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Grooving copper

Mark Eathertons Rockets (potatoes)..

That or MechanicaL Equipment Rooms...

or not.

ME

Comments

  • Jeff Elston
    Jeff Elston Member Posts: 289
    Roll grooving

    Anyone ever use Victaulic or Gruvlok?
  • Brad White_50
    Brad White_50 Member Posts: 6
    Grooved Piping Systems

    I specify them all the time, both steel and copper. Often we give the "Victaulic option" for an alternate price. Benefit is in long runs but in mechanical rooms the fittings (which are costly) eat up the joining savings. Each job is like a snowflake and they do have their followings.

    We also specify their 007 Zero-Flex couplings. Victaulic is usually the basis of design but it has to be a system. Victaulic valves (Master-Seals) are excellent valves in their own right.

    We do not specify Vic on steam but any low temperature hot or cold/chilled water is fine.
  • Jeff Elston
    Jeff Elston Member Posts: 289
    Thank you Brad

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,479


    I'm doing this from memory so don't kill me if I'm wrong. I was told that in MA. that all piping on boilers (hot water) that all components had to be rated for 250 deg.

    I understand that VIC valves are not rated for that temerature.They are rated for 230deg I think.



    ED
  • Brad White_9
    Brad White_9 Member Posts: 2,440
    First I heard of that...

    Use of Vic in hot water is not a first choice for us (colder fluids, chilled and condenser are an easier call). Still, it does make it's way into projects and has not been a problem. As you said, it may be a peculiarity in the Mass. Code. I could not find a reference to it, so it may be a local AHJ requirement? Any other thoughts?

    The EDPM is indeed rated at 230 degrees as you said. I will contact the representative and ask. Always something new to learn.
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,479


    Some what vauge but MA. calls hot water boilers rated at 250 deg. or less and 30 psi or less "heating boilers".

    I was told this (Vic. valves not acceptable due to temp rating)when I was studying for my Master Pipefitter license last year in MA.

    Can't find it now but was told it is in 522 CMR boiler rules.

    Theres always something...............

    Brad, if you get any information on this (valve use on heating boilers) please post. We have a job pending........


    Ed
  • Brad White_51
    Brad White_51 Member Posts: 18
    Grooved Piping Temperatures

    I just got an e-mail from the Victaulic engineer representative and he did not know of any prohibition. I told him where this came up (this forum) and he may dig deeper.


    Thanks for the heads-up. I will dig out 522 CMR. Did not see it in Chapter 28 of 780 CMR nor in BOCA which is still referenced.

    The Master Seal valves are very good and if EDPM is the limitation then a lot of other valves are in trouble (Keystone, Centerline, DeZurik) unless they use PTFE seats like a Jamesbury...
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,479


    MA. has adpted the ASME IV for heating boilers. I don't have access to a copy but everything I have read so far limits heating boilers to 250 deg. So I am assuming thats where the temperature requirement for valves comes in.

    But I haven't specifically found that requirement yet.

    Ed
  • Tony Conner
    Tony Conner Member Posts: 549
    The Boiler Codes...

    ... typically end at the first connections on the boiler proper - flanged, screwed, socket weld, etc. Normally, this is the point where one of the piping codes kick in. If there are any requirements or restrictions, I'd bet it will be in one of those.
  • Fitter 638_2
    Fitter 638_2 Member Posts: 1
    Grooved Copper

    Make sure you know which of the copper systems you want to use Victaulic or Gruvlock. The way in which they groove the pipe is totally different. We like the gruvlock method because you can use the cast (red) coupling rather than Vic's copper coupling. This is a cost savings. The gruvlock system we find is always cheaper. Just be careful in MER's, the fittings and valves start to add up quick.
  • Jeff Elston
    Jeff Elston Member Posts: 289
    MER

    Whats a MER fitting
This discussion has been closed.