Grooved Fittings
Grooved Fittings are a type of grooved fittings that are added to the end of the pipe by the grooving process and are mechanically connected with clamps and gaskets. The core design of the Grooved Fittings replaces the traditional welding or flanging method of fixing with a physical link that combines strength and flexibility.
Grooved Fittings Specifications
Pressure range: ≤2.5MPa
Nominal size: DN25～DN600
Temperature adaptability: -20℃～+180℃
Material: stainless steel, ductile cast iron, carbon steel
Slot depth error: ≤±0.1mm
Certification: UL/FM
Applicable pressure: low and medium pressure (≤25 bar)
Grooved Fittings Process
Raw material preparation
Firstly, raw materials need to be selected and pretreated. These are generally stainless steel (304/316L), ductile iron or carbon steel. The raw materials are analyzed for their chemical composition to ensure that they meet corrosion resistance and strength requirements. Plates or tubes are cut to predetermined lengths using a cutting machine, and the surface is sandblasted or pickled to remove the oxidized layer in preparation for subsequent processing.
Grooving
The end of the pipe is pressed into an annular groove using a special grooving machine. In the outer wall of the pipe pressed out the depth of 1.5-3.0mm U-shaped groove, groove depth error is strictly controlled within the range of ± 0.1mm. At the same time, the roller parameters should be adjusted to match the wall thickness of the pipe (e.g. Sch40/Sch80) to avoid thinning or cracking of the pipe wall due to over extrusion.
Sealing Gasket Manufacturing
The inner diameter of the gasket needs to be strictly matched with the outer diameter of the pipe (tolerance ±0.5mm), and the edge is designed as a double-lip structure to enhance the sealing. In some special cases (e.g. food-grade), FDA-approved silicone materials are required.
Fixture Assembly Molding
The fixture consists of two stamped metal housings, mostly made of galvanized steel or stainless steel. The accuracy of the stamping dies must meet a dimensional tolerance of ±0.05mm and the edges of the housing are chamfered to avoid scratching the gaskets. Bolt holes are drilled using a CNC machine to ensure precise alignment of the holes and are pre-installed with high-strength bolts (e.g. grade 8.8) to simplify subsequent installation.
Grooved Fittings Advantages
- Increased installation efficiency
Replacing traditional welding or flanging with clamping, no need for galvanizing and other post-treatment processes, increasing installation speed by up to 70%. The automatic pipe centering and alignment function simplifies the construction process, especially suitable for large pipe diameters (DN100 and above). - Safety and Reliability
The rubber sealing ring and the clamp’s occlusal design enhances sealing as the pressure inside the pipe increases, effectively preventing leakage. Passing the hydraulic test of 1.5 times working pressure ensures the system’s long-term stable operation. - Material and process compatibility
Support stainless steel, carbon steel, ductile iron and other materials, suitable for different media (and environmental needs.) EPDM, NBR or silicone sealing ring can be selected to meet diversified scenarios. - Standardization and regulatory support
Comply with GB/T 36019-2018 and CJ/T 156-2001, domestic applications are legal and compliant. International certificates cover UL/FM, DVGW/WRAS, supporting the needs of globalized projects.
Application Scenarios
Fire Fighting System
Automatic sprinkler system, especially suitable for DN100~DN600 large diameter fire protection pipe network. Clamp flexure joints can absorb pipe vibration and reduce the risk of connection failure due to earthquake or mechanical vibration.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
Large diameter oval closed air conditioning water piping (e.g., DN500), through the flexible joints to reduce system noise. Quick-release features facilitate equipment maintenance and reduce downtime.
Building water supply and drainage
High-rise building hot and cold water supply system, the use of flexible joints to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction deformation, HDPE piping and metal pipe transition connection, ductile iron clamps to provide stable mechanical support.
Industrial Piping
High-pressure pipelines (≤2.5MPa) in chemical and pharmaceutical industries are made of 316L stainless steel to resist acid and alkali corrosion. Petroleum storage and transportation systems use galvanized carbon steel clamps, taking into account the economy and rust resistance.