We previously have introduced different types and combinations of threaded fittings - which have been around for more than a century.

Here we're introducing another common way to join pipe; using grooved fittings. 
An attic sprinkler system using a grooved elbow with couplings.  Use of "mechanical" couplings that could allow faster joining of pipe came to life in by Lieutenant Ernest Tribe. Just a few years later the Victory Pipe Joint Company renamed itself to Victaulic (a combination of "victory" and "hydraulic"), and grew to expand the technology worldwide. 

Today, Victaulic and other manufacturing leaders provide grooved fittings that are often used for pipes in fire sprinkler systems. It is not uncommon for both mains and branch lines to be grooved today.

What are common grooved fittings, and how do they work? Let's introduce them.  An in-rack sprinkler with a branch line using (starting with the sprinkler) a groove x thread reducing elbow
​with a grooved coupling, a grooved piece of pipe, and a grooved tee (connection not shown). PIPE
Let's start with the pipe. In order to give grooved fittings an opportunity to "grip" the pipe and remain in place, they need an opportunity to resist the pressure of the water that is trying to "pull away" the pipe from the fittings which join them together. A grooved coupling about to connect two grooved-end pipes. Note the loose nut and bolt on the right-hand side, allowing the coupling to be expanded and "slip" over the pipe on the left. In order to create a groove in the pipe, steel can either be "roll groove" or "cut groove". Roll groove pipe involves pressing an indentation into the pipe near the end of the pipe. This allows a grooved fitting to slip over the end of the pipe and fit into the groove. Roll groove pipe has the advantage of not reducing the pipe thickness, so it can have more tolerance for corrosion than thinner pipe, similar pipe with threads, or pipe with cut grooves.

Pipe which is cut groove involves cutting into the pipe rather than pressing it. This cutting removes a portion of the pipe wall, making a thinner but smooth interior pipe wall. This thinner wall makes it more susceptible to corrosion, however, for pipe systems with a minor slope, the smooth inside of the pipe does not create a ridge where water can sit and corrode the pipe. Roll Grooved Pipe (top) and Cut Grooved Pipe (bottom). Note the ridge on the inside of the pipe wall for roll groove pipe, and the thinner pipe wall along the cut groove pipe. A tape measure with a "go" or "no-go" measurement to determine if the groove is within manufacturer tolerances. ELBOWS & TEES
Let's start with the basics. Elbows allow bends of 90-degrees (most common), 45-degrees, 22-1/2 degrees, and 11-1/4 degrees.

Why not every possible angle? What if I need to have a 60-degree bend because of my building?

First, it wouldn't be economical to make a fitting of every bend. Second, is that using just two 90-degree elbows back-to-back we're able to create a "swing joint" and make any angle we could want, just by changing the elevation of the pipe that's being joined. Victaulic "FireLock" Grooved Fittings(nb,pt,sv); 
90-Degree Elbow #001 (left), 45-Degree Elbow #003 (center), and Standard Tee #002 (right) One notable specialty with the grooved elbow is a "Drain Elbow", which has the elbow except it includes a drain outlet at the bend of the elbow. This is used all the time with fire department connections which come down a wall and need to be capable of being drained (to avoid having water-charged pipe freeze and burst). This is also called a "Drain-El" or is a Victaulic #10-DR. A wall-mounted fire department connection that is away from the riser, here showing the "Drain Elbow" with a ball drip below. The portion upstream of the check valve is intended to be dry unless the FDC is actively being used in order to avoid freezing water inside. COUPLINGS
Nice sketches, Joe, but that's not how things look in the field!

That's because unlike threaded fittings, the actual pipe joining is by a grooved coupling. The coupling has malleable iron bumps that grip the indent of one groove (pipe/fitting) and connect it to the second groove (the other pipe/fitting).  A grooved coupling (here a Victaulic #009N shown). OTHER FITTINGS
There are a host of other fitting types. Grooved Reducing Tees? Yep. Less common. Less common can equate to more expensive, or at least that's what I hear from contractors familiar with all the pricing nuances.

What other grooved fittings do I often see? 

Reducing fittings, which is a concentric, single-cast piece of metal that has a large groove on one end and tapers down to a smaller groove on another end. One note of caution is using these in the vertical orientation; I've heard it is much better, more stable, and stronger to use a reducing-fitting as opposed to a reducing-coupling when in a vertical orientation. One of my clients goes so far to say to not use reducing couplings at all (where the coupling itself has two different groove sizes). I wouldn't have the expertise to gauge that myself. A flange x groove reducer (left) and a grooved cap (right). There are also reducing adapters, than can accept a flange connection and convert it to a reduced groove connection. 

Crosses are also available, as are caps (like the Victaulic #006 shown above on the right) which can terminate the end of a branch line. These caps even have 1-inch threaded opening options for easy auxiliary drains. 
Many manufacturers have equipment and components with grooved ends that can readily attach to pipe and fittings.

Gas appliance accessories serve a major role in the safe and sound transportation of gases. One of the most heavily addressed components in gas pipelines are grooved fittings since these fittings allow joining pipes without the fuss of welding, thus ensuring a simplified but soundly engineered connection. Some advantages of these methods are reliability, quick installation, and a high standard of sealing.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Grooved fittings are commonly used in gas supply systems, firefighting systems, plumbing networks, and any other applications where there is a greater margin of service life. The system would have stood over the years while being able to withstand high pressure and temperature changes. This blog explains the specific advantages, disadvantages, and applications of these fittings.

Advantages of Grooved Fittings

Among other advantages, grooved fittings are the most beneficial in any gas or plumbing system. They include:

1. Easy to Install

Unlike the traditional welded or threaded connections of pipes, grooved fitting have been the easiest among all the different types of fittings. It doesn’t require special welding tools or in-depth extensive training. It is easily installed by workers with little simple tools, thereby reducing labor costs and time for project completion.

2. Strong Durable Connection

This fitting promises a strong leak-proof seal making it very reliable for gas systems because it can take pressure and thermal fluctuations without jeopardizing the connection’s integrity.

3. Flexibility and Absorbing Motion

The grooved fittings can be characterized as one of their special functions- movement, and vibration absorption. They are excellent instrumentation for gas setups under thermal expansion and contraction conditions; besides those. Their mobility has been previously mentioned to prevent damage to pipes and reduced stress in the system.

4. Lower Maintenance Costs

Since there will be no welding, pipelines are subject to less wear and tear. They can be quickly disassembled and reassembled for maintenance or repairs, resulting in less downtime and cost.

5. Safer Installation Process

Welding involves high temperatures and sparks; this creates a fire hazard. With grooved fitting, it is safer as there is more associated use with possible ignition sources such as gas leaks and combustibles in the area.

Disadvantages of Grooved Fittings

Despite the benefits of using grooved fittings, some disadvantages still ought to be weighed in before applying them for any project.

1. Higher Initial Cost

High upfront costs on grooved fittings will eventually not be saved over installation or maintenance fees but have lasted advantages that can be used when compared to other fittings.

2. Limited Compatibility of Pipe Materials

Grooved fittings are not suitable for all pipes. Such fittings are perfect for a few specific materials, like steel and ductile iron. When other pipe materials are called for in a project, an alternative bonding method may be needed.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Trust Fluids.

3. Potential for Leaks If Not Installed Properly

When not placed appropriately, grooved fitting can develop leaks. Proper alignment of the grooved fittings is required for the seal to contact properly on both ends. Buying high-quality fittings and hiring trained professionals will help avoid such issues.

4. Size Limitations

Grooved fittings are available in many sizes. However, if such pipes’ diameters are very large or very small, there are cases in which such connections may not be the case.

Application of Grooved Fittings

These fittings serve multiple applications in various industries, primarily because of their versatility and efficiency. Mentioned below are some common applications of grooved fittings.

1. Gas Distribution Systems

These fittings form a very inexpensive option for applications that require a gas pipe to be joined quickly and easily. With grooves in the upper and lower lengths, fittings prevent unwanted leaks from earlier installations.

2. Fire Protection Systems

Most fire suppression systems that use grooved fittings are without a doubt the quickest and most reliable installation types. These include the installation of fire sprinkler systems within buildings and industrial areas.

3. Plumbing and Water Supply Systems

Grooved fittings are more commonly found in water supply systems for commercial and residential buildings. The pressure buildup that occurs is usually considered high and made possible by the design and structure of these fittings.

4. Industrial Piping Systems

The places where pipes have to be extremely strong and durable are called factories and manufacturing plants. This is a great solution for carrying gases, chemicals, and liquids in industry.

5. Heating and Cooling Systems

Most HVAC piping has grooves in the network. Easy installation and maintenance have led many large buildings and facilities to rely on such piping for their systems.

Choosing the Correct Grooved Fittings

One should consider their material according to the pipe, their pressure requirement, and their environment when choosing grooved fitting. Red grooved fittings, for example, promised additional durability and may be more resistant to corrosion, making them suitable to use in the most demanding applications.

Also, working with a reputable supplier will provide you access to excellent-grade products. Household Equipment Suppliers are among the companies that provide many fittings at different purposes and purity levels for reliability and safety in gas systems.

Conclusion