Viking Johnson AquaGrip Restrained Coupling for PE Pipe 63-180mm

A restrained coupling made for polyethylene water pipe

The Viking Johnson AquaGrip Coupling joins PE pipe to PE pipe at sizes 63 to 180 mm outside diameter. It is a fully restrained fitting: an acetal copolymer gripper in each end ring locks onto the pipe, and a steel support liner (centre sleeve and liners in mild steel to BS EN 10025 grade S275) supports the pipe wall so the gripper does not crush it. The datasheet covers the coupling and the matching flange adaptor in the same document.

The datasheet says AquaGrip is designed to meet the performance requirements of BS EN 12842, ISO 17885 and WIS 4-24-01 type 1 as printed, and the pipes it fits are MDPE (PE80) and HPPE (PE100) in SDR 11, 17, 17.6 and 21, with SDR 26 available for 125 and 160 mm.

AquaGrip technical data

AquaGrip coupling assembly (PE to PE; A = end ring diameter, C = overall length; mm).

AquaGrip flange adaptor assembly (PE to flanged equipment; the datasheet lists 63 mm on nominal 50/80 PN10/16, 90 mm on 80, 110 and 125 on DN100 and 160 and 180 on DN150).

Where it fits and where it does not

PE distribution and rising mains are normally butt or electrofusion welded, but a mechanical joint is useful where a weld is not practical: a repair on a live main, a connection to a ductile iron fitting or an in-trench tie-in. Because AquaGrip is restrained, the joint does not need a thrust block. The limits are tight, however: water only, 16 bar, up to +40 C, and no gas approval, so it is not for hot sites above the printed temperature or hydrocarbon service. In hot GCC conditions pipe temperature of buried PE is typically much lower than air temperature, but confirm the actual operating temperature against the +40 C datasheet limit.

Selection and installation notes

• Check the SDR rating of the PE pipe against the list above; SDR 26 pipe is available only at 125 and 160 mm.
• Always use the Viking Johnson support liner with the specified pipe materials.
• Tighten every bolt to 55-65 Nm with an A/F 19 mm spanner.
• Allow 1.5 degrees of deflection per end at most.
• Order the flange adaptor version for pipe-to-flange connections; the flange adaptor drilling is PN10/16 as printed.
• The datasheet has no order code string, so state pipe OD, SDR and the coupling or flange adaptor version when requesting a quotation.

Typical applications in Oman and the GCC

PE mains are widely used in irrigation, landscape and potable distribution, and AquaGrip suits repair and connection work on those systems up to 180 mm. Use it for service connections to existing ductile iron or steel flanged fittings and for rapid repairs. It is not rated for gas or hot water.

A practical size check from the table: 63 mm pipe uses two M12 bolts, 90 to 125 mm pipe four bolts and 160 and 180 mm pipe eight bolts, and weights rise from 2.4 kg to 9.8 kg for the coupling. The flange adaptor is built on the same gripper and liner principle with T-bolts, and its gasket mould numbers (6001, 1785 to 1789) match the coupling for each size, which simplifies stocking spare gaskets for a mixed PE network.

When you enquire about the AquaGrip, give the polyethylene pipe outside diameter within the 63 to 180 mm range of the datasheet and the working pressure, up to the 16 bar water rating, so that the matching size, gasket and support liner can be confirmed against the size table.

Selection and installation notes

Pipe couplings and clamps must be chosen from the actual pipe outside diameter, the pipe material, the working pressure and the joint movement expected, so measure the pipe before ordering and compare the reading with the size range on the data sheet. Clean the pipe surface and remove dirt, scale and sharp edges, mark the insertion depth, centre the coupling over the joint and tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern to the torque in the installation instructions. Check the joint again after the line has been pressurised, and do not use a coupling outside its stated pressure rating.

For PE pipe, make sure the pipe is cut square and fitted with its support liner as the instructions require.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Related items and documents

See also AquaFast and UltraGrip couplings in our pipes and fittings category. The datasheet is attached and Seven Star LLC can quote your PE pipe schedule.