TPi May 2018

products & developments Innovation in chemical-resistant flexible couplings

VIP commercial director Jon Crean said, “We have developed VIPSealChem couplings to overcome installation limitations contractors have been facing with chemical- resistant seals previously available. As such, we believe VIPSealChem represents a major step forward in the performance of chemical-resistant flexible couplings, and a significant innovation in this product category.”

VIP-Polymers, a couplings and gasket specialist, has launched a new chemical-resistant flexible coupling under its VIPSeal ® brand that simplifies the joining of pipes, speeding up installation and minimising operational downtime. The new patent-pending VIPSealChem coupling is for use on pipe systems where a high resistance to chemicals or extreme temperatures is required. VIPSealChem was designed for sectors including the chemical and process industries, pharmaceutical, medical, and research laboratories, hospitals, food and drink manufacture, and fuel storage. The VIPSealChem FKM flexible couplings are manufactured to meet the requirements of EN681-1 WB/WD and EN295-4. FKM rubber is resistant to a broad chemical range, and has a higher temperature resistance than EPDM rubber, which is traditionally used for pipe seals. The couplings have a distinctive green colour to distinguish them fromstandard EPDM and NBR (nitrile) couplings.

VIPSealChem is supplied in a distinctive green colour

Other chemical-resistant couplings require the installer to stick expanded PTFE seals around each pipe before fitting the coupling, then heat-shrink an FEP liner around the pipe. These processes can be time-consuming and difficult to carry out on worksites with limited space. VIPSealChem couplings can be fitted without having to incorporate additional materials, because the chemical resistance lies within the rubber sleeve itself. Mr Crean commented, “Our in-house laboratory, testing and rubber compounding teams have formulated

With an adaptor coupling, the product can be used for a range of pipe diameters

our own variant of the FKM rubber compound that gives VIPSealChem its chemical-resistant properties. It means VIPSealChem looks like a VIPSeal cou- pling and can be fitted just as quickly and easily.”

The VIPSealChem range includes adaptor couplings, allowing chemical- resistant pipes of different diameters to be connected to each other. The couplings provide a flexible, watertight connection above and below ground, on low- and non-pressurised drainage systems. They provide resistance to chemicals including automotive and aircraft fuels and oils, hydrocarbon solvent, hydraulic fluids and certain chlorinated solvents. VIPSealChem can also withstand exposure to long-term service in temperatures of -15°C to 200°C, and for reduced periods of time at temperatures of -30°C to 300°C. VIP Polymers Ltd – UK

VIPSealChem delivers long-term service in temperatures from -15°C to 200°C

sales@vipseal.co.uk www.vipseal.co.uk

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL May 2018

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