How the Alpha Coupling works

In our latest video we showed some highlights of a demonstration that Romac Industries did at our Midland Headquarters recently. We have received a few questions about how the Alpha Coupling was able to withstand over 800psi without failing. If you’ve seen the video you know that the pipe actually burst and the coupling never gave out. The fact that it was able to do this with only one bolt is even more amazing. To answer your questions, I thought it might be a good idea to explain step by step how the Alpha coupling works.

1. There are end rings that rotate as the Nuts are tightened during installation.
2. As the rings are rotated, stainless steel draw hooks pull a gasket and grippers outward and against the pipe.
3. The gaskets compress and seal against the surface of the pipe, and the gripper teeth are set.
4. As the water pressure increases the grippers and gaskets actually tighten their hold on the pipe.

The technology behind the coupling is actually quite ingenious. In the Demo, the methodology was explained as being similar to the way a “Chinese Finger Trap” works. It uses the force of the water pressure against itself. The higher the pressure, the more the coupling tightens it’s grip. If you have any questions about the Alpha Couplings or you would like to schedule a demo please call us at 432-682-6584.