Ductile Iron Flex-Ring Joint Pipe

ACIPCO Flex-Ring Restrained Joint Ductile Iron pipe, utilizing the sealing features of the time-proven Fastite^® Joint and a boltless restrained connection, provides flexible, easily assembled, positive restraint against joint separation due to thrust.

The Flex-Ring Joint is rated for a working pressure up to 25 Bars in sizes 100mm - 300mm. The joint has been thoroughly factory tested to withstand dead-end thrust resulting from more than twice the rated working pressure. If higher working pressures are required, please consult with ACIPCO.

For 100mm - 300mm sizes a beveled ductile iron welded-on ring and a ductile iron split retainer "Flex-Ring" provide the means of restraint. After the plain end of the pipe is assembled into the Flex-Ring bell, the split retainer "Flex-Ring" is inserted into the socket-locking groove. The Flex-Ring is securely positioned behind the welded-on ring and in the socket-locking groove on the inside of the pipe bell. This provides the flexible restraint.

The Flex-Ring Joint can be safely deflected after assembly to 5°. This liberal deflection facilitates installation and accommodates settlement.

The only joint components needed to assemble the Flex-Ring Joint are a gasket and a single ring.

No lugs, heavy wedges, rubber tubes, etc., are necessary. Also, there is no need to orient bells to ensure proper installation, though, for convenience, most installers orient the locking ring joints away from the very bottom of the joints. Just follow the simple instructions detailed in this section and positive restraint is assured.

Flex-Rings and welded-on rings are manufactured of ductile iron compatible with pipe. Welds are aluminum bronze or nickel-iron, both proven desirably cathodic to the ductile iron pipe, and welding is performed using welders qualified to produce high-quality, dependable welds.

Fittings for 100mm - 300mm Flex-Ring pipe are double-socket ductile iron fittings with Flex-Ring Joints manufactured in accordance with ISO 2531 and are rated for 25 bars of working pressure. If higher working pressures are required, please contact ACIPCO.

The Flex-Ring Restrained Joint is available for both pipes and fittings. For Flex-Ring fitting dimensions, weights, and configurations, please refer to Fastite Pipe and Fittings.

ACIPCO Flex-Ring pipe and fittings are normally furnished with standard asphaltic coating outside and cement lined. Special coatings and linings can be furnished when specified.

1. Prior to joint assembly, remove the packing material holding the split Flex-Ring onto the pipe. (See "Field Assembly of Flex-Ring," below, if split Flex-Ring is shipped separately.) Thoroughly clean the socket-locking groove as well as the Fastite gasket recess and pipe plain end. In accordance with standard Fastite Joint assembly instructions, insert the gasket and lubricate the pipe plain end, bevel, and inside surface of the gasket. With the pipe in essentially straight alignment, assemble the plain end into the Flex-Ring socket until the spigot stripe disappears into the bell, as shown in Photo 1. The orientation of the spigot stripe relative to the bell face is an indication of pipe alignment.

2. Tap the Flex-Ring into the socket, beginning with one end of the Flex-Ring and progressing around the joint, as shown in Photo 2. This operation is made easier by holding one end of the Flex-Ring inside the bell as the remainder of the ring is caulked into the socket. Correct seating is generally ensured by a snapping noise as the Flex-Ring springs into position. (Note: When a visual inspection to determine the Flex-Ring position is not practical, such as in an underwater installation, a feeler gauge can be used to ensure the correct positioning of the Flex-Ring in the socket-locking groove. It may be necessary to move the entering pipe slightly to improve alignment if the ring does not readily spring into the socket-locking groove.)

3. The completed joint.

If the split Flex-Ring is shipped separately, assemble it onto the pipe spigot by spreading the Flex-Ring ends as shown at left. Be sure that the Flex-Ring is oriented so that the small end is toward the pipe plain end.