Ease of maintenance Among the most important
benefits of grooved mechanical piping systems is the reduction and ease of maintenance. The design of grooved systems allows for less routine and scheduled maintenance. The C-shaped cross section seal on the gasket is very durable and can handle significant compressive and cyclical loading. Workers can pressurize and depressurize a system repeatedly for many years without fatiguing the rubber. In addition, grooved flexible couplings allow the pipe to move or vibrate within the coupling, which reduces the transmission of noise and vibration from equipment, thereby eliminating the need for rubber bellows or braided flex connectors, which are known to require periodic replacement and can be costly. The grooved flexible coupling attenuates noise without wearing out the gasket. If maintenance is needed, grooved
mechanical systems enable quicker and easier access than other pipe joining methods. The grooved system reduces rework by 10 – 15 percent over soldering and brazing. A
coupling provides a union at every joint, which allows easier access to the system as well as the flexibility to expand or reroute the system. To remove the coupling, the worker simply loosens the nuts and bolts and removes the coupling housings and gasket — no torch, saw or flame is required. Once the job is complete, the coupling can be reassembled on the grooved end of a pipe, valve or fitting. The assembly and disassembly of
grooved systems is much easier and therefore requires less labor. It also eliminates the need for complete system shutdown because it does not require torches, and, therefore, the system doesn’t need to be completely drained and dried. This makes it easier for the building to return to full operating capacity quickly and does not disrupt building occupants. Serviceability in tight spaces is also easier and more time efficient with grooved systems, because grooved couplings allow a full 360 degree rotation of the pipe and system components before tightening so that proper alignment
can be achieved. Grooved mechanical systems are a
safer and easier alternative to maintaining a building’s piping systems, making the grooved pipe joining method a viable option for projects that would require regular maintenance procedures or where occupants of the building cannot be disrupted for maintenance work. In addition, grooved systems offer ease of access, reduced man hours on the jobsite and less safety risk. l
David L. Hudson is a senior
engineer for Victaulic Company Inc. He is a practicing mechanical engineer with 30 years of experience. He can be reached at
dhudson@victaulic.com.
69
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