Sealing for Threaded Fittings, Valves, Flanges, and Press Fittings DVGW, WRAS
To have a sustainable connection with fittings, flanges, valves and flanges, it is essential to use sealing. Sealing technology has come a long way from initially using hemp. Due to clear advantages, PTFE-tape, sealing thread and silicone tape have gained noticeable market shares in Europe, North- and South America. While all sealing tools have the same objective, establishing a sustainable seal, they have different properties, approvals and certificates. The thread connection between stainless steel fittings, valves, and threaded flanges is the most vulnerable part when assembling a leak-free system.
High Quality Tapes, BAM, DIN/DVGW, KTW, FDA, WRAS and Sealing Threads Available Online
The highest grade of sealing tape offered by Swiss Fittings AG is the PTFE-BAND High Quality, which is used in sealing fittings, valves, flanges and press fittings. This tape has obtained the DVGW Gas and Water DIN EN 751-3 and DIN30660 certificate approval, which is vital for installations in Europe. Furthermore, the high-grade tape with KTW approval and BAM certification, is also sufficient for the use in oxygen applications and drinking water installations. The tape is FDA approved and is often installed in complex chemical plants with our DVGW, WRAS press fitting adapters, such as the stainless steel union female and male coupling. Swiss Fittings also offers the DIN, DVGW, BAM, WRAS and KIWA Gastec approved sealing thread online. This sealing thread has a very narrow width, when compared to standard tape.
Stainless Steel Press Fittings FPM and EPDM Gasket
Stainless Steel Press Fittings do not require sealing tape with the M-contour ends, because these ends are pressed mechanically. For a leak-free press connection, it is essential to have the correct O-ring placed into the M-contour. The DVGW, WRAS approved GDPress fittings by Swiss Fittings are delivered with the standard EPDM gasket. The black EPDM gasket has an operating temperature of -35°C (-31°F) to 135 °C (275°F), with a maximum operating pressure of 16 bars (232 PSI). The green FPM gasket (fluoropolymer) has a higher heat resistance of -20°C (-4°F) to 200°C (392°F) and can be ordered through Swiss Fittings separately. For press fittings ends with a female or male thread, such as the 90° elbow female coupling, or press fittings female tees, it is important to use sealing tape when connecting with other thread ends.
When is Sealing Tape for Fittings, Valves, and Threaded Flanges Needed and What Type?
The most important question to ask when deciding on what sealing method to use is: What will flow through the fittings, valves and flanges? If oxygen flows through the fittings it is advisable to use the high-quality PTFE band as it has been tested and certified by BAM. Furthermore, this high standard tape is FDA approved therefore it can be used in chemical plants. If drinking water flows through the installation the PFTE standard tape, which has the DVGW and WRAS approvals is sufficient. Another important aspect to consider when deciding on the sealing, is what pressure and what temperature does the sealing need to withstand. The high standard Goldex Band can withstand pressures of 40 bars for liquids and 30 bars for gasses at 60°C. The standard tape can withstand 20 bars (PSI 290) for liquids. The silicone band with the AGA AG 209/98 and WRAS BS 6920 approval withstands 16 bars at 95°C and 7 bars at 130°C. While the silicon band has the lowest pressure usage level, the key characteristic is its ability to unscrew the fittings easily, while at the same time offering a secure seal. When making the right decision on what sealing method to use, it is also very important to use the sealing appropriately. Each sealing is applied differently, which the user should be aware of prior to the installation. Additionally, it is always important to inspect the thread of the fittings, valves, flanges and press fittings and identify any thread defects that could possibly lead to leakage.