AIR CONDITIONING
Pressing ahead!
The braze/solder versus press-fi t debate is one of the hot topics in the acr industry when it comes to pipework jointing. Here, Bill Barlow, UK business unit director at Conex Bänninger, outlines why he believes that press-fi t technology will overtake brazing/soldering and become the solution of choice in the coming years.
T
here’s no doubt that brazing or soldering, two pipework jointing techniques that have been the preferred choice with acr engineers for decades, is an art and is one of the most common things an engineer will do in HVAC. It’s a complex challenge that takes time and requires skill and thorough preparation to do it competently. Brazing and soldering properly means an engineer will have a system that works and can stand up to the challenge of temperature and pressure. However, doing it incorrectly means joints will fail and ultimately, so will the system they are tied to.
Many people in our industry say that brazing and soldering correctly is one of those skills that separate the men from the boys. However, it also causes many concerns, such as how time intensive it is, which has the potential to delay work schedules if anything goes wrong. There’s also the health and safety risks associated with this jointing technique, such as being exposed to noxious fumes and the potential of fi re hazards from working with naked fl ames, as well as the hassle of having to carry around heavy gas bottles.
Whilst braze and soldering methods will continue to have their place in the market, press-fi t technologies are beginning to rise in popularity. This has been driven in part by the improved installation time that press off ers when compared to brazing, which can have a massive impact on productivity. There are also tightening legislative requirements for fl ame licenses and working in closed spaces.
40 September 2018
An engineer’s preference for braze or press is a result of a number of factors such as training, education or simply a desire to reduce costs. Those who are giving press-fi t technology a try, like our recently launched >B< MaxiPro range, want a fi t and forget solution so they can complete their work in a good and professional manner but in as quick a time possible. These factors are bringing press fi ttings to the fore.
The overriding appeal of press is rooted in the ease of installation. Press fi ttings can make the completion of a job up to three times faster than brazing, reducing the amount of time that needs to be spent on-site, as the assessments and the permits required when working with fl ame-based fi ttings are not required. Engineers also won’t need to stay on-site for hours after completion, which can often be the case with soldering.
Another key benefi t of press fi ttings is they improve site safety. Health and safety at work is paramount, whatever the industry. To undertake brazing and soldering, engineers must obtain a hot works permit in order to legally complete the job. When soldering, there is also a real risk that carbon deposits or fl ux may be left as a by-product of the installation.
One of the stand out benefi ts of press-fi t technology, particularly with >B< MaxiPro’s three-point press design, is that it off ers an added layer of security and peace of mind for engineers. Arguably one of the safest and most secure fi ttings on the market, a three-point press solution ensures
www.acr-news.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
