Grooved couplings can be classified based on various criteria, such as industry standards, structural design, material, and application scenarios. Details regarding these classifications are provided below:
Classification by Industry Standard
Based on the current domestic standard "Grooved Pipe Couplings" (CJ/T 156-2001), grooved couplings are primarily categorized into two types:
Rigid Couplings (GCQ): These do not allow for relative displacement between connected pipes; they are suitable for standard indoor piping systems subject to minimal temperature fluctuations, such as ordinary indoor fire protection piping.
Flexible Couplings (GCQ-R): These allow for a certain degree of movement and deflection, enabling the system to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction and absorb vibration; they are suitable for applications such as hot water piping, buried pipelines, and pump room piping.
Classification by Material
Ductile Iron/Cast Iron: These offer lower costs and strength sufficient for standard water supply, drainage, and fire protection applications, making them the most widely used type in engineering projects.
Stainless Steel:Available in grades such as 304, 316, and 316L, these offer excellent corrosion resistance and are commonly used in environments requiring high levels of cleanliness, such as the food, pharmaceutical, and water treatment industries.
Steel: These offer superior overall strength, making them suitable for high-pressure operating conditions and capable of meeting the pressure-bearing requirements of specialized industrial piping systems.
Classification by Function and Application
Connection and Sealing:The primary function is to achieve a sealed pipe connection; this category includes standard grooved couplings, grooved flanges, mechanical tees, and mechanical crosses.
Connection and Transition: These are used to alter pipeline direction or pipe diameter; this category includes fittings such as grooved elbows, grooved tees, grooved reducers, and grooved end caps (blind plates).