Installing an Advanced Groove System (AGS) Vic-Ring System, which is used in pipe-joining systems for pumps in mining applications, can deliver significant financial savings, including faster field installation, the elimination of hotworks and the reduced need for expansion joints, developer and manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining systems Victaulic regional manager Barry van Jaarsveld says.

The company

released the latest addition to its AGS line in September last year at the Electra Mining Africa 2012 trade show.

“The system was developed by Victaulic for medium- to large-diameter pipes between 350 mm and 1 525 mm. “It is designed to offer enhanced strength and reliability through a more robust coupling housing and a patented wedge-shaped roll groove that is deeper and wider, providing increased coupling-to-pipe engagement and higher pressure ratings.

“The AGS design results in a 40% increase in end-load carrying capabilities, compared with previous joining methods,” Van Jaarsveld explains.
“Selecting a high quality and innovative mechanical grooved piping system can also improve productivity. “In a sector where margins are increasingly tight, this is a more attractive option for consultants, engineers and system designers,” he adds.

Van Jaarsveld further states that other recent innovations by the company include the industry’s first installation-ready coupling for the joining of shouldered steel pipe, the Victaulic Style SC77, which was also showcased last year at Electra Mining Africa.

“The Victaulic Style SC77 is preassembled for fast installation and, with no flame requirements, it is ideal for petroleum, oil and air services. “The coupling’s housings are also galvanised for external corrosion protection,” he notes.

Benefits

Van Jaarsveld notes that, in response to the difficulties associated with flanged pipe joints, Victaulic has developed mine-specified high-pressure mechanical couplings for use on applications such as backfill, chilled water and dewatering lines.

“These couplings provide greater efficiencies in terms of labour and maintenance and flexibility to accommodate expansion and contraction. They also have a lower total-installed cost than that of flanges,” says Van Jaarsveld.

He states that, with the ability to withstand working pressures of up to 275 bar, high-pressure couplings provide many of the benefits of standard couplings used on air and water lines.

“The design and specifications of the couplings differ from standard couplings. Victaulic currently supplies mines with Victaulic EndSeal couplings and double-groove couplings.

“All the benefits of Victaulic standard couplings apply to the high-pressure couplings used in mining. These include decreased downtime, owing to faster and easier installation and maintenance; lower total-installed costs; no need for specialised labour; ease in the altering, rerouting and replacing of piping; deflec- tion capabilities that aid in routing the pipe over uneven surfaces; and improved safety.

“The use of high-pressure couplings leads to time and cost savings and results in a more productive and efficient use of crews underground,” he says.

Van Jaarsveld states that Victaulic manufactures a range of couplings, valves, strainers, fittings and accessories for piping sizes up to
1 525 mm.

“For example, Victaulic EndSeal and double-groove couplings are specified for backfill, chilled water and dewatering lines, depending on the pressure of the system. For systems with working pressures below 172 bar, EndSeal couplings are recommended,” he says.

He adds that, for systems with working pressures between 172 bar and 275 bar, double-groove couplings are used.

“When installed properly, testing proves that these couplings and their gaskets withstand the published working pressure for the life of the system. Like standard couplings, Victaulic high-pressure couplings have built-in safeguards to ensure correct assembly. Metal-to-metal bolt pad contact provides visual confirmation of proper assembly,” he says.

Mining Applications

The Victaulic Style SC77 appli- cations include abrasive sur- faces, air and water services, utility piping and wet pipe sprinkler systems.

“Above ground, the systems are suitable for mill water, slurry, acids, slimes, tailings, conveyor, dust suppression, compressed air and reclaimed water applications.

“Underground system applications include air lines, water supply, backfill and paste lines, pumpstations, pressure-reducing stations and fire protection, as well as cooling and dust suppression,” Van Jaarsveld says.

He adds that Victaulic mech- anical piping systems work well in high-pressure applications.

“The most common high-pressure piping applications in a mine are backfill, deep under- ground chilled water and dewatering lines. Piping paste and sand backfill solids require high pressures because the system transports a mixture of solid materials into the mine. Backfill is one of the highest- pressure piping applications within a mine,” says Van Jaarsveld.

He notes that chilled water lines in deep mines face a similar challenge.

“The deeper the mine, the more difficult ventilation and air cooling become. Chilled water lines are used to overcome the natural heat of the rock, allowing personnel to work comfortably at depth. “However, head pressure is immense when pumping water to such depths and, as a result, the piping system must be capable of handling the significant pressure produced in such an installation,” he says.

He further explains that most underground mines deal with the challenge of transporting mine water to the surface.

“High-pressure pumps enable mines to pump water from deep levels directly to the surface. “These pumps are capable of reaching high pressures and the piping system must be able to handle the load.

“One of the traditional methods for joining high-pressure piping systems is the use of heavy-duty flanges. However, flanges are not advantageous in these situations because they are costly, inflexible and inefficient in installation and maintenance,” he says.

Projects

“With an experienced team of engineers, based in South Africa, the company’s mechanical pipe joining systems have been installed in several mines.

“The systems are specified throughout the country in a range of applications, including at Boschman’s Colliery, in Mpumalanga Highveld, and the Springbok water bypass pipeline.

“Global projects include the Sierrita mine, in Arizona, US; the Timbopeba mine, in Brazil; the Cayelli copper mine, in Turkey; and the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter, in Australia.

“Victaulic provides sustainable solutions and is a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa. The company is also involved in the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, [a voluntary measurement rating system for green buildings established in the UK],” he says.

System

Van Jaarsveld states that Victaulic mechanical pipe joining systems provide an attractive alternative to welding and flanging for engineers, installers and owners.

“Installation and maintenance of these systems are quick, easy and safe to meet compressed project schedules. “They also have maximum operating efficiency and built-in sustainability.

“The combined benefits result in a lower total installed cost over the life of the system,” he says.

Van Jaarsveld notes that Victaulic pipe joining systems reduce installation time and up to 10% to 30% is saved on total installed costs, compared with welding, threading or flanging.

“Victaulic systems are cur- rently used extensively in many markets and can be found glo- bally in some of the most demanding working environments, including mining, industrial and oilfield operations; water and wastewater treatment; as well as in a wide range of other fluid-handling applications,” he concludes.