Conex
Bänninger is to introduce an upgraded version of its innovative >B< Press
XL press fit system into the UK market.
The
>B< Press XL fittings feature a stainless steel internal grip ring for
increased joint security and a longer lifespan.
They
are among the largest fittings the company manufactures and are designed for
use in commercial and other major pipework systems that carry large quantities
of water at pressures up to 16 bar.
Approved
for use in temperatures ranging from -35ºC to 110ºC, typical locations are the
dry and wet risers in high rise office blocks and apartments, schools,
hospitals and factories.
Dan
Wild, UK Business Unit Director, UK and Ireland, said: “This will take the XL
system to an entirely new level and the grip ring sets it apart from other
products on the market.
“As
well as being much quicker and safer to install than a brazed joint, the grip
ring and O-ring give added leak-free permanence and a greater longevity.”
As
a flame-free press joint no hot works permit is required, so there’s no need to
carry heavy gas bottles on site and work can be carried out with little or no
disruption to people working or living in the premises. The range will be
available in sizes from 67mm to 108mm and applications are drinking water,
heating water (non-solar) and chilled water. >B< Press XL is WRAS and
Kitemark approved and is accredited to EN ISO 9001.
Extensively
tested, it comes with a 25-year warranty when fitted to manufacturer’s
guidelines (terms and conditions apply). For the largest fitting, if a braze
joint was used it could take more than an hourand-a-half to solder, whereas
with the crimp, or press fitting, once initial preparation is carried out, the
installation can be completed in seconds using the appropriate press tool and
jaws. The previous XL version had a two-point crimp to make the joint. The new
XL has a triple-point seal.
Dan
explained: “Both the grip ring and the O-ring have an internal diameter larger
than the tube being inserted into the joint.
“The
design of the O-ring and equally spaced collapse zones on the grip ring ensure
that the seal compression between tube and fitting is even after pressing. As a
result, the seal security and longevity are increased.”
The
new >B< Press XL range is manufactured in copper and has the added
benefits of anti-microbial properties and reduced weight to help handling on
site.
Dan
concluded: “We are confident the new, improved XL is going to make a big impact
in the UK. While some consultants have been reticent up to now to use crimp
fittings on larger diameter pipe, we believe our new technology will help them
to get to grips with the idea.
“For
merchants, they will have a better product to stock, while contractors and
engineers will benefit from the opportunity to increase their productivity
thanks to the quicker, easier installation that press fitting offers.”
