TPI November 2015

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50 Tube Products International November 2015
Fi t t ings , f langes , valves & connectors
Fittings secure solar pipe rack
in extreme wind
Hollaender® is introducing four new
Speed-Rail® fittingsdesignedspecifically
for installation of solar racking systems
in areas that experience extreme
wind.
The fittings include tees and adjustable
elbows for use with 1½" and 2" IPS
pipe. These fittings are the 5EX-8 tee
and 5EXT-8 tee for 1½" IPS pipe, and
the 5X-9 tee and 17X-9 adjustable tee/
elbow for 2" IPS pipe.
The ability to withstand uplift caused by
wind loads is critical in solar pipe racks.
While most regions of the USA must
design for 90mph winds, certain coastal
areas such as South Florida and the
Gulf Coast must design for 135mph and
higher wind speeds.
On a Speed-Rail fitting, the component
that produces pipe-holding power is a
single integrated proprietary internal/
external reverse-knurl cup-point
set screw that securely attaches the
fittings to the pipe, and provides great
resistance to loosening and pullout.
The new fittings are designed with
two set screws in the vertical barrel,
set at 90° to one another, producing
a substantial increase in pullout
resistance. Testing on the 1½" IPS fitting
shows the addition of the second set
screw increases pullout capacity from
1,315lb for the one set screw design,
to 2,080lb for the new two set screw
design, both on galvanised pipe – an
increase of 60 per cent.
Speed-Rail slip-on pipe fittings are
used with aluminium, galvanised steel,
stainless steel or black iron pipe to
easily build solar panel racking systems.
They are strong and lightweight, and are
available in a wide variety of fixed and
adjustable configurations, including the
tees and flanges most commonly used
in solar panel installations.
The versatility of the fittings allows
dependable support structures to be
constructed virtually anywhere a solar
panel needs to be installed. The same
versatility also allows the systems to
be easily uninstalled and moved, if
necessary.
All Speed-Rail fittings are made from
535.0 aluminium-magnesium, and are
claimed to be the most corrosion-
resistant fittings on the market. They are
backed by a ten-year warranty against
corrosion; they will not rust, and can
be used with galvanised steel or other
metals without concern for galvanic
corrosion.
The only tools needed for assembly are
a saw, a hex key and a tape measure.
Hollaender manufactures and markets
aluminium structural pipe fittings
and aluminium pipe, as well as final
assemblies that use these components.
The company also designs and
manufactures complete architectural
railing systems, and offers consultation,
design and project management
services.
Hollaender Manufacturing – USA
Newly extended valve system
Parker has extended the Moduflex valve
system, a range of valves designed to
conform to any application requirements.
The range is available configured
from basic components or as a pre-
assembled and tested valve island. With
a captive fitting release system, quick
release electrical connectors and single
mechanical screw connection between
manifolds, last-minute system design
changes are easily implemented.
Such adaptive technology means the
Moduflex valve system is capable of
meeting the changing requirements of
the whole automation spectrum.
Readily multi-functional, the system
can be employed in a variety of ways:
stand-alone valves, fieldbus
ready valve islands, cylinder
flow controls and vacuum
generators with integrated
blow-off.
The ability to combine different
sizes and flow rates on to
the same valve bank is a
key feature, with three sizes
capable of operating at three
different flow ranges (275, 510
or 1,340 Ni/mn), which can all
be combined onto just one
valve bank. Each valve on the bank can
be precisely adapted to the actuator
size, enabling the system to be utilised
in any application.
As part of its commitment to meet the
changing needs of its customer base,
Parker has introduced a new IP40 clip
connector. The connector offers a space
saving in comparison to a lockable
connection, a dimensional saving of
20 per cent (13mm), and more than
90 per cent reduction in the electrical
connection weight. These connectors
are especially beneficial when utilised
in cabinets or other non-aggressive
environments, as the new IP40
connection provides protection against
unwanted water and dust, optimising
electrical connections.
Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Ltd
– UK
Moduflex valve system