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Section N - Ford Fabricated Steel Products

FC3
Standard Steel Coupling

FC4
Standard Steel Couplings

FC23 & FC5 - Steel Transition Couplings

FC6 - Steel Reducing
Couplings

FC4 - Steel End Cap
Couplings

FCA - Steel Flange
Coupling Adapters

Steel Flange Reducing
Coupling

Ford Fabricated Steel Products

The Ford Meter Box line of pipe products includes a complete line of fabricated steel products. Ford continues to expand manufacturing capabilities to meet the needs of an ever broadening marketplace. Fabricated steel products to fit pipe with OD's through 60" can be manufactured by Ford Meter Box.

The extremely versatile Ford FC23 and FC24 TRANSITION COUPLINGS are designed to connect plain end pipes with different OD's in nominal pipe sizes ranging from 4" through 20". FC23 COUPLINGS are manufactured using center sleeves with a thickness of 1/4" while FC24 COUPLINGS utilize 3/8" thick material for the center sleeve. Each gasket is clearly identified with the pipe OD range that it will accommodate. The FC23 and FC24 couplings are available in a variety of center sleeve lengths including the popular 5, 7, and 10 inch lengths. Longer sleeves are available on request.

The FC3 COUPLING is manufactured in standard steel sizes with a steel center sleeve and stamped steel or ductile iron end rings and complies with DOT Regulation Part 192 Title 49. The FC3, in its standard configuration, may be used for water as well as natural gas applications.

The Ford FC4 STEEL COUPLING is an all steel coupling designed to connect various types of plain end pipe with the same O.D. and is available for pipe sizes up to a maximum nominal diameter of 60 inches. Design and performance characteristics of fabricated steel couplings are specified in AWWA Standard C219-91. The Style FC4 Coupling is available in a variety of center sleeve lengths and thicknesses.

The typical use of an FC4 END CAP COUPLING is to provide a temporary end or air relief outlet for a pipeline. The end cap is welded to the center sleeve and can be manufactured with a 2" female iron pipe tap if specified. Tapped End Cap Couplings are supplied less plug but a plug is available upon request. If a smaller end cap coupling is required, refer to cast couplings listed in Ford Catalog Section M. Please note: End Cap Couplings require a thrust restraint to prevent the coupling from blowing off of the pipe end. Ford can manufacture the Style FC4 End Cap Coupling with anchor studs or with restrainer assemblies to meet this requirement.

The Ford FC5 TRANSITION COUPLING is an all steel product designed to connect plain end pipes with different OD's. When ordering, use the table shown on the next page or use the exact O.D. measurements of the two pipes to be joined. The numbering system chart below shows how to order an FC5 coupling for your specific needs. Generally, the maximum differential between two pipes to be joined may not exceed 1". For pipes with a measured differential of more than 1", refer to Ford FC6 Steel Reducing Couplings.

Ford FC6 STEEL REDUCING COUPLINGS are designed to connect plain end pipes with an O.D. differential of more than 1". When ordering, use the table shown in the Ford catalog or use the exact O.D. measurements of the two plain end pipes to be joined.

Ford FCA STEEL FLANGED COUPLING ADAPTERS are used to connect plain end pipe to flanged fittings such as meters or valves. Thrust protection must be provided to prevent the pipe from blowing out of the adapter. Optional restrainers or anchor studs are offered as thrust protection. Fabricated Steel Flange Coupling Adapters are normally furnished with flange size matching the nominal pipe size; however, reduced flange sizes are available. For example, a 16" FCA may be ordered with a 12" flange.

Ford FEJ EXPANSION JOINT COUPLINGS are specified for piping projects to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. The amount of movement is a factor of the pipe material, the pipeline length, and the temperature differential. Expansion Joints are available with either flange ends or plain ends beveled for field welding.

Ford RESTRAINER ASSEMBLIES, FR1, FR2 and FR3, are designed to prevent pipe movement caused by expansion and contraction, pressure surges, water hammer, and unstable ground conditions.

The Ford FWS WELD-ON TAPPING SLEEVE is designed for field welding to steel pipe. The saddle, sized to fit the pipe, has rounded corners to allow a continuous weld stroke. The welding surface is not painted. The standard steel flange conforms to AWWA C207 Class D ANSI 150 drilling and all sleeves are furnished with a 3/4" test port. Please note that sleeves with outlet sizes through 12" require the use of a shell cutter 1/2" smaller than the nominal flange size. Larger sizes require a shell cutter 1" smaller than the flange size.

Ford also provides CUSTOM FABRICATIONS manufactured to Meet AWWA C208 Standards.