Bio:

Daniel Christian has been with Victaulic the global leader in mechanical pipe joining solutions for 32 years, serving in a variety of roles for the company. Presently he serves as the company’s Oil, Gas, Chemical and Power Markets Director – Europe, Middle East, India and AfricaDaniel holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Contracting/Mechanical Engineering from Kean University and a Masters in Industrial Technology from Montclair University.

 As a recognized industry expert, Mr. Christian lends his professional expertise to numerous professional societies, including Material Technology Institute (MTI), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), B31-3 were he is the current Chairman of task group A General Requirements and is Chairman of B31-9 and a member of B31-1. He was Chairman of the Craft Productivity research program for Construction Industry Institute (CII) were he was a principal author of Innovations in Mechanical Construction Productivity and Guide to Activity Analysis. He was also the co-chair of CII research paper Construction Industry Craft Training in the United States.

Abstract:

Mechanical grooved piping systems are an increasingly used alternative to welded, flanged and threaded piping systems for utility piping and other special applications within the Oil & Gas industry. Grooved mechanical pipe joining is a no-flame joining technique of forming or cutting a groove in pipe ends and then joining them with bolted housings around a sealed gasket. The benefits of the grooved system are many, the joint can allow both rigidity and flexibility, or a combination of the two, provides noise and vibration attenuation, seismic relief, and accommodates for thermal expansion and contraction. The system provides a union at every joint for ease of system maintenance and expansion and is installed flame-free, eliminating risks associated with welding in potentially hazardous environments. Grooved systems are well accepted with in the Oil & Gas industry and are known for their speed of installation, cost savings, reduced labour requirements, sustainability and efficiency benefits, safety characteristics, reliability and maintenance. This presentation will explain the basic mechanics of grooved technology, addressing common myths about technical characteristics and will build a realistic picture of grooved system capabilities, looking at the extent of their potential use as well as any limitations. It will incorporate slides as well as hands on demonstrations and a pressure test.