[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 2]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR56.30-35]

[Page 191-192]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 56_PIPING SYSTEMS AND APPURTENANCES--Table of Contents
 
        Subpart 56.30_Selection and Limitations of Piping Joints
 
Sec. 56.30-35  Gasketed mechanical couplings.

    (a) This section applied to pipe fittings that form a seal by 
compressing a resilient gasket onto the pipe joint primarily by threaded 
fasteners and where joint creep is only restricted by such means as 
machined grooves, centering pins, or welded clips. Fittings to which 
this section applies must be designed, constructed, tested, and marked 
in accordance with ASTM F 1476 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 
56.01-2) and ASTM F 1548 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 56.01-2). 
Previously approved fittings may be retained as long as they are 
maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in 
Charge, Marine Inspection.
    (b) Gasketed mechanical couplings may be used within the service 
limitations of pressure, temperature and vibration recommended by the 
manufacturer, except that gasketed mechanical couplings must not be used 
in--
    (1) Any location where leakage, undetected flooding or impingement 
of liquid on vital equipment may disable the vessel; or
    (2) In tanks where the liquid conveyed in the piping system is not 
chemically compatible with the liquid in the tank.
    (c) Gasketed mechanical couplings must not be used as expansion 
joints. Positive restraints must be included, where necessary, to 
prevent the coupling from creeping on the pipe and uncovering the joint. 
Bite-type devices do not provide positive protection against creep and 
are generally not accepted for this purpose. Machined grooves, centering 
pins, and welded clips are

[[Page 192]]

considered positive means of protection against creep.

[CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996, as amended by USCG-1999-5151, 64 
FR 67180, Dec. 1, 1999]