Welcome to the first edition of The Ditch Doctor, where we provide answers to your most-often-asked questions about Ductile Iron pipe. These are real-world questions coming from real-world, hard-working professionals in the water industry… just like you.
Steve from Steubenville Asks… Can I install a TR Flex Plain End in a Tyton Joint Bell?
We understand you have many concerns on your daily plate. Removing risk from your projects allows you more time and less stress to focus on more pressing duties. Occasionally, you get that question where you just cannot find an answer in the product literature.
The short answer is Yes, this is possible, but we do not advise this. Now we will go into a more detailed explanation as to why we do not recommend this installation technique.
Watch detailed videos by clicking the play button in the images below.
TR Flex Joint versus Tyton Joint
The gasket socket is indeed the same in a TR Flex Joint as well as a Tyton Joint. The spigot's Outside Diameter (O.D.) dimensions are the same as well. So essentially, a TR Flex spigot will fit into a Tyton bell. The reason McWane Ductile does not recommend this installation is due to deflection.
What happens with deflection?
A Tyton spigot should be fully homed prior to deflecting the joint. As the joint is deflected, the spigot stripes on the one side rotate away from the bell face. The spigot stripe in the location directly opposite rotates back inside the bell. The pivot point of the joint is at the gasket location.
If a TR Flex spigot is inserted into a Tyton bell and deflected in the same manner, the weld-on ring will be against the Tyton bell face. This positioning will not allow the spigot to rotate inside the bell.
For more information and instructional videos, check out these blogs by my colleagues:
Why then is the degree of deflection the same on 12" and down at 5 degrees?
Why then is the degree of deflection the same on 12" and down at 5 degrees?
Slack in the restraint joint must be removed prior to deflection to provide adequate space for the joint to deflect. The restraint portion of the joint prevents the joint from over-deflecting. The Tyton joint is not restrained, so the joint with the weld ring tends to pull apart versus pivoting at the gasket.
So, Steve, the bottom line is do it right the first time.
The best option to resolve this issue is to order a TR Flex plain-end (no weld bead) as a transition piece from the unrestrained to the restrained section of the project.
In the event there is no such piece available, you can go to a field option. Remove the TR Flex spigot by exercising standard field cutting procedures and cut the pipe just behind the weld location.
Remember a few steps for a good cut:
- Measure twice / cut once.
- Make a good square cut.
- Bevel the pipe for a push-on joint.
- Ensure the pipe is straight when homed.
- Fully home the pipe.
- Deflect the joint AFTER the joint has been properly and safely made.
For an instructional article with video, check out this Iron Strong Blog by McWane Ductile Sales Rep, Jason Barnes. It even comes with a handy downloadable tip sheet for you and your crews.
Bonus Info – TR Flex in a Mechanical Joint:
You may also ask the same question regarding the installation of a TR Flex spigot into an MJ (Mechanical Joint) bell. Can this work? The same bottom-line answer below will address that question as well.
Remove the risk and sleep well!
You ask, we answer!
Thanks for reading this edition of the Ditch Doctor. I hope you were able to pick up on some real-world knowledge and learned more about TR Flex and Tyton pipe today.
Do you have a question about an issue you encountered on a job site? Do you have a question about waterworks products in general? Please send them to us by clicking the submit question button below.
We'd be glad to address your question in another edition of the Ditch Doctor. And as always, your local McWane Ductile Representative is available to assist with your inquiries too. Until next time, that’s all we have for this episode of The Ditch Doctor, where You Ask, and We Answer!
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