Technical details for sleeve couplers
For Hepworth SuperSleve 100mm, 150mm, 225mm and 300mm
Vitrified Clay Pipes and Fittings
Introduction: Hepworth Sleeve Couplers were first introduced in 1965.
Standards:
Comply with BS65 1988 and BSEN 295/1 EURONORM 1991 Standards.
Sleeve Coupler Performance:
Joint deflection - the standard calls for 3° deflection, we test at 6° deflection with a head of 5 metres.
Line displacement - the standard calls for 6mm at each joint, we test at 9mm with a 5 metre head.
Withdrawal - the standard calls for 10mm withdrawal. Our sleeve joints in practice survive 20mm withdrawal with a 5 metre head.
The performance capability of our sleeve joint is far in excess of BS EN 295/J and NZ 3302 requirements. The above three factors are evidence of this. We do not however advocate that in practice contractors be permitted to lay our pipe systems to other than the specific requirements of the local body.
Polypropylene Coupling – Design Considerations:
Couplings are manufactured from polypropylene which retains its properties better than UPVC at high temperatures with a quoted maximum of 80oC compared with 60oC for UPVC. The copolymer polypropylene materials used also have a balance of creep properties and excellent impact properties even at low temperatures.
The SuperSleve coupling design relies on the flexibility of polypropylene to allow it to work property. The coupling is not designed to restrain the two pipe ends when they move due to ground movements but instead follows the movement and maintains the seal. This flexibility means that the coupling does not attempt to prevent movement and so very little stress is imposed on the material or indeed on the pipe ends.
The ends of the couplings behind the rubber rings are designed to have sufficient cross sectional area to contain the sealing force created by the rings. A considerable amount of investigation determined the relationship of the material properties, thickness, and stress relaxation properties of the rubber ring to the sealing force. These investigations during the original product development, and continuing since, led to the development of the sealing force measuring machine which monitors the actual sealing force between pipe and seal over a period of time. Results from these tests over several years shows a sensible correlation on a logarithmic time scale which enables predictions of sealing force for much longer time periods. This type of test equipment and the levels of performance which the couplings meet have been incorporated in the past into German DIN standards.
The coupling assembly as a whole has strong, end regions, created by the reinforcing end caps which are more substantial than would be required just for rubber ring retention, connected together by a relatively flexible centre section which allows the whole assembly to move as required to accommodate pipe movement and yet retain seal integrity.
We have had considerable field experience with our sleeve couplers, over 27 years in fact for both manhole connections and with general pipe works. Our dominance in the market place would confirm our systems suitability. Many millions of metres of pipe work have been laid during this period and areas of use include problem sits including London docklands and development etc.
Other Approvals
In addition to satisfaction to BS EN 295/1 we have the following approvals:
German Registrations PAI-2370 and PAI-3175
Which include testing for root penetration. This is the only test that we know that is specifically developed to test products with live roots.
French Avis Technique 17/85-14
Test under pressure 0.1MPA for 10 minutes. This test involves pressure of 10m water being put on to the outside of the joint to ensure the seal prevents water entry.
British Board of Agreement
Certificate No. 90/2418 SuperSleve DN 100 and DN 150 Vitrified Clay Pipes.
Certificate No. 86/1644 Hepworth DN 100 and DN 150 SuperSleve Underground Drainage System
Detail Sheet 1 - Building Regulation Satisfaction
Detail Sheet 2 - Components in the System
Detail Sheet 3 - DN 100 and DN 150 Pipe
Detail Sheet 4 - VC Inspection Chambers
Detail Sheet 5 - Polypropylene Inspection Chambers
Detail Sheet 6 - Hepworth DN 100 and DN 150 Adaptors
(couplers and adaptors of polypropylene)
Detail Sheet 7 - DN 100 Access Gully
Detail Sheet 8 - DN 100 and DN 150 Access Fittings
In addition to the above our vitrified clay systems SuperSleve are approved for use right throughout Europe, the Middle East and Far East. Our clay systems are sold in an excess of thirty countries and enjoy the confidence of regulatory authorities in all of them.
We are the world’s largest manufacturer of vitrified clay pipe and fittings. Through innovation that was recognized in charter by the 1984 Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement, Hepworth Building Products has elevated the standards of vitrified clay drainage pipes and fittings to rank amongst the best of British Products.
It is our opinion that few other drainage systems have the extent of approvals and confidence that our sleeve systems enjoy. Without a doubt the volume of product laid in the ground would be evidence to this. Hepworth has a reputation of producing quality product and is backed with the technical support of both research and quality assurance to ensure our integrity is maintained.