In order to maintain their reputation as a cutting-edge institution the University of British Columbia (UBC) upgraded a collection of buildings on their Vancouver campus. The renovation and expansion of the UBC Undergrad Life Sciences Teaching Labs added an extra 175,000 square feet of science labs and classrooms.
The mechanical contractor for the building, Omega Mechanical, was tasked with installing ½ - 2”/DN15 - DN50 heating and cooling lines and was planning to either thread or press Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe – joining methods the team had utilized for similar jobs in the past.
Threading and pressing presented unique challenges, including messy threading machines, expensive additional tools, and the risk of oil and metal shavings needing to be flushed out of the system. Instead, Omega opted to use the innovative Victaulic QuickVic™ SD Installation-Ready™ mechanical joining system designed for small diameter plain end carbon steel pipe, as a more efficient and economical option.
QuickVic SD products installed quickly and easily using standard tools and provided Omega with multiple visual inspection features, including bolt pad-to-bolt pad verification, a retainer inspection window, and knurled insertion depth markings on pipe ends. These features guarantee a strong, properly installed coupling or fitting. In addition, the products are engineered to allow for easy repositioning, maintenance and retrofitting without the need for joint cutouts.
