10 02/18 4) Apply a very thin coat of silicone lubricant to the steel pipe bevel and machine surface, back to the rubber end seal. It is not necessary to apply lubricant to the rings. Also apply a thin coating of lubricant to the rubber end seal fins so they will easily slide inside the coupling. Do not use any lubricant except that supplied by Thermal Pipe Systems, Inc. 5) Immediately following the application of the lubricant, start the coupling on the lubricated pipe end by hand. Insert a thin wire to depress the end seal fins and allow air to escape at this point. Hold the coupling straight and push it with a bar and a wooden block until the coupling "homes" against the rubber flange. It is imperative the coupling be maintained straight-not cocked or crooked-while it is being pushed home on the pipe, to prevent damage to the joint. When joint is complete, remove wire. 6) In larger sizes it will be necessary to assemble the pipe with a lever puller or "come-along". It can be used to pull the coupling onto the pipe, in which case it pulls against the coupling. It can also be used to pull the pipe into a coupling on an installed length. TESTING: All carrier pipe joints shall be tested in accordance with the contract specifications. If no test is specified, it should consist of a hydrostatic test of 150 psi or 1 ½ times working pressure, whichever is greater, for a period of two hours. BACKFILLING: Backfilling of trenches shall progress as rapidly as construction, testing, and acceptance of work permits. Uniformly compact and grade bottom of trenches. After installation of bedding material and pipe, place backfill as follows: place initial backfill by hand to a depth of 12 inches over the top of pipe or casing. Compact the material to a density equivalent to the surrounding undisturbed soil or to 90 percent of maximum density (ASTM D1557, Method D), whichever is greater. Backfill remainder of trench in one-foot lifts and compact as above. For trenches excavated in roads, streets, or located under structures, place backfill in 6-inch layers to top of trench and compact each layer to at least 95 percent maximum density (ASTM D1557, Method D). FLANGED JOINTS: Flanged joints shall be faced true, provided with gaskets, and made perfectly square and tight. THRUST BLOCKS: Thrust blocks must be installed wherever the pipeline changes direction as at tees and elbows, changes size as at reducers and tees, stops as a dead end, or develops thrust as at a valve or similar equipment. The above situations may occur either where the fittings, dead ends, or valves, are directly buried in the soil, or are in a manhole.