General PROCEDURES for the laying and jointing of different types of pipe and couplings are described below:
- Belled Pipe
The pipes should be installed so that the bell is in the direction of pipe laying.
- Bell and Spigot Pipe
For gasket type BELL and SPIGOT pipe joint systems, used on PVC, DI, and concrete pressure pipe, the joint assembly procedure is as follows:- CLEAN the bell and spigot ends of the pipes to be joined. Make certain that no foreign materials are on the rubber gasket. Wipe with a clean cloth.
- INSERT THE GASKET into the internal groove on the bell end.
- LUBRICATE the spigot end of the pipe using an approved lubricant. Be sure to coat the entire spigot end length that will be joined with the bell end. Normally a marking on the spigot end identifies the length of the spigot end to be inserted into the bell end.
- Insert the spigot end into the bell so that it is in contact with the rubber ring in the bell. ALIGN the pipe lengths, brace the pipe while the spigot end is being pushed into the bell end. The pipe is pushed until the reference marking on the spigot end is FLUSH with the end of the bell. Pipe is normally assembled by hand or with a block and bar. Pushing the spigot end beyond the reference mark can lead to leakage caused by deformation of the spigot end. Also the joint will be less flexible and more susceptible to damage by overburden pressures.
- Couplings
The coupling used to join AC pipe consists of a machined asbestos cement sleeve with machined grooves on the ends of the sleeve to retain RUBBER GASKETS. The pipe ends and internal rubber rings are lubricated and the coupling installed using one of two methods. With one method, the coupling is installed on one pipe and the joining pipe is pushed into place. Alternatively, the joint coupling could be jacked or pulled into position.
- Mechanical couplings
Mechanical couplings are sometimes used to join pipes. The coupling consists of a specially designed centre steel hub, gaskets, compression rings, and a bolting system.
