Engineering & Mining Journal

DEC 2015

Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr

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24 E&MJ; • DECEMBER 2015 www.e-mj.com Are you happy spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on fusion equipment? Look forward to passing inordinate amounts of time with a machine? Enjoy the extra prep work that comes with fusing in the rain or snow? Then stop here. This article isn't for you. But if you're one of the many miners frustrated with fusing HDPE pipe, read on. Victaulic—the folks that manufacture the bright orange couplings you use under- ground and all over the prep plant—has developed a new joining system for HDPE pipe up to 36" in diameter. The couplings meet or exceed the performance of fused joints, and they can be installed up to 10 times faster with common hand tools in any weather condition. In short, the system is the first real alternative to fusion. Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse™ System The new Victaulic HDPE pipe-joining system currently consists of two types of couplings, a transition coupling and a line of fittings, with more components in development. The Style 905 Refuse-to-Fuse™ HDPE coupling joins plain-end HDPE pipe 2-6" in diameter. The coupling contains stainless steel restraint rings that bite into the outer pipe-wall around the pipe's circumference as the coupling housing segments are tightened. The assem- bly process is like that of Victaulic Installation-Ready™ couplings, by which the coupling can be pushed onto the pipe-end as a fully assembled unit, connected to a second pipe-end, then tightened to complete installa- tion. The Style 905 can be used on pipe with standard dimension ratio (SDR) of 7 to 17. The Style 908 Refuse-to-Fuse™ HDPE coupling joins double-grooved-end HDPE pipe 8-36" in diameter. Like a standard Victaulic coupling, the Style 908 coupling housing engages into grooves processed into the HDPE pipe-ends—albeit two grooves on each pipe-end instead of one. The assembly process is like that of a standard Victaulic coupling: position the gasket around the joint, place the housing segments over the gasket so that the keys engage the grooves, then insert and tighten the fasteners to com- plete installation. Like the Style 905, the Style 908 joins pipe of SDR 7 to 17. Additional components of the system include the Style 907 HDPE-to-steel transi- tion coupling for steel pipe and equipment connections, and a line of full-flow fittings, including 90- and 45-degree elbows, tees and concentric reducers. All of the couplings within the Refuse- to-Fuse™ line offer visual confirmation of correct installation: Metal-to-metal bolt-pad contact confirms proper assembly. Forgo Fusion: Benefits of HDPE Couplings The Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse™ HDPE system offers quick, simple, weather-independent installation, plus superior performance for long-term reliability. In other words, it's final- ly possible to eliminate the need for fusing. Victaulic HDPE couplings can be installed up to 10 times faster than fusing a joint. There's no equipment set-up or prep time, and joint completion time doesn't depend on atmospheric conditions that can extend the pipe heating or cooling process. While fusing can prolong the installation of vertical sys- tems, Victaulic HDPE couplings can be easi- ly installed in vertical orientations as well as in tight spaces. The couplings also reduce maintenance time—fitting replacement, for example—as they can be disassembled and removed from the pipe then easily reassem- bled upon completion of the work. In addition to quick installation, Refuse- to-Fuse™ couplings also simplify assembly as no special equipment or tools are necessary— just a simple socket wrench. There's no need to send your staff out for training or bring in certified crews to operate fusing equipment. As for the weather? It's no longer an issue. These products can be installed rain or shine, in frigid or sweltering conditions, with- out affecting joint times. So, save the tents for camping and get on with your project. There's never been a joining system for HDPE pipe that can match the performance of fusion—until now. Victaulic Refuse-to- Fuse™ couplings meet or exceed the per- formance capabilities of HDPE pipe, includ- ing working pressure, end pull load specifi- cations, and minimum bend radius require- ments. So push it, drag it, subject it to tem- perature and pressure swings; the joints won't let go before the pipe itself gives way. Fusion has long been the standard join- ing method for HDPE pipe, but it's about time we change that. Join HDPE faster and easier without sacrificing performance. Learn more about the Victaulic Refuse-to- Fuse™ HDPE joining system today at www.refuse-to-fuse.com. COMPANY PROFILE-PAID ADVERTISEMENT Refuse to Fuse with the New Victaulic HDPE Pipe-Joining System Style 905 Style 908

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