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Flexpipe has developed crimp fittings that allow efficient joining directly to steel lines, standard flanged connections, or other Flexpipe lines. Flexpipe Systems holds patents* for its unique pipe and fitting designs.
The Flexpipe fitting is a metallic device that mechanically fastens to the pipe. The fitting can terminate the pipe with a standard ASME B16.5 lap-joint flange or a weld neck transition. The fitting consists of a mandrel that is inserted into the pipe, and a sleeve that is crimped around the pipe. The mandrel and sleeve are both equipped with uni-directional teeth that securely grip the liner and jacket of the pipe.
Fittings are installed using specialized installation equipment that energizes the fitting. The energizing force creates a clamping pressure that holds the pipe in place and provides a seal between the thermoplastic liner and the fitting. For additional seal reliability the fitting is equipped with two o-rings. The fitting system does not require the application of heat or adhesives.
The end of the FPLP from one reel can be attached to the beginning of the FPLP from a second reel with a pipe-to-pipe coupling, thus eliminating an underground flanged connection.
The weld neck fitting is designed for sweet service, non corrosive environment where a transition from Flexpipe to steel is required and a buried flange connection is undesirable. Using this type of fitting is beneficial as it is a way of joining Flexpipe directly to steel without having a bolt-up thereby reducing the possibility of a gas leak due to human error when tightening the bolts.
Flexpipe offers a number of options for protecting fittings against corrosion. Standard fittings are supplied with electroless nickel plating on all (interior and exterior) surfaces of the fitting. This plating protects the fitting from corrosion and erosion for many applications. A thicker plating may be appropriate for some applications, and is available by special order. Another option for protection from internal corrosion is a thermoplastic coating. This coating covers the internal surfaces only. The thermoplastic coating is suitable for corrosive fluids, but is not recommended for erosive applications. All fittings are also available with no coating.
Weld neck fittings are not coated or plated, since the coating or plating would be destroyed by the heat input during welding. Prefabricated flow joints can be coated, since no welding is required at installation.
External corrosion control of installed Flexpipe fittings is achieved by the application of moisture resistant tape. When applied according to the product data sheet supplied with the tape, the system meets AWWA C217**. Corrosion control via cathodic protection is also an option. Flexpipe's solution consists of a ribbon anode attached to Flexpipe fittings, taped lengthwise for ease of plowing. Please consult a Flexpipe representative for more information.
Please click on the links below to view a simulation of the fitting installation process.
*Fiber reinforced pipe: US patent number 6,889,716 (May 10, 2005); Canadian patent number 2,513,506 (pending); International patents pending. Compression-style fitting: US patent number 6,902,205 (June 7, 2005); Canadian patent number 2,513,468 (pending); International patents pending.
Crimp-style fitting: Canadian patent number 2,562,823 (pending); US patent pending.
**AWWA C217 Cold-Applied Tape Coatings for the Exterior of Special Sections, Connections, and Fittings for Buried/Submerged Steel Water Pipelines
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