Flange adapter helps restrict Colorado pipeline

Justin Moore, the foreman of the Water Authority of Fountain City, Colorado, is working to remove the perfluorinated chemicals (PFC) detected in the water supply in 2016. Although removal of pollutants is not mandatory, the city has decided that it is best to filter out PFC for the benefit of residents’ health. 

Fountain's water department serves approximately 27,000 customers, 80% of whom are residents. The water supply infrastructure consists of approximately 682,000 feet of pipe, consisting of 2 to 24 inches of PVC (80% of the system), ductile iron (15%), and asbestos cement pipe (5%).

One of the wells required the installation of a granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration system. One of the water pipes needs to be detoured into the GAC filter and then rerouted back to the water pipe. However, new pipelines will be restricted, and the standard restriction method for such projects will be time-consuming and labor-intensive pipeline reinforcement. The choice of using mechanical joints means that special pipes of different sizes need to be installed, which further pushes up costs.

"Usually, this kind of project requires a lot of investment, including material and labor costs. Given the tight budget, anything we can do to save municipal funds will make a difference," Moore said.

In order to install the GAC while minimizing costs due to dedicated pipes, restricting rods, and reducing worker time in the trenches, Moore decided to use a series of six Hymax Grip flange adapters to limit the pipes that lead water through the GAC. These flange adapters can be connected to a straight pipe, and the flange end is connected to another flange pipe. No tie rods or special pipes of different sizes are required. The flange adapter provides several advantages for Moore.

This particular chain provides a circular restriction around the pipe, which is different from the typical wedge restriction, which points load and weakens the pipe. As the pipe exerts axial pressure, the chain gradually tightens around the pipe to prevent pulling out. The radial closing mechanism also tightly fixes the pipes in place during the installation process, allowing the installer to fully control the gap between the pipes.

Hymax Grip has a universal clamping system designed to limit metal and plastic pipes and has a transition capacity of up to 1.1 inches. It can use pipes of various diameters, replacing Moore's need to use various specific size parts, which is necessary for mechanical joint couplings. The internal restraint design means there is no need to install expensive and time-consuming tie rods.

By using these flanges instead of mechanical joints and tie rods, Moore can get the job done faster with only four workers, compared with six workers. Not only did Moore save money for the water department, but his workers spend less time in the ditches to minimize risks at work. 

"It's great to get the job done quickly, so the worker can proceed to the next installation or go home," Moore said. "However, more importantly, it will be safer when workers spend less time in the ditch."

It is made of highly durable ductile iron and can withstand operating temperatures up to 125°F. It meets or exceeds AWWA C219, NSF 61 and NSF 372 standards.

The dynamic deflection of the coupling reduces the risk of damage and cracking due to ground drift and temperature changes. Its patented gasket transforms the pipe joint into a flexible connection and allows up to 4 degrees of dynamic deflection on each side. The product adopts a radial closed design and a sealing system, which can eliminate installation errors, adapt to the shape of the special-shaped tube, and achieve the best fit between the two ends. Even if the pipes are a bit misaligned, the dynamic deflection of the Hymax Grip can still allow connection, which means that there is less possibility of errors during the installation process. These features make the coupling a long-term solution that can reduce the need for future repairs and maintenance.

The nuts and bolts of the coupling adopt advanced anti-wear technology, dry processing technology, based on the molecular anti-wear technology embedded in zinc, which can prevent wear and re-tighten the bolts. It eliminates the need for grease and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt. Hymax Grip's fusion-bonded epoxy resin coating helps prevent corrosion.   

Using these flange adapters allows Moore to easily fix pipes at a lower cost. Instead of using mechanical joints, specific sized pipe sections and restraining rods, Moore is able to use Hymax Grip flange adapters, which have a wide range of transition capabilities and require fewer employees to complete the work. Workers spend less time in the ditches to help minimize safety risks. The ductile cast iron coupling is durable and has a dynamic deflection function, which can reduce the risk of damage and cracking due to ground displacement and temperature changes. 

"Ultimately, we can install filtration systems faster and easier, which means residents can enjoy the benefits of clean water faster," Moore said.

Stan Pachorek is the regional sales manager for Krausz USA. You can contact Pachorek at 352.789.9190.

The Water and Waste Digest staff invites industry professionals to nominate what they consider to be the most outstanding and innovative water and wastewater projects to be recognized in the annual reference guide question. All projects must be in the design or construction stage within the past 18 months.

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