Mechanical Rotating Solutions becomes market leader in the effective joining of large pipelines Having already proven itself in the line of pump supply and refurbishment, Pretoria based Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) has quickly established itself as a market leader in the joining of large pipelines throughout South Africa. Closing a 40mm gap MRS joined a 2.1m diameter side scour pipeline at Spioenkop dam, Kwa-Zulu Natal using the lightweight STRAUB-OPEN-FLEX split coupling. MRS further showed its expertise in successfully completing the installation and joining of a 1.7m diameter side scour pipeline at Goedertrouw Dam Kwa-Zulu Natal in under an hour.

Flexible and lightweight, Straub Couplings handle pipe-misalignment, vibration, and are used in mining, shipbuilding, wastewater treatment, general industry, and construction

According to Managing Director, Franscois Steenkamp the unique STRAUB design can be wrapped around any pipe and installed without pipe disassembly.  These unique features of the STRAUB product enabled the team to complete the full installation in less than an hour using only hand tools and no lifting equipment as the STRAUB FLEX solution only weighs 30 kilograms.“The real beauty about the STRAUB coupling range is that apart from its proven reduction in vibration, only three bolts are needed to secure the coupling—as opposed to the multiple bolts that are required for each replaced flange.  With fewer bolts and only hand tools needed, installing the Straub coupling is up to six times faster to install than flanging. A further advantage of the installed system is the speed at which maintenance can be carried out.  To gain access to the pipeline or pump the three bolts of the coupling are loosened whereas in a flanged system, multiple bolts need to be removed. The same time-consuming bolt-tightening sequence required upon initial installation is also required upon reassembly of the flange.”

STRAUB pipe couplings are used in a wide variety of situations, industries and plants, such as: Construction, Water Supply, Waste Water, Industry/Mining, Shipbuilding/Offshore and Pipe Repair.The STRAUB-FLEX coupling will join virtually any plain end pipe.  Whether pressure or suction lines, thick or thin wall pipe, the STRAUB-FLEX coupling is installed quickly, safely and economically.  STRAUB-FLEX couplings can accommodate pipe system expansion and contraction movement as well as angular deflection.“Although the Spioenkop Dam and Goedertrouw Dam projects were completed in a controlled environment the great advantage of STRAUB-OPEN-FLEX is that it can be fitted to existing pipes in situ, without any need to remove and relay the pipes.  This  makes  it  the  ideal solution  for  permanent  repairs  of  pipe  joints and cracks. With the STRAUB-OPEN-FLEX coupling, leaks due to faulty weld joints, misalignments (up to 1%), pitting holes and short cracks and gaps up to 60mm can be temporarily or permanently repaired with minimal down time.  The split gasket design can also be wrapped around the pipe and installed without pipe disassembly.  These unique features of the STRAUB product enabled the team to complete the full installation causing minimum downtime and using only hand tools.”

The Spioenkopdam installation illustrating the joined flanged system on the pipeline on the right compared to the Straub system on the left that was installed in under one hour.

The unique Straub pipe coupling concept distributed by MRS is based on 50 years of experience and consistent further development at the Straub Plant in Switzerland. Comprehensive engineering competency and the proverbial Swiss precision work guarantee maximum quality and absolute reliability of permanent connections.