HAVING successfully supplied the Diamond pipe support systems to the market since 2010, Universal Building Materials (UBM) of Saudi Arabia has launched a new product range in the Diamond brand.

The new range of Diamond expansion joints and piping accessories includes flexible pipe connectors and flexible expansion joints used at the inlet and outlet of fan coil units, air handling units, chillers and condensers. The pipe connectors are available in sizes from half-inch to two-and-half inches, with epoxy-coated forged steel triangular head design flanges. The bellows are constructed from neoprene/EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or NBR (nitrile-butadiene rubber) material with a nylon cord fabric reinforcement.

Commenting on the new products, Sandeep Bindal, chief operating officer of UBM, says: “UBM is continuously innovating to launch new products that will benefit those involved in the construction industry, such as designers, architects, consultants, clients, contracting engineers and all other aspiring professionals.

“Through this new product, we plan to empower the engineering fraternity to work on new concepts and introduce the global best. It is the result of joint efforts with Diamond that issues of piping installation have now been addressed.”

Bindal recommends that for pipe sizes above two-and-half inches, flexible expansion joints be used. These are made using floating forged steel drilled to BS 4504 PN 16. These neoprene/EPDM/NBR bellows are reinforced with nylon cord fabric and spring steel wire.

He says the installation of flexible pipe connectors and flexible expansion joints is recommended to compensate for axial, transverse and angular pipe movements, protecting the system from stress due to pipe expansion and contraction. At the same time, the product compensates minor pipe misalignment, thus protecting the pipe joints of equipment.

Bindal further notes that in any piping installation, the connection of non-similar metals is always a critical matter. “Most metals exhibit very different characteristics such as corrosion and exposure to stray currents. For example, steel reacts with the atmosphere more than copper. Therefore, it is recommended to use di-electric unions to connect non-similar pipes.”

“The di-electric coupler sleeve and the separator gasket in the di-electric union prevent metal-to-metal contact, thereby protecting the joint and enhancing the life of piping installations. The di-electric unions are available in sizes from half an inch to two inches with all possible combinations of male/female thread and solder connections,” he says.

UBM has already been successfully marketing the Diamond pipe supports range for prestigious projects in Saudi Arabia and holds stock at all its branches and showrooms in the kingdom.

This range covers plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and fire-fighting installations. The Diamond sprinkler clamps and Clevis hangers are both UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-listed and FM approved, meeting the requirements of NFPA 13 standard for fire-fighting installations. The pipe supports range meets the requirements of international standards such as ASTM B633, ASTM 123M, MSS SP 58, MSS SP 69 and BS 3974.

The complete range of vibration isolators such as spring hangers, cup spring mounts, housed spring mounts and inertia bases is designed as per BS 1726 standards.

Diamond pipe supports are part of the Hira Industries Group’s portfolio, which was recently rated 10th in the Dubai SME 100 ranking, and has factories in India and the UAE.