Pressing matters
A press-fit system must be properly installed if all its benefits are to be realised. Barny Parks, Managing Director of Sanha UK outlines the benefits of using fully trained installers.
You need a tooth filling. You have the choice between two dentists, one trained in using a dentist’s drill the other untrained, you’d opt for the trained dentist every time, right? That same rationale is true for those installing press-fit pipes and fittings. Because a pipe fitter can solder it doesn’t mean that they will be able to form a press-connection pipe joint.
Press is an innovative technology; it uses friction to hold sections of copper or steel pipe and fittings together. The advantages of a press-installation are that it can save on installation time. It is clean and it is cool, literally; press does not need heat to complete a joint, which removes the need for an open flame on a building site. In addition, press does not need hazardous chemicals to join one fitting or pipe to another, nor does it need threading or flanges adding.
A press-fit system must be properly installed if all of its benefits are to be realised. That means a pipe or fitting has to be properly prepared and cleaned ready for the joint to be made; the right tools have to be used to make the connection including the correct size of jaw and collar for a particular fitting; and the fitter has to ensure the press machine goes through a full cycle. For those unfamiliar with the technology press can be a whole new language.
Even if a fitter does have experience of having used one manufacturer’s press system that does not necessarily mean that they’ll be able to form a snug press-connection on a different system because there are often subtle differences between many press-systems on the market. SANHA, for example, is a leading European manufacturer of press, push and threaded fittings for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry. Depending on pipe diameter, SANHA’s press system has either an eight- or nine-point profile, which gives a rounder joint than the more angular, six-point profile typical of other many of press system manufacturers.
Training is essential for press tools to be used safely and to ensure a press system is installed correctly. SANHA UK is an agent for German specialist manufacturer of press-tool Novopress. In essence many of these are hand-held hydraulic tools; the forces generated by some of these tools are significant and as a result extreme care needs to be exercised to ensure they are used correctly and, most importantly safely.
Some manufacturers offer training programmes. SANHA, for example, offers a 31-point press training programme; this free-of-charge course is generally carried out on site ideally before the press-installation has commenced. The course takes about an hour to complete. This is a very hands-on approach to learning; it is pitched at qualified installers and plumbers and delivered by one of SANHA’s experienced and knowledgeable trainers.
One of the main areas of focus for the training is the do’s and don’ts of press-fitting installation, including how to prepare pipes, cleaning and how to get everything right first time to minimise wastage. It’s not about trying to teach fitters how to install pipes and fittings - they will already be experts in this - it is about ways to make their life easier on site by providing them with helpful tips and hints. SANHA recommends all supervisors working on its systems hold a current certificate of training.
Ian Wicking, a fitter from Redrose appreciates the knowledge gained from the training programme: “The training was excellent; it is something that we don’t get enough of,” he says. After completing the training programme participants receive a certificate of training demonstrating their attendance and ability to competently install SANHA press products. The certificate should be renewed every two years to ensure fitters are familiar with the latest system developments. To ensure a quality installation SANHA recommend that it should be explicitly stated in the specification that installers holding a current (not less than two years old) certificate of training before undertaking work on a press system.
In addition to site-based training, SANHA makes information available for installers on the company’s website which includes a range of videos including: 3fit-Press, 3fit-Push, Press Jaw, Press Sling and wall panel heating installations. There is also a dedicated YouTube channel to enable installers to access as much visual information on SANHA products as possible.
It is worth noting that even the best trained fitters can only deliver a quality installation if the press tools they use have been properly maintained. These tools are highly engineered products; some even have built-in microchips to detect and record the required pressure to form a profile. However, over time and with frequent usage, tools can wear, clog up with metal residue and can get damaged so it is important that they are regularly checked and serviced. Without a current certificate of calibration tools may not perform to the required standard.
A full set of tools can cost as much as £6000. Obviously this is a significant outlay for many contractors. A cheaper option, initially at least, would be to hire these tools. This has the advantage that reputable hire companies will often build in an inspection and maintenance programme into the hire. Purchasing can be a cheaper option in the long run, but tools will still need to be properly maintained, calibrated and cared for.
In addition to training installers, designers too should be trained to ensure designs are optimised for press-systems. SANHA also delivers office-based training for designers. The manufacturer is a patron of Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course is a CIBSE approved presentation delivered to professional engineers by its technical sales managers (usually at their offices) to give them the opportunity to develop their professional skills and knowledge of press fittings.
The SANHA CPD covers five main topics:
· A review of traditional pipework and connecting methods
· An introduction to press technology
· Pipe system design considerations
· Practical observations
· The EU Drinking Water Directive and what it means for system design
For the press gang of designers and fitters that have completed its training courses SANHA continues its support by offering advice over the telephone to ensure every SANHA press installation is of the highest quality.
