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Tension, Compression and Bending
Anything the pipe can take, so can the Grayloc® Connector!
When manufactured from the same material as the pipe, the Grayloc® connector surpasses the strength of the pipe and that of most other components.
The rib of the seal ring prevents the seal lip from being crushed by over-tightening. While it acts as a positive stop during makeup, the rib also transfers compressive and bending loads from one hub element to another. The rib has bearing area ample to carry the most severe loading that the piping system can withstand.
Tension – The Grayloc® connection withstands greater tension loads than conventional ANSI flanges. In almost every case, Grayloc connections will withstand more tension loading than the pipe itself. Destructive tests have shown that pipe can be loaded in tension to failure without causing the Grayloc® connection to leak.
Bending – Grayloc® connections are designed to withstand severe bending loads without leaking or loosening. Numerous independent tests have been run to evaluate Grayloc® connections under bending. In one, a 2-1/2″ GR 20 Grayloc® connection was welded to 2-1/2″ Sch. XX pipe and subjected to a 2″ cold bend, 36″ on center. The connection did not leak and clamp bolting remained tight.
Compression – In normal piping applications, it is not possible to overload the Grayloc® connection or seal ring in compression. When very high compressive loads occur, the maximum load on the connection is determined by the limit of the pipe. In most cases, the area of the seal ring rib is equal to or larger than that of the cross section of adjoining pipe.
Service Extremes – Vibration, heat, cold and thermal shock often accompany service in which psi connectors are heavily loaded. psi connectors consistently withstand severe situations without routine maintenance. Special designs permit maintenance-free service even under the extreme conditions shown in the table.