Installing a QuickVic coupling system, which is used in pipe-joining systems for pumps in mining applications, can reduce the risk of gasket pinching as well as material handling and installation time, developer and manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining systems Victaulic regional manager Barry van Jaarsveld tells Mining Weekly.

Van Jaarsveld says that Victaulic supplies several styles of the patented QuickVic couplings, including the Style 177 Flexible coupling and Style 107H rigid coupling.

The QuickVic couplings do not require disassembly prior to installation. It can simply be positioned on the pipe ends and tightened, using standard hand tools, which reduces the risk of gasket pinching, while also reducing material handling and installation time compared to couplings that need to be disassembled.

In addition to the QuickVic products, the Victaulic two-piece Style 77 coupling, which were upgraded in February, are currently available in sizes of 350 mm to 600 mm.

"The main advantage of the upgrades is that a multi-piece housing was previously required for pipes with a larger diameter. The two-piece Style 77 was previously only available for pipe 20 mm to 300 mm," states Van Jaarsveld.

He stresses that selecting the proper gasket material has a significant influence on the pumping system's performance.

"Victaulic now offers Nitrile gaskets that are designed specifically for air with oil vapours and form a leak-tight and pressure responsive seal," he says.

Van Jaarsveld points out that leaks in compressed-air pipelines can cost hundreds of thousands of rand every year, making air loss one of the mining industry's most costly problems.

"Leaks in the pipleline can occur as a consequence of regular mining activities, which expose pipelines to vibrations, strong impacts and harsh materials," he explains.

Canadian copper division of diversified miner Xstrata Kidd Creek copper mine maintenance planner Yvan Dumouchel says using Victaulic's grooved products on the mine's compressed-air system has resulted in a 40% reduction in air loss, saving tens of thousands of dollars in energy costs.

The coupling system was exhibited in May at the Pumps, Pipes and Valves Africa 2013 conference held at Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand.