TPi January 2016

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January 2016 Tube ProducTs InTernaTIonal 33
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
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
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.
FsKZ eV – Germany
Push connect water heater
connectors to simplify
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
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
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
ProCoat Coated Stainless Steel connector
SKZ provides
advanced testing
services