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Uncategorized

HOW TO WORK WITH MEGAPRESS

February 23, 2022 by Near North Supply

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for full article.

Viega’s MegaPress system has revolutionized plumbing and pipefitting.

With its versatility, hundreds of applications and configurations up to 4″, MegaPress makes projects safer, faster and more efficient for contractors.

With fittings in carbon steel, multiple stainless steels and marine alloys, MegaPress is approved for more applications than any other pressing system. Because the line is so comprehensive and versatile, a lot of contractors are familiar with only a few aspects of MegaPress and might have questions about other applications or features. To check out all approved applications for MegaPress, view Viega’s full applications chart here.

Benefits and applications of MegaPress

MegaPress is faster, safer and more secure than traditional methods of joining pipe. It takes under 10 seconds, on average, per press connection. And because there’s no heat or flame, it’s safer, appropriate for more jobsites and doesn’t require a fire watch.

MegaPress can be installed under almost any conditions and without having to drain the entire system. Its speed and versatility save hours of labor and allow for more accurate estimating.

MegaPress is approved for more than 800 applications, everything from fuel oil and compressed air to water and steam. But just because you don’t see a specific application listed on our spec sheets, doesn’t mean you can’t use MegaPress. If you don’t see the medium or application in which you’re interested, contact Tech Support. Chances are we’ll be able to answer the question right away; if not, we’ll research it and get back to you.

The difference between ProPress and MegaPress fittings. ProPress is for copper and stainless steel. When we talk about ProPress, we are using the Viega trademark name for Copper Tube Size (CTS) press technology. MegaPress is used on Iron Pipe Size (IPS) systems like carbon steel, galvanized, and stainless steel applications.

Also, there is more than one type of MegaPress. Here’s a breakdown:

MegaPress

  • For use with Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe
  • More than 150 configurations from ½” to 2″
  • 3-piece ball valves with stainless ball

MegaPressG

  • For use with Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe
  • HBNR sealing element approved for use in gas and fuel oil applications
  • Over 200 configurations from ½” to 4″
  • Ball valves up to 2” are available in 4 connection configurations including built-in union
  • Approved for underground applications in accordance with code and local AHJ

MegaPress FKM

  • For use with Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe
  • FKM sealing element for installation in higher temperature applications
  • More than 200 configurations from ½” to 4″
  • 3-piece ball valves with blowout-proof stem and stainless ball
  • For use in hydronic heating, compressed air, fire protection, cooling water

MegaPress Stainless

  • 304 and 316 IPS stainless steel alloys available
  • For use with Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe
  • MegaPress Stainless 316 comes with EPDM (NSF certified) or FKM sealing elements
  • 3-piece ball valves for both alloys

 

More on MegaPressG

We get a lot of questions about MegaPressG, the newest addition to the MegaPress systems. Contractors want to know how it can be used and how it’s different from MegaPress.

MegaPressG is specifically engineered for heat, oil and chemical exposure and is the first fitting approved for connecting gas pipe up to 4″. It’s a carbon steel alloy with corrosion-resistant zinc nickel coating, an HNBR sealing element and a graphite separator ring engineered to withstand high temperatures. It’s available in sizes and configurations from ½” to 4″ and approved for underground use according to local codes.

For more information on MegaPressG and how to alleviate deflection, watch Viega’s Tech Talk Live.

WATCH NOW

 

MegaPress and steam

MegaPress is rated for low-pressure steam, up to 15 psi with an FKM sealing element and up to 5 psi with an EPDM sealing element.

When using MegaPress for steam, it’s important to use the correct materials for the different parts of the system. Many steam systems use Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe for distribution and thicker Schedule 80 for condensate return to fight corrosion and pinhole leaks (unless stainless steel is used for the return).

MegaPress fittings are designed for Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 pipe. We don’t recommend using MegaPress carbon steel for use with Schedule 80 on steam condensate return. It’s better to use MegaPress stainless to better withstand corrosion.

 

Steel or copper for steam?

Some contractors insist you should never use copper for steam and steam condensate piping systems. It expands too much, they say since copper expands about 50% more than steel. As steam moves through a system at high speed, coupled with constant temperature fluctuations between cycles, it causes the copper to expand and contract. This torsion on soldered joints can cause them to leak. Stainless steel expands at about the same rate as copper but the connections are typically more stable.

We agree that steel pipe is stronger and the preferred material for steam. However, that doesn’t mean copper can’t work in low-pressure applications.

The key is using ProPress copper fittings rather than soldered copper fittings. ProPress fittings are better able to absorb the torsion caused by expansion and can even act as swing joints in the system.

 

MegaPress sealing elements

We offer three different MegaPress sealing elements to cover the maximum number of applications. Here’s a breakdown of the three types and their uses:

EPDM:

Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM) is a synthetic, cured all-purpose elastomer that offers excellent resistance to chemicals and other harsh environmental conditions. With operating temperatures from 0°F to 250°F, EPDM is suitable for any non-potable water application (hot water included), as well as compressed air, technical gases, non-medical oxygen and ketones. Each EPDM fitting is marked with a green dot. MegaPress EPDM has more than 13 pre-approved applications.

For more information on EPDM watch Viega’s Tech Talk Live.

WATCH NOW

 

HNBR

Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) is a specialty-purpose elastomer optimized for heat, oil and chemical exposure. These are primarily geared toward gas applications, from natural and propane to mixed and manufactured gases, along with oils and lubricants. Each HBNR fitting is marked with a yellow dot and is approved for temperature ranges from -40-180F.

FKM

Fluoroelastomer (FKM) is a specialty-purpose elastomer with excellent resistance to chemicals. It’s the most versatile of the sealing elements with more than 800 approved applications and is rated for 14°F to 284°F with spikes up to 356°F for 24 hours. These qualities make the FKM sealing element suitable for industrial environments with harsh, corrosive conditions. Each FKM fitting is marked with a white dot.

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for full article.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

7 Ways Pressing is Better than Soldering

August 18, 2021 by Near North Supply

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for the original article.

“What’s wrong with soldering?”

We hear that question a lot. And there’s nothing wrong with soldering or “sweating” copper pipe. It’s reliable, relatively easy to learn and every plumbing contractor should know how to do it. But it’s not the best way to join copper pipe — pressing with ProPress is. Here are seven reasons why:

1. Pressing is safer than soldering.

The primary disadvantage – and danger – of soldering is that it requires heat and an open flame. Whether it’s new construction, remodeling or repair, using a flame introduces an element of risk to people and property and requires additional safety precautions, including, sometimes, a fire watch.

A National Fire Protection Association report examined U.S. structure fires caused by hot work from 2014-18. It found that soldering equipment was responsible for 18% of fires caused by hot work.

No flame means no need for a fire watch or to pull a permit for hot work. That saves time and money. And pressing is safe to use in situations where the risk of a fire or explosion is so great that it’s extremely dangerous or impossible to do hot work, like in hospitals, oil refineries, chemical plants, etc. In those cases, pressing is the only safe solution.

2. Pressing is faster than soldering.

Even when done by the most skilled contractor, soldering is slow, taking several minutes per joint. The prep, including application of flux and readying the pipe, is time-consuming.

Pressing does not take as much preparation and, regardless of the size and material of the pipe or tubing, can be done in as little as a few seconds per joint. On larger jobs, pressing saves hours and even days – which saves money.

3. Pressing is more accurate than soldering.

Cut the pipe, attach the fitting and press the trigger. That’s pressing in a nutshell. The pipes do not have to be thoroughly cleaned, like they do in soldering, and there is no flux or solder involved. Pressing depends less on the individual contractor’s skill and experience to be done correctly.

4. Pressing can be done wet.

Soldering can’t be done on pipes if water is running through them. That means having to turn off the water at a dedicated valve or at the main, then draining the system before soldering. All of that takes additional time and creates a mess.

Pressing can be done without turning off the water, which saves time and cleanup and minimizes downtime.

5. Soldering doesn’t have Smart Connect.

Viega’s Smart Connect technology makes it easy for contractors to identify unpressed connections during testing. There’s no way to do that with a soldered joint.

6. Pressing looks better than soldering.

No matter how skilled the contractor, soldering leaves residue on the pipe. While looks are secondary to performance, contractors take pride in their installations. A pressed connection will always look better than a soldered one.

7. Pressing requires less equipment than soldering.

A deburring tool, a press tool and fittings are all that’s needed to press. Soldering requires a torch, fire cloth, sanding cloth, flux, solder, fitting brush, spray bottle and fire extinguisher.

So, while there is nothing wrong with soldering, pressing beats it in these seven ways.

 

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for the original article.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Connecting the Dots on Sealing Elements

August 18, 2021 by Near North Supply

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for the original article.

Those dots on our ProPress and MegaPress fittings aren’t for decoration.

They indicate that the fitting has Smart Connect technology, and in metal fittings, the color of the dot designates which of three different sealing elements is in the fitting. Each has its own applications and specifications:

Green dot – This specifies a fitting with an EPDM sealing element. EPDM (or ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber) is a synthetic, cured, all-purpose elastomer with excellent resistance to chemicals and other harsh environmental conditions. With operating temperatures from 0℉ to 250℉, it is suitable for any type of water application (hot water included), as well as compressed air. On a PureFlow fitting (which doesn’t have a sealing element), a green dot simply indicates the presence of Smart Connect technology.

White dot – This specifies a fitting with an FKM sealing element. FKM is a specialty-purpose fluoroelastomer. In combination with excellent resistance to chemicals and environmental influences, it is resistant to extreme spikes in temperatures (up to 356℉) for 24 hours or less. These qualities make it suitable for industrial environments with harsh, corrosive conditions.

Yellow dot – This specifies a fitting with an HNBR sealing element. HNBR (or hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber) is a specialty-purpose elastomer with a great deal of strength and retention in the face of heat, oil and chemical exposure. HNBR sealing elements are primarily geared toward fuel gas applications, from natural and propane to mixed and manufactured gases, along with oils and lubricants.

In addition to the fittings, the dots can be found on the bags for easy identification at a distributorship, along with colored bags (clear for EPDM, yellow for HNBR and orange for FKM). Installing a fitting with the incorrect sealing element for the application can shorten the life of the sealing element.

Difference between sealing elements and O-rings

Don’t confuse sealing elements with O-rings, which look similar and perform similar functions.

The primary difference between the two is in their longevity and how they’re used. O-rings are installed as a dynamic seal; so that the O-ring can move with the assembly it is installed in, like a washer-less faucet.

Sealing elements are installed as a static seal, so that the element never moves once pressed.

Because O-rings move, they are subject to friction. As a result, they wear out and must be replaced. Assemblies with O-rings are specifically designed to be taken apart so that the O-rings can be replaced. The frequency of replacement depends on the application, material, degree of movement and use.

By contrast, sealing elements in press fittings do not suffer the same wear and tear and do not have to be replaced. They are permanent once pressed and designed to outlast the fitting they are installed in.

At Viega, we are equally confident in the quality of our sealing elements and our fittings. Operating within our approved conditions, our sealing elements have an expected life span beyond that of the warranty period for each product line. For example, our standard ProPress fittings are backed by a 50-year warranty. We stand behind the ability of our sealing elements to meet these same demands.

 

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for the original article.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Pipe Tape vs Pipe Dope

June 23, 2021 by Near North Supply

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for original article.

There are deep divides in American society, fundamental differences about the proper way to do things. And when these differences of opinion flare up, it’s hard to find middle ground for compromise.

No, we’re not talking politics. We mean important things like Ford vs Chevy, chocolate vs vanilla and the proper way to hang a roll of toilet paper.

And in the plumbing trade you can add the controversy over tape vs pipe dope on threads.

Should you use tape? Should you use dope? Should you use both? And if it’s both, which goes on first?

Viega Managers of Technical Training/master plumbers Bo DeAngelo and Troy Locke waded into this subject on a recent episode of Viega TechTalk LIVE. Being open-minded, they realized the answer depends on whom you ask and their opinion will depend on who taught them.

That’s because contractors tend to stick with the method they’re taught (if it works) and since the above methods all work, it’s nearly impossible to convince someone to try a different way.

While that’s understandable, it’s not the best approach. Pipe compound and tape are both great products, but there’s no reason to have a blind loyalty to either.

It’s better and safer to use what’s best for each situation.

For example, when using pipe dope, it should be appropriate for the material and the medium being carried by the pipe. That’s why contractors shouldn’t have just one jar of dope in the truck for all jobs. Different types are better for different jobs. To be used on a pipe carrying potable water, a sealant must be NSF certified for that use. Others are better for fuel applications. Read the label.

Another example: thread cord or tape is great for situations where the pipe is carrying a glycol solution, like in solar panel installations or heating systems, but the cord should be used with the appropriate Teflon-based lubricant.

And there are some instances, like in ground joint unions, where neither tape nor dope is necessary, but lubrication of the ground face is required.

The lesson is to not be blindly loyal to one method, but to familiarize yourself with the appropriate uses for each and use what’s best for each application.

 

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for original article.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to use MegaPress fittings for steam

April 14, 2021 by Near North Supply

 

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for original article.

We get a lot of questions about using MegaPress and ProPress in steam applications so we thought we’d address some of the most common ones. While both MegaPress and ProPress are approved for use in low-pressure applications, there are differences in how they should be used.

Sealing elements to look for

Viega offers two types of factory-installed sealing elements in its MegaPress carbon steel fittings for steam pipes: EPDM and FKM.

Fittings with an EPDM sealing element are marked with a green dot and are approved for residential applications up to 5 psi or approximately 227°F on a steam saturation chart.

Fittings with an FKM sealing element are marked with a white dot and are approved for low pressure applications up to 15 psi or approximately 250°F on a steam saturation chart.

Is steel or copper better for steam applications?

There is a bias against using copper piping in steam applications. The reason is that steam moving through the system at a high speed, coupled with constant temperature fluctuations between cycles, can cause the pipe to expand and contract. This torsion on soldered joints can cause them to leak.

However, ProPress copper fittings are better able to absorb the torsion and can even act as swing joints in the system. So ProPress copper fittings are a better option for steam systems than soldered copper fittings.

That said, we do recommend steel fittings as they are stronger.

MegaPress and schedule 80

Many steam systems use schedule 40 pipe for distribution and schedule 80 pipe for condensate return. Here’s why: Condensate piping is used to remove condensate from steam-heated vessels, ideally for recovery and re-use in boiler feedwater. Because condensate can contain carbonic acid and other corrosive elements, condensate piping is susceptible to corrosion and pinhole leaks. That’s why stainless steel is the preferred material and will deliver a longer life.

However, if less expensive carbon steel piping is chosen, schedule 80 pipe should be used because its thicker walls will prolong the life of the pipe.

MegaPress fittings are designed for schedule 5 to schedule 40 pipe. Steam condensate return piping with MegaPress carbon steel Is not recommended for use with schedule 80. MegaPress stainless is preferred in those situations.

Some steam systems will mix materials, using carbon steel for distribution and stainless steel for condensate return. In those systems, MegaPress fittings can be used with steam traps to make the transition from carbon steel to stainless steel. A MegaPress carbon fitting is used at the steam trap intake while a MegaPress stainless fitting is used for the outflow.

As anyone who’s ever done it can tell you, steam fitting is tricky. Using MegaPress and ProPress fittings with a single tooling platform can simplify things while delivering safe, secure and long-lasting connections.

Here’s an example of MegaPress being used for steam in a Brooklyn apartment complex.

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for original article.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Why Pressing is Safer in Confined Spaces

January 12, 2021 by Near North Supply

 

Reposted from Viega. Click here for original article.

Fire needs three things to occur: oxygen, fuel, and ignition. Remove any element of the “fire triangle” and combustion is impossible.

Oxygen is a given in just about any circumstance in which a plumbing contractor is likely to be working. Fuel is also likely to be present in the form of wood, other building materials, flammable liquids and gases, or in some other form.

That leaves ignition as the element that can most easily be controlled. And that’s one reason why pressing is better than soldering, particularly in confined spaces.

Soldering in tight quarters, like inside a wall or a plenum space, requires manipulating an air/acetylene torch with a 1700 °F flame while keeping it away from anything that might burn. It’s easy for accidents to occur.

According to a National Fire Protection Association report, soldering equipment caused 650 fires in the U.S. from 2013-17, resulting in two deaths, 27 injuries and $30 million in property damage. The figures for welding torches in the same period were 640 fires, three deaths, 27 injuries and $35 million in damages.

Using a press tool and some swiveling rings eliminates the need for flame in a confined space. And as a bonus, it’s also faster.

If fire does break out in a confined space, like an attic or crawlspace, it can be difficult for the contractor to exit safely in time. Working with a flame sometimes requires another worker to stand fire watch. Plus, when working in confined spaces, a safety watch is usually required. While necessary, those are added expenses, plus it might mean pulling a worker off another part of the job. Reducing the time spent in these conditions is an inherent benefit of press. A safety watchperson might still be required, but quicker completion means less impact on cost. Reducing time in confined spaces also reduces worker risk.

Of course, there are some places where the risk of a fire or explosion are so great that it’s extremely dangerous or impossible to use a flame, like in hospitals, oil refineries, chemical plants, etc. In those cases, pressing is the only safe solution.

When a safer, faster alternative like pressing is available, working with flame poses an unnecessary risk.

 

Reposted from Viega. Click here for original article.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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