Victaulic - Experts & Thought Leaders

Victaulic, the US-headquartered expert in mechanical pipe joining systems, is set to exhibit its comprehensive solutions for piping and flow control systems at the Big 5 Construct Saudi exhibition, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 26-29 February, 2024. consistent, reliable quality With Saudi Arabia experiencing a surge in construction across housing, infrastructure, and tourism, Victaulic stands ready to offer seamless support throughout project lifecycles. From design and engineering with 3D modeling and BIM compatibility, through efficient product delivery and installation training, to inspection and quality control services, Victaulic ensures consistent, reliable quality within strict project deadlines and budgets. Innovative solutions for high-rise construction The solutions effectively accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while taking up little room Given the notable rise in high-rise construction, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah, Victaulic will feature its building riser solutions at stand 3B121. These solutions effectively accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while taking up as little room as possible, maximizing sellable floor space. Victaulic's grooved system eliminates bulky flanges or threaded pipe ends, while the flexibility in alignment reduces the need for space-consuming elbows and fittings. Prefabricated modules for faster installation Victaulic's stand will also showcase a prefab skid display, highlighting how components can be prefabricated and delivered to construction sites as ready-to-install modular units. This approach accelerates the installation of pipe systems, especially in complex environments like high-rise buildings, and is highly beneficial considering the pressing timelines associated with Saudi Arabia’s current surge in construction projects.  material handling and storage requirements Prefabrication and modularization reduce the risk of errors and rework on-site, which can lead to delays Pipes can be pre-cut, grooved, and joined with Victaulic couplings in a controlled factory environment and delivered to the site in a planned sequence, optimizing material handling and storage requirements. Components can also be pre-assembled into larger sections or even entire riser systems off-site, minimizing the number of individual connections to be made on-site and, therefore, labor requirements and installation time. Furthermore, prefabrication and modularization reduce the risk of errors and rework on-site, which can lead to delays and unexpected costs.  fast, reliable, and flexible installation "Moving from welds to mechanical pipe couplings is a century-old 'new idea' that brings the benefits of fast, reliable, and flexible installation to construction projects worldwide,” says Zeyd Ammoura, Division Manager for Middle East, Africa, and Turkey at Victaulic. Zeyd Ammoura adds, "Victaulic is excited to discuss with both current and potential new customers at Big 5 Saudi Construct how this innovation can contribute to the success of projects in Saudi Arabia, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and with high quality."

Victaulic, the manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining, fire protection and flow control solutions, purchases a 220,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, and celebrates with a grand reopening. Victaulic’s Lawrenceville facility has added nearly 60 new jobs to Tioga County and anticipates adding approximately 40 more in the near future. It is expected many of the new positions will be filled by local talent from the area’s skilled workforce. Sustainable manufacturing practices New hires will join the current Victaulic team of more than 1,600 Pennsylvania employees and approximately 4,500 people globally. “Victaulic is excited to expand its Pennsylvania footprint and bring back to life the Lawrenceville foundry to support the growth of our customers,” remarked Rick Bucher, President and CEO of Victaulic. Victaulic aims to be a good neighbor in every community where our employees work and live" “We appreciate the cooperation between state and local agencies as part of the site selection process, and we are very happy to be part of the Tioga community. Victaulic aims to be a good neighbor in every community where our employees work and live. We are especially proud to further our sustainable manufacturing practices and reuse this facility for the betterment of this community.” Providing necessary capacity The Lawrenceville foundry will provide the scale and capacity necessary to continue Victaulic’s growth plans as the business demands increase. Most importantly, it will allow Victaulic to service their valued North American customers as a major aspect of the business strategy has always been to manufacture products in close proximity to their customers. The facility, including two foundry molding lines, will also enable Victaulic to produce larger scale products.

Victaulic announces the fire industry’s first Installation-Ready™ sprinkler that is ULlisted and FM-approved with the launch of its FireLock™ IGS Style V9 Sprinkler Coupling and line of FireLock™ IGS grooved sprinklers. Created to replace threads on both sprinkler outlets and sprinklers, this mechanical connection redefines sprinkler system design and installation in exposed applications, particularly the storage and warehouse market. The innovative coupling has one-bolt, is captured onto sprinklers with a connection size of ½-inch, ¾-inch or 1-inch, and transitions to 1-inch allowing for the standardization of 1-inch IGS outlets. Exciting product development “The storage, warehouse and distribution center market has undergone significant growth and transformation, creating a need for fire suppressions that are both easily installed and reconfigured,” said Daniel Wake, Victaulic Product Manager. “Victaulic already has a unique portfolio of products and services that offer value and versatility from the street to the sprinkler head, and the Installation-Ready sprinkler technology just compounds the advantages of using Victaulic. Working in the industry from the ground up for almost 20 years, this is the most exciting product development process I’ve been fortunate to take part in.” The sprinkler and coupling arrive on site pre-assembled, with no loose parts and require no preparation before installation, also known as Installation-Ready™ technology that Victaulic introduced to the industry in 2005. Labor management advantage All fitters can be utilized in the air hanging and installing system components The biggest time-saver and labor management advantage seen with introducing Installation-Ready™ technology to sprinkler installation is the elimination of sprinkler prep work and the associated consumables (tape and dope). By eliminating taping and doping on the ground, all fitters can be utilized in the air hanging and installing system components. Another advantage of the Victaulic Installation-Ready™ sprinkler coupling is that it does not require complicated training or tools, engineering confidence into every build. Utilizing visual confirmation of one bolt-pad for proper installation instead of using a torque wrench makes installation simple and gives users peace of mind. Currently, fitters must install a sprinkler using a sprinkler wrench that is physically demanding to the fitter due to strenuous repetitive motion and potentially damaging to the sprinkler frame due to applied torque. Safest installation method Now utilizing a mechanical connection with one bolt allows the fitter to use a power tool to save both wear and tear on their body, and avoid applying torque directly to the sprinkler frame. Reducing torque applied to the sprinkler frame and replacing the frictional connection with a mechanical one, in turn, reduces the likelihood of leaks when the system is pressurized. Rework due to leaks can add an average of one day per system, a costly necessity until now. “We’re committed to offering our customers simplified solutions that save both time and costs, while increasing system confidence,” said Wake. “With the advent of the Installation-Ready sprinkler, our customers now have access to the easiest and safest installation method – improving both their productivity and work environment.”

An expansive construction boom is underway in Saudi Arabia, amplified by the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative promoting global engagement, enhanced quality of life, and economic diversification beyond petroleum. Mega-projects pioneering the way include The Line, a linear smart city that is only 200 meters (220 yards) wide, towers 500 meters (550 yards) above sea level, and stretches 170 kilometers (105 miles) from the Neom 26,500-square-kilometer (10,200 sq. miles) urban area across desert valleys to the Red Sea.  sports and tourism investment An unprecedented investment also includes sports and tourism and has attracted the attention of major players in the construction industry, who are gathering at the Big 5 Construct Saudi exhibition in Riyadh. The event enables attendees to connect with government representatives and other visitors involved in Saudi Arabia’s gigantic construction projects.  HVAC systems HVAC systems play a major role in the construction boom, including the construction of new district cooling plants Given the hot climate, HVAC systems play a major role in the construction boom, including the construction of new district cooling plants and an enormous number of data centers, which require extensive cooling systems to operate. HVAC R Expo is one of the “Big 5” categories at the exhibition, enabling companies access to top contractors, project managers, distributors, and engineers involved in growth opportunities across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.  Victaulic’s grooved solutions Victaulic, the mechanical pipe joining specialist, is a major supplier playing a role in the Saudi expansion, which also includes a future Vision 2040 plan that will begin in 2027. Active in the Saudi market for 25 years, Victaulic’s grooved solutions are used throughout the burgeoning Saudi construction industry, including in the commercial, fire protection, water, oil and gas, and mining sectors.  multitude of applications Victaulic’s prefabrication and modularization services accelerate the installation process even further In the HVAC sector specifically, Victaulic solutions serve a multitude of applications from district cooling to data centers to cooling systems for large skyscrapers. Victaulic’s grooved couplings can be installed quicker than traditional welded or flanged joints and without specialist labor. By reducing the work carried out on the job site, Victaulic’s prefabrication and modularization services accelerate the installation process even further. This is important for keeping up with the fast pace of construction projects in Saudi Arabia while ensuring the highest quality and reliability.  Sustainability Sustainability is another priority for Vision 2030 projects in the Kingdom. Because there is no welding required to join pipes with Victaulic’s technology, energy consumption and emissions are significantly reduced during the installation process. The couplings themselves are made from 98% recycled content in electric induction furnaces that emit 85% less CO2 per ton than a traditional blast equivalent. And they are infinitely reconfigurable, reusable, and recyclable as buildings are extended or repurposed in the future.  one-stop solution provider Cooling such a tall building involves multiple chiller stations connected with building riser solutions (pipes) At the Big 5 event, Victaulic aims to showcase its abilities as a one-stop solution provider for pipe joining. However, given the raft of high-rise construction in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah, cooling systems for tall buildings will naturally be in focus. For example, the Jeddah Tower, currently under construction, will be 1 kilometer (3,280 feet) tall and become the tallest building in the world when it is completed. Cooling such a tall building involves multiple chiller stations connected with building riser solutions (pipes) that run the entire span of the building. use of expansion joints Traditionally, in a tall building, thermal expansion and contraction require the use of expansion joints that accommodate the impact of changing temperatures on the pipes. Victaulic’s couplings, however, are inherently flexible to a degree, which eliminates the need for space-consuming expansion loops or expansion joints that can fatigue over time. This improves the reliability of the system as well as keeping shafts as narrow as possible to maximize sellable floor space.  investment focus Continuing investment by banks and trust funds in key Saudi projects encourages Victaulic Continuing investment by banks and trust funds in key Saudi projects encourages Victaulic to continue its commitment to the region. “This region has committed to continuous investment,” says Zeyd Ammoura, Victaulic Division Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. “These projects translate into a massive need for products, and they have a vision as more investment focuses on the region. Our vision is to walk parallel hand-in-hand with the Saudi 2030 vision.” Reason for Big 5 exhibition participation “They need a lot of data centers, and they need a lot of district cooling plants,” adds Ammoura, “so that's also something that is getting a lot of our attention. And that's one of the major reasons we are going to be participating in the Big 5 exhibition.” While historically population centers in Saudi Arabia were mostly concentrated, the new vision includes development throughout the large country including areas where infrastructure did not previously exist and must be created. Thousands of new cooling systems will be needed for the new buildings, data centers, stadiums, and other facilities. Infrastructure development Investment is also being made to expand the infrastructure to accommodate future waves of construction In addition to near-term construction projects, investment is also being made to expand the infrastructure to accommodate future waves of construction. “They are building now to serve expanded projects in the future,” says Ammoura. “Saudi Arabia is our top priority for the next five to 10 years in the region.” Air conditioning (AC) usage A stadium, planned as part of The Line, will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and other big events. With scorching summers and limited natural cooling, Saudi Arabia has the highest air conditioning (AC) usage globally. This intense cooling demand accounts for nearly 50% of the country's annual electricity consumption, reaching 70% during peak periods. These factors drive the need for district cooling systems, which distribute cooling capacity in the form of chilled water or other medium from a central source to multiple buildings through a network of underground pipes for use in space and process cooling.  Reducing fossil fuel use Victaulic is furnishing a large exhibition booth at the Big 5 event to highlight their technical solutions Saudi Arabia is seeking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels for energy production, and district cooling systems can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar, further contributing to sustainability.  In addition to promoting its profile at Big 5 Construct Saudi, Victaulic is increasing its number of local employees and is looking into opening a local facility in the area to support the big growth in business. Victaulic is furnishing a large exhibition booth at the Big 5 event to highlight their technical solutions. piping and flow control systems Ammoura says that Victaulic’s capabilities expand beyond the manufacture of piping and flow control systems. The company also pledges to be a delivery partner and engineering company that builds solutions. “We help to design and optimize the project and help to build better construction,” says Ammoura. Victaulic has participated in many Saudi district cooling plants so far and plans to continue to be a part of building engineering and construction capacity.  BIM (building information modeling) Victaulic utilizes BIM to provide 3D visualization of systems before they are built and installed Victaulic utilizes BIM (building information modeling) to provide 3D visualization of systems before they are built and installed. The company’s virtual design and construction department works with companies and allows customers to “walk through a project” virtually and optimize design and innovation, thus taking out the guesswork before a needed change becomes overly expensive and delays the project.  reassurance and reliability “The challenges in any project cycle, regardless of scale, means owners, general contractors, and construction teams require reassurance and reliability from designated partners, and Victaulic has expanded offerings to become a comprehensive one-stop solutions provider, including design, fabrication, spooling, and quality control." "We are committed to being a partner for our customers and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s construction boom as efficiently, reliably, and sustainably as possible,” Ammoura says.

How grooved solutions have been making contractors and engineers reimagine the way they construct risers in vertical buildings? Enter into the right pub, or head to a city’s museum or town hall, and you can often find a picture of how the surrounding area used to look. An image from twenty years ago and the difference isn’t too vast. Fifty years back and there’s a definite change. A picture from over a hundred years ago and it’s practically unrecognizable. And what’s the common theme running through these images? Cities are getting taller. As more people migrated to urban areas, developers saw the need to go higher. But with this comes its own unique set of challenges. How can the safety of ground floor be transferred to, in the most extreme case, level 163? Grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges for a piping engineer To find out how grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions are helping developers & engineers go higher, we spoke to Matthew Strohm, Director of Product Development (Piping System Design) at Victaulic. When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges that a piping engineer will need to take into consideration, most of which relate to thermal movement and the resulting forces on the building. Other issues such as seismic activity and building creep (the natural movement of a building due to settlement) also need to be taken into account. Compensating for thermal expansion and contraction Specifically related to piping systems and subsequently, pipe joining solutions, is the unique problem of having to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, while at the same time, accommodating for higher pressure. Change in pipe diameter is not an uncommon concern for engineers, however, providing a solution which could operate at a pressure gauge of 25 bars, or the fluctuating temperature of water, presents its own challenges. It’s with these issues in mind that engineers choose their joining solutions, which is why these are the very criteria we set our Victaulic pipe joining solutions against. Grooved vs. Traditional Pipe Joining For decades, the traditional solutions for joining pipes have been welding, threading or flanging. These are good solutions to choose from, but there is a distinct lack of flexibility in a solution that fuses or flanges system components together. This is where flexible grooved couplings come in. They are solutions that allow controlled linear and angular movement at each joint to accommodate not only for thermal expansion and contraction, but also building sway and creep. So how do flexible grooved couplings manage this? It’s essentially down to the design of their components. The dimensions of the pipe coupling housing key is narrower than the pipe groove, allowing room for movement. Furthermore, the width of the pipe coupling housing allows for pipe end separation, which in turn allows the grooved pipe joint to accommodate movement. Benefits of Grooved couplings There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small. As many project managers and engineers know, saving on space can be the key to unlocking extra value above initial planning. Additionally, grooved couplings are perfectly placed to accommodate for piping movement, whereas welded joints that in their very nature are designed to be fixed in place, need to have an area of space to allow for a welded expansion loop or alternatively, enough space to allow the star-pattern tightening of a flanged flex connector. Saving time, money and labor Besides the savings on space, grooved connections offer contractors savings in three key areas: time, money and labor. The installation-ready design of Victaulic’s grooved couplings allow for an easier installation, meaning a process which might take 30 minutes through a welded solution for instance, can now take just five minutes. As any contractor will testify to, this is valuable time that can be used for other parts of the project. With a reduction in time comes savings in cost and labor. Naturally, less labor is used for the same job and in the case of grooved couplings, less skilled labor is required (in comparison to the high skill level needed for welded joints). It’s these aspects that will ultimately deliver contractors with valuable project savings. Grooved connections offer savings in three key areas: time, money and labor Mechanical riser solutions There are 3 ways to accommodate for thermal movement within risers using a grooved mechanical system: The first method is called top of riser free-floating method and involves installing rigid couplings on the riser and two flexible couplings on the horizontal adjacent piping at the top of the riser, which can reduce the need for riser clamps or other structural during installation and allows the system to move freely within the design tolerances. The second method involves working with grooved expansion loops that help to save up as much as 2/3rd of the size of welded U-shaped expansion loops and avoids forced welded pipe deflection. While welded expansion loops require eight welded joints to assemble, the forces exerted on the joint are far greater than those applied on a grooved expansion loop, and generate greater stress, which ultimately requires larger anchors and guides in order to direct the movement. The third method is working with grooved expansion joints instead of traditional in-line expansion joints, which typically have wear parts and manufacturer-recommended maintenance cycles of five years, which also poses problems due to riser accessibility once the construction is complete. Grooved expansion joints like the Victaulic Style 155 are maintenance-free for the life of the system. Importance of anchors In a system using only flexible joints, risers are installed with anchors at the top and bottom and the piping guided every other length to prevent angular deflection at the joints within the piping run. Anchors distribute the movement forces across the structure and also provide the important task of directing pipe movement. At the pipe anchor location, there will be no differential movement between the piping and the building structure, which forces the pipe to thermally expand or contract from that location. This allows the design engineer to control how and where the movement in a system occurs and to provide the best solution to accommodate that movement. A10 Grooved Riser Anchors upgraded A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market. Off the back of strong feedback from contractors, Victaulic recently upgraded its A10 Grooved Riser Anchors to a standard product. With the primary functions of carrying the weights and forces that act downward to the base of the riser and connecting the riser to the rest of the structure, the anchor has been providing sturdy support for some of the tallest buildings around the world. Future trends for high-rise buildings One trend already taking place, and I expect to continue, is contractors bringing riser experts into the project at an earlier stage. It just seems to make logistical sense to operate in this fashion. it’s a more efficient use of time to collaborate early in the process. I believe contractors and engineers will seek assistance from companies such as us to help design blueprints together, working in tandem to produce the right solution. Vertical buildings are on the rise. For generations, people have been moving to urban areas, putting greater demand on housing residents and employees. Through the use of grooved coupling solutions as an alternative to traditional methods, contractors can benefit from greater flexibility, reliability, ease of installation and ultimately and most importantly, speed of the installation process.