Installation Of 14-48 Flex-Ring Joint Pipe

Combining the sealing features of the time-proven Fastite joint and a boltless restrained connection, AMERICAN Flex-Ring joint ductile iron pipe provides flexible, easily assembled, positive restraint against endwise separation due to thrust.

Centrifugally cast for piping water, sewage and other liquids, Flex-Ring joint pipe may also be used in trenchless applications such as horizontal directional drilling and pipe bursting. With spigot ahead, the low-profile Flex-Ring bell assembles quickly and offers a smooth transition during pipe pull-back. AMERICAN offers a Flex-Ring pulling bell assembly specifically designed for this installation method.

For 14” though 48” sizes, restraint is provided by a shop-applied weld bead and a rubber-backed ring containing yellow painted ductile iron segments. As the plain end of the pipe is fully assembled into the bell, the ductile iron segments automatically close on the pipe behind the weld bead. The enclosure of the segments between the weld bead, spigot and the sloped inner lip of the bell provides the flexible restraint.

The Flex-Ring joint’s liberal deflection allowance facilitates installation, decreases the number of necessary fittings and accommodates settlement.

The only joint components needed to assemble the Flex-Ring Joint are a gasket and a single ring. No loose lugs, heavy wedges or rubber tubes are necessary. Flex-Rings, Flex-Ring segments and retainer rings are manufactured of ductile iron compatible with pipe. Welds and weld beads (if used) are nickel-iron, proven desirably cathodic to the ductile iron pipe, and welding is performed using welders qualified to produce high-quality, dependable welds.

The AMERICAN Flex-Ring joint is also available on AMERICAN’s Series 2500 Resilient Wedge Gate Valves in sizes 16-inch through 48 – inch. This speeds installation and provides uniformity throughout the pipeline system.