A new ductile iron fitting for buried pipes
The new LOKX system ductile iron fitting (photo) features an internal self-restraining gasket that eliminates pipe-to-pipe and pipe-to-fitting separation, even at high pressures. The push-on style fitting eliminates the need for any bolts or external restraints, saving up to 80% in installation time and labor costs. LOKX is specifically designed for use with this company’s C900 PVC and CIOD HDPE pipe in buried applications. The system is manufactured to AWWA C153 specifications with a minimum working pressure of 350 psi. Engineered with a deep-bell design, the LOKX system has deflection capabilities of up to a total of 10 deg in any direction (5 deg deflection per bell). This flexibility allows for extreme ground movement, making it suitable for seismic applications. The self-restraining gasket has a low insertion force in addition to a lip-seal design with 316 stainless-steel gripping segments. When fully engaged, these segments form a 360-deg restraint that prevents the pipe distortion and point loading that other types of restraints can cause. The leak-resistant LOKX system can be used for a variety of buried applications in water and wastewater, seismic areas, corrosive regions, coastal areas with brackish soils and horizontal directional drilling. Booth 6713 — GF Piping Systems, Inc., Irvine, Calif.