Pipe Assembly

You are here: / / Pipe Assembly

Gasket Insertion

Fig.1: Gasket Insertion

The inside of sockets and the outside of spigots should be cleaned up to the insertion depth. Gaskets should be wiped clean and inspected for damage. The gasket should then be placed into the socket groove, rounded end entering first. Seating the gasket is made easier by forming the gasket into a loop during insertion. The heel of the gasket should fit uniformly into the retainer seat. On pipes larger than 12”, additional loops may help in placing the gasket in the seating.

Lubrication

Fig.2: Lubrication

Ensure that the spigot end is properly chamfered or rounded to avoid tearing of the gasket. Clean away all foreign matters from the contact area of the pipe. Apply a thin film of recommended lubricant to the mating surface of the gasket. Avoid spray-on lubricants as these may not provide enough lubrication. Avoid petroleum-based lubricant as it may damage the gaskets. Once lubricated, do not let the lubricated area touch the ground or other contaminants, the compromised seal could result.

Pipe and Fitting and Assembly

Fig.3: Pipe and Fitting and Assembly

Spigot should be inserted in the socket. If the socket is pushed, the gasket may be displaced. Align and center the spigot in the socket and keep it in this position. Now gently push the spigot into the socket by suitable mechanical means, maintaining the alignment and level. A suitable gap should be left between the spigot end and the bottom of the socket to take care of any axial movement, deflection or temperature variation. To ensure this, two band marks are made near the spigot end. These bands act as a ‘Go’ and ‘No-Go’ gauge. After jointing, the end of the socket must end  between these two bands. If moderate force does not result in a solid seal, remove the pipe and inspect for foreign matters, improper lubrication or misaligned gasket. Once you are certain of a solid seal, joint deflection can be applied within the permissible limits.

Inspection of Joint

Fig.4: Inspection of Joint

Verification of the gasket’s position is easily accomplished with a feeler gauge. Insert the gauge into the joint until it touches the gasket. Check the gasket position all around the joint, making note of the depth required to contact the gasket. Any changes in depth indicate the gasket has slipped out of place. If this is the case, disassemble joint and clean all pipe contact areas and gasket. Once inspected for the fault, reassemble using the guidelines above.

Alternate Methods for Assembly

Electrosteel recommends following the procedures outlined in the previous section before attempting the alternatives listed below.

Assembly with a backhoe (for all DN)

Assembly with a backhoe

Taking a few precautions, it is possible to use the hydraulic force of the arm of a mechanical digger to assemble pipes and straight fittings. In this case:

  • Place a wooden batten between the pipe and digger bucket
  • Exert a slow and steady force observing the rules for joint assembly
  • A timber block should be placed between the bucket and the pipe to avoid damage of the socket.

Assembly using a Crowbar

For smaller sizes (for 3” to 6” dia.) a crowbar may be used for assembly. This method involves using a crowbar as a lever and pushing against the face of the bell. The pipe socket face must be protected with a piece of hard wood.

Assembly by Come-Along

Installers may prefer to use come-along to assemble pipe of all sizes. This method requires two 2-ton chain hoists, 24 feet of chain and two bell choker slings for sizes from 3” to 24” in diameter.

Sometimes locations make the use of a backhoe impossible. Under those conditions, assembly is best achieved with the following method.

This procedure uses the weight of the pipe to provide the axial force required for assembly. Begin with spigot end of the pipe inserted as far as possible into the bell end of the previously laid pipe. Next, hook a choker chain or cable around the bell of the laid pipe. Then the choker is also hooked to the bell end of the pipe to be laid.

Assembly by Come-Along

This configuration will result in a long cable with a choker on one end and a chain grab hook on the other end with a sliding choker hook between the two other hooks. An additional second section of the rigging has a shorter chain with a wide-throat hoisting hook on one end. The cable is then “choked” around the bell of the previously laid pipe using the fixed choker hook. Once accomplished, the chain is then hooked into the bell end of the pipe to be laid. This cable is hooked to the chain with the grab hook. The connected length of the rigging can now be adjusted with the connection made with the cable grab hook and the chain. Assembly is made by lifting up on the sliding choker hook.

  • 6” to 12” dia. : Come-along or mechanical winches or chain pulley of capacity 1.6 ton, steel cable and rubber protected hooks.
  • 14” to 24” dia. : Come-along or mechanical winches or chain pulley, capacity 3.5 ton, steel cable and rubber protected hooks.

NOTE: This method should not be used with PushTite RJ Gaskets as alignment of the joint cannot be assured. For the proper installation practice, refer to PushTite RJ Gaskets brochure.

Download Complete Specifications

Download Now