Dubai, UAE: Stephen Traynor, Division Manager (Middle East, Africa and India), Victaulic, explains the advantages of grooved mechanical piping systems as against other pipe joining methods.

Grooved systems, Traynor says, uses a two-bolt coupling design and has a union at every joint, providing contractors the option to secure joints easily with basic hand tools and allowing them “maximum field flexibility for on-site decision-making”. He adds, “All couplings are sealed for optimum integrity with a durable elastomeric gasket designed to withstand years of sustained high compressive and cyclical loads.”

As the mechanical grooved piping systems do not require welding, and welding is known to consume significant amount of electricity, Tranyor points out that using the alternative system can save energy as well as costs. “Additionally, soldered systems may require as much as 35% re-work for failures,” he says, adding, “Grooved mechanical pipe joints can be visually inspected for proper installation so re-work is minimal, saving energy, resources and time on the job, while being generally easier to align and rotate.”

Bringing forth another unfavourable side of welding, Traynor says that the process is known to produce toxic fumes, such as lead oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrochloric acid, that contribute to air pollution. By using the grooved systems, Traynor highlights that the systems can not only reduce emissions, noise and waste, it also ensures safer jobsite during construction, maintenance or retrofit work.