Certigaz

Pressing is much simpler and quicker than soldering. It is obtained by compressing fittings that have an O-ring using an electrical crimping tool. Furthermore, there is no risk for solder to remain inside the tubes. Consequently, pressing is becoming more widely used in gas installations. Many press fittings are now available on the market. There are more than 150 models, available in approximately ten different diameter sizes and in different types such as sleeves, elbows, reducers, T-fittings, etc. 

Verified tightness 

Once they have been crimped on a tube, the fittings are subjected to many tests: tensile, torsion, bending, shearing, crushing, alternate bending and axial slipping tests. The fittings are also exposed to chemical aggressions, among which contact with bleach, detergents, salt spray, hydrochloric acid and hydrocarbons. Impact strength and ageing tests are also carried out. A minimum of eleven test benches are required to perform these tests. The benches use air, water and helium. Christian Lorinet, certification manager in Certigaz, says: “We entrusted Cetim with all the mechanical, chemical and leak tightness tests required by the specifications”. The ATG Sert certification, granted by Certigaz, is a guarantee of compliance to the AFG CCH 2004-02 specifications. The ATG Sert certification is applicable to fittings used on gas lines used in residential buildings, livestock buildings and greenhouses. Cetim started to perform these tests in 2008 and four manufacturers had their request for certification validated, which means four test campaigns, each with a duration of five months. In total, more than 400 different fittings (shapes and diameters) have been tested per manufacturer.