When designing or constructing ductile iron pipe utility projects, there is often a discussion of about what joint to use for restraint at the fittings - TR Flex® fittings or the more common Mechanical Joint (MJ) fitting with retainer glands?
As a contractor or engineer, what is important to you? Time, flexibility, or cost? Let me guess, you want all three. Below we will look at some of the items to consider that may assist you in this decision.
McWane Ductile offers multiple services for our customers extending far beyond manufacturing ductile iron pipe. From design to installation, we take great pride in providing education to water professionals throughout the water industry.
Article last updated 8/12/20
Ductile Iron Pipe is a tested and proven solution to sewer infrastructure needs in America. It’s not a cut and dry solution, though, and you as owners and consulting engineers have several options to choose from.
One thing that has often confused users (whether I’m talking with engineers, distributors or contractors) is the difference between “Thickness Class” and “Pressure Class” pipe. While both refer to a specific metal wall thickness of the pipe barrel, in this article we will discuss the history of the two class standards, and what class of ductile iron pipe you should use in your application.
There are several methods for restraining Ductile Iron Pipe joints, and a common question from our customers is, “Which method of restraint is best—locking gaskets or boltless restrained joints?” Both methods are effective, but the best choice for your project depends on the type of installation, the operating pressure of the line, and the diameter of the Ductile iron pipe being used. In this #IronStrong Blog, we will compare two common restraint options offered by McWane Ductile: Sure Stop 350® Gaskets and TR Flex® Pipe.
Cement-mortar lining for iron pipe has been used for nearly 100 years. The first installation of gray iron pipe with a cement lining was recorded in Savannah, GA in 1922. Todays modern Ductile iron pipe still utilizes cement lining for a safe and reliable means of providing clean drinking water to millions of people every day.
On occasion, however, the cement lining may have incurred some damage in the field. The lining, although very durable, does not have the same resistance to bending stress or impact as the pipe itself. Certainly, the pipe or fitting should be checked for further structural damage, but once determined the affected area is only the cement lining, repairs can be made under the applicable provisions within the ANSI/AWWA C104/A21.4 standard CEMENT-MORTAR LINING FOR DUCTILE IRON PIPE AND FITTINGS.
All ductile iron pipe manufacturers use markings in a similar manner to assist customers in selecting the right material for the project. This includes verifying the material is suitable for the application intended (i.e. water or sewer) as well as adhering to the project requirements as stipulated by the owner/engineer for pipe class, lining, and exterior coating.
Because the colors used by each manufacturer may vary, we will explain how McWane Ductile applies these markings and describe their need and locations.
TR Flex® is the most widely accepted and installed integrally cast restraint joint system in the Ductile iron pipe industry. Proven as a versatile and easy-to-use item, this joint is flexible, sure, and watertight to and beyond its up-to-350-psi pressure rating while preventing longitudinal separation of the joints, whether installed above or below ground.
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