For hotel and leisure developments, using a single pipe connection method across the site can be particularly beneficial, especially in terms of speed and success of the installation. Glen Peters, Technical Support Manager at Viega, highlights the benefits of modern press connection technology and its suitability for a range of pipework systems.
With the complexity of hotel buildings and the tight project deadlines that need to be met, ensuring that each stage of the build is completed as efficiently as possible is vital. When it comes to selecting the pipe connection method for a hotel project, contractors are increasingly recognising the benefits of press connection technology over soldering, as it offers significant time savings.
With a straightforward installation process, minimal preparation of the pipe is required, and the connection is completed in four simple steps. Installers simply need to cut the pipe to size, deburr the inner and outer edge of the cut surface, slide the press fitting onto the pipe and press the connection. Press guns are simple to use and automatically apply the correct pressure to complete the connection. A high-quality press gun will be able to perform nearly 40,000 pressings before it needs to be serviced.
As it is a cold applied solution, there is no need to wait for the connection to cool before work can continue – this in itself can be a significant benefit on a more complex system where any down time will impact the project timeline. The press connection process is also clean and unlike soldering there is no need to remove excess materials from the surface of the pipe once the connection has been made.
By minimising the amount of preparation and finishing work required a robust connection can be achieved significantly faster when compared to alternative methods. Viega’s Megapress press connection system was tested by BSRIA against welding, threading and grooving methods and found that Megapress provided a 78% time saving installation compared to welding and 35% compared to grooving when pressing ½” to 4” diameters.
Press connections form strong and secure connections once a fitting has been pressed. With durability and reliability becoming more of a requirement for hotel and luxury developments, it is vital to ensure that each connection in the pipework system is secure and will not fail once the building is in use.
Viega’s SC-Contur technology is built into every fitting and guarantees a visible escape of water from the connection during testing or when the system is filled for the first time. It can also be dry tested with an inert gas where a measurable drop in pressure will occur if a connection has been missed. For both new-build and retro-fit hotel and luxury projects, this works to prevent any potential for future costly remedial work.
It is also worth considering that a flexible single-system approach minimises the amount of equipment needed on-site. For example, within any hotel or spa environment, there is a possibility for mix copper pipework for the hot and cold-water systems in washrooms and thick-walled steel tube for the heating distribution system. Press connections are available in a wide range of applications, such as heating and chilled water, potable water, natural gas and LPG, technical gases and fire suppression systems.
Modern press connection systems can also be used on copper, stainless steel, carbon steel and multilayer pipe in a wide variety of sizes, as well as a range of temperatures and pressures. Whilst the specific product used for each application and material may vary, the installation process is identical. Press connection technology can also overcome issues surrounding working in tight spaces. A full, consistent seal can be achieved in one single press, and only requires enough space for the jaws to be fitted around the pipe.
Providing a time-saving approach to installation, press connections help to contribute towards a durable, versatile and low-maintenance pipework system. This not only helps to keep projects within tight deadlines but also reduces the need for any future maintenance work that could impact negatively on guest’s using the hotel facilities.
For more information: viega.co.uk.
