The University of Utah built the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) to advance brain research and mental health care. Located in Salt Lake City, the 185,000-square-foot institute houses the world’s only 7-Tesla MRI machine dedicated exclusively to brain research. Advanced laboratories and a vivarium further equip researchers with the infrastructure needed to accelerate the translation of mental health science into clinical application, aligned with the Huntsman Foundation’s crucial mission.

Palmer Christiansen Co., a Utah-based mechanical contractor with an 80-year legacy of excellence, partnered with Victaulic to maximize schedule performance and installation confidence across a broad mechanical scope, which encompassed heating hot water, chilled water, glycol, copper domestic-water and laboratory air systems.

“From safety to performance, Victaulic helped us deliver the level of quality our clients expect,” said Brett Christiansen, President of Palmer Christiansen Co. “They’ve been part of our success for decades, and that partnership continues to pay off.”

Palmer Christiansen’s team used Victaulic QuickVic™ Installation-Ready™ couplings and fittings to drive efficiency without compromising quality. Palmer Christiansen also specified QuickVic™ Style 177N Flexible Couplings at pump connections to isolate vibration and protect equipment, Vic-300™ MasterSeal™ butterfly valves in both ductile iron and stainless steel configurations, and Series 716 check valves. The grooved joining method eliminated hot work and fire-watch requirements in sensitive research zones while providing a built-in visual indicator to verify proper installation, which acts as an added quality control measure across the grooved systems.

The QuickVic system’s signature “stab-on” installation method eliminates piece-by-piece assembly, significantly reducing material handling and installation time compared to standard grooved components. The mechanical nature of a grooved assembly also delivered critical field flexibility, enabling Palmer Christiansen’s crew to quickly disassemble and reconfigure piping sections as layouts evolved, keeping the project on track while minimizing rework. Looking ahead, HMHI’s facilities team gains a long-term advantage as well since grooved connections enable future system expansions without cutting into existing pipe, minimizing disruption to sensitive research environments.

With mechanical systems engineered for reliability, adaptability and long-term serviceability, HMHI’s Phase One is on track for completion in August 2027. It will be ready to support decades of groundbreaking research and nimbly adapt to the evolving infrastructure demands that come with it.

Publications: Keeping On Track with Victaulic & Palmer Christiansen Co.