316L tied lateral, UK stock
What the UKGP-SSEJ-03 DN80 (3") stainless steel expansion joint does
The UKGP-SSEJ-03 is a DN80 (3") 316L stainless steel expansion joint in tied-lateral configuration — two factory-fitted tie rods react pressure thrust so the joint absorbs 32 mm of lateral offset between two pipework anchors without main anchors carrying the load. Tied lateral SS expansion joints are the standard solution on long horizontal steam mains, hot-water risers, condensate returns and chemical-process pipework where the layout cannot accommodate an axial joint with main anchors.
316L vs 321 stainless — which grade for which duty?
316L is the molybdenum-bearing grade, preferred for chloride-bearing duty: chilled water, demin water, marine, coastal and brine systems. 321 is titanium-stabilised against intergranular corrosion at weld heat-affected zones — the correct grade for sustained service above 425 °C and for high-temperature steam. The UKGP-SSEJ-03 ships as 316L by default; specify 321 at order if the duty is high-temperature steam or thermal-fluid.
Sizing and installation of the UKGP-SSEJ-03
Install the DN80 (3") stainless steel expansion joint between two intermediate anchors set the distance dictated by the line's thermal growth and the joint's 32 mm lateral capacity. Allow 4 × DN of straight pipe either side. Pipe guides are still required to prevent buckling between anchors — typical guide spacing is 14 × DN for the first guide and 4 × DN for the second. The tied design means the joint can be hung from pipework brackets without bespoke thrust blocks.
Where stainless steel expansion joints are specified
DN80 (3") 316L SS expansion joints are routinely specified on commercial and industrial steam mains, hospital sterile-steam ring mains, pharmaceutical demin water loops, food-and-beverage CIP/SIP circuits, district heating sub-stations, chemical process plant, exhaust ducting and pump bypass loops. For all-rubber alternatives on lower-temperature water duty, see our flanged expansion bellows and rubber expansion bellows ranges linked below.
Cycle life, pressure rating and certification
UKGP-SSEJ-03 is rated for 1,000 full-stroke movement cycles at design pressure and design temperature under EJMA — well beyond the cycle count of a typical building services duty. PED Category I/II CE marking is included as standard. EN 10204 3.1 material certs and a signed hydrostatic test report ship with every joint.
Price, dispatch and ordering
The UKGP-SSEJ-03 DN80 (3") stainless steel expansion joint is £495 ex VAT, held in UK stock for same-day dispatch before 3 pm Mon–Fri. Bulk pricing for 10+ off, ANSI 150 / JIS 10K drilling, weld-end and grooved-end alternatives quoted within one working day.