It is generally desirable that adjacent pipe ends do not make contact with each other in service. If there is insufficient gap, particularly on above ground pipes, the pipeline will tend to buckle as temperatures increase. We recommend maximum safe accumulated gaps which should not be exceeded in service. Also given are recommended setting gaps which allow for expansion and contraction or angularity in service.

Consideration of actual temperature movement or deflection conditions may lead to different initial setting gaps.

Where locating plugs are used, the setting gap should be increased by 9,5mm for sizes up to 324mm OD and 12,5mm for sizes above 324mm OD to avoid contact with the plugs.