This month, we thought we’d try something different and take a quick look around at some ways the piping side of the industry has developed since the then-standard equipment of a generation ago. From developments in couplings to software to non-traditional piping materials and techniques, the emphasis is on flexibility and reducing costs by achieving the same results in less time.
Let’s start in the couplings and fitting departments. After introducing its “installation-ready” product line in 2005, the company released various associated couplings for specific types of applications. Following 2007’s first HVAC-specific coupling, last year saw Victaulic release the Style 177 QuickVic® flexible coupling, designed for HVAC, utility, and process piping.
The timesaving advantage claimed by the manufacturer can reach up to ten times’ faster installation over other pipe-joining methods involving welding, brazing, soldering, or flanging. As well as eliminating the need for heat, the single-unit design is meant to eliminate problems with any loose or dropped parts, requiring just a tightening with common tools.
Another key is a proprietary “EHP” gasket material for performance at a wide range of temperatures when joining standard roll-grooved and cut-grooved steel pipe.