Dresser Style 38 Bolted Coupling

Flexible Pipeline Repair & Connection Solution — Water, Wastewater & Industrial Piping

Overview

The Dresser Style 38 is a bolted mechanical coupling engineered for flexible, leakproof connections on steel pipe in water, wastewater, and industrial piping systems. No threading, beveling, or precise pipe alignment required — installs with standard wrenches only. The resilient gasket design absorbs vibration, accommodates pipe movement, and allows angular deflection, enabling curves to be laid using straight pipe lengths without bends or elbows. Compliant with AWWA C219.

Key Advantages

• No threading, beveling, or exact alignment required — installs with standard wrenches only
• Resilient gaskets absorb vibration and accommodate thermal pipe movement
• Permits angular deflection — curves can be laid with straight pipe, reducing fittings cost
• Available 1/2" ID through 400"+ OD — one product line for virtually any application
• Fusion-bonded epoxy coating standard — superior corrosion protection in buried and submerged service
• Available in all-stainless steel (Type 304 or 316) for highly corrosive service conditions
• Multiple gasket compounds for compatibility with a wide range of media
• AWWA C219 compliant — NSF 61 and NSF 372 certified (Grade 27 and EPDM configurations)

Materials of Construction

• Followers (1/2" – 1-1/2"): Ductile Iron or Malleable Iron
• Followers (2" and larger): AISI C1012 or ASME SA36 Steel — single-piece thru 12"; 2-piece bar follower for larger sizes
• Middle Ring: ASTM A513, ASTM A635, or ASME SA675 Grade 60 Steel
• Bolts: AWWA C111 / ANSI A21.11 — E-coated steel standard; Type 316 SS optional
• Gasket (Standard): Grade 27 Buna-S
• Coating: Fusion-bonded epoxy standard

Gasket Material Options

• Grade 27 Buna-S (Standard): General water and wastewater service
• Grade 42 Buna-N: Petroleum products, oils and hydrocarbons
• Fluorocarbon (Viton): Aggressive chemicals and high-temperature fluids
• Butyl: Gases, chlorinated water and ozone service
• EPDM: Potable water — NSF 61 and NSF 372 certified; UV and ozone resistant
• High-Temperature: Service up to 1,200°F

Stainless Steel Option

Available in all-stainless steel for highly corrosive service. Middle rings: Type 316 SS (ASTM A240, No. 1 mill finish) with optional A380 Pickle and Passivation finish. Followers: Type 316 SS only. Bolts and nuts: Type 316 with Xylan-coated nuts. Meets AWWA C219.

Sizes and Specifications — Steel Pipe (1/2" – 12")

Dimension L taken with fasteners finger tight. Working pressures per Barlow's formula at 1/2 minimum yield. Contact us for sizes beyond 12" up to 400"+ OD.

Angular Deflection Per Coupling

Pipe end must remain past end of gasket by minimum 1 inch after deflection.

Applicable Standards

• AWWA C219 — Bolted Sleeve-Type Couplings for Plain-End Pipe
• ASTM A513, A635 — Middle ring steel specifications
• AWWA C111 / ANSI A21.11 — Bolt specifications
• NSF 61 and NSF 372 — Certified for Grade 27 and EPDM gasket configurations

Installation — Step by Step

No special tools required beyond a torque wrench and basic hand tools.

1. Pipe End Preparation: Clean all dirt, rust, oil, and loose scale from pipe end. Inspect gasket seating surface — any gouges or grooves must be corrected before assembly.
2. Mark Center Points: Measure back on each pipe end: 1/2 the middle ring length plus 2 inches. Chalk mark both ends to center the coupling over the joint.
3. Position Followers: Slide the follower(s) over the pipe end(s) before assembling any other components.
4. Lubricate: Wipe gaskets clean. Lubricate each gasket, pipe OD, and middle ring flares with soapy water or non-petroleum lubricant. Use antifreeze in freezing weather.
5. Assemble Middle Ring: Slide lubricated gaskets over each pipe end, then assemble the middle ring onto one pipe end.
6. Join Pipe Ends: Stab second pipe end into middle ring. Center between chalk marks. Pipe end must extend past end of gasket by minimum 1 inch after any angular deflection.
7. Install Fasteners: Install all bolts and hex nuts. Draw up finger tight before torquing.
8. Torque Sequence: Tighten nuts on opposite sides in a cross-pattern, drawing followers up evenly. Do not fully torque one side before the other.

Torque Specifications

Important: For single-gasket products, reduce all torque values by one-half. Stainless steel bolts must be lubricated before installation to prevent thread galling.

Questions?
Call 281.664.8000 or email sales@watermainsupply.com