Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) has successfully delivered and installed a significant order of Straub Pipe Couplings at a coal processing facility in Mpumalanga, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing support of South Africa’s mining sector.

    The order, comprising 18 Straub Open-Flex 3 couplings, was supplied for use on suction and discharge pipelines ranging from 219 mm to 711.2 mm in diameter. The plant processes coal/magnetite slurry with a specific gravity of 1.6, a highly abrasive medium that demands reliable and durable piping solutions.

    The selected Straub Open-Flex 3 couplings were specified for their ability to:

    • Bridge pipe gaps of 30 mm to 60 mm,
    • Compensate for up to 5 mm pipe misalignment, and
    • Deliver a leak-tight, maintenance-free seal in both suction and discharge conditions.

    By eliminating the need for welding or special pipe-end preparation, the couplings offered the mine a rapid installation process, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of production.

    Straub couplings are renowned globally for their robust design and versatility. Their progressive sealing effect ensures that gasket performance strengthens as line pressure increases, while their stainless-steel construction offers excellent resistance to both corrosion and abrasion.

    Key benefits of the installation include:

    • Reduced downtime: Installation required only a torque wrench, significantly cutting assembly time compared to welded joints.
    • Maintenance-free operation: Couplings are detachable, reusable, and require no retightening throughout their lifecycle.
    • Operational safety: With no welding or hot work required, installation was safer and more cost-efficient.

    For the Mpumalanga coal processing plant, the choice of Straub couplings means increased reliability in a harsh environment. The Open-Flex design also allows for in-service pipeline repairs of leaks or pitting, avoiding costly shutdowns.

    “MRS is proud to have delivered this solution to one of Mpumalanga’s key coal processing facilities,” said Franscois Steenkamp, Managing Director at Mechanical Rotating Solutions. “The use of Straub couplings once again demonstrates our ability to provide engineered solutions that reduce downtime, improve reliability, and add long-term value to mining operations.”

    Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) is a leading provider of engineered mechanical and rotating equipment solutions across South Africa’s mining, industrial, and processing industries. With a focus on reducing downtime and extending the lifecycle of critical equipment, MRS partners with global technology leaders to bring innovative and reliable solutions to the African market.

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    Ready to go! MRS received delivery of 18 Straub Open-Flex 3 couplings destined for a coal processing facility in Mpumalanga

    With over 1 Million connections made worldwide Straub pipe couplings are regarded as the best in the world due to its innovative design, superior materials, and reliable performance.

    As the South African agent of Straub products, Mechanical Rotating Solutions is able to procure, install and commission the right Straub connection, which will meet the project-specific requirements fully. Straub Couplings come fully assembled and ready to install.

     straub south africa

    Key Reasons Why Straub Pipe Couplings Are Considered the Best:

    1. Versatile Design: Straub couplings are designed to accommodate different pipe materials such as steel, ductile iron, copper, plastic, and even fiberglass. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of piping systems.
    2. Quick Installation: One of their significant advantages is their ease of installation. No welding, flanging, or grooving is required, which reduces installation time and associated costs.
    3. High Durability: Made from high-quality materials like stainless steel, Straub couplings are resistant to corrosion, pressure, and temperature variations. This longevity and reliability make them ideal for critical infrastructure.
    4. Flexible Movement: Straub couplings allow for axial movement, angular deflection, and thermal expansion, making them ideal for pipelines that experience shifting, vibration, or expansion.
    5. Leak-Proof Sealing: Straub’s innovative sealing systems ensure a high level of pressure resistance and leak prevention, even under harsh conditions or after years of operation.
    6. Pressure and Temperature Ratings: They are designed to withstand high pressure and temperature ranges, making them suitable for demanding environments.

     

    Industries Where Straub Pipe Couplings Are Used:

    • Water and Wastewater Management: Commonly used in drinking water systems, sewage lines, and wastewater treatment plants.
    • Marine Industry: Often used on ships, offshore platforms, and other maritime environments due to their corrosion resistance and durability.
    • Energy and Oil & Gas: Used in pipelines transporting oil, gas, and other energy products due to their high-pressure handling capabilities.
    • Mining: Ideal for transporting slurry, minerals, and other abrasive substances through pipelines.
    • Chemical Industry: Resistant to various chemicals, making them suitable for use in chemical plants.
    • HVAC Systems: Used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems due to their ability to handle different pressure and temperature conditions.
    • Power Generation: Found in cooling systems, water transport, and other critical piping networks in power plants.

    Diameter Sizes Covered:

    Straub pipe couplings come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various pipe diameters, typically ranging from:

    • DN 20 to DN 4000 (which covers diameters from about ¾ inch to 160 inches). This wide range allows them to be used in both small-diameter pipes for domestic applications and large-diameter pipes for industrial and municipal projects.

    Their ease of installation, durability, and versatility make Straub couplings a preferred choice across multiple industries, particularly in applications where reliability and long-term performance are critical.

    straub open flex coupling

     

    Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) is a leading South African supplier of mechanical seals, pumps, integrated pump systems and complementary pump products. Drawing upon some of the most well-known and proven brands worldwide such as AESSEAL mechanical seals and support systems, STRAUB pipe couplings, Belzona industrial protective coatings, Labtecta Bearing Isolators, DAB pumps, KSB and HCP pumps amongst others, MRS sets the standard in terms of reliability, innovation and world class customer service. Working within the guidelines of ISO 9001:2000, and ISO 14001:2004 quality and environmental standards as well as the OHSAS 18001:1999 Occupational Health and Safety standards, MRS offers a complete turnkey supply and service of pumps. The company further specialises in complementary pump products including floatation devices, complete pump refurbishment, mobile dewatering solutions and proven water and energy saving solutions.

     

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