Conex Bänninger Senior Technical Engineer, Colin Taylor outlines the steps to install the user-friendly Conex Bänninger >B< Press. >B< Press fittings are quick and simple to install leading to savings on labour costs, as well as offering the advantage of a flame free installation with no fire risk.

To ensure that you never miss an unpressed joint again, Conex Bänninger >B< Press developed a unique pressing indicator. A specially designed O-Ring that has a reduced section in two positions causing leaks at low pressures when not pressed (from 0.1 to 5.0 bar) and available in three colours Black-Water, Yellow-Gas and Green-Solar. Without going to full test pressure, when tested they will leak profusely alerting you to unpressed joints. The leading edge design ensures the chances of damage to the O-Rings are reduced during assembly.

When the fitting is pressed; the O-ring material compresses; filling the gaps in the O-ring to secure a leak-free path. The >B< Press profile has the advantage of a 3-point press, two mechanical presses either side of the bead, and one hydraulic press, crimping the o-ring, providing a more secure joint. When pressure is exerted through the press tool, the joint is permanently made and the fitting cannot be dismounted or re-used. Conex Bänninger >B< Press range is a cold mechanical joint which eliminates the need for solder, adhesives or additional jointing materials.

Steps to a secure fit: 

1. Ensure the tube and fitting sizes are compatible
2. Cut the tube end square, and ensure it retains its shape.
3. Deburr the inside, and outside of the tube.
4. Mark the tube to the correct tube stop depth as a visual aid.
5. Check O-rings are present in the fitting.
6. Insert the tube into the fitting, passed the O-ring, until it meets the tube stop and the mark on the tube is still visible.
7. Insert the >B< profile Jaw with the correct profile and size into the >B< Press Tool.  Open the press jaw, and align with the O-ring bead, allow the jaw to close. Operate the press machine to press the fitting.The machine will stop at the end of its pressing cycle.
8. Open the jaw, and remove from the fitting.
9. Make sure all joints have been pressed.
10. If the joint(s) is (are) not pressed, when pressure tested they will leak profusely.

Manufactured and designed in accordance with BS 8537, EN1254-8 and EN 103052, Conex Bänninger >B< Press is a versatile press fitting system for use with hard, half-hard and soft copper, carbon and stainless steel tube. They are available in Copper, Red Brass, Carbon and Stainless Steel; in sizes 12 to 108mm and are suitable for water, heating, cooling, gas and solar applications.

>B< Press fittings are compatible with various press tools and jaws.