New, effective pipe joining method announced

Producer of mechanical pipe joining solutions Victaulic last month announced the European premiere of its Refuse-to-Fuse solution. This new technique enables high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes to be coupled without the need for fusion.

HDPE pipes are widely known and popular for their flexibility, long-term reliability and corrosion resistance. They are widely used, especially in the gas, water and wastewater sectors. The pipes are usually coupled using electrofusion or mirror welding, which require costly equipment and qualified personnel with a good command of these techniques.

Victaulic’s new Refuse-to-Fuse process makes it possible to couple pipes of both small and large diameters without fusing in just a matter of minutes. The installation is very simple, requiring only a socket or impact wrench. Furthermore, it is up to ten times faster than standard fusing techniques.

“Cooling periods and wait times are no longer required. Once fastened, the pipes are tightly coupled and completely sealed,” says Victaulic sales engineer Frank Börstler.

With external diameters of 63 mm to 225 mm the 905 installation-ready coupling is pushed over the plain end of the HDPE pipe. As the nuts are tightened, a double row of stainless-steel teeth around the coupling’s internal circumference grip the exterior of the pipe’s plain end. All that is needed to hold the coupling in position and guarantee a tight seal is to secure the two halves of the housing at their bold pads. For diameters greater than 225 mm, the coupling’s springs grip the twin-grooved HDPE pipe. Here, too, the two halves of the coupling housing are tightened bolt pad to bolt pad.

“Victaulic’s Refuse-to-Fuse solution has several advantages compared to standard techniques: The couplings permit installation of HDPE pipes in vertical orientations and tight spaces where fusing is not possible. Moreover, the installation is weatherproof, preventing project delays as a result of bad weather – be it rain or snow,” sums up Börstler.

Patented in 1919, Victaulic is the originator and leading producer of mechanical pipe joining solutions, including grooved fittings and couplings. Today, Victaulic piping systems, technologies and services enable people to work faster, while increasing safety, ensuring reliability and maximising efficiency. The company has 15 major manufacturing facilities and
28 branches worldwide with 3 600 employees who speak 43 languages across the globe.

With over 1 800 global patents, Victaulic piping solutions, perfect as welding alternatives, are at work in more than 125 countries across diverse business lines including oil and gas, chemical, mining, power generation, water and wastewater treatment, military and marine, as well as commercial building and fire protection.