Universal Tied Expansion Joints
Two stainless-steel bellows joined by an intermediate pipe, with tie rods that absorb lateral (transverse) offset while restraining the full pressure thrust — removing the need for main anchors on the adjacent pipe.
Technical Data
| Bellow Material | Stainless Steel AISI 304 (opt. AISI 316, AISI 321) |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Pipe Material | Carbon Steel St37.2 (opt. AISI 304, AISI 316) |
| Tie Rod Material | Carbon Steel St37.2 (opt. AISI 304, AISI 316) |
| End Material | Carbon Steel St37.2 (opt. AISI 304, AISI 316) |
| Connection Types | Fixed Flanged, Weld-Neck End |
| Operating Temperature | -90 °C to +550 °C |
| Operating Pressure | PN6 / PN10 / PN16 / PN40 / PN64 |
| Nominal Diameters | DN25 (1″) to DN3000 (120″) |
| Design | EJMA Standards |
Selection Guide
Twin bellows with tie rods on a standard intermediate pipe.
Best forDirection changes · risersExtended centre pipe multiplies the lateral capacity.
Best forLarge offsetsWeld ends replace flanges for direct installation.
Best forWelded mainsDatasheet & Drawings
Universal tied joint specifications, tie-rod details and movement values on one page, plus the technical drawing. A certified approval drawing follows with your quotation.
EN 10204 3.1 material certificates are supplied with your shipment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What movement does a universal tied expansion joint absorb?
It absorbs large lateral (offset) movement together with angular rotation. The tie rods restrain axial movement and pressure thrust, so the joint is chosen primarily to take up sideways offset between two pipe ends.
Why does a tied universal joint not need main anchors?
The tie rods carry the pressure thrust in tension, balancing the force across the joint itself. Because that thrust never reaches the pipe supports, the system does not need main anchors to react it — saving structural steel and cost.
What is the difference between a universal and an axial joint?
An axial joint uses one bellows to absorb straight-line growth and relies on anchors to carry thrust. A universal joint uses two bellows and a centre spool to absorb lateral offset, and its tie rods carry the thrust — making it suited to offset routes and hard-to-anchor sites.
How is lateral movement capacity increased?
By lengthening the centre spool. A longer spool converts the same angular deflection of each bellows into a greater lateral offset, so spool length is the main lever TOTFLEX uses to tune lateral capacity.
Can a universal tied joint also take axial movement?
A standard tied joint restrains axial movement through its rigid tie rods. Where limited, controlled axial travel is required, TOTFLEX can engineer a limit-rod arrangement instead, but lateral and angular movement remain the primary function.
What sizes and materials does TOTFLEX offer?
Universal tied joints are engineered within a DN25–DN3000 envelope, up to 550 °C and PN40, in stainless as standard and high-nickel alloys for demanding service, each verified for its specific offset and duty.
Engineered to order. Delivered worldwide.
Send your duty conditions — size, pressure, temperature, medium and connections — and our engineers return a drawing, material selection and lead time.
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