VIBRAFLEX REINFORCED RUBBER PIPE

DESIGN FEATURES

• Eliminates water line noises and vibrations

Pipeline noises in modern building come from the operating equipment to which the pipe is connected. These "noise generators" include water pumps, heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment. The noise and vibration are transmitted without any lessening of disturbance unless somewhere in the "circuit" a material with a different mechanical resistance to sound conductivity is used.

• Controls vibration

This is the function of Mercer's VIBRAFLEX pipe section. This specially constructed flexible rubber pipe is designed to "vibrate" at a relative frequency over 500 times lower than steel pipe. Depending on the length used VIBRAFLEX will absorb virtually all (up to 90%) of the noise and vibration.

• Absorbs "water hammer"

"Water hammer" vibrations of the liquid column itself are completely controlled by the "breathing" action of the flexible walls of the VIBRAFLEX pipe section.

• Prevents electrolytic action with no metal-to-metal contact

The full-faced molded rubber flange at each end of a VIBRAFLEX section, when connected into the piping system, means there is no metal-to-metal contact at the joints. No galvanic action can take place. No gaskets are required since the rubber-covered flange acts as its own gasket.

• Styles for all temperatures to 250 degrees F.

Styles 150 R, 250 R, 150 N, 250 N are for temperatures up to 180 degrees. Up to 250 degrees, specify styles 150 B or 250 B.

• Special constructions for individual applications

Mercer can fabricate to individual needs in all types of elastomers - i.e., Butyl, Hypalon®, Viton®, Buna-n, etc. Also available in tapered, reducer types - either concentric or eccentric.

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

VIBRAFLEX units are available in two types:

• Type 150 for working pressures of 150 lbs.
• Type 250 for working pressures of 250 lbs.

A helical spring steel wire is embedded in a cushion of rubber in the carcass to prevent kinking, crushing or collapsing.

All Vibraflex pipe is finish-coated with Hypalon®, an added protection against oxidation, corona, acid splashing or acid fumes, not provided by any other manufacturer. The carcass itself is constructed of multiple plies of specially woven high tensile duck and cords to minimize pipe elongation.

Finally, and most important, on styles 150 and 250, we use a woven wire that runs the length of the hose section up into the flange (on a quadrant). This construction, used only by Mercer, helps prevent creep, elongation, and twist.

PROPER INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

• Anchor rigid metal piping securely. Do not weld near rubber.
• Use suitable hangers so weight is not on rubber connectors.
• Measure lengths accurately, then install Vibraflex in exact normal length avoiding compression or elongation.
• Floating pipe flange at one end is desirable for ease of installation.
• Tighten bolts in equal steps until rubber flange bulges slightly between retaining ring and adjoining pipe flange. Check bolt tightness several days after initial operation and then periodically thereafter.
• Check temperature and pressure ratings.
• IMPORTANT: On lines not properly anchored or supported, on systems where wide temperature fluctuations occur, control rods must be used. See expansion joint brochure for full control rod description.

TYPICAL SIZES, LENGTHS and WEIGHTS of VIBRAFLEX PIPE

Molded rubber flanges are an integral part of the Vibraflex hose body, keeping the entire length flexible.  Back-up rings distribute bolt pressure.  Rubber flanges eliminate gaskets.  Standard lengths listed provide the best combination of noise control within space limitations.  Where space permits, an additional 12 inches is recommended for optimum effect.

**If shorter face to face measurements are specified, above movements not applicable.

ADVANTAGES OF VIBRAFLEX RUBBER PIPE OVER METAL CONNECTORS

1.  Will not Fatigue
2.  Non-Corrosive
3.  No Electrolysis
4.  Less maintenance
5.  No Gaskets Needed
6.  Grater Recovery
7.  Up to 550 times better Acoustical Impedance
8.  Better Shock Resistance
9.  Greater Flexibility
10.  Abrasive resistance 10 times greater than steel

The Fluid Sealing Association has done extensive work on relating the vibration absorbing qualities of rubber to rigid steel pipe.  These tests were conducted by a nationally recognized independent Testing Laboratory.  *The chart shown below is an effort to show a practical application of these test results for both an expansion joint and a vibration joint.

PERCENTAGE OF REDUCTION OF VIBRATION INPUT WITH FREQUENCY AND PRESSURE AS COMPARED TO STEEL PIPE

EXAMPLE- If a steel piping system had a major vibration frequency of 1000 HZ at 50 PSIG and an 8" rubber expansion joint was installed in the pipeline, the percentage of reduction of vibration would be 96%.

*Name of the Testing Laboratory and other test details are available from FSA members.

Mercer Vibraflex Reinforced Rubber Pipe is not designed to accommodate the movement in piping systems caused by temperature change or other conditions.  For installations where movements are a factor please refer to our complete line of expansion joints.

WARNING- Expansion joints may operate in pipelines or equipment carrying fluids and/or gases at elevated temperatures and pressures.  Normal precautions should be taken to make sure thee parts are installed correctly and inspected regularly.   Precautions should be taken to protect personnel in the event of leakage or splash.