BS EN 16397-2:2014

What is BS EN 16397-2- Testing for metal banded flexible couplings about? 

BS EN 16397 is a European Standard that discusses flexible couplings. The main aim of the BS EN 16397 series is to provide manufacturers of flexible couplings with best industry practices to demonstrate the performance and quality of their products. 

BS EN 16397-2 is the second part of the series that specifies the materials and dimensions for metal banded 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 

The coupling consists of a moulded or extruded rubber sleeve with two stainless steel clamping bands with or without a stainless steel shear band. The clamping bands enable the sleeve to form a seal with the pipes to be joined. The shear band gives resistance to shear forces. Connections may be made between pipes which cannot be satisfactorily joined 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 16397-2- Testing for metal banded flexible couplings for? 

BS EN 16397-2 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 16397-2- Testing for metal banded flexible couplings? 

BS EN 16397-2 defines metal banded flexible coupling as moulded or extruded and joined rubber sleeve, with or without bushes or shear band, with adjustable stainless steel clamping bands by which it is secured to the pipe ends.  

BS EN 16397-2 covers best industry guidance on product characteristics such as materials, dimensional tolerances along test methods to demonstrate the performance of flexible couplings. The tests include clamping band assembly torque tests and clamping and shear band fixing strength tests. Moreover, type tests and guidance on AVCP is also covered, for manufacturers to verify and establish conformity to the requirements. 

Overall, if you are a manufacturer of metal banded flexible couplings, adaptors and bushes, compliance with BS EN 16397-2 can ensure your products are fit for purpose and are free from defects that would impair their function when in service.