Resilient Wedge Gate Valve Mechanical Joint

Product Highlights

• AWWA mechanical-joint gate valve
• Figure 15MN
• 300 lb. non-shock cold working pressure
• Ductile iron body and bonnet
• EPDM rubber-encapsulated ductile iron wedge
• 304 stainless steel non-rising stem
• Wax-encapsulated stainless cap screws
• Fusion-bonded epoxy coating
• Epoxy coating conforms to AWWA C550
• Meets AWWA C515
• Certified to ANSI/NSF 61 & 372
• Lead-free compliant
• UL Listed
• FM Approved
• Mechanical-joint end connections

An AWWA gate valve is designed to isolate sections of a water piping system by raising or lowering an internal gate or wedge. When fully open, the valve provides a relatively unobstructed flow path. When fully closed, the wedge seats to stop flow through the line.

Gate valves are primarily intended for fully open or fully closed service rather than throttling or continuous flow regulation.

The Figure 15MN uses a 304 stainless steel non-rising stem. In a non-rising stem gate valve, the stem rotates during operation without extending significantly above the valve body as the wedge moves.

This compact operating arrangement is especially useful in buried, vault, utility, and other installations where available vertical clearance may be limited.

The ductile iron body and bonnet provide strength and durability for demanding water-distribution and fire-protection service.

Review manufacturer technical information and project specifications when exact material grades, dimensions, certifications, or application requirements must be verified.

The Figure 15MN uses an EPDM rubber-encapsulated ductile iron wedge. The resilient encapsulation provides the sealing surface used when the valve is fully closed.

EPDM is widely used in water-service valve applications because of its compatibility with many potable-water and general water-distribution systems. Confirm media and temperature compatibility for the specific application.

The Figure 15MN features a fusion-bonded epoxy coating conforming to AWWA C550 to provide corrosion protection for the ductile iron valve surfaces.

This coating system is commonly used on valves intended for municipal, commercial, and fire-protection water systems where long-term protection of internal and external surfaces is important.

The Figure 15MN incorporates wax-encapsulated stainless steel cap screws. The encapsulation helps protect bonnet fasteners from moisture and environmental exposure while the stainless steel construction provides additional corrosion resistance.

Inspect the fasteners and protective encapsulation during installation and follow manufacturer recommendations for service, maintenance, and replacement.

The Figure 15MN uses mechanical-joint end connections for integration into compatible water-distribution piping. Mechanical joints are widely used in municipal and underground water systems because they provide a bolted connection using a gasket, gland, and mechanical-joint hardware.

Verify pipe outside diameter, mechanical-joint gasket, gland, bolt requirements, installation depth, and project specifications before installation.

The Figure 15MN is identified as UL Listed and FM Approved. These listings and approvals are commonly specified for fire-protection and water-system components where recognized third-party certification is required.

Confirm that the exact valve size, configuration, installation, and system design satisfy project specifications and applicable fire-protection requirements.

The Figure 15MN is identified as certified to ANSI/NSF 61 & 372. These certifications address potable-water system component requirements and lead-content compliance.

Confirm project-specific potable-water certification requirements and verify the exact size and configuration when documentation is required.

• Confirm the required valve size before ordering.
• Verify that the 300 lb. non-shock CWP rating is suitable for the intended system.
• Confirm compatibility with the system fluid and operating conditions.
• Verify mechanical-joint pipe and fitting compatibility before installation.
• Inspect the body, bonnet, stem, wedge, coating, cap screws, and mechanical-joint ends before installation.
• Remove shipping materials and foreign debris from the valve and piping.
• Install the valve in the required orientation for the application.
• Confirm proper pipe insertion and alignment at each mechanical-joint connection.
• Use compatible mechanical-joint gaskets, glands, bolts, and accessories as required.
• Clean joining surfaces before assembly.
• Seat mechanical-joint gaskets correctly before tightening the gland.
• Tighten mechanical-joint bolts uniformly according to applicable installation procedures.
• Do not use mechanical-joint hardware to force severely misaligned piping into position.
• Operate the valve fully open and fully closed after installation to verify smooth operation.
• Do not use a gate valve as a throttling valve unless specifically approved for that service.
• Provide adequate piping support so external piping loads are not transferred improperly to the valve.
• Pressure-test and inspect the completed installation before placing the system into service.
• Installation should be completed by qualified personnel familiar with AWWA gate valves and mechanical-joint piping systems.