Interpretation Response #PI-74-0154

Interpretation Response Details

November 18, 1974

Mr. Joseph C. Caldwell, Director
Office of Pipeline Safety
Department of Transportation
Washington, D. C. 20590

Dear Mr. Caldwell:

            We are considering internal joint clamping of a 24-inch cast iron bell and spigot main using the Weco process.  A brochure and article describing this process is enclosed.

            Please provide us with an interpretation of the acceptability of this method under 192.753(a) of the Minimum Safety Standards.  In our opinion, the method is acceptable because metal bands press against the sealing strip on each side of the joint and fulfill the "mechanical clamp" requirement of the standard.

Mr. Don Miller, President, Miller Pipeline Corporation, 210 S. Broadway, Green Springs, Ohio, has informed us that he will provide additional technical information on this process if you need it.  The Miller Pipeline Corporation is licensed to install the Weco-Seal in the United States.

Sincerely,

THE CINCINNATI GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY

Henry R. Meyers

Manager

Engineering & Planning

Gas Department

NOTE: Article on "Transmission" attached with this letter.

December 17, 1974

Mr. Henry R. Meyers
Manager, Engineering & Planning
Gas Department
The Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company
Cincinnati, OH  45201

Dear Mr. Meyers:

In your letter of November 18, 1974, you ask if the internal joint clamp you are considering for use in sealing a 24-inch cast-iron bell and spigot joint main would be considered as a mechanical leak clamp as required under 49 CFR 192.753(a).  As described in the enclosure to your letter, this unit consists of a performed rubber boot that is designed to be installed on the inside of a circumferential joint and to seal against the prepared internal surfaces on each side of the joint.  This boot is then locked in place by internal expansion rings.  This would be considered as a mechanical leak clamp.

Thank you for your interest in pipeline safety.

                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                        Joseph C. Caldwell
                                                                        Director
                                                                        Office of Pipeline Safety

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