Grooved FAQs

Grooved FAQ Document August

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Q:          Is Reliable grooved compatible with other manufacturers’ grooved products?

A:           Reliable grooved products use the same AWWA C606 grooved standard common with most grooved products.  Any grooved product manufactured to this common standard should be compatible with Reliable grooved products.

Q:          Is Reliable grooved qualified on proprietary Sch 7 sprinkler pipe?

A:           Yes, we have worked with UL and FM to expand qualifications for coupling products beyond just Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 pipe to include:

• Youngstown Tube Fire-Flo
• Wheatland Tube Mega-Flow
• Bull Moose Eddyflow
• Nucor Hydroflow

Our product-specific technical bulletins contain details on pipe qualifications for every gasketed fitting. Reliable’s bulletins are constantly updated to reflect changing industry trends, evolving customer needs, and expanded 3rd party qualifications to ensure we deliver what our customers expect and need.

Q:          Are the coupling gaskets pre-lubricated?

A:           There are two types of pre-lubricated gaskets; a surface treatment applied to finished gaskets prior to coupling assembly (typically a white powder) or embedding a lubricant in the rubber mixture itself before molding so that it “blooms” out naturally. Reliable grooved couplings use both types of pre-lubrication, providing a double advantage to users of Reliable Grooved.

Q:          How do the Reliable grooved elastomer options compare to competitor products?

A:           We focus on using a standardized single elastomer type that is the most common in fire protection products, EPDM rubber. Most EPDM rubbers are very similar, and the specific chemistries provided by our manufacturing partner are fit-for-purpose for a grooved fire protection system application. The temperature range for our EPDM rubber is annotated in our product-specific technical bulletins; an end-user should evaluate the specific requirements of their application and municipality regulations to determine if our UL / FM qualified temperature range is appropriate. All gaskets are qualified by UL and FM just like our competitor’s products, so you can be assured that our grooved products will perform the same.

Q:          Are the takeout dimensions of grooved fittings and couplings the same as other grooved manufacturers?

A:           Some products (depending on the model number and NPS) use identical takeout dimensions, while others are slightly different. Most of the takeout dimensions that are not identical across the various brands are close enough that they should not impact installation; however, a qualified and experienced installer should review the takeout dimensions and assess any compatibility issues with Reliable grooved products.

Q:          Can I use two halves of a mechanical tee to make a mechanical cross?

A:           FM and UL require specific qualifications to utilize these products in this way; at this time, RASCO is not qualified for this configuration. While the products are physically capable of being assembled in this configuration due to the design of cast components, they lack FM and UL qualification in this configuration should be considered against industry and municipality requirements before installing in this configuration; and is not recommended.

Q:          Are u-bolt mechanical tees approved for use on branch lines, or just sprigs and drops?

A:           This is a complicated question to answer. FM allows the use of u-bolt mechanical tees with 1” outlets for connecting branch lines, but UL requires additional testing that has not been performed for Reliable u-bolt mechanical tees. If an installer wishes to use a u-bolt mechanical tee with a 1” outlet to connect a branch line, the lack of UL-qualification in this application should be considered by a competent technical authority. Reliable’s recommendation is that a conventional mechanical tee (MTT2 or MTG1) be used for branch line connections, as these products in all sizes are qualified for this type of use.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of mechanical tee manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Q: My 1-1/4” x 1-1/2” RCD Reducing Couplings do not have a metal ring.  Is this a problem?

A:  Most sizes of RCD Reducing Couplings use a metal reinforcing ring to provide additional support to the gasket that allows it to resist pressure and maintain a seal.  The need for this reinforcing ring is dependent on the size difference between the two sides of the reducing coupling.  For the 1-1/4” x 1-1/2” size, the outlets are so close in size that a metal reinforcing ring is not necessary, and all UL / FM qualification testing has been performed without one.  The product is fit-for-purpose without the metal ring and can be installed just like any other grooved coupling.

Q:          I’m having difficulties with Reliable grooved installation; what do I do?

Mechanical tees play a crucial role in the world of industrial piping and fluid handling systems, providing a versatile and efficient solution for branching and connecting pipelines. Fluid-Tech, a leading supplier of mechanical tees in China, offers a range of high-quality mechanical tees, including grooved mechanical tees, at competitive prices for foreign buyers.

Understanding Grooved Mechanical Tees

Grooved mechanical tees are a versatile and efficient solution for branching and connecting piping systems, offering a range of benefits, such as easy installation, reliable connections, and cost-effectiveness. Fluid-Tech, a leading groove mechanical tees factory in China, offers high-quality grooved mechanical tees at competitive prices for foreign buyers. By choosing Fluid-Tech, foreign buyers can unlock new levels of efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage in the piping industry, while benefiting from the company’s expertise, experience, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Grooved mechanical tees are a type of mechanical fitting that utilizes a unique grooved design to create a secure, leak-free connection between piping components. The grooves are machined into the pipe ends, forming a series of parallel teeth that engage with a companion gasket when the mechanical tee is installed. This creates a robust and reliable connection that can withstand the demands of high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

Common Sizes of Grooved Mechanical Tees

Grooved mechanical tees are available in a variety of sizes to suit different piping applications and requirements. Some common sizes of grooved mechanical tees include:

1. 1/2″: Suitable for small-scale applications, such as water supply lines, heating systems, and compressed air systems.
2. 3/4″: Ideal for applications in HVAC, plumbing, and industrial fluid handling systems where a higher flow rate is required.
3. 1″: Commonly used in industrial applications, such as chemical processing, power generation, and oil and gas operations.
4. 1 1/2″: A popular choice for larger industrial piping systems, such as those found in power plants, water treatment facilities, and manufacturing plants.
5. 2″ and Above: Designed for heavy-duty applications, such as large-scale industrial processes, mining operations, and shipbuilding.

Applications of Grooved Mechanical Tees

Grooved mechanical tees are used in a wide range of applications across various industries, including:

1. Industrial Processing: Grooved mechanical tees are ideal for use in industrial processing applications, such as chemical plants, oil refineries, and manufacturing facilities, where reliable and efficient fluid handling is crucial.
2. Power Generation: In power generation plants, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants, grooved mechanical tees are used to branch and connect piping systems for steam, water, and other fluids.
3. Water and Wastewater Treatment: Grooved mechanical tees are employed in water and wastewater treatment facilities to handle large volumes of water and maintain a sanitary environment.
4. HVAC Systems: In HVAC systems, grooved mechanical tees are used to branch and connect air and water supply lines, ensuring optimal temperature control and air quality.
5. Fire Protection Systems: Grooved mechanical tees are essential components of fire protection systems, enabling the efficient distribution of water and other fire-suppression fluids.

Benefits of Grooved Mechanical Tees

Grooved mechanical tees offer several advantages compared to traditional welded or flanged connections, including:

1. Easy Installation: Grooved mechanical tees can be installed quickly and easily, without the need for welding, soldering, or specialized tools, reducing installation time and labor costs.
2. Reliable and Secure Connection: The unique grooved design of mechanical tees creates a robust and secure connection, even in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
3. Cost-Effective: Mechanical tees offer a cost-effective alternative to welded or flanged connections, as they can be installed quickly and with minimal equipment, leading to reduced labor and material costs.
4. Flexibility: Grooved mechanical tees can be easily disassembled and reassembled, allowing for quick modifications and adjustments to piping systems, and reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
5. Improved System Integrity: The use of grooved mechanical tees can help to improve the overall integrity of piping systems, reducing the risk of leaks, failures, and other issues that can compromise system performance.
6. Eco-Friendly: Mechanical tees eliminate the need for welding, reducing the risk of harmful emissions and contributing to a more environmentally friendly piping installation process.

Fluid-Tech: A Leading Supplier of Mechanical Tees and Grooved Mechanical Tees

Fluid-Tech, a leading supplier of mechanical tees in China, offers a wide range of high-quality mechanical tees and grooved mechanical tees, designed to meet the diverse needs of foreign buyers. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Fluid-Tech provides reliable and cost-effective solutions for piping applications in various industries.

Why Choose Fluid-Tech?

Fluid-Tech offers several advantages to foreign buyers, including: