Flushing Connection

[macmet]

We have a customer who is looking to flush their system before any of the external piping is complete as part of their pre-commissioning. We consider our flushes to be high flow, low pressure relatively speaking(150usgpm, 100psi for example).

We are rarely on-site during the flush, and even when we are, the work is generally complete to the point where the inlet has the flanges welded to it. But, as none of their external piping is complete, they have yet to weld any flanges on to the outside of their unit. All we have to connect to are 3", 4", 8" and 10" schedule 120 stainless pipes which extend 4-6" beyond the boundary of their unit. I was told there are connectors that can be used to connect a flush hose to these size pipes, but I haven't been able to track it down on google. I'm working with a language barrier as well and if anyone could tell me the proper term for these connectors I would really appreciate it.

I feel like this is something that is quite common, but I'm struggling finding the proper item.

Customer is not likely to run water through their unit for a number of months, but they need to flush in the next few weeks to allow their commissioning schedule to proceed.

Cheers

 

[LittleInch]

Aa start point search for victaulic connectors. They have been around for decades. Try also searching for mechanical pipe flanges. The usual issue is that the axial force is quite limited, so you may need to figure out a way of taking some axial force by other connections or means.

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[macmet]

Thanks for your reply.

Are Victaulic fittings used for temporary piping? I’m familiar with them in fire protection lines, but I never even considered them for this application.

The option I provided our customer initially was a mechanical flange. I was hoping to find something a little more "temporary".... if that makes any sense. A flange would definitely work, and our piping material is just 304SS, so it is definitely an option.

Anyway, they have decided to wait until our piping is complete (like most do), but I'd like to hear any suggestions for future occurrences. Are there any industrial gear (or hose) clamps out there that could be used for this type of application?


Cheers

 

[LittleInch]

You could always just go for a hose and some jubilee clips.....

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[SlurryS]

You could look into possibly using camlocks, but for sizes over 4" they may not be too practical and flanged or victaulic conn may work better

 

[77JQX]

Something like a megaflange?

http://www.ebaa.com/PDF/Brochure.2100.pdf

 

[zdas04]

I hadn't seen the Megaflange before. I wouldn't hesitate to use it for the application the OP described.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"

 

[macmet]

That is interesting. First I've heard of those. I'll look into them.

 

[Latexman]

I'm fond of using a flanged tee with a valve and a blind flange.

Good luck,
Latexman

Technically, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.

 

[donf]

Littleinch was on the right track. Open this link to see Victaulic's Roust-a-bout coupling.

http://static.victaulic.com/assets/uploads/literature/14.02.pdf

donf

 

[LittleInch]

Plidco also do a good range, but may be a bit more than victaulic.

If these are only to be used for testing, you probably want to avoid anything which "grips" the pipe using metalic jaws or ball bearings as these would leave external damage which could then fatigue fail later on.

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[macmet]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Some very interesting references here.

LittleInch, you are correct in saying that we want to avoid anything that will "grip" into the pipe. That is also my concern with welding a flange onto the pipe as it would have to be cut so that we could eventually weld the external piping to it.

Perhaps we should offer an option of temporary flanges welded on in-shop, and then removed after the flush.