Press fitting for ACR Myth Buster
The ACR industry has been waiting for a press fitting that could withstand the high operating pressures of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. We now have a fitting, >B< MaxiPro, that gives the industry all the speed and ease-of-use benefits of press technology, as well as the integrity of 3-point press, providing a secure, permanent, leak-proof joint. Here, we address some of the concerns that the refrigeration industry has around press technology and its suitability for ACR applications.
To become a certified >B< MaxiPro installer, train online today.
>B< MaxiPro is certified for a maximum operating pressure of 48 bar (700 psi) and has a burst pressure exceeding three times maximum operating pressure 144 bar (>2100 psi).
R410A is an approved refrigerant and POE is an approved oil. When used within the operating parameters for temperature and pressure, the expected life for the O-ring is at least 25 years.
>B< MaxiPro joints are leak-tightness compliant to ISO 14903, Helium ≤7.5 × 10-7 Pa.m3/s at +20°C, 10 bar
The HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) O-ring has an expected design life of 25 years when used within the correct operating parameters for temperature and pressure.
The investment in tooling will pay for itself very quickly. Using press technology eliminates the added time and administrative costs of:
- the nitrogen purge process - save on brazing rod and gas bottles
- procurement of hot works permits
- fire watch process
This, combined with a fast cycle time (< 5 seconds per press cycle) and increased flexibility, all add up to make your business more competitive. You’ll be fitting more jobs in at the same time.
Yes, >B< MaxiPro has a wide range of fitting types available for your needs. View the product range here.
When comparing the cost of two systems or approaches, you need to look at the total installed cost not simply material cost. Look at labour cost with respect to the total time the job takes to complete, not just the fit itself. Include any administrative or standby time, for example getting a hot works permit, and the time and manpower associated with fire watch.
In addition, you need to consider the flexibility a system offers in terms of being able to schedule work at a time that is convenient to you and your customer.
>B< MaxiPro fittings maximum operating and abnormal pressure is 48 bar (700psi). In addition, the joint is made with >B< Profile 3-point press; one each side of the bead and one press compressing the O-ring. This provides a permanent, leak-proof and secure joint ensuring that the fitting can perform at the high pressures required of these applications.
We try as much as possible to make it easy for you to qualify as a trained >B< MaxiPro fitting professional. If you are unable to get to our training room at our central training facility, we can come to you on a convenient day at a convenient time. Alternatively, you could do it all from the comfort of your own home or workplace by using our >B< MaxiPro e-learning portal.
To book a training session, email: bmaxiprotraining@ibpgroup.com. Alternatively, complete the e-learning course today. [insert link]