December 11, 2020
Compression fittings are designed to mechanically form a joint between the fitting and the pipe. When tightening the nut, you are compressing the olive onto the tube, creating a permanent seal. Flowflex compression fittings are manufactured in the UK to the BS EN 1254-2:1998 Standard.
Ensure the tube conforms to the specification, and that the tube outer diameter matches the size of the fitting. Ensure that both the tube and fitting are clean, in good condition and free from any damage or imperfections.
Flowflex fittings are designed to connect BS EN 1057 tube, for water and gas in sanitary and heating applications.
Cut your pipe cleanly across the tube diameter.
Using your deburring tool, make sure the inside of the pipe is smooth and will not interfere with the flow.
Take care to ensure the tube is not deformed by applying too much pressure. If you need to be more delicate, use of a stiff wire brush is recommended to reach the desired outcome.
Clean the outside of the pipe, making sure that there is no pipe residue, dirt or grit is present near the joint.
Remove the compression nut and compression olive, then put the nut on the tube, followed by the olive. Insert the tube end up to the fitting's tube stop. Slide the olive and the nut down to the fitting body. Tighten the nut using your fingers to secure the fitting in place.
Tighten the nut further using open ended or adjustable spanners, using the spanner flats incorporated into the fitting body and nut. The second spanner must be used to prevent the fitting rotating as the nut is tightened.
A few drops of light oil can be used on the threads to assist the turning. This can be especially helpful on sizes 35mm and above. When jointing stainless steel or annealed (R220) copper tube some variation may be needed – the nut may be tightened further if necessary.
| Size | Turns |
|---|---|
| < 28mm | 1 1/4 Turns |
| > 28mm | 3/4 Turns |
| Size | Torque |
|---|---|
| 15mm | 30 - 35 Nm |
| 22mm | 45 - 50 Nm |
| 28mm | 55 - 60 Nm |
| 35mm | 105 - 110 Nm |
| 42mm | 150 - 155 Nm |
| 54mm | 240 - 245 Nm |
Threaded connectors have taper male or parallel female BSP threads, and the most popular sizes have parallel male BSP threads. These are for jointing pipework to boilers, pumps or backplate elbows. For taper male threads, a small amount of inert jointing compound or PTFE tape should be applied before installation.
When installing parallel male threads, for example to cisterns and cylinders, a good quality jointing washer should be used.
Some authorities and system specifications preclude the use of jointing compounds or require that only certain proprietary material may be used. Before utilising jointing compound, make sure yours is compliant.
We recommend that all systems are throughly tested upon completion. Whenever possible, completed systems should also be flushed to remove debris.
In hydraulic based installations, the system may be tested to 1.5 times the working pressure of the system. If higher test pressures are required, then please contact us for further advice.
Our team is available for you anytime.