Manufacture of valves and fittings, Conex Bänninger, has been at the forefront of promoting the benefits of press-fit fittings for more than a decade. Lee Nicholas, National Key Account Manager, outlines why installers are moving over to press-fit technology.
Whilst there is clearly a place for brazing, there are various factors that have attracted so many installers to adopt press-fit. Newcomers can quickly learn this system in a single training session, whereas welding is a skill that can take longer in which to become proficient.
Using press-fit speeds up installation time – saving both time and money and requires less preparation time than hot-works, which needs the pipes to be dry, flux to be applied and, once the joints are heated, time allowed for them to cool.
From an aesthetic point of view, press-fit joints are uniform and reliable and can be installed in tighter spaces and within occupied buildings where hot-works could prove disruptive.
Health and safety
With ever tighter health and safety regulations, hot works is viewed as a fire risk, and its use is increasingly restricted in cities across the UK. Press-fit helps reduce on-site disruption – as its flame-free and doesn’t need gas bottles or consumables to be moved around. Press-fit can be used within public sector areas such as hospitals or airports, where flammable materials maybe stored.
Companies undertaking hot-works face higher insurance premiums, as well as additional costs for the purchase of such items like flux and gas bottles and incurring extra labour costs for post fire watch activity.
In summary, press-fit is a clean, fast and efficient way of joining pipes and, being flame-free, can be safely used and suitable for many applications.
The Conex Bänninger press-fit family can be used in a wide variety of applications.
>B< Press
Conex Bänninger introduced its flame-free copper >B< Press fittings range in 1999 and expanded the press system with the addition of an ‘un-pressed joint indicator’ feature in 2007. This versatile press fitting ensures a secure, permanent and leak-proof joint, suitable for multiple applications – including for drinking water, heating systems, hot and cold water, and gas.
Available in sizes from 12 to 54mm, >B< Press is compatible with a range of press tools and jaws. WRAS approved, it comprises a secure and permanent 3-point press and has an operating pressure of 16 bar at temperatures of up to 110°C.
>B< Press XL
>B< Press XL delivers the same trusted advantages as >B< Press including ease and speed of installation, flame-free, and compatibility with threaded connections. It is available in sizes from 64 to 108mm, and is suitable for use with hard, half-hard, and soft copper tubes compliant with EN 1057.
It only has two internal parts: the stainless-steel grip ring for additional strength and the seal. Both parts have an internal diameter larger than the tube, which allows for easy tube insertion and pre-press leak indicator.
With a larger internal fitting diameter, water can pass through more easily, creating a visible leak path during low-pressure testing from 0.1 to 6.0 bar.
>B< Press Gas
>B< Press Gas is designed to provide a safe and secure fitting for various gas, oil and compressed air applications.
Manufactured in sizes from 15 to 54mm and available in copper and red brass, it is quick and simple to install.
Compatible with various press tools and jaws, this flame-free product has a 3-point press to ensure each joint is leak free, secure and permanent. >B< Press Gas has a high-quality O-Ring material which forms a secure leak free joint when pressed.
Manufactured and designed to BS 8537 copper tube fittings, it is suitable for use with hard, half-hard and soft copper tubes to EN 1057. It is designed for water pressure up to 16 bar and temperature ranges of -35°C to 110°C.
>B< Press Solar
>B< Press Solar fittings are suited to solar systems with vacuum and high vacuum tube panels, as well as district heating systems with continuous temperatures above 100°C.
Flame-free and designed to be easy to install, the range is available in copper and red brass fittings in sizes from 15 to 28mm. It incorporates the innovative 3-point press with its leading-edge design it ensures the chances of damaging the O-Rings are reduced during installation.
>B< Press Solar fittings are manufactured and designed to BS EN 8537 for copper tube fittings and meet solar pressure up to 10 bar and operating temperature ranges of -15°C to 140°C. with short term excursions to 230°C (glycol : water 50:50).
>B< Press Inox
>B< Press Inox 316L is a quick and simple to install flame-free fitting made from hygienic stainless-steel material, and suitable for multiple applications.
A 3-point press fitting ensures a leak-free, secure and permanent joint; and a specially designed EPDM O-Ring makes >B< Press Inox suitable for HVAC, and hot and cold drinking water applications.
Available in sizes from 15 to 54mm, >B< Press Inox is WRAS approved, and can be used with water press up to 16 bar and used in temperature ranges of -35°C to 110°C.
Conex Bänninger also produce >B< Press Inox XL, which is available in sizes from 64mm to 108mm and in M-profile.
All Conex Bänninger products below come with a 25-year guarantee when professionally installed.
Image: Conex Bänninger
