In any type of oil and gas application, creating simple, effective and durable methods to create piping systems is a factor. In Texas, soil conditions, weather and types of drilling make this even more essential for most oil and gas companies.
A very reliable and effective method for constructing pipe systems for the oil and gas industry is the use of grooved pipe and piping products. While originally produced by Victaulic in 1925, there are a number of different companies now producing grooved piping products.
The Basics of the Products
As the name implies, all grooved piping products are designed with matching grooves, allowing for easy joining of lengths of pipe. The design includes a groove just inside the end of the length of pipe, with a coupling system that includes a housing, gasket and a bolt and nut combination on either side. The housing includes a corresponding groove to the pipe ends, allowing quick joining of the two without the need for welding or other types of joining. The gasket adds to the leakproof design of the system.
Speed of Installation
The speed of construction and installation of pipe systems are increased significantly with the choice of grooved piping products. Each piece fits together with precision, and all that is required is placing the housing on the pipe joint and tightening the two nuts on either side.
Flexible or Rigid
The coupling can be designed to provide a rigid or flexible joint. With the flexible joint, a slight movement of the soil in both a linear or an angular direction allows the pipe to move as well, which is essential in many types of applications.
Access to the System
As easy as it is to install the grooved pipe and fittings, it is just as easy to remove them or to gain access to any point in the pipe. The couplings can be removed and replaced as often as necessary, eliminating the problems with trying to maintain and repair pipe that is welded in place.
