What is BS EN 16397-1- Flexible couplings for drains and sewers about?
BS EN 16397 is a European Standard that discusses flexible couplings.
This European Standard specifies the performance requirements for flexible couplings and adaptors and bushes for use with pipes and fittings in drain and sewer systems, usually operated under gravity and periodic hydraulic surcharge, both above and below ground inside or outside buildings and intended to connect pipes for:
- Repair of damaged pipelines
- Connecting pipes of different materials and/or diameters
- Jointing short/cut lengths of pipe
- Jointing specific pipe systems
- Jointing post-inserted preformed junctions
Typically, a coupling consists of a moulded or extruded flexible sleeve with two clamping bands with or without a shear band. The clamping bands enable the sleeve to form a seal with the pipes to be jointed. The shear band gives resistance to shear forces. Connections may be made between pipes which cannot be satisfactorily jointed by a coupling alone, of dissimilar sizes or material, by using an appropriate bush or bushes with the coupling or by using an appropriate adaptor.
Who is BS EN 16397-1- Flexible couplings for drains and sewers for?
BS EN 16397-1 on flexible couplings is relevant to:
- Flexible coupling and adaptor manufacturers
- Public and private companies dealing with wastewater engineering
- Companies involved with the installation and operation of pipework
- Product design engineers
- Engineers
- Local authorities
Why should you use BS EN 16397-1- Flexible couplings for drains and sewers?
According to BS EN 16397-1, flexible couplings are defined as moulded or extruded and joined flexible sleeve, with or without bushes or shear band, with adjustable clamping bands by which it is secured to the ends of pipes with outside diameters within the tolerance range covered by the coupling. In this regard, it is essential that flexible pipe couplings are fit for purpose to ensure the overall drainage and sewer system can function efficiently.
BS EN 16397-1 covers best industry guidance on product characteristics such as materials, dimensional tolerances along with test methods to demonstrate the performance of flexible couplings. The tests include the deflection test, shear test and thermal cycling test.
If you are a manufacturer of flexible couplings and adaptors used with pipes and fittings, compliance with BS EN 16397-1 can ensure your products are free from defects and failures that could impair their function when in service. Additionally, you can prevent leaks and correct misalignments between pipes with the right flexible couplings and adaptors, thus playing a positive role in functioning of drainage and sewer systems.
