May 2013 Tube Products International
49
valves , f i t t ings , f langes
and connectors
Speed-Rail fittings for solar pipe racking
Hollaender has introduced two new
Speed-Rail fittings designed specifically
for installation of solar racking systems
in areas that experience extreme wind.
The fittings include a tee and elbow for
use with 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 tremendous resistance to
loosening and pullout.
The new fittings are designed with two
set screws, producing a substantial
increase in pullout resistance. Testing
on the 2" IPS fitting shows the addition
of the second set screw increases
pullout capacity from 3,900 pounds
to 8,200 pounds on galvanised pipe
– an increase of 110 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 fittings are made of
535.0 aluminium-magnesium. They are
backed by a ten-year warranty against
corrosion, will not rust, and can be used
with galvanised steel or other metals
without concern for galvanic corrosion.
A Speed-Rail fitting and pipe solar rack
system installs quickly and securely,
especially when compared to welded
and other more complex systems. The
only tools required for assembly are a
saw, hex key and tape measure.
Hollaender is a manufacturer and
marketer of aluminium structural pipe
fittings, aluminium pipe, and infill
panels, as well as final assemblies that
use these components. Its products are
used in the design and build of handrail,
guardrail and safety rail systems, as well
as a wide variety of modular pipe and
fitting based structures for commercial,
residential, public works, industrial
applications, retail store fixtures and
other structural applications.
The components and systems are
marketed under the trademarked brands
Speed-Rail
®
and Interna-Rail
®
. Hollaender
also offers consultation, design and
project management services.
Hollaender Manufacturing
– USA
Major contract for Indian Navy
Valvestock, PipeCenter’s specialist valve
and actuator business, has secured
a major contract to supply Johnson
Control Ltd with specialist components
for the Indian Navy. The company will
supply valves and ancillary equipment
for the fit-out of a new aircraft carrier.
Working with the major UK-based
engineering contractor, Valvestock
is supplying stainless steel butterfly
valves in 316L, nickel aluminium bronze
butterfly valves, high performance
stainless steel fire safe valves, and
gate globe and check valves in nickel
aluminium bronze.
The contract also includes the supply
of safety relief and pressure regulating
valves for use on-board the carrier.
Marcus Sampson, who heads
Valvestock, commented, “Given
the application, strict performance
specifications apply to the equipment,
and conformity testing is required prior
to delivery.
“Shock testing has already been carried
out on the stainless steel butterfly valve
and it has been successfully passed for
use in naval marine environments.
“It is a substantial order and further
develops our growing overseas
business, which recently included a
major supply contract for a new hospital
in St Lucia.”
Valvestock has a fully
equipped instrumentation
workshop with state-of-the-
art electric, pneumatic and
hydraulic valve assembly and
actuation facilities. It designs
and produces ancillary equipment
in-house using the latest CAD/
CAM manufacturing facilities.
Valvestock
– UK
Speed-Rail fittings from Hollaender
Valves
before
delivery
