Developments regarding new pipe couplings

Pipe couplings that are widely used today are under great pressure. The current process conditions are making increasingly higher demands, partly thanks to product innovations and new process methods. The fact that the couplings almost exceed their limits creates an increasingly high risk of hygienic and mechanical problems. Therefore, improved versions of pipe couplings are now being designed. This has resulted in many different types of connections. Almost every major equipment manufacturer has developed its own link. As a result, the links can no longer be used everywhere. In addition, the costs of the links have increased. The European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG), the working group "Pipe Couplings" has been established. This working group will focus on these problems and draw up new guidelines. The working group works together with D.I.N. Normenausschuss Armaturen, because the German industry also has a coupling requirement that must meet very high standards. Together they started the procedure for a Standard Proposal for two types of gasket: a profile gasket designed by APV and an O-ring gasket designed by Tuchenhagen. Both versions are designed for screw couplings and for flange couplings. The hope is that this standard will serve as a basis for a new European Standard. This should ensure, firstly, fewer different couplings on the market and secondly, a safe coupling from a mechanical and hygienic point of view.