Viega's Megapress system can press even thick-walled steel pipes in seconds. This makes complicated welding work unnecessary, and saves a great deal of time – and therefore costs – for installations or extensions to industrial and heating systems, for instance. With a view to simplifying the retrofitting of connections, Viega has now developed the press-in branch connector. It can be installed within two minutes and without any welding.
Connectors like this must be installed in industrial and heating systems wherever extra sensors, thermometers or drainage valves are needed. To date, such branches have had to be retro-welded into the pipe, something that takes a great deal of time and effort. In most cases this has entailed draining the system enough to ensure that no residual water would flow.
Now, the new Megapress press-in branch connector from Viega can be installed without welding and even where space is limited, e.g. on manifold bars that are already 'overpopulated':
In the first step, the drilling device is placed over the pipe, thus ensuring exact placement. Next, a drilling spindle with a drilling bit is used to bore the required hole in the steel pipe. A suction device ensures that no swarf enters the pipe. Finally, the press-in branch connector is pressed onto the pipe. A Viega positioning aid prevents slippage during pressing. This means that it is possible to determine the exact orientation of the branch.
Up to 80% time saving
After pressing, the Megapress press-in branch connector sits firmly on the pipe, capable of withstanding high loads. A reliable seal is guaranteed by an integrated profile seal element. So the retrofitted connection can be used immediately, without the need to wait for it to cool down as is the case with welding.
According to Viega's own estimates, a Megapress press-in branch connection – in place within two minutes – provides for up to 80 percent saving in time compared with welded solutions. This technique is also less physically exhausting for the fitter.
In common with all the rest of the Megapress range, the press-in branch connectors are suitable for steel piping according to DIN EN 10255, DIN EN 10220/10216-1 or DIN EN 10220/10217-1 and can be supplied for steel pipe sizes 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches. As standard, the press-in branch connector has an Rp 3/4 inch internal thread. A reducer for Rp 1/2 internal threads is also available.
Further information is available at www.viega.de/megapress
