Charlottesville’s rapid pipeline repairs can minimize disruption to customers and make workers safer by reducing time spent in trenches.

Jason McIlwee, PE is a utility engineering manager for the Public Utilities Department in Charlottesville, Virginia. The city has a population of approximately 48,000, and the 183-mile-long pipeline serves 15,000 customers. The pipe sizes range from 2" to 18" and are made of a range of materials, including galvanized iron, ductile iron, cast iron, and high-density polyethylene. 

The utility company will replace mechanical T-connections with 2-inch pipes. To resolve customer complaints related to low water volume and water discoloration, the utility company will replace the pipes with 6-inch pipes. A new T-connector needs to be installed, and the utility company is looking for a quick and easy way to replace it while minimizing water outages.

Charlottesville Utilities has been using HYMAXÒ products for the past 13 years, including HYMAX GRIP for the past six years. Compared with mechanical joint T, HYMAX GRIP T is easier and faster to install-compared with multiple bolts, only one bolt on each end of T needs to be tightened. McIlwee and his staff were able to replace a 2-inch pipe with a 6-inch pipe and insert the GRIP T in about an hour, while the mechanical T connection took several hours. Pedestrians and road traffic are minimized, and customers can resume normal water services with reduced interruptions.

The HYMAX GRIP chain provides a circular restriction around the pipe, which is different from the typical wedge restriction, point loading and weakening of the pipe. When axial pressure is applied to the pipe, the GRIP chain tightens around the pipe to prevent pulling out. The radial closing mechanism also tightly fixes the pipes in place during installation, allowing the installer to fully control the gaps between the pipes.

The universal clamping system can restrain metal and plastic pipes and has a transition capacity of up to 1.1 inches. It is suitable for pipes of various diameters, which means that Charlottesville's water company has additional flexibility to use GRIP for a variety of other pipe sizes. By using HYMAX GRIP instead of mechanical joints, utilities can complete their work faster and spend less time in the trench. "It is a good thing that we can minimize the time workers spend in the ditch at any time because it can create a safer working environment," McIIwee said. "With fewer bolts to tighten, we can install T faster, get workers out of the ditch, and provide customers with water services in a shorter time."

GRIP is made of durable ductile cast iron that can withstand operating temperatures up to 125°F. HYMAX GRIP 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. HYMAX GRIP's patented gasket effectively transforms the pipe joint into a flexible connection and allows up to 4 degrees of dynamic deflection on each side. It can also adapt to the shape of out-of-round pipes (maximum 0.16"). Through its radial closure design and sealing system, installation errors can be eliminated, thereby achieving the best fit at both ends. Even if the pipes are a bit misaligned, GRIP's dynamic deflection still allows connection.

GRIP's nuts and bolts use a unique dry treatment process and molecular anti-wear (MAG) based on embedded zinc, with advanced anti-wear properties that can prevent wear and can re-tighten the bolts. It also eliminates the need for grease and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt. The fusion bonded epoxy coating of HYMAX GRIP also helps prevent corrosion. 

Editor's note: Scranton Gillette Communications and SGC Water Group are not responsible for the accuracy, validity and validity of the statements in this article. The views expressed in this content do not reflect the position of the editorial team of Water and Waste Digest, Water Quality Products and Rainwater Solutions. 

The Water and Waste Digest staff invited industry professionals to nominate the most outstanding and innovative water and wastewater projects they consider 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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