The assembly consists of a 500 mm PE100 SDR11 pipe section designed to support two electrofusion connections, providing sufficient length and stability for reliable fusion jointing. It incorporates a Type 1 factoryfitted PEtoUltraGrip transition, engineered so that the metaltoPE bond exceeds the tensile strength of the PE pipe itself. This ensures a robust, highintegrity connection ready for direct integration into the network with consistent, repeatable performance.

UltraGrip features captive, nonrotating bolts across the full range, enabling installation with a single spanner. The gasket and gripper are fully contained within the endring housing, allowing the product to slide smoothly over the pipe during positioning. Bolt orientation on both standard and reducing couplings can be reversed to suit challenging or confined site conditions, improving installation flexibility.

The system uses progressive gripping technology that increases endload restraint as internal pipe pressure rises. Its gritbased friction mechanism mobilises axial restraint forces without damaging the pipe surface, supported by a largefootprint gripper that minimises localised stress. A single gripper design is compatible with all recommended pipe materials, ensuring broad applicability and reliable performance across installations.

Specially profiled gasket ensures full seal even on scored and corroded pipes. Tested on “knurled and grooved pipe”, as detailed in “Specification for Methods of Repairing Leaking Ferrous Gas Mains Part 4: Pipe Repair Clamps, Split Collars and Under Pressure Branch Connections (GIS/LC8-4):2006”, to verify the sealing capability on severely corroded and pitted pipe in low pressure gas applications.

The carriers can accommodate high tolerances of pipe outside diameters – up to 54mm, with interlocking “spring” effect ensuring gasket & grippers retract so product slips over top tolerance pipe without interference.