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 | | BACKGROUND INFORMATION PRESS CONNECTION SUPPLY SYSTEMS | | | GEBERIT Ltd | | 25/10/2006 | | | What is `pressing'?
Pressing is an innovative pipe connection technique that saves time and cuts costs. A quick and reliable connection is made through the standard and controlled deformation of the pipe and fitting without using any hot works. This positive and frictional connection offers a permanent join. The pressing profile and the distance the pipe is inserted into the fitting give the connection its mechanical strength, while the sectional deformation of the seal rings ensures a permanently tight joint.
How does it work?
The connection is made by pushing the prepared pipe a defined distance into the press fitting, then pressing pipe and fitting with an appropriate tool. This causes the controlled deformation in two planes. The deformation of press fitting and pipe in the first plane provides mechanical strength, and the deformation of the section of the resilient seal ring in the second plane ensures a permanently tight joint. It is important to ensure that this controlled deformation actually occurs. Geberit for example, is the only manufacturer to have designed its seal ring to leak in a specific fashion if the connection has not been pressed. In addition, it's the only manufacturer that guarantees its seal ring is deformed in a set standard manner every single time. Press connection really couldn't be faster or easier. Just measure, cut, deburr and press and the job is done.
What are the advantages of `pressing' as a connection method?
Not only is pressing simple it is also a very fast, compared to conventional connection methods. This means press connection represents economic benefits - the more jobs that can completed in a day, the more profitable a business. A further benefit of pressing is there is no longer any need to work with potentially dangerous and messy soldering and welding techniques and the system doesn't have to be dry. In addition, the technique is quickly learnt and offers a consistent connection quality, meaning that you no longer get those Friday afternoon connections!
What kind of tools do you need?
There are just three tools required for the job: pipecutter, shaper and press connector. The press connector is comprised of a pressing unit, with matching jaws and collars, and adaptors. Depending on the size of the pipe the connection is pressed with either a jaws or a collar, which give different profiles. The jaws, for pipe ODs from 12-35mm, produce hexagonal profiles. While pipe ODs from 42-108mm require the higher deformation forces that are produced by a pressing collar which gives a lemon shaped profile. There are many press connector tools on the market, including manual, mechanical and electrical versions. However, Geberit recommends that you use the pressing tools, associated with the pressfitting manufacturer you have chosen. This is because the pressing profiles of the jaws and collars will exactly match the pressfitting geometry and therefore ensure the connection is made correctly. Geberit pressfitting tools are manufactured by novoPress, the leading manufacturer.
Are there different types of seal rings?
Yes, the grade of the seal ring must meet the requirement of the medium to be carried. There are seal rings for standard water supply and heating applications, as well as seals suitable for aggressive fluids, gas, and extremely high temperatures for solar applications.
Geberit seal rings:
-EPDM, Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer-rubber, black (Mepla)
-CIIR, Chloro-Isobutene-Isoprene-(butyl) rubber, black, standard seal ring for mapress fitting for working temperatures -30 to +120°C and pressures up to 16 bar - FPM fluorocarbon rubber, red, for aggressive fluids, fuels and oils
-FPM fluorocarbon rubber, green for solar
-FEPM Tetrafluorethylene-propylene-copolymere-rubber (modified fluor rubber), light green for saturated steam systems
-NBR, Acrylnitrile-butadiene-rubber (nitrilic rubber), brown - yellow for gas systems
When was pressing developed?
The Swedish Engineer Gunnar Larson invented the pressfitting method at the end of the 50's. It was slow to gain initial acceptance, since the trade was reluctant to trust a method of connection that did not involve heat. Soldered, welded and screwed pipe connections were accepted practice at the time. Eventually in 1963 the first heating system using copper press fittings was installed in a house in Sweden. In the same year he also gained approval to use copper press fittings for installing water supply systems.
In 1967 Kronprinz AG, a subsidiary of Mannesmann one of the leading German manufacturers of welded precision steel pipes at the time, recognised the advantages of the technology and decided to develop the technology in Germany. By 1969 the newly established Mannesmann PressFitting GmbH (Mapress) facilities in Langenfeld began manufacturing and marketing steel pressfittings and pipes. The certification of Stainless Steel Mapress pressfittings in 1986 for the installation of water supply systems represented a decisive breakthrough for the company and signalled the start of the widespread use of pressfitting as a connection method. In 2003 Geberit acquired Mapress Holding GmbH in Langenfeld, Germany for 372.5 million Euros. | |
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