News
VJ Pipe Couplings For Russian WTW Modernisation
Posted on 01st Nov 2007
Viking Johnson fittings incorporating the latest technology are helping to bring international quality standards to one of the Russian Federation's biggest water treatment plants.
FlexLock and UltraGrip couplings are being supplied for connecting filtration pipework in St Petersburg's Northern water treatment works, which is being modernised and expanded to a capacity of 1,275Ml/d.
The two products were specified because of their versatility and ease of use. FlexLock is especially suitable for above-ground applications and as an alternative to traditional anchoring systems, and UltraGrip is a versatile means of gripping and sealing onto most pipe materials.
The Northern WTW project is part of a comprehensive upgrading of the water and wastewater facilities serving St Petersburg's 5 million inhabitants. It has been commissioned by the city's water utility Vodokanal and is the first in Russia certified to ISO 14001.
Funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the programme is being implemented by an international consortium with input from the UK, Sweden and Finland.
Viking Johnson's patented FlexLock range of self-anchoring pipe couplings and flange adapters is the cost effective, simple and quick alternative to on-site welding, harnessing or thrust blocks.
Suitable for ductile iron or steel pipes, FlexLock has stainless steel teeth moulded into the gasket that grip the outer surface of the pipe as the bolts are tightened, preventing pipe pullout under pressure yet still allowing for angular deflection.
Available in nominal sizes from DN50 (2") up to DN300 (12"), FlexLock couplings and flange adaptors have pressure ratings of 16bar from DN50 to DN200 and 10bar from DN250 to DN300. Couplings can accommodate total angular deflection of +/- 6 degrees (+/- 3 degrees for flange adaptors).
UltraGrip pipe couplings, flange adaptors, Pecatadaptors and end caps are supplied complete with unique grippers that offer full end restraint to most pipeline materials equally effectively to prevent axial movement due to the internal pressure in the pipeline. This makes them particularly suitable for transitions between grey cast iron and PE when repairing or rehabilitating pipelines.
The convenience of UltraGrip is further enhanced by its exceptionally wide tolerance range of up to 44mm, which simplifies stockholding and installation alike. In appropriate cases, pipes of different materials and diameters can be joined by a single UltraGrip coupling.
Extended sleeve length makes them easy to position when site conditions are difficult, and grippers remain visible after installation so that the end load restraint can be confirmed.
Both products are protected against corrosion and handling damage by a coating of Rilsan Nylon 11, which meets WIS 4-52-01 (Part 1) performance standards. Nuts and bolts are coated with PTFE Sheraplex in accordance with WIS 4-52-03.
