Frequently asked questions about McWane International products: valves, hydrants, pipe, fittings, soil pipe, and drainage products.

Click on a Frequently asked question below to open a new window with the answer, or scroll down the page to the answer.

 

     
       
      
        
          
        
         What
        is the difference between C110 Full Body fittings and C153 Compact
        fittings? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is an MJ end? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        does "Wade" mean? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is a monitor hydrant? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        are PN10 and PN16? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is the difference between NRS and OS&Y valves? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is Fabricated Pipe? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is the difference between Bell end and Socket end pipe? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is a Tyton™ Joint? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is ISPM-15 packaging? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is a restrained joint? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What is psi? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What does lb. mean? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is the difference between Cast Iron and Ductile Iron? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is a Storz connection? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is an indicator post? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What
        is the difference between a Bevel Gear and a Spur Gear? 
      
      
        
          
        
         What is a valve box?

What is the difference between C110 Full Body fittings and C153 Compact fittings?

C110 and C153 are ANSI/AWWA specifications for fittings. C110 is the original specification for cast iron fittings. When ductile iron was developed, it had greater strength and toughness, so it was possible to keep the same structural strength with a thinner wall and smaller fitting. This resulted in a new specification, C153 compact fittings, which have thinner walls, are lighter and easier to handle, and usually have a shorter laying length. Flanged fittings are not available in C153. MJ ends are available in both C110 and C153 specifications.

What is an MJ end?

MJ stands for Mechanical Joint and is a compression type of fitting. When the bolts are tightened, two metal pieces are drawn together, which squeezes a rubber gasket that is between them. This compresses the gasket forcing it to press tightly against the pipe and make a seal. An MJ seal is rated for 350 psi for 2" to 24" fittings, and to 250 psi for 30" to 36" fittings.

What does "Wade" mean?

Wade was the original name of the company that developed and sold many of our drainage products. McWane Inc. eventually purchased the company, but we kept the name Wade since it had been associated with quality materials for many years.

What is a monitor hydrant?

A monitor hydrant is used in such places as oil fields, petrochemical plants or other locations that have dangerous or flammable compounds. The monitor hydrant has a special arm which takes an attachment that directs a spray of water without the need for a person to continually be present. It can be turned on and left so that people can leave the area of immediate danger, while the hydrant continues to hose the fire, chemical spill, or other dangerous situation. You can see a photo of one in use on our About Us website page.

What are PN10 and PN16?

PN10 and PN16 specify metric flange measurements (such as bolt circle diameter, bolt hole size, bolt size etc) according to such standards as ISO 7005-1 or DIN 2501. Our standard flanges are defined in the English system (inches) and most will not mate up with metric flanges. Some of our products can have flanges made to PN10 or PN16 specifications so that a connection can be made between our products and metric products (for example, one of our valves with a PN10 flange end can be attached to some metric pipe that also has a PN10 flanged end).

What is the difference between NRS and OS&Y gate valves?

NRS means Non-Rising Stem. OS&Y means Outside Stem and Yoke. In an NRS valve, the stem turns to open and close the gate, but the stem does not move up or down as it turns. In an OS&Y valve, as the stem turns, it moves into or out of the valve, which also moves the gate to open or seal the valve.

What is Fabricated Pipe?

Fabricated pipe is pipe that has been cut to a specific length at the customers' request. A variety of end connections are available.

What is the difference between Bell end and Socket end pipe?

They are the same thing, and the terms are not specific enough to define the pipe. They could be either a push-on joint, or an MJ joint. To save time and questions, a pipe order or request for quote should always state the specific end type, like MJ or Push-on, instead of specifying bell or socket.

What is a Tyton™ Joint?

Tyton™ is the name of a push-on joint. We use Tyton™ joints for 3" -24" pipe, and Fastite™ (another type of push-on joint) for 30" and 36" pipe. This link will take you to the web page of one of our plants that pictures the two joint types with dimensions.

What is ISPM-15 packaging?

ISPM-15 is an international standard for wood packaging. Many countries are concerned about harmful insects living inside the wood on packaging materials, so a standard was created which requires wood packaging materials on all shipments to be specially processed to kill any insects that might be living in the wood. ISPM-15 compliant wood has either been chemically fumigated, or it has been processed at high temperature. There will be a stamp somewhere on an ISPM-15 wood product that certifies that it has been processed. There is a small additional charge for special ISPM-15 packaging materials when a shipment is going to a country with an ISPM-15 requirement.

What is a restrained joint?

A restrained joint is a special type of push-on end connection, which can be locked into place so the joint cannot move or turn. A standard MJ joint can be moved or turned. A restrained joint might be used when crossing a stream for example, so that the stream water does not push the pipe and cause the joint to open.

What is psi?

It means Pounds per Square Inch - it is a measure of pressure used in the US.
1 psi = .068948 bar
1 bar = 14.5 psi

What does lb. mean?

It is an abbreviation for pound - the unit of weight used in the US.
2.2046 pounds = 1 kilogram.

What is the difference between Cast Iron and Ductile Iron?

Ductile Iron is a newer material, created by the addition of magnesium alloy to the molten iron. The result is a stronger iron that is much stronger and harder to break, more corrosion resistant, and machinable.

What is a Storz connection?

Storz is a quick connect type of fitting. It lets a fireman attach a hose that has a Storz end to a hydrant with a simple push and twist instead of screwing it onto a threaded end. Storz connections are options on many of our hydrants.

What is an indicator post?

An indicator post is used in a situation (such as fire protection) where it is important to see quickly if the valve is open or closed. The indicator post has a small window which states either open or closed. The indicator post can be vertical where the valve is below the floor level, or it can be horizontal - a wall post - where the valve is on the other side of a wall. An indicator post can optionally come with a handwheel for opening or closing the valve.

What is the difference between a Bevel Gear and a Spur Gear?

Larger valves are difficult to open without some mechanical help. Bevel gears or spur gears are used in larger valves (such as 18" and larger gate valves) to make it easier to turn the stem and open or close the valve - the gear increases the stem turning leverage. The difference between the two is that a bevel gear is attached so the handle is at right angles to the valve stem. A spur gear continues in the same direction as the valve stem. See the illustration below.