HVAC Breaking News

Victaulic Introduces Coupling System for HDPE Pipe

New couplings and fittings eliminate the need for fusion

EASTON, Pa. — Victaulic, a manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, has announced the launch of its Refuse-to-Fuse™ system for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. Featuring a range of couplings and fittings, the company says the system offers installation up to 10 times faster than fusing while meeting or exceeding the performance capabilities of traditional fused joints.

For decades, HDPE installers have primarily relied on heat fusion to join HDPE pipe. Heat fusion can be a time consuming process that requires specialized equipment and needs setup to accommodate challenging weather or terrain. It also lacks flexibility for maintenance and repair of pipes and joints.

Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse couplings allow HDPE pipe to be joined with common hand tools in any weather condition, resulting in quick, simple HDPE pipe connections. Assembled with a standard socket or impact driver, the couplings do not require special equipment or certified crews. The couplings can be installed rain or shine without protective tents or covers, and joint completion time does not depend on atmospheric conditions.

The couplings also permit HDPE pipe to be installed in-line, even in vertical orientations and tight spaces. Unlike fusing, the couplings offer simple visual confirmation of correct installation: Metal-to-metal bolt-pad contact confirms proper assembly.

In addition to simplified installation, the Refuse-to-Fuse system streamlines maintenance, because couplings can be readily disassembled and removed from the pipe then easily reassembled upon completion of the work. The couplings also offer long-term reliability. They meet or exceed the pressure ratings of HDPE pipe, as well as tensile load and minimum bend radius requirements. Testing has shown the pipe will fail before the joints give way.

“There’s never been a true alternative to fusion for joining HDPE pipe. Until now, other alternatives had their own drawbacks,” said Aidan Niggel, director of tools and advanced materials for Victaulic. “With the ability to match the connection performance of fusion while eliminating the issues associated with heat-based joining, Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse couplings are the first viable alternative for HDPE pipe installers. We’re proud to introduce a system that solves this significant industry pain point.”

The Refuse-to-Fuse system includes the Style 905 coupling for 2- to 8-inch (63 to 160 millimeter) plain-end HDPE pipe and the Style 908 coupling for 8- to 36-inch (225 to 900 millimeter) double-grooved-end HDPE pipe. The couplings can be used on pipe with standard dimension ratio (SDR) of 7 to 17. Additional components include the Style 907 HDPE-to-steel transition coupling for steel pipe and equipment connections, and a line of full-flow fittings, including 90- and 45-degree elbows, tees, and concentric reducers.

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