Tunnel Segment Gaskets · and gasket industry for the high quality of all of our products, and our...

Tunnel Segment Gaskets

GLOBALLY APPROVED SEALING GASKETS

VIP

VIP-Polymers was founded in 1923, specialising in seals and gaskets for high pressure potable water applications. The company has since developed its specialist knowledge and

expertise, to become recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of gaskets for use in potable and drainage water applications.Our extensive manufacturing

capability has quality systems approved by BSi to ISO 9001, and includes our own laboratories where we design and develop rubber formulations. The mixing facilities and moulding and extrusion equipment converts the compound into the final rubber product.In addition to its range of internationally approved rubber compounds, VIP is a global supplier with manufacturing operations in Wuxi in China,Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, and its head office in Cambridgeshire, UK.

VIP GLOBALLY APPROVED SEALING GASKETS

Elastomeric TunnelSegment Gaskets (TSGs)

Elastomeric (rubber) gaskets make up one of the most effective systems for segmentally lined tunnels where sealing is required against water ingress, or for retention in tunnels used

for fluid transport or storage.The gaskets are manufactured from high-grade rubber compounds, which meet many internationally recognised standards including EN681-1; the

material requirements standard for pipe and joint seals used in water and drainage applications.

The complex section of the gaskets is designed to provide the energy within the seal, generating the sealing function once the segments have been assembled, whilst minimising closure forces.

VIP offers a range of gaskets to suit various applications and specifications. In addition, its team of technical engineers have the experience and detailed knowledge to design bespoke gaskets for unique conditions. Their experts also prove the gasket in its dedicated test facility, which replicates the segment assembly, build conditions and sealing pressures.


TSGs are generally manufactured from EPDM, which is a synthetic grade of rubber but can be manufactured in other grades of rubber if required.

Life Expectancy

A study carried out by Loughborough University in the UK on behalf of VIP concludes that one of the major elements affecting the gaskets’ long-term sealing ability is ‘Stress-Relaxation’. The research also revealed that with correctly formulated and processed rubber, as supplied by VIP, the life expectancy of our gaskets is in excess of 120 years.


Technical DataThe TSGs are manufactured in VIP’s plant in Cambridgeshire in the UK, which is approved by The British Standards Institute to ISO 9001.

Corner Joints

Rubber CompoundThe rubber is compounded at our on-site mixing facility to proven formulations developed by VIP’s rubber technologists, and meets WRAS and other internationally recognised standards where required.

The corner joints are manufactured in obtuse, acute and 90° angles to fit with the corresponding segments. Their design ensures that the sealing properties and closure forces match the extruded gasket section.

ExtrusionThe gasket section is extruded through one of the most modern microwave curing lines, then cut and joined to suit the segment requirements.

VIP-Polymers: Standard Gaskets

Testing

The above gaskets are located and glued into the groove except VIP028CI which is cast in to the segment.

Gaskets are tested in specially designed test rigs, which replicate the build of a segment ring.

Tests are undertaken at maximum and minimum gaps, and zero-to-maximum offset/ deflection.

VIP028LHT

VIP024

VIP035

VIP028

VIP038

VIP028CI

T TEST RIG

Diagram showing typical pressure curve Diagram showing typical load deflection curve


T & X rig testing is carried out at our in house testing facility in Huntingdon as required.

Hydrophilic Gaskets

VIP also manufactures a hydrophilic gasket, which swells when in contact with water and does so in three main formats:

1. Simple Hydrophilic Strip

2. Hydrophilic Cord Inserted into a slot in a TSG prior to installation

3. Hydrophilic Strip Integrally Bonded onto an Elastomeric TSG


AdhesiveVIP can recommend a number of approved adhesive suppliers for the application of the gasket on to the segment. If required, we can also arrange the supply of the adhesive.


Quality

Storage

LubricantsVIP recommends applying lubricant to the surface of the gasket to assist the segments sliding into place. We can recommend and supply an appropriate WRC-approved lubricant.

VIP operates a quality system, which is approved to ISO 9001 standard and certified by BSi. We are renowned in the seal and gasket industry for the high quality of all of our products, and our approach to quality extends to TSGs.

TSGs should be stored in the same conditions as for most elastomeric products and ideally in accordance with ISO 2230 (rubber products guidelines for storage). VIP can supply details upon request.

Corporatemember of


VIP-Polymers Ltd.15 Windover Road, Huntingdon, PE29 7EB, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1480 411333 Fax: +44 (0) 1480 413991 Email: [email protected]

Tunnel Segment Gaskets · and gasket industry for the high quality of all of our products, and our...

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