TPi January 2016

products & developments

PAS 1075 and valve testing The German plastics centre SKZ is expanding and optimising its test portfolio with valve testing and test methods for slow crack growth of polyolefins.

Increasing demands on plastic pipes and the resulting further developments pose new challenges for testing technology. Particularly with regard to the testing of pipes for their suitability for alternative installation methods, such as installation methods without trenching, new questions arise concerning the resistance to external point loads or a service life of up to 100 years. In the publicly available specification (PAS) 1075 these specific features are taken into account, and by means of corresponding tests it is ensured that the pipes available on the market comply with the relevant quality standards. SKZ is interested in offering appropriate tests, and has therefore applied to DAkkS for the accreditation to perform point loading tests, penetration tests, and thermal ageing tests using the flow method. With the strategic acquisition of the valve testing business segment of the testing laboratory of SVGW, SKZ installations BrassCraft Manufacturing has launched its new push connect water heater connectors, the Speedi Plumb ® Plus Polymer Braid and ProCoat ® Coated Stainless Steel connectors. The Speedi Plumb Plus Polymer Braid connector features a patented design that helps reduce kinking or crimping. The polymer braid is engineered to resist corrosion from most household cleaning products. The ProCoat Coated Stainless Steel product offers corrosion resistance from most harsh chemicals that cause

SKZ provides advanced testing services

also carry out corrosion tests, and chemical analyses of the valve materials. Testing of heavy metals in the valve material and of galvanic coating is also possible. TeConAGmbH, the testing, quality assur- ance and certification division of SKZ, changed its company name to SKZ – Testing GmbH, to help position SKZ and its service range more clearly.

has expanded its testing portfolio by another major test area. The investment will enable SKZ to test component properties of valves for water and building installations according to current national and international standards. The testing range comprises hydraulic, mechanical, bending moment, tightness and long-term tests, as well as pressure loss, volume flow rate and water hammer tests, including pipe coupling and hydrant tests. The company can

FsKZ eV – Germany www.skz.de

Push connect water heater connectors to simplify

pinhole leaks. It has ¾" full flow internal diameter for maximum performance and is 100 per cent leak-tested for performance and reliability. Other features shared by both products include compatibility with copper, PEX and CPVC connections; no soldering or glue is needed for installation; and a pre-inserted tube stiffener aligns with the connector tubing to produce a long- lasting and watertight seal. “With all of our products we think about how we can make the plumbing professional’s job easier and more

ProCoat Coated Stainless Steel connector

efficient,” said Audrey Lang, product manager of BrassCraft Manufacturing.

“These push connect water heater connectors are a great example of this philosophy.” brasscraft Manufacturing – USA customerservice@brasscrafthq.com www.brasscraft.com

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January 2016 Tube ProducTs InTernaTIonal