[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: 46CFR56.30-40]

[Page 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. 56.30-40  Flexible pipe couplings of the compression or slip-on type.

    (a) Flexible pipe couplings of the compression or slip-on type must 
not be used as expansion joints. To ensure that the maximum axial 
displacement (approximately \3/8\ maximum) of each coupling 
is not exceeded, positive restraints must be included in each 
installation.
    (b) Positive means must also be provided to prevent the coupling 
from ``creeping'' on the pipe and uncovering the joint. Bite type 
devices do not provide positive protection against creeping and are not 
generally accepted for this purpose unless other means are also 
incorporated. Machined grooves or centering pins are considered positive 
means, and other positive means will be considered.
    (c) Couplings which employ a solid sleeve with welded attachments on 
both pipes will require the removal of one set of attachments before 
dismantling. Rewelding of the attachments may require gas freeing of the 
line.
    (d) The installation shall be such as to preclude appreciable 
difference in the vibration magnitudes of the pipes joined by the 
couplings. The couplings shall not be used as a vibration damper. The 
vibration magnitude and frequency should not exceed that recommended by 
the coupling manufacturer.
    (e) Flexible couplings made in accordance with the applicable 
standards listed in Table 56.60-1(b) of this part and of materials 
complying with subpart 56.60 of this part may be used within the 
material, size, pressure, and temperature limitations of those standards 
and within any further limitations specified in this subchapter. 
Flexible couplings fabricated by welding must also comply with part 57 
of this chapter.
    (f) Flexible couplings must not be used in cargo holds or in any 
other space where leakage, undetected flooding, or impingement of liquid 
on vital equipment may disable the ship, or in tanks where the liquid 
conveyed in the piping system is not compatible with the liquid in the 
tank. Where flexible couplings are not allowed by this subpart, joints 
may be threaded, flanged and bolted, or welded.
    (g) Damaged or deteriorated gaskets shall not be reinstalled.
    (h) Each coupling shall be tested in accordance with Sec. 56.97-5.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 77-140, 54 FR 
40606, Oct. 2, 1989]