This specification provides the performance characteristics and qualification tests required for gasket mechanical couplings (GMCs) including grooved-type mechanical couplings for grooved end pipe, mechanical restraint couplings for plain end pipe and mechanical compression couplings for plain end pipe. These couplings are for use at temperatures within the recommended temperature range of their respective gaskets. The GMCs are classified into two types: Type I which are the groove mechanical couplings and Type II which are plain end mechanical couplings. Also, they can be classified into various grades based on successful completion of testing. They can also be grouped into three classes in accordance to joint characteristics: Class 1 which is rigid and restrained, Class 2 which is flexible and restrained, and Class 3 which is flexible and unrestrained. The housings of grooved GMCs shall be made from either ductile iron, aluminum alloy, or iron-chromium-nickel alloy. Bolts of these couplings shall be made from carbon steel and corrosion resistant materials. As for plain end GMCs, their housings or center sleeves shall be made from either ductile iron or steel materials. Their bolts shall be constructed with carbon steel and corrosion resistant materials. Standard qualification tests for GMC shall consist of the following: performance test, specimen examination, pneumatic proof test, vacuum test, hydrostatic proof test, flexibility test, hydrostatic burst test, rigidity test, bending moment proof test, and bending moment ultimate test.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification provides the performance characteristics and qualification tests required for gasketed mechanical couplings including grooved-type mechanical couplings for grooved end pipe, mechanical restraint couplings for plain end pipe and mechanical compression couplings for plain end pipe. These couplings are for use at temperatures within the recommended temperature range of their respective gaskets. Consult manufacturer for details.

1.2 The values stated in metric units (SI) are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses (inch/pound) are provided for information purposes.

1.3 Measuring and test equipment (M&TE) used in the performance of the tests described herein shall be calibrated using equipment which is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or calibrated in accordance with the requirements detailed in BS 5781 Part 1 against standards traceable to National Standards.

1.4 As this is not a dimensional standard, nor does it contain component dimensions, the intermixing of sub-components such as gaskets and housings between manufacturers is not recommended and constitutes non-conformance with this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

ANSI, ANSI/ASQC, or ANSI/AWWA Standards

NFPA Standards

British Standards

Keywords

coupling; flexible; gasketed; grooved; plain end; rigid; Bending moment; Couplings specifications; Flexibility; Flexible mechanical couplings; Gasketed mechanical couplings (GMC); Grooved-type mechanical couplings; Hydrostatic testing; Mechanical restraint couplings; Plain-end mechanical couplings; Pneumatic proof test; Rigidity test; Shipbuilding piping materials specifications; Shipbuilding steel pipe materials specifications; Vacuum testing;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 23.040.60 (Flanges, couplings and joints)

Citing ASTM Standards

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