Raychen Corporation — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1PI-73-0118 October 31, 1973 Mr. Joe C. Underwood Area Manager, Raychen Corporation Redman Plaza East 2550 Walnut Hill Lane Suite 162 Dallas, TX 75229 Dear Mr. Underwood: In your letter of September 28, 1973, you requested a letter stating the position of the Department of Transportation regarding the use of Raychem’s GRS method of sealing leaking bell and spigot joints on cast iron piping. The Office of Pipeline Safety neither endorses proprietary products nor conducts tests to determine acceptability under Department of Transportation standards. Our regulations, which are written in performance type language rather than detailed specifications, prescribe the safety goal to be achieved while allowing the pipeline operator flexibility in choosing the best methods to achieve this goal. Based on your meeting with Hessrs, Paul Cory and Lance Heverly of our staff, this product appears to be similar to others that must be capable of providing the sealing characteristics of Section 192.753, Title 49 CFR; and it must meet the requirements of Section 192.53 for materials for pipe and components. The gas operator must be able to demonstrate that compliance has been proven by appropriate qualification test for the operating pressures and conditions anticipated. Such testing may be done by the operator, the manufacturer, or other interested parties. If we may assist further in this matter, please let us know. Sincerely, Joseph C. Caldwell Director Office of Pipeline Safety#