A better way to join low pressure pipes

What is VIPSeal?

Primarily used in sewers and drainage applications, VIPSeal® couplings enable pipes of virtually any material or diameter to be joined. They are ideal low pressure and non-pressurised applications and remove the need for a complicated assortment of joiners and reducers. In contrast to compression fittings, electrofusion or solvent cement methods, using an elastomeric sleeve in low pressure pipe joining enables workers to repair pipes simply and reliably.

Constructed from the highest quality elastomeric rubber, the standard couplings create a leak proof seal. In addition, the couplings are bolstered by stainless steel tension bands, proving shear resistance under heavy earth loads.

VIPSeal pipe couplings are made in the United Kingdom and offer reliable quality and performance. The versatile elastomeric sleeves are manufactured in-house from synthetic rubbers such as EPDM, SBR, NBR, and FKM synthetic rubber. They offer excellent resistance to sewerage and drainage effluent and are approved to a host of British standards such as BS EN295-4, WIS 4-41-01 and the new BS EN16397 standards.

Locally, VIPSeal couplings have been approved to Australian Standard AS/NZS 4327:1995 Metal-banded flexible couplings for low pressure applications. Additionally, they are approved to the Australian Building Codes Board 'WaterMark' scheme. Cert No. 23304.

When installed correctly VIPSeal® couplings have a design life of 100 years, exceeding the life of the pipe.

How it works

In order for the VIPSeal coupling to perform as intended, it needs to maintain an excellent seal. By using tension bands to resist both internal and external hydrostatic pressure, the join provides a secure seal. A good seal also helps prevent the penetration of tree roots.

By applying pressure to the elastomeric sleeve with tension bands, the seal is secured. The use of a heavy duty worm drive allows the gradually increasing seal force to be evenly spread around the circumference of the pipe.

VIPSeal elastomeric couplings are ideal for:

• Using as a coupling to join plain ended pipes
• Repairing damaged sections of pipes
• Where a post or lateral connection is required
• Joining different diameters of pipe
• Joining short lengths of pipe

How to fit VIPSeal

Cut a section from the existing pipeline using a pipe cutter - this should be about 20mm longer than the new section of pipe to be installed. Mark off half a coupling width from each joint on each pipe section. Loosen the tension and shear bands on the coupling and then slide the coupling onto each end of the existing pipe line.

Position the new pipe segment and centre a coupling over one joint at a time using the marks previously made. Then, begin to tighten up the worm drives, starting with the tension bands followed by the shear band.

Check each tension and shear band with a torque wrench to the recommended torque shown on each coupling. Once completed, carefully tamp bedding under the pipeline if necessary.