VIP-Polymers Ltd has launched a new chemical resistant flexible coupling under its VIPSeal^® brand that dramatically simplifies the joining of pipes, speeding up installation and reducing costs.

The new Patent Pending VIPSealChem coupling is for use on pipe systems where a high resistance to chemicals or extreme temperatures is required – yet it is just as easy to fit as all other VIPSeal^® products.

Sectors VIPSealChem has been designed for include the chemical and process industries, pharmaceutical, medical and research laboratories, hospitals, food and drink manufacture, and fuel storage.

VIPSealChem FKM flexible couplings are manufactured to meet the demanding requirements of EN681-1 WB/WD and EN295-4. FKM rubber is resistant to a broader chemical range and has a higher temperature resistance than EPDM rubber which is traditionally used for pipe seals.

The couplings are manufactured in a green colour to clearly distinguish from the standard EPDM and NBR (Nitrile) couplings. This, along with the VIPSealChem branding and labelling will help merchants and installers to identify that they have a higher chemical and temperature resistance.

Because this resistance lies within the rubber sleeve itself, VIPSealChem couplings can be fitted without having to incorporate additional materials required by other products on the market.

VIP Commercial Director Jon Crean said: “We have developed VIPSealChem couplings to overcome installation limitations contractors have been facing with chemical resistant seals previously available.

“As such, we believe VIPSealChem represents a major step forward in the performance of chemical resistant flexible couplings, and a significant innovation in this product category.”

Other chemical resistant couplings require the installer to stick expanded PTFE seals around each pipe before fitting the coupling, then heat-shrink an FEP liner around the pipe.

VIPSealChem does away with these processes, which are time-consuming and can be difficult to carry out within worksites that often have limited space and are generally a dirty environment.

Jon Crean said: “Our in-house laboratory, testing and rubber compounding teams have formulated our own variant of the FKM rubber compound that gives VIPSealChem its chemical resistant properties.

“It means VIPSealChem looks like a VIPSeal^® coupling and can be fitted just as quickly and easily as a VIPSeal^® coupling. The only outward difference is that it’s green.

“The absence of extra components and steps in the installation process gives installers dramatic time and cost savings. It allows construction and repair projects to be completed more quickly, reducing operational downtime.

“Also, because of its unique simplicity, the VIPSealChem range includes adaptor couplings, allowing chemical resistant pipes of significantly different diameters to be connected to each other for the first time.”

VIPSealChem provides a flexible, watertight connection on above and below ground, low and non-pressurised drainage systems.

It has excellent resistance to chemicals, including automotive and aircraft fuels and oils, hydrocarbon solvent, hydraulic fluids, and certain chlorinated solvents.

VIPSealChem can also withstand exposure to long term service in temperatures of -15° to 200° and for reduced periods of time, temperatures of -30° to 300°.

Jon Crean said: “VIPSealChem builds on the recognised strengths of our VIPSeal^® flexible couplings range and could only be achieved with the in-house knowledge and expertise VIP-Polymers possess. It provides an unrivalled, cost-effective solution for contractors who install and repair pipes in aggressive chemical applications.”

VIPSealChem is now available through merchants and specialist distributors. For more information about the product visit the VIPSeal^® website contact us on 0800 334 5547 or email sales@vipseal.co.uk