AMERICAN black Fast-Grip gaskets have proven to be a superior field-adaptable method of restraining 4"-30" ductile iron pipe or fittings used in underground service for water, sewage or other approved liquids.
The restraint provided by the patented1 AMERICAN black Fast-Grip gasket is due to the development of wedging action between pairs of high-strength stainless steel elements spaced around the gasket. The outer metal element, which has sharp teeth on its inner surface for gripping the spigot, acts as a bearing member for the wedge-shaped inner element.
Because of this wedging design, the force between the spigot and the socket of the joint is essentially constant at any given pressure thrust regardless of the “tightness” or “looseness” of the joint fit or the joint deflection.
The black Fast-Grip gasket, which has the same basic shape as AMERICAN’s Fastite gasket, can be used in any 4"-30" standard Fastite pipe or fitting socket. It is UL Listed and FM Approved for use in Fastite or Flex-Ring sockets with Fastite plain ends2 in all sizes 4"-16". The UL Listing and FM Approval apply to all pressure classes and special thickness classes of ductile iron pipe.
In addition to the positive restraint achieved, Fast-Grip gaskets offer ergonomically friendly advantages compared to other restrained joints for fittings and pipe requiring bolts, lugs, segments, wrenches, etc. Joints can easily be assembled with current tools and methods used for many years in the assembly of standard Fastite joints.
1.) U.S. Patent No. 5,067,751.
2.) Because the pressure rating of the joint cannot exceed that of the pipe, the 350 psi rating for 14"-18" sizes and the 250 psi rating for 24" size are limited by the pressure class of pipe with which they are used. For example, an 18" Fast-Grip gasket used with pressure class 250 pipe would carry a rating of 250 psi instead of 350 psi. Consult AMERICAN for higher working pressure applications.
3.) When installing joints manufactured by AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, the use of gaskets not manufactured by AMERICAN or an authorized manufacturer of AMERICAN gaskets will invalidate joint warranties.
The Fast-Grip gasket has the same basic shape as AMERICAN’s Fastite gasket, so it can be used in any 4"-30" standard Fastite pipe or fitting socket. The gasket rubber is standard Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), which meets all the material requirements of ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11. SBR rubber gaskets are ANSI/NSF Standard 61 certified for contact with potable water.
Gaskets made of SBR are standard with all joint types. Consult AMERICAN for information or recommendations on gaskets made of special types of rubber, for applications involving air or liquid temperatures in excess of 150° F, or for chemical, hydrocarbon or other special service applications, and for installations in contaminated soils where permeation through gaskets might be a concern.
In the table below, temperature capability refers to conveyed fluid. Lubricating oil in air can adversely affect SBR and EPDM performance. SBR, Nitrile and Neoprene are not recommended for hot air exposure in wastewater treatment systems.
All gaskets made from the materials as shown are suitable for use with water containing normal concentrations of chloramine. Where increased resistance to chloramine is desired, neoprene or fluoroelastomer materials should be considered. Consult AMERICAN.
Common Name | Chemical Name | Common Uses | Maximum Service Temperature 2 (°F) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Water & Sewer | Air | |||
Plain Rubber | Styrene Butadiene | Fresh Water, Salt Water | 150 | 150 |
EPDM | Ethylene Propylene | Water, Sewage, Ketones, | 212 | 200 |
Neoprene | Polychloroprene(CR) | Fresh Water, Sewage | 200 | 180 |
Nitrile | Acrylonitrile | Non-Aromatic Hydrocarbons, | 150 | 150 |
Fluoroelastomer | FKM | Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Gasoline, | 212 | 300 |
1.) AMERICAN reserves the right to furnish any trade or brand rubber for the chemical formulation specified.
2.) Temperature is in reference to conveyed fluid. Lubricating oil in air can adversely affect SBR and EPDM performance. SBR, Nitrile and Neoprene are not recommended for hot air exposure in wastewater treatment systems.
3.) Viton® is a registered trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.
4.) This gasket rubber is chemically resistant in the non-potable water uses shown but is not as resistant to permeation in potable water applications as FKM.
