Polythylene-To-Ductile Iron Pipe Connector

Phillips Driscopipe, Inc.er that allows ductile iron pipe and fittings to be joined to polyethylene pipe was introduced recently by Phillips Driscopipe. This fully self-restrained Mechanical-Joint Adapter, which is listed under National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-14, was developed specifically for drinking water distribution systems. The adapter is available in four, six, eight, 10 and 12-in. ductile iron pipe size (DIPS) and steel (IPS) diameters. It can be ordered separately or as a kit with rubber gasket, tee-bolts and metal back-up drive ring.

Being self-restrained by design, it does not require external reinforcements such as concrete thrust-blocks, commonly found in use with other adapters or pipe joints. Soil settlement or pressure thrust can affect unrestrained fittings such as gasketed slip-joints, which are pushed together and may pull apart over time.

The mechanical-joint gasket zone is reinforced with a stainless-steel internal stiffener to ensure constant gasket sealing pressure. This construction, according to the company, provides long service life, reliability, durability and corrosion resistance.

To make a connection, the standard rubber gasket is mounted on to the insertion end of the adapter. A metal back-up ring then is mounted next to the gasket flange, which is made from high density polyethylene pipe (HDPE). After this assembly is heat-fused to the polyethylene main, the pipe with integral adapter is inserted into the mechanical-joint bell. Tee-bolts are mounted and torqued to close and seal this bell and spigot joint.

For more information contact <%=company%>, a division of Phillips Petroleum Company, 2929 North Central Expressway, Suite 300, Richardson, Texas 75080. Tel: 800-527-0062.