Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co.

, Ltd—Premier Supplier of Grooved Piping Products

General Notes for Installation

z Vision Grooved Flexible pipe connection Systems are designed to give a specific amount of angular, linear
and rotational movement at each joint to allow expansion and contraction, vibration, noise and other movement in
the pipe system. These features provide real advantages in design and use, but should be taken into
consideration in specifying hanger spacing and pipe support in general.

z Those notes and guidelines presented here included in with each product are intended to assist installation
and piping production selection when using Vision products for their intended application. This information is not
intended in any way as a substitute of the employ of approved competent professional installation expertise,
which is an obvious prerequisite. Always use competent design expertise to determine specific installation
requirements.

Suggestions for Optimum Installations of Vision Flexible Piping Systems

z Expansion

1. Assemble vertical systems from the top down using the weight of the pipe to pull the pipe open to the
extents of the coupling;

2. Alternatively, assemble the pipe and couplings and secure guides. Anchor one end, cap the system
and pressurize to open the joints, before anchoring the opposite end ensuring the joints are correctly tightened.

z Contraction

1. In vertical runs, assemble the pipe from the bottom up such that the pipe ends butt together. Anchor
the pipe securely in position to maintain the full contraction gap;

2. On horizontal runs anchor one pipe, assemble the coupling with the adjoining pipe and push the pipe
into butt contact (use a “come along” to draw pipes together if necessary) anchor the adjoining pipe to retain the
fully closed position.

Visual Inspection of the Joint Housing Section for Out of Tolerance

When pipes, grooves and couplings are within tolerance and the bolts pads are tightened firmly metal-to-metal,
the flexible coupling groove keys (“lips”) do not contact either the bottom of the grooves or the OD (outside
diameter) of the pipe adjacent the Gasket seat. The gasket should be slightly compressed by the Housing
Section for optimum seal efficiency.
If the pipe is oversize, the Housing may come into contact with pipe OD reducing the angular movement in the
joint and preventing metal-to-metal contact of the joint pads.

If the coupling or pie is undersize, the compression on the gasket will be reduced and may affect pressure
retention and cause extrusion of the gasket. In addition, the housing keys engagement in the groove will be
lessened resulting in lower working pressure at the joint.

If the fitting is oversize or the groove undercut, the housing keys will contact the bottom of the groove and/or the
pipe shoulder adjacent the Gasket. This will reduce the angular deflection available. The effect is to make it
impossible to achieve metal-to-metal contact between the bolt pads and reduces gasket compression.

If the Gasket is out of line, it may be pinched by the housing section, also resulting in the pads not meeting metal
to metal. In this case, replace the gasket carefully and remark the joint.

Telephone: 86 21 5954 6863 Facsimile: 86 21 5954 3888 Email: assis@visionge.com

221, Jinlan Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201807
Company Website: http://www.visionge.com
Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd—Premier Supplier of Grooved Piping Products

Care should be taken to first check the pipe for eccentricity before cutting Grooves in pipe using a stationary toll
bit, for example, as on a lathe. This can result in an eccentric groove of variable depth giving a combination of the
above results. Grooving methods that rotate the cutter around the pipe are less prone to this effect.

Pipe Spacing and Clearance

When designing or installing pipe systems using Vision Grooved Products, allowance should be made between
pipe runs to provide a clearance to accommodate the externally mounted coupling housing sections. See
dimension “Y” listed in the Data Tables (see products listed in Grooved Couplings and below) for each class of
couplings.

This clearance should be increased sufficiently to also allow access using a torque wrench to tighten the housing
bolts, typically “Y” plus 20%. Always check the actual dimension “Y” prior to installation. Where pipe assemblies
are close to other valves and equipment ensure sufficient clearance for maintenance and access. These
recommendations make no allowance for any pipe insulation required.

Recommended Pipe Support Guidelines

The charts below recommend the maximum hanger spacing based on Standard Steel Pipes when used with
Vision Grooved products. The support provided for pipe systems must take account of any movement of the
pipes or other requirements, such as drainage.

The guidelines do not apply to specially applications where critical span calculations are required or in the
instance of concentrated loads. The Maximum Hanger spacing give correspond to ANSI B 31.1, 31.9 or NFPA 13
as indicated below in conjunction with Vision Grooved Products.

Rigid Systems
Nominal Maximum Span Between Supports - meters/feet
Pipe Size Water Service Gas & Air Service
mm / inches ANSI B31.1 ANSI B31.9 NFPA ANSI B31.1 ANSI B31.9
25 / 1″ 2.2/7.2 2.8/9.2 3.7/12.1 2.8/9.2 2.8/9.2
32 / 1 1/4″ 2.2/7.2 3.3/10.8 3.7/12.1 2.8/9.2 3.3/10.8
42 / 1 1/2″ 2.2/7.2 3.7/12.1 4.6/15.1 2.8/9.2 4/13.1
50 / 2″ 3/9.8 4/13.1 4.6/15.1 4/13.1 4.6/15.1
63 2 1/2″ 3.7/12.1 4.6/15.1 4.6/15.1 4/13.1 5.2/17.1
75 / 3″ 3.7/12.1 4.6/15.1 4.6/15.1 4.6/15.1 5.2/17.1
100/ 4″ 4.3/14.1 5.2/17.1 4.6/15.1 5.2/17.1 6.4/21
125 / 5″ 4.3/14.1 5.5/18 4.6/15.1 5.2/17.1 7/23
150 / 6″ 5.2/17.1 6.1/20 4.6/15.1 6.4/21 7.7/25.3
200 / 8″ 5.8/19 6.4/21 4.6/15.1 7.4/24.3 8.6/28.2
250 / 10″ 5.8/19 6.4/21 4.6/15.1 7.4/24.3 9.5/31.2
300 / 12″ 7/23 6.4/21 4.6/15.1 9.2/30.2 10.1/33.1

Flexible Systems – Linear Movement NOT Required

Nominal Pipe Size Range mm Max Pipe Span meters / feet
20 -25 2.4 / 8
32 - 50 3 / 10
63 -100 3.7 / 12
125 - 200 4.3 / 14

Telephone: 86 21 5954 6863 Facsimile: 86 21 5954 3888 Email: assis@visionge.com

221, Jinlan Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201807
Company Website: http://www.visionge.com
Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd—Premier Supplier of Grooved Piping Products

250 - 300 4.9 / 16

350 - 400 5.5 / 18
450 - 600 6.1 / 20

Flexible Systems Where Linear Movement IS Required

Nominal Maximum Span Between Supports – meters / feet
Pipe Size 2.2/7 3/10 3.7/12 4.5/15 6.1/20 6.5/22 7.7/25 9.2/30 10.8/ 12.3/
Range 35 40
mm Table of Recommended Number of Pipe Hangers per Span*
20-25 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6
32-50 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6
63-100 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4
125-200 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4
250-300 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
350-400 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
450-600 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3

*For straight pipe runs. Pipe lengths MUST be supported between couplings.

Installation Instructions of Grooved Couplings

1. Remove one nut and bolt from housings. Loosen the other nut until it is flush with the end of the bolt.
Remove the gasket from the housings.
2. Check suitability of gasket for intended service and apply a thin coat of silicone or other compatible pipe
lubricant to gasket lips and outside of the gasket. Apply lubricant to inside of housing.
3. Insert and push the gasket over one of the grooved ends of the two pipes to be joined. Gasket lip should not
overhang pipe end.
4. Align and bring the pipe ends together and slide gasket into position centered between the grooves on each
pipe. Gasket should not extend into groove on either pipe.
5. Place housings over gasket and apply pressure by hands to engage the keys into the grooves. Insert bolts
and apply nuts finger tight.
6. Tighten nuts alternately and equally until housing bolts pads are firmly together, metal-to-metal. Uneven
tightening will pinch the gasket.
7. WARNING: DO NOT MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO GROOVED PRODUCTS WHILE THE PIPING SYSTEM IS
UNDER PRESSURE.

Installation Instructions of Outlet Couplings

1. Cut or drill hole in pipe. Hole diameter for each mechanical branch outlet is listed on the chart pertaining to
the product. Holes must be drilled on the center-line of the pipe. Remove the cut piece and cutting chips. Make
sure that the pipe surface within 7/8" of the hole is clean, smooth, and free of indentations or projections which
would affect proper sealing.
2. Remove one nut and bolt from assembled housings. Loosen the other nut until it is flush with the end of bolt.
Remove the tape and lift the gasket.
3. Apply a thin coat of silicone or other pipe lubricant to all surfaces of the gasket. Reposition the gasket into
the housing using alignment tabs on the sides for proper positioning.
4. Rotate the lower housing approximately 90 degrees away from the upper, or outlet section. Place the upper
on to the surface of the pipe in line with the outlet hole prepared per instructions and rotate the lower section
around the pipe and close the two halves.
5. Insert bolt in its hole and finger tighten both nuts, making sure that the locating collar is in the outlet hole.

Telephone: 86 21 5954 6863 Facsimile: 86 21 5954 3888 Email: assis@visionge.com

221, Jinlan Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201807
Company Website: http://www.visionge.com
 Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd—Premier Supplier of Grooved Piping Products

Also make sure that the positioning lugs are aligned properly.
6. Tighten nuts uniformly until the gasket pocket area of the upper housing is in complete contact with pipe
surface and the assembly is rigid. Nuts must be tightened with even gaps between bolt pads. Torque in excess of
what is recommended is not desirable.
7. WARNING: DO NOT MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO GROOVED PRODUCTS WHILE THE PIPING SYSTEM IS
UNDER PRESSURE.

Installation Instructions of Flange Adapter

1. Open the Flange Adapter and place hinged flange around the grooved pipe end with the circular key section
locating into the groove.
2. Insert a standard bolt through the mating holes of the Flange to secure the Flange in the groove.
3. Check suitability of gasket for the intended service and apply a thin coat of silicone or other compatible
lubricant to gasket lips and outside of the gasket.
4. Press the gasket into cavity between the pipe O.D. and Flange recess.
5. Insert a standard Flange bolt in the hinge hole opposite the lock-bolt and direct the two bolt assembly to
mate with the Flange of the device to be joined.
6. Add the remaining standard Flange bolts and tighten all nuts evenly until faces contact firmly or bolts attain
recommended joint torque values.
7. WARNING: DO NOT MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO GROOVED PRODUCTS WHILE THE PIPING SYSTEM IS
UNDER PRESSURE.

Pipe End Groove Specifications

Pipe ends must have a groove in them in order to accommodate the coupling keys to utilize the designed sealing
capacities of grooved piping products. The following table recommends the sizes of grooves required for Vision
grooved products.

STANDARD CUT GROOVE SPECIFICATIONS

PIPE OD GROOVE DIAMETER MINIMUM
GROOVE D WALL
GROOVE
GASKET SEAT DEPTH THICKNESS
NOM. SIZE ACTUAL WIDTH
T OLERANCE A C
IN. O.D. B
IN. IN+/-0.031 REF. ACTUAL O.D. T OL.+.000
(mm) IN. IN.+/-0.031
(mm) (mm)+/-.79 IN. IN. IN.
(mm) (mm)+/-7.9 IN.
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)

3/4 1.050 +.010/-.010 0.625 0.312 0.056 0.938 -0.015 0.113

20 26.7 +.25/-.25 15.9 7.9 1.4 23.8 -0.4 2.9
1 1.315 +.013/-.013 0.625 0.312 0.062 1.190 -0.015 0.133
25 33.4 +.33/-.33 15.9 7.9 1.6 30.2 -0.4 3.4
1 1/4 1.660 +.016/-.016 0.625 0.312 0.062 1.535 -0.015 0.140

Telephone: 86 21 5954 6863 Facsimile: 86 21 5954 3888 Email: assis@visionge.com

221, Jinlan Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201807
Company Website: http://www.visionge.com
Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd—Premier Supplier of Grooved Piping Products

32 42.2 +.41/-.41 15.9 7.9 1.6 39.0 -0.4 3.6

1 1/2 1.900 +.019/-.019 0.625 0.312 0.062 1.775 -0.015 0.145
40 48.3 +.48/-.48 15.9 7.9 1.6 45.1 -0.4 3.7
2 2.375 +.024/-.024 0.625 0.312 0.062 2.250 -0.015 0.154
50 60.3 +.61/-.61 15.9 7.9 1.6 57.2 -0.4 3.9
2 1/2 2.875 +.029/-.029 0.625 0.312 0.078 2.720 -0.018 0.188
65 73.0 +.74/-.74 15.9 7.9 2.0 69.1 -0.5 4.8
3 0.D. 3.000 +.030/-.030 0.625 0.312 0.078 2.845 -0.018 0.188
65 76.1 +.76/-.76 15.9 7.9 2.0 72.3 -0.5 4.8
3 3.500 +.034/-.031 0.625 0.312 0.078 3.344 -0.018 0.188
80 88.9 +.86/-.79 15.9 7.9 2.0 84.9 -0.5 4.8
4 4.500 +.045/-.031 0.625 0.375 0.083 4.334 -0.020 0.0203
100 114.3 +1.14/-.79 15.9 9.5 2.1 110.1 -0.5 5.2
5 5.563 +.056/-.031 0.625 0.375 0.084 5.395 -0.022 0.203
125 141.3 +1.42/-.79 15.9 9.5 2.1 137.0 -0.6 5.2
6 6.625 +.063/-.031 0.625 0.375 0.085 6.455 -0.022 0.219
150 168.3 +1.60/-7.9 15.9 9.5 2.2 164.0 -0.6 5.6
6.5 O.D. 6.500 +.063/-.031 0.625 0.375 0.085 6.330 -0.022 0.219
150 165.1 +1.60/-.79 15.9 9.5 2.2 160.8 -0.6 5.6
8 8.625 +.063/-.031 0.750 0.437 0.092 8.441 -0.025 0.238
200 219.1 +1.60/-.79 19.1 11.1 2.3 214.4 -0.6 6.0
10 10.750 +.063/-.031 0.750 0.500 0.094 10.562 -0.027 0.250
250 273.1 +1.60/-.79 19.1 12.7 2.4 268.3 -0.7 6.4
12 12.750 +.063/-.031 0.750 0.500 0.109 12.531 -0.030 0.279
300 323.9 +1.60/-.79 19.1 12.7 2.8 318.3 -0.8 7.1
14 14.000 +.063/-.031 0.938 0.500 0.109 13.781 -0.030 0.281
350 355.6 +1.60/-.79 23.8 12.7 2.8 350.0 -0.8 7.1
16 16.000 +.063/-.031 0.938 0.500 0.109 15.781 -0.030 0.313
400 406.4 +1.60/-.79 23.8 12.7 2.8 400.8 -0.8 8.0
18 18.000 +.063/-.031 1.000 0.500 0.109 17.781 -0.030 0.313
450 457.2 +1.60/-.79 25.4 12.7 2.8 451.6 -0.8 8.0
20 20.000 +.063/-.031 1.000 0.500 0.109 19.781 -0.030 0.313
500 508.0 +1.60/-.79 25.4 12.7 2.8 502.4 -0.8 8.0
24 24.000 +.063/-.031 1.000 0.563 0.172 23.656 -0.030 0.375
600 609.6 +1.60/-.79 25.4 14.3 4.4 600.9 -0.8 9.5

Column 1: Nominal pipe sizes, IPS pipe to ANSI B36. 10, ISO 65 and ISO 4200, BS pipe to BS1387 and
BS3601 and JIS pipe to JIS G3452;
Column 2: Pipe outside diameter. Maximum allowable tolerances from square cut ends is 0.030” (0.76 mm) for
sizes 3/4” through 3”; 0.045” (1.14 mm) for 4” through 6”; and 0.060” (1.52mm) for 8” and above.
Column 3: “A” is the gasket-seating surface. For optimum sealing by the gasket, the “A” surface shall be free
from any indentations, roll marks or other harmful surface defects such as loose paint, scale, dirt, chips, grease
and rust. The “A” surface is measured from the pipe end. Cut grooving of beveled end pipe is not recommended.
Column 4: “B” is the groove width. The bottom of groove shall be free from loose dirt, chips, rust and or scale.
The radius at bottom corner of the groove shall be maximum 0.015” (0.38 mm).
Column 5: “C” is the groove outside diameter. The C diameters are average values.
Column 6: “t” is the minimum allowable wall thickness that may be cut-grooved.
Column 7: “d” is the groove depth, reference only. The groove diameter is determined by “C”. The groove must
be of uniform depth around the full pipe circumference.

Telephone: 86 21 5954 6863 Facsimile: 86 21 5954 3888 Email: assis@visionge.com

221, Jinlan Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201807
Company Website: http://www.visionge.com
 Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd—Premier Supplier of Grooved Piping Products

STANDARD ROLL GROOVE SPECIFICATIONS

PIPE OD GROOVE GROOVE DIAETER D
GASKET GROOVE MINIMUM MAXIMUM
NOM. DEPTH
SEAT WIDTH WALL ALLOW
SIZE ACTUAL O.D. T OLR ANCE C ACTUAL O.D.
A B TOL.+.000 THICKNESS FLARE.O.D.
IN. IN IN. REF. IN.
IN.+/-0.031 IN.+/-0.031 IN. IN. IN.
(mm) (mm) (mm) IN. (mm)
(mm)+/-.79 (mm)+/-.79 (mm) (mm) (mm)
(mm)
3/4 1.050 +.010/-.010 0.625 0.281 0.056 0.938 -0.015 0.065 1.150
20 26.7 +.25/-.25 15.9 7.1 1.4 23.8 -0.4 1.65 2.92
1 1.315 +.013/-.013 0.625 0.281 0.063 1.190 -0.015 0.015 1.430
25 33.4 +.33/-.33 15.9 7.1 1.6 30.2 -0.4 1.7 36.3
1 1/4 1.660 +.016/-.016 0.625 0.281 0.063 1.535 -0.015 0.065 1.770
32 42.2 +.41/-.41 15.9 7.1 1.6 39.0 -0.4 1.7 45.0
1 1/2 1.900 +.019/-.019 0.625 0.281 0.063 1.775 -0.015 0.065 2.010
40 48.3 +.48/-.48 15.9 7.1 1.6 45.1 -0.4 1.7 51.1
2 2.375 +.024/-.024 0.625 0.344 0.063 2.250 -0.015 0.065 2.480
50 60.3 +.61/-.61 15.9 8.7 1.6 57.2 -0.4 1.7 63.0
2 1/2 2.875 +.029/-.029 0.625 0.344 0.078 2.720 -0.018 0.083 2.980
65 73.0 +.74/-.74 15.9 8.7 2.0 69.1 -0.5 2.1 75.7
3 O.D. 3.000 +.030/-.030 0.625 0.344 0.078 2.845 -0.018 0.083 3.100
65 76.1 +.76/-.76 15.9 8.7 2.0 72.3 -0.5 2.1 78.7
3 3.500 +.034/-.031 0.625 0.344 0.078 3.344 -0.018 0.083 3.600
80 88.9 +.86/-.79 15.9 8.7 2.0 84.9 -0.5 2.1 91.4
4 4.500 +.045/-.031 0.625 0.344 0.083 4.334 -0.020 0.083 4.600
100 114.3 +1.14/-.79 15.9 8.7 2.1 110.1 -0.5 2.1 116.8
5 5.563 +.056/-.031 0.625 0.344 0.084 5.395 -0.022 0.109 5.660
125 141.3 +1.42/-.79 15.9 8.7 2.1 137.0 -0.6 2.8 143.8
6 6.625 +.063/-.031 0.625 0.344 0.085 6.455 -0.022 0.109 6.730
150 168.3 +1.60/-7.9 15.9 8.7 2.2 164.0 -0.6 2.8 170.9
6.5 O.D. 6.500 +.063/-.031 0.625 0.344 0.085 6.330 -0.022 0.109 6.600
150 165.1 +1.60/-.79 15.9 8.7 2.2 160.8 -0.6 2.8 167.6
8 8.625 +.063/-.031 0.750 0.469 0.092 8.441 -0.025 0.109 8.800
200 219.1 +1.60/-.79 19.1 11.9 2.3 214.4 -0.6 2.8 223.5
10 10.750 +.063/-.031 0.750 0.469 0.094 10.562 -0.027 0.134 10.920
250 273.1 +1.60/-.79 19.1 11.9 2.4 268.3 -0.7 304 277.4
12 12.750 +.063/-.031 0.750 0.469 0.109 12.531 -0.030 0.156 12.920
300 323.9 +1.60/-.79 19.1 11.9 2.8 318.3 -0.8 4.0 328.2
14 14.000 +.063/-.031 0.938 0.469 0.109 13.781 -0.030 0.156 14.100
350 355.6 +1.60/-.79 23.8 11.9 2.8 350.0 -0.8 4.0 358.1
16 16.000 +.063/-.031 0.938 0.469 0.109 15.781 -0.030 0.165 16.100
400 406.4 +1.60/-.79 23.8 11.9 2.8 400.8 -0.8 4.2 408.9
18 18.000 +.063/-.031 1.000 0.469 0.109 17.781 -0.030 0.165 18.160
450 457.2 +1.60/-.79 25.4 11.9 2.8 451.6 -0.8 4.2 461.3
20 20.000 +.063/-.031 1.000 0.469 0.109 19.781 -0.030 0.188 20.160
500 508.0 +1.60/-.79 25.4 11.9 2.8 502.4 -0.8 4.8 512.1
24 24.000 +.063/-.031 1.000 0.500 0.172 23.656 -0.030 0.218 24.200
600 609.6 +1.60/-.79 25.4 12.7 4.4 600.9 -0.8 5.5 614.7
Column 1: Nominal pipe size, IPS pipe to ANSI B36.10, ISO pipe to ISO 65 and ISO 4200, BS pipe to BS1387
and JIS pipe to JIS G3452.
Column 2: Pipe outside diameter. Maximum allowable tolerances from square cut ends is 0.030” (0.76 mm) for
sizes 3/4” through 3”; 0.045” (1.14 mm) for 4” through 6”; and 0.060” (1.52mm) for 8” and above.
Column 3: “A” is the gasket-seating surface. For optimum sealing by the gasket, the “A” surface shall be free
from any indentations, roll marks or other harmful surface defects such as loose paint, scale, dirt, chips, grease
and rust. The “A” surface is measured from the pipe end. Roll-grooving of beveled end pipe is not recommended

Telephone: 86 21 5954 6863 Facsimile: 86 21 5954 3888 Email: assis@visionge.com

221, Jinlan Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201807
Company Website: http://www.visionge.com
Shanghai Vision Mechanical Joint Co., Ltd—Premier Supplier of Grooved Piping Products

as it may cause unacceptable pipe end flare.

Column 4: “B” is the groove width. The bottom of groove shall be free from loose dirt, chips, rust and/or scale.
The radii recommended for corners of the roll-groove bottom are 0.06R (1.52 mmR) for 3/4” through 1-1/2”;
0.08R (2.03 mmR) for 2” through 6”; 0.05 R(1.27 mmR) for 8” and above.
Column 5: “C” is the groove outside diameter. The C diameters are average values.
Column 6: “t” is the minimum allowable wall thickness that may be roll-grooved.
Column 7: “d” is the groove depth, reference only. The groove diameter is determined by “C”. The groove must
be of uniform depth around the full pipe circumference.
Column 8: This is the maximum allowable pipe end flare diameter.

Telephone: 86 21 5954 6863 Facsimile: 86 21 5954 3888 Email: assis@visionge.com

221, Jinlan Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201807
Company Website: http://www.visionge.com