Reposted from Viega. Click here for original article.

Identification letters on PEX can be deceiving, particularly when it comes to selecting tubing.

There are three common types of PEX: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. There is a widespread misperception that the letters refer to grades of quality and that PEX-A is better than PEX-B which is superior to PEX-C.

Not true. The letters are used to identify different manufacturing processes and have nothing to do with quality or performance. All types of PEX must meet the same minimum standards for pressure and temperature ratings, minimum bending radius and pipe wall thickness and ID/OD dimensions. And all types have to comply with the same ASTM F876 and ASTM F877 standards and SDR9 dimensional standards.

Of course, that doesn’t mean all types of PEX are identical. Each has its own characteristics. All PEX is a polyethylene material which has undergone a change in molecular structure using a chemical or physical process to chemically link the polymer chains. Crosslinking of polyethylene improves PEX properties such as temperature, strength, flexibility etc.

PEX-A is created by introducing peroxide into the HDPE before it’s extruded. Per the ASTM Standard F876, PEX-A must be crosslinked to 70% in order to meet the standard for burst pressure.

PEX-B, like Viega PureFlow, is created through the silane process, which is done after the HDPE is extruded into pipe. Per the ASTM standard F876, PEX-B must be crosslinked to at least 65% to meet the standard for burst pressure.

PEX-C achieves cross-linking through electron beam irradiation. Per the ASTM standard F876, PEX-C must be crosslinked to at least 65% to meet the standard for burst pressure. PEX-C is also prone to cracks and kinking.

Viega PureFlow PEX-B tubing has the flexibility characteristics of PEX-A. PureFlow and other PEX-B tubing has a higher bursting pressure than PEX-A. In addition, PureFlow has the highest chlorine and oxidative resistance of the PEX types, making it the more reliable choice for potable water, radiant heating and other applications, especially when recirculation of domestic hot water is required. Viega PureFlow PEX is also extremely durable, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic construction areas.

There also are differences in the fittings for PEX types, but we’ll cover that in another post.

When choosing PEX types, pay attention to the benefits.

 

Reposted from Viega. Click here for original article.

Reposted from BoshartU. Click here for original Article.

Stainless steel is a versatile material that is used in many different applications. The two most common types of stainless steel are austenitic which is highly corrosion resistant and ferritic which is magnetic.

In this blog we are going to break down the basics of what austenitic stainless steel is, the key benefits it provides and where the uses of stainless steel fittings can be most beneficial.

Stainless Steel

All steels have the same basic iron and carbon composition along with nickel, but stainless steel also contains chromium – the alloy that gives stainless steel its well-known corrosion resistance.

Austenitic stainless steel contains high levels of chromium and nickel and low levels of carbon providing a balance of strength, workability and corrosion resistance. The standard stainless steel alloys used in plumbing applications contains between 18-20% chromium and 8-12% nickel, as well as small amounts of carbon 0.08% and manganese 2%. Austenitic stainless steel has the highest corrosion resistance and are the most commonly used type of stainless steel around the world.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Fittings

 

Stainless steel offers a wide range of benefits to the architect and designer of plumbing systems:

Material Benefits

The combining of corrosion resistance with high strength allows the reduction in wall thickness and weight. Stainless steel is resistant to heat and chemical damage. It can withstand very high flow rates – in excess of 40m/s, making it capable to withstand long-term exposure to the elements in almost any environment.

Environmental Benefits

Stainless steel can be used in all types of water, including drinking water in public supply. It has an excellent resistance to the full range of potable waters, including various chloride levels. At the end of its useful life, stainless steel is fully recyclable and retains a higher residual scrap value than ordinary steel.

Economic Benefits

Stainless steel is low maintenance and requires no additional coating, in both indoor and outdoor applications. The expected lifetime of a stainless steel system is more than 50 years, reducing system down time, replacement and maintenance costs over the life of the installation.

Stainless Steel Fitting Applications

With all the benefits that come with stainless steel there are equally just as many applications where these fittings can be utilized. Here are some key beneficial areas:

• Residential & Commercial water systems that are subject to various stresses.
• Commercial & Industrial piping systems that are needing to perform well under the toughest and harshest conditions.
• Industrial Projects for sanitary or highly corrosive applications.

 

 

 

There are a variety of stainless steel fittings on the market, the most common ones are bushings, caps, couplings, crosses, elbows, locknut, plugs, tees, unions and valves. The most commonly used grades are 304 and 316, both are available in a heavy and light pattern option and with a vast size range.

No matter the plumbing situation, there is a stainless steel fitting for the job.

 

Reposted from BoshartU. Click here for original Article.

 

Reposted from BoshartU. Click here for original Article.

Pressure switches are designed to automatically sense when the pressure has changed. They are used widely in the Water Well Industry as they are mainly used in systems that have pressurized liquids.

Most pressure switches have the capability of making field adjustments, but some do not. In this blog, we will cover how to properly adjust a standard pressure switch to ensure the safety of you and your switch. Let’s dive in.

Looking for information about the different components in a Submersible Pump installation? Check out, A Complete Guide of All Submersible Pump Components Ebook.

Cut-In and Cut-Out

All Pressure switches have two operating points known as the cut-in (Reset Point) and cut-out (Trip Point) settings. The cut-in point is for the falling pressure and the cut-out point is for the rising pressure. Every switch also includes a differential or a range based on the cut-in and cut-out points. Both the cut-in and cut-out on most switches can be adjusted if certain applications require that. For example: if the cut-in is 40 PSI and the cut-out is 60 PSI the differential is 20 PSI.

 

Adjustment Tips for a Standard Switch

1. To protect you and your switch, the first thing to do is disconnect the power to the switch from the power supply before you attempt to do any adjustments.

2. After the power is disconnected, measure and write down the distance from the exposed thread from the top of the nut to the top of the stud that you are adjusting. Write it in fractions of an inch or mm, this is in case you need to start over so then you know where you started.

3. The first adjustment you should make is to the cut-in and cut-out settings. Once you have made the desired adjustments to those, you can adjust the differential as a secondary adjustment. As you can see in the picture, the larger nut adjusts the cut-in, the smaller nut adjusts the range.

4. There should be only 3 turn per nut maximum, either up or down each time.

 

Adjusting the Cut-In

In order to increase or decrease the cut-in or the cut-out setting you will need to use a 3/8″ nut driver or socket to adjust the switch, while still maintaining the same differential. To do this, follow the below.

1. Rotate the range nut in a clockwise direction for higher cut-in pressure and counter clockwise for lower cut-in pressure. Note: changing these settings DOES NOT change the differential.

2. As you start to change the cut-in value, the cut-out value will change by the same amount and in the same direction. For an example, if you increase the cut-in pressure by 10 PSI it will also increase the cut-out pressure by 10 PSI, saving you from having to adjust the cut-out value as well.

 

Monitoring is Important

You should then monitor the system closely to ensure the pressure setting is what you desired. Note that the adjustment you make to the pressure switch can only be read after the pump has reached its first adjusted shut off. The next cut-in and cut-off pressure is your new setting.

1. By opening the boiler drain or sediment faucet you can drain the water from the pressure system until the pressure drops below what the current cut-in point is and then the pump turns on.

2. You can then turn the faucet off.

3. The system’s pressure should then be monitored as the pump builds pressure and fills the tank. Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge so that you can identify the exact point that the pump turns off.

4. Lastly, you can repeat adjustments if necessary and continue monitoring for a couple more cycles. Repeat adjustments and monitor until you reach the setting you require.

One thing to keep in mind, when lowering the pressure setting, most bladder tank water systems are designed for the pressure to be 2 PSI below the cut-in point when there is no water in the tank. Another thing to keep in mind is the differential cannot be adjusted beyond the minimum and maximum differential that is published for the switch.

 

Is the Switch Tripping?

If you are finding that the switch is tripping the cut-in pressure is most likely too close to the tank pre-charge. A difference of a minimum of 2-5 PSI is required to ensure the switch won’t trip. For example, if the switch cut-in is 40 PSI then the tank pre-charge should be 35-38 PSI maximum.

Another factor that you should consider is the switches are not individually tested which means if you get a switch that is 30-50 PSI it could possibly be 28-48 PSI. Pressure switches could also stick sometimes, so it could possibly come on 1 or 3 PSI different from one cycle to the next. Ambient pressure can also raise the pre-charge in the tank. These are just somethings to be aware of.

 

Keep these tips and steps in mind the next time you need to make an adjustment on a pressure switch. But keep in mind, adjustment steps may be slightly different from one switch to another depending on whether you have a standard switch or for example a low pressure switch. It is always good to look into what switch you have and research if there are specific steps you should be doing for that switch

 

Reposted from Viega. Click here for original article.

We knew there was a pent-up demand for our MegaPressG fittings in larger sizes, but we were still surprised at the reactions the new fittings got at AHR Expo.

Informed that MegaPressG is now available in 2½” to 4″, customers at our booth called the fittings “game changing” and “just what we’ve been waiting for.”

MegaPressG is the first press fitting system for carbon steel pipe approved for use in gas and fuel oil applications. And it’s the only system on the market that allows secure press connections on gas lines 2½” to 4″ in 16 seconds or less.

Constructed of carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant zinc nickel coating and first-of-its-kind graphite separator ring in larger sizes, MegaPressG is suitable for use with ASTM Schedule 5 to Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe. The fittings are available in a variety of configurations.

Using MegaPressG means no open flames, faster connections and labor savings, resulting in safer and more efficient projects that come in on time and on budget. It can reduce labor costs by as much as 60% to 90% over traditional methods.

The larger MegaPressG fittings shared booth space at AHR with two more new products that also got people’s attention: MegaPress FKM for carbon steel (in larger sizes) and MegaPress 316 FKM.

MegaPress FKM is the first and only choice for joining ½” to 4″ carbon steel pipe with an FKM sealing element. It’s suitable for renovations, repairs or installation of new carbon steel pipe systems. It’s approved for use in hydronic heating, compressed air, fire protection, cooling water, marine applications and more.

MegaPress fittings in 316 stainless steel are the industry’s first press fittings for Schedule 10 to Schedule 40 piping systems. MegaPress 316 with an FKM sealing element is suitable for use with hydronic applications, compressed air, industrial gases, marine applications and more. Available in sizes ½” to 4″, it saves labor cost and system downtime.

Of course, all these fittings come with Viega’s Smart Connect technology to help identify unpressed connections.

Reposted from Viega. Click here for original article.

Reposted from Viega. Click Here for original article.

If you trace the history of pipe dimensions, iron pipe size (IPS) is the first to pop up on the industry timeline. But with the rise of copper tubing over the years, another industry standard has emerged: copper tube sizes (CTS).

Commonly available in stainless steel, carbon steel and CPVC (commonly over 2″), IPS is prevalent in general piping and industrial applications. Meanwhile, CTS is commonly available in copper, CPVC (commonly under 2″) and PEX and is specific to plumbing and potable water systems.

The dimensions of pipes typically made from certain materials are defined according to IPS, CTS and in some cases both.

Yet this only scratches the surface of what divides these two industry standards. Here’s a closer look at what makes each unique.

How Do IPS and CTS Differ?

The best place to start this conversation is with some history behind IPS. IPS used to be a standard for wrought iron pipe only. This was controlled by inner diameter due to the fact that back in the early 19th century, iron pipe was made by welding two halves of pipe together. Today’s methods include cold working the pipe and welding the rolled sheet, or the use of a mandrel to extrude seamless pipe.

The main difference between IPS and CTS is the actual outside diameter. It used to be that CTS was controlled by outside diameter (OD), and so the outside diameter is actually the same as the nominal diameter plus 1/8″. The 1/8“ of inch came from the fact that it was the double standard thickness of copper tubing at the time (1/16” times 2), so a 2” pipe was actually always 2.125” in diameter. IPS was controlled by inside diameter (ID); however due to advances in technology and the production of piping, a new system had to be created to be able to match fittings and piping together. When nominal pipe size (NPS) essentially took over for IPS, it also became an OD-controlled value based on ASME B36.10., and thus the diameter differs from the nominal diameter (i.e., a 2” fitting actually has a 2.375” OD in IPS, and a ½” fitting has a 0.840” OD).

(We still use IPS rather than NPS to avoid potential confusion with National Pipe Straight, which is part of the ASME B1.20.)

For both CTS and IPS, there is another measurement that refers to the wall thickness of the pipe or tubing. In CTS, tube dimensions are specified by an exact OD and a tube wall thickness. (Again, due to advances in technology, we can now create differing thicknesses versus the standard ⅛” that used to be the only thickness available.) In IPS, pipe dimensions are defined by a nominal OD (which is different from the measured or actual OD) and a “schedule” that relates to pipe wall thickness.

Because CTS is OD-controlled, any change in the wall thickness of the tubing will cause a change to the internal diameter and alter the flow inside the pipe. In copper, the wall thickness of the tube is designated by the letters K (thickest), L (intermediate) and M (thinnest). For other types of pipe like PEX and CPVC, wall thickness is designated by the standard dimension ratio (SDR), which is defined as the ratio of the OD to wall thickness and has a typical range of 7.4 to 13.5.

With IPS, you have an extensive range of wall thickness options. This variance in wall size is specified as different schedules — a list that stretches from schedule 5 to 160. As the schedule number increases, the wall thickness increases and the ID decreases, thus enhancing the ability of the pipe to handle greater pressures. Regardless of the wall thickness, the nominal OD (and the measured OD) won’t change.

Whether you are working with IPS for industrial applications or CTS for potable water systems, Viega offers press fittings to meet your needs