For Canadian utility companies, municipal water departments, and contractors, maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure is a critical task. When it comes to pipe fittings, reliability, durability, and ease of installation are top priorities. This is where Robar Industries excels, offering a comprehensive range of solutions designed to meet the demands of modern waterworks systems.
This guide provides an overview of Robar coupling solutions, their benefits, and proper installation practices to help you keep your systems running smoothly.
What Makes Robar a Top Choice?
Since 1958, Robar has been a leading Canadian manufacturer of high-quality waterworks fittings. Their products are engineered to withstand Canada’s toughest conditions, making them a trusted choice for emergency repairs and large-scale infrastructure projects alike.
The key benefits of using Robar products include:
- Versatility: Robar’s multi-fit and stab-fit designs, like those in the Vantage Series, can connect various pipe materials, including Ductile Iron, PVC, HDPE, and Steel. This adaptability simplifies system upgrades and repairs.
- Corrosion Resistance: With options for epoxy coatings and all-stainless steel construction, Robar products are built to last in corrosive environments, extending the life of your water and wastewater systems.
- Simplified Installation: Features like reduced bolt counts and stab-fit designs make installation faster and easier, which helps reduce labor costs and minimize system downtime.
- Certified Reliability: Robar couplings are built to meet high industry standards, including NSF/ANSI 61 and AWWA C230, ensuring a secure and safe connection for potable water systems.
Key Robar Products for Waterworks Infrastructure
Robar offers a wide selection of fittings to address various needs in the field. Here are some of the most essential product lines:
Pipe Joining Couplings
Engineered for joining and repairing pipes, Robar pipe joining couplings provide a flexible, watertight seal. They are designed to accommodate different pipe materials and diameters, which is ideal for creating transitions between old and new pipe types.
Service Repair Clamps
As a pioneer of the all-stainless steel repair clamp, Robar provides durable solutions for fixing pinholes, cracks, and breaks in pressurized pipelines. Robar service repair clamps are essential for utility operators needing to perform quick, reliable repairs that minimize system interruption.
Tapped Service Saddles
Robar tapped service saddles are used to create secure branch outlets from main water lines. Available in materials like stainless steel and cast bronze, these saddles are designed for durability and can be installed without disrupting service.
Adjustable Pipe Inserts
When working with thin-walled PVC or HDPE pipes, structural support is crucial. Robar stainless steel pipe inserts prevent the pipe from collapsing under the pressure of a mechanical joint, ensuring a secure and lasting connection.
Flange Back-Up Rings
Robar flange back-up rings are used to support gasketed joints in plastic piping systems. They help prevent gasket extrusion and ensure a secure seal, which is critical when connecting polyethylene pipes to other components.
How to Install a Robar Coupling
Proper installation is key to ensuring the long-term performance of any pipe fitting. While you should always follow the specific instructions for your product model, here are the general steps for installing a Robar coupling:
- Inspect the Coupling: Before you begin, check the coupling for any damage and confirm all parts, like nuts and bolts, are present.
- Clean the Pipe Ends: Remove any dirt, scale, or debris from the pipe surfaces where the coupling will be installed. The surface should be smooth.
- Lubricate the Gasket: Apply a thin layer of an NSF-certified lubricant to the gaskets and pipe ends. This helps the gasket slide into place without being damaged.
- Position the Coupling: Center the coupling over the gap between the two pipes. Ensure it is spaced evenly on both sides.
- Tighten the Bolts: Using a torque wrench, tighten the nuts in an alternating or "star" pattern to the manufacturer's specified torque. This ensures the pressure is applied evenly.
- Pressure Test: Before backfilling, perform a pressure test to confirm the connection is secure and leak-free.
Your Trusted Robar Industries Distributor
Whether you're performing routine maintenance or responding to an emergency, having the right components is essential for maintaining your water and wastewater infrastructure. Robar’s extensive product line offers the certified, durable, and reliable solutions needed for any project.
At Cleanflow, we are proud to be a leading supplier of Robar Industries products. If you have technical questions or need assistance selecting the right product, our expert team is here to help.