Victaulic Introduces Refuse-To-Fuse Joining System For HDPE Pipe

Innovative new couplings & fittings eliminate the need for fusion

Victaulic, the world’s leading manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, recently announced the launch of its Refuse-to-Fuse system for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. Featuring a range of couplings and fittings, the Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse system offers installation up to 10 times faster than fusing while meeting or exceeding the performance capabilities of traditional fused joints.

For decades, HDPE installers have primarily relied on heat fusion to join HDPE pipe. Heat fusion is a time-consuming process that is reliant on specialized equipment and needs extensive setup to accommodate challenging weather or terrain. It also lacks flexibility for maintenance and repair of pipes and joints.

Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse couplings represent a significant innovation for HDPE pipe installers because couplings are installed with common hand tools in any weather condition, resulting in quick, simple HDPE pipe connections. Assembled with a standard socket or impact driver, Victaulic HDPE couplings do not require special equipment or certified crews. The couplings can be installed rain or shine without protective tents or covers, and joint completion time does not depend on atmospheric conditions.

The couplings also permit HDPE pipe to be installed in-line, even in vertical orientations and tight spaces. Unlike fusing, the couplings offer simple visual confirmation of correct installation: Metal-to-metal bolt-pad contact confirms proper assembly.

In addition to simplified installation, the Refuse-to-Fuse system streamlines maintenance, because couplings can be readily disassembled and removed from the pipe then easily reassembled upon completion of the work. Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse couplings offer superior long-term reliability. The couplings meet or exceed the pressure ratings of HDPE pipe, as well as tensile load and minimum bend radius requirements. Extensive testing has shown the pipe will fail before the joints give way.

“There’s never been a true alternative to fusion for joining HDPE pipe. Until now, other alternatives had their own drawbacks,” said Aidan Niggel, director of tools and advanced materials for Victaulic. “With the ability to match the connection performance of fusion while eliminating the issues associated with heat-based joining, Victaulic Refuse-to-Fuse couplings are the first viable alternative for HDPE pipe installers. We’re proud to introduce a system that solves this significant industry pain point.”

The Refuse-to-Fuse system features the Style 905 coupling for 2- to 8-inch (63 to 160 millimeter) plain-end HDPE pipe and the Style 908 coupling for 8- to 36-inch (225 to 900 millimeter) double-grooved-end HDPE pipe. The couplings can be used on pipe with standard dimension ratio (SDR) of 7 to 17. Additional components include the Style 907 HDPE-to-steel transition coupling for steel pipe and equipment connections, and a line of full-flow fittings, including 90- and 45-degree elbows, tees and concentric reducers.

For more information, visit www.refuse-to-fuse.com.

About Victaulic
Since 1919, Victaulic has been the originator and world's leading producer of mechanical pipe joining solutions. Used in the most demanding markets, Victaulic innovative piping technologies and services put people to work faster while increasing safety, ensuring reliability and maximizing efficiency. The company has 12 manufacturing facilities and 31 branches worldwide with 3,600 employees who speak 43 languages across the globe. With over 1,900 global patents, Victaulic solutions are at work in more than 140 countries across diverse business lines including oil and gas, chemical, mining, power generation, water and wastewater treatment, military and marine, as well as commercial building and fire protection. For more information, visit www.victaulic.com.