HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipes are widely known and popular for their flexibility, long-term reliability and corrosion resistance. They are widely used, especially in the gas, water and wastewater sectors. The pipes are usually coupled using electrofusion or mirror welding, which require costly equipment and qualified personnel with a good command of these techniques.

Victaulic’s new Refuse-to-FuseTM process makes it possible to couple pipes of both small and large diameters without fusing in just a matter of minutes. The installation is very simple, requiring only a socket or impact wrench. Furthermore, it is up to 10 times faster than standard fusing techniques.

“Cooling periods and wait times are no longer required. Once fastened, the pipes are tightly coupled and completely sealed,” says Frank Börstler, Sales Engineer at Victaulic.

With external diameters of 63-225 mm the 905 installation-ready coupling is pushed over the plain end of the HDPE pipe. As the nuts are tightened, a double row of stainless-steel teeth around the coupling’s internal circumference grip the exterior of the pipe’s plain end. All that’s needed to hold the coupling in position and guarantee a tight seal is to secure the two halves of the housing at their bold pads. For diameters greater than 225 mm, the coupling’s springs grip the twin-grooved HDPE pipe. Here, too, the two halves of the coupling housing are tightened bolt pad to bolt pad.

“Victaulic’s Refuse-to-FuseTM solution has several advantages compared to standard techniques: The couplings permit installation of HDPE pipes in vertical orientations and tight spaces where fusing is not possible. Moreover, the installation is weatherproof, preventing project delays as a result of bad weather – be it rain or snow,” sums up Börstler.

See a video comparing the Refuse-to-FuseTM system with the conventional electrofusion process by clicking the following link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDxIBFaBodI&feature=youtu.be

This video shows the installation of Victaulic’s 905 HDPE coupling on a construction site run by OCHS Rohrleitungsbau GmbH, where the HDPE pipes are being used for water supply systems.