When assembling industrial piping networks, installers need connections that provide flexibility, reliability and efficiency. Compression couplings offer advantages over alternatives like threaded, flanged or welded joints. Different styles allow joining pipe sections in tight spaces or adaptation to multiple conditions.
Long Compression Couplings Are The Most Commonly Used Type
With a length 10-12 times the pipe diameter, they provide significant range of motion to align sections during assembly. Integral grip rings firmly hold pipes inserted at least halfway into the coupling body. Black iron long couplings handle misalignment up to 2 degrees in any direction, crucial on sites with uneven terrain.
Short Compression Couplings Offer A More Compact Design
For tighter bends, short compression couplings offer a more compact design at 5-6 pipe diameters long. While shorter length restricts angular movement, they solve issues in density packed manifolds with limited footprints between components. Single couplings also join cut or damaged piping without removing surround obstacles.
All Compression Styles Use A Bolt-activated Compression Ring To Join Pipe Ends
Tightening compresses steel rings inward, cutting circumferential grooves in the pipe exterior to form a permanent grip. Rigid steel bodies distribute compressive forces uniformly without weak points. Properly installed, couplings maintain full pressure ratings of the pipe material.
Grooved pipe ends prep faster than threaded without specialized tools. Simply cut pipes square, deburr, apply a lubricating gasket and bolt the coupling in place. No welding means couplings install without hot work permits on many systems. They join dissimilar metals including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, CPVC, PVC and HDPE.
Repeated joining/removing allows reworking piping layouts without pipe removal, saving labor over permanent welds. Couplings field-replace damaged pipe sections, critical on live lines with minimal downtime. Their mechanical seal stands up to system pressures, temperature cycling, vibration and seismic events better than threaded joints prone to leakage.
Couplings Come In Many Configurations – Portable Grooving Machines
Recognizing couplings come in many configurations, manufacturers like Anvil, Victaulic and Shurjoint offer portable grooving machines. These rigs cut grooves on-site in minutes, ensuring perfect mating of pipe and coupling dimensions project-wide. Consistent groove cutting eliminates leaks from improper fitting.
Versatile compression couplings give installers efficient joining options for routing piping in difficult spaces under schedules. Their makeup delivers permanent, worry-free joints able to withstand any service demands. Choosing the right coupling style optimizes every piping connection project-wide.