IRRIGATION FITTINGS

PLASSON’s range of poly pipe fittings can help you complete any irrigation project. PLASSON fittings are high quality, UV stablised and corrosion-free to deliver leak-free watering systems that last. Our metric compression fittings up to 63mm also feature captive O-rings which seal the instant the fitting goes on the pipe – which can save both time and water during install.

PLASSON’s unique captive O-rings and longer body design help you achieve long lasting, leak-free poly pipe joins, even in tough install conditions and in both hot and cold climates.

The metric compression fitting range offers reliable options for joining blue stripe poly pipe as well as lilac pipe for recycled water.

PLASSON’s Rural range has been specially engineered to join ag green stripe pipe. The innovative red barbed ends allow PLASSON Rural poly pipe joiners to connect both metric and imperial dimension pipe.

IRRIGATION FITTINGS THAT ARE SIMPLE YET SMART

PLASSON’s Quick Coupling Valve delivers easy control of pressurized water with a simple valve and key system.

This system can be installed almost anywhere with no power needed and no software required to make it work. Just plug in the key, the valve is activated and water flows. Unplug the key, the valve closes and flow is switched off.

PLASSON also offers a lilac cap QVC for grey water and recycled water systems.

Increasingly, recycled water is now supplied to homes and businesses through purple pipes. These pipes supply water for flushing toilets, washing clothes and outdoor uses such as watering gardens in homes and businesses. The lilac cap QCV is designed to connect to recycled water supply to provide safe and secure connections for garden watering equipment, like sprinklers and hoses, as well as other irrigation tools.

PLASSON has always been a leading innovator – it was our technology that helped give the world the dual flush toilet cistern!

We are committed to providing a world-leading range of poly pipe joiners that deliver reliable. long-lasting PE pipelines.

PLASSON has always been a leading innovator – it was our technology that gave the world the dual flush toilet cistern!

We are committed to providing a world-leading range of poly pipe joiners that deliver reliable. long-lasting PE pipelines.

PLASSON products can be found in municipal water distribution systems, gas conveyance systems, industrial fluids transfer and wastewater systems and mines in over 80 countries around the world.

January 12, 2022/0 Comments/by [email protected]

Compression, Poly Pipe

HOW TO JOIN POLY PIPE

When it comes to water, wastewater and gas pipelines, poly pipe (or polyethyene/PE as it is also known) is hard to beat. The flexible nature of polyethylene pipe allows it to be used in colder climates – where it will not crack – and in situations where rigid pipe would require multiple elbows to make complex turns.

Unlike other plastic piping, poly pipe connections do not use glue to solvent weld pieces together. Instead, specially designed fittings seal poly connections using compression – this is why they are sometimes known as compression fittings.

PLASSON has engineered a range of simple yet smart compression fittings to make joining poly pipe easy and reliable. All PLASSON poly pipe joiners feature a unique O-ring design that means the fitting will seal the moment it goes on the pipe – tightening the nuts on PLASSON compression fittings is only neccesary to hold the pipe in place and prevent blow outs.

This innovative design feature means PLASSON compression fittings are easy to install with a minimum of tools.

All PLASSON poly pipe joiners are corrosion-resistant and made of UV stablilised material for a long service life.

INSTALL GUIDE FOR PLASSON PLUMBING FITTINGS

HOW TO JOIN POLY PIPE OF DIFFERENT SIZES

PLASSON REDUCING FITTINGS CONNECT PIPE OF DIFFERENT DIAMETERS

metric compression reduing fittings for 20 mm 63mm 110mm

Metric compression reducing tees Plasson Australia 63mm

January 12, 2022/0 Comments/by [email protected]

Electrofusion, Information

WHAT IS ELECTROFUSION?

So Electrofusion.. it’s a mix of electricity and fusion but what does that mean?

Electrofusion, or EF for short, is a method of joining PE pipe in situations where butt fusion is not practicable, like where valves, elbows and tees need to be added.

Specialised electrofusion fittings have electrical heating coils imbedded into them. When current is applied to these EF fittings, heat is created which melts the plastic of both the fitting and the pipe.

The plastic from both are forced to mix together under pressure due to the design of the fitting. Once the mixed plastic cools, the pipe and fitting are fused together permanently.

How does EF welding work?

The parameters of each fitting, like the fusion time, are recorded in the barcode on each fitting. These details are entered into the welding control box via a barcode scanner or some control boxes automatically detect a fitting’s settings when it is connected to the machine’s leads.

An electrofusion control box sends electrical current through metal coils inside the fitting. The current causes the metal to heat up. The plastic around the coils begins to melt and forms an expanding pool of hot, molten plastic. The melt pool from the fitting comes into contact with the surface of the pipe. The continued application of current causes the pipe surface to also melt.

The pipe melt and fitting melt is forced to mix as pressure builds up in the coupler area, due to the design of the fitting, forcing the two plastics together. This is key to producing a good weld. Following the end of the weld cycle, the fitting and the pipe are left to cool and the melted material solidifies to form a permanent joint.

Hot and cold zones, sometimes called melt and freeze zones, are formed when the wire coils heat up. The length of these zones is key to achieving melt pressure. The precise positioning of the coils in the fitting is also important to ensure uniform heat distribution.

Fusion parameters: temperature, pressure and time, are controlled by the electrofusion control box and it is fed parameters from the barcode on each fitting, or from the fitting itself. The electrofusion control box also records a report of the procedure with all the settings and data from the weld.

PLASSON has developed the SmartFuse system, which includes specialist fittings, a range of EF weld control boxes and an mobile phone app which guides installation, to help simplify the whole electrofusion process. Using the SmartFuse system makes welding quicker and easier. The automated process helps reduce errors and prompts installers to complete and double check all steps.

January 8, 2022/0 Comments/by [email protected]

Compression, Information, VALVES

HOW TO CONNECT POLY, COPPER, STEEL AND PVC PIPE

PLASSON’s unique design delivers maximum flexibility including offering reliable, leak-free way to connect a number of pipe materials.

Any standard PLASSON fitting can easily adapt to connect several different pipe materials, pipe sizes and also be used as a threaded connection with the help of our handy range of conversion kits.

EF TIPS TO SAVE TIME, MONEY AND HASSLES ON ANY JOB

No-one wants to re-do welds so the best way to save time, money and hassles is to ensure each and every weld is done according to best practice. The key to good electrofusion welding is contained in the POP001 guidelines for electrofusion installation.

POP001 was put together by PIPA, the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia to detail the best practice processes and parameters for electrofusion welding. Following these steps will help ensure quality, long-lasting and reliable pipe connections, helping you be a better installer and achieve more reliable, leak-free EF welds.

This quick install video shows how the steps outlined in POP001 apply in the field.

PLASSON has developed the SmartFuse system to help make electrofusion welding simplier. All SmartFuse fittings have built-in resistors that automatically load the correct weld parameters for the fitting into PLASSON SmartFuse electrofusion weld machines.

Welding is made even easier thanks to the SmartFuse app. It not only guides and prompts installers to complete all of the best practice steps in POP001, the SmartFuse app records this information and the weld record either on USB or in the cloud.

It is important to know and understand all the steps outlined in POP 001 as omitting steps or failing to complete processes adequately can undermine weld quality and lead to failed pipelines.

The processes outlined in POP001 are known as best-practice. It is crucial to always follow best-practice as failure to do so can open operators up to claims of negligence and compromise insurance cover.

For a full copy of POP001, click here…

January 4, 2022/0 Comments/by [email protected]

Information, SmartFuse

PLASSON ELECTROFUSION FOR RELIABLE, LONG-LASTING PIPELINES

SmartFuse might just look like a product name etched into PLASSON fittings but it represents our commitment to high quality, reliable electrofusion welding – for installers, asset owners and those who rely on what comes down the pipes.

Over the last 50 years, metallic pipelines have been increasingly replaced by thermoplastic systems such as polyethylene, or PE. This is due to the significant advantages of PE like environmental resistance, especially corrosion, low maintenance demands and ease of installation; PE pipelines can even endure earthquakes.

Most newly installed water, sewage and gas distribution pipelines will be PE pipelines and they are increasingly being joined by electrofusion or EF. Electrofusion is considered the most reliable method of joining gas-carrying pipes. In fact, the gas industry was where EF was first used since gases can be hazardous if not secured properly.

Plasson EF couplers for welding poly pipe

THE KEY TO RELIABLE LONG-LASTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Given the obvious need for reliable, long-lasting infrastructure, developing high quality electrofusion fittings and systems for installation has been a PLASSON priority.

With specialized control boxes, reliable electrofusion fittings and precision tooling, PLASSON’S electrofusion range helps deliver better electrofusion welding.

PLASSON electrofusion fittings range from options for small diameter poly pipe, like 16mm and 20mm, to options for large diameter civil water and waste water pipes at 400mm to 800mm, 900mm and even 1000mm.

Electrofusion delivers reliable results on small and large diameter poly pipe. EF is also suitable for pipes with a small diameter since it does not shrink the inner diameter of the pipe. So whether welding a 32mm to 1/2″ brass transition fitting or a saddle onto 63mm blue stripe pipe, PLASSON electrofusion fittings are engineered to deliver quality electrofusion welds.

the benefits of PLASSON Australia EF branch saddles

TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU

The SmartFuse system offers fully automated welding and, when paired with the SmartFuse app, delivers image capture and cloud storage for all weld records. With the click of a button, weld data is stored and accessible, anywhere, anytime.

The SmartFuse app helps lower operational costs, reduces mistakes and joins can be easily traced and identified via the GPS data that is part of every SmartFuse weld record.

PLASSON is committed to innovation in the EF field. As a future focused company, we are continually working to improve what we offer, to facilitate better electrofusion welding, deliver enhanced asset management and asset visibility.

December 4, 2021/0 Comments/by [email protected]

SmartFuse

PLASSON POLYMATIC PLUS CONTROL BOX: OVERVIEW

The PLASSON SmartFuse system has been created to systemise installation and to simplify EF welding. PLASSON’S SmartFuse Polymatic Plus EF weld control unit is a workhorse that delivers ease and speed without breaking the bank.

THE 001 WAY TO BETTER ELECTROFUSION WELDS

TIPS TO SIMPLIFY EF WELDING

Are you searching for electrofusion welding tips? Looking for that magic piece of advice wrapped up in an easy to watch video? Achieving good electrofusion welds is not quite that simple but you have come to the right place!

The best tip to achieving good EF welds is summed up in two simple words: “precision” and “accuracy”. Whether you are installing a 16mm coupler or a 1000mm fitting, precision and accuracy is crucial at every step of the process. A good weld is about following all the recommended steps, having the right precise tools to do the job and taking the time to use them accurately.

guidelines for good electrofusion welding

It may sound simple but quality electrofusion welds are literally built on precision (being exact) AND accuracy (being correct).

“Precision” is about instruments and their parameters.

As an example, vernier calipers will measure precise peel depth during pipe prep down to 0.02 mm. A metal rule is precise to 1 mm. That makes it perfect for witness marks but rules (!) it out for gauging precise peel depth.

Here is where “accuracy” steps in – the correct tool used correctly.

PIPA – the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia – has created electrofusion industry guidelines, called POP001. It outlines the precison tools, accurate measurements and correct procedures (Best Practice) for EF welding.

Following the Best Practice steps in POP001 is the by far the best tip for achieving quality electrofusion welds.

Click here to read or download a copy… It has plenty of easy to understand diagrams and documents all the steps and measurements you need for successful electrofusion.

SMARTFUSE HELPS SIMPLIFY ELECTROFUSION WELDING

PLASSON created the SmartFuse EF system to deliver a framework to support the precision and accuracy required for successful electrofusion welding.

This system includes SmartFuse fittings with accurate welding parameters preloaded, robust welding control boxes which automatically detect weld parameters for all SmartFuse fittings and a free mobile app to guide installation and record key details, like GPS location, fitting type and barcode, for easy downstream management.

SmartFuse fittings have in-built resistors that feed accurate weld parameters to the SmartFuse control box once the fitting is connected. No manual entry and no scanning means it is not only faster to set up each and every weld but the potential for inaccurate input errors is eliminated.

The SmartFuse mobile app also helps make welding more accurate and precise. When using the app, installers are guided through weld steps, prompted to double-check settings and asked to confirm and record with photos of each step.

All visual records are stored along with details of the fitting being installed, precise location, installer ID, control box weld data and even the temperature on the day!

Weld data can be saved on site via USB, which is handy in remote areas with limited internet access, or, if you are using the SmartFuse App, data can be automatically uploaded to the cloud.

This gives managers and asset owners a real-time comprehensive picture of what is happening on any job, anywhere, anytime

QUICKER AND SMARTER WELDING

Weld times for PLASSON fittings are specific to the type of fitting. This is automatically detected by the SmartFuse control box. By combining all the elements in the SmartFuse system – the fittings, weld control box and SmartFuse App – users benefit from automatically loading of correct settings and recording of all weld activity.

On top of this, the safe storage of records is also take care as with the SmartFuse App all data can be automatically uploaded to the cloud to your preferred storage provider. Click here to find out how to sign up for a free SmartFuse App account..

The use of the SmartFuse system does not remove the requirement for EF installers to be certified. SmartFuse is designed to support certified electrofusion installers to work efficiently and accurately as well as helping by automatically recording detailed weld data for future reference.

See how SmartFuse fittings and welding control boxes work in this handy demo video:

see the best practice method to install a 125mm electrofusion coupler

November 4, 2021/0 Comments/by [email protected]

Compression, Information

ENGINEERING AN “O” SO RELIABLE FITTING

How PLASSON compression fittings work is a bit of a yarn that starts way back in 1896. Unless you are a trivia junkie, it will probably come as news that one of the most critical precision mechanical components ever developed was patented on May 12, 1896. That was when a Swedish patent for the O-ring was awarded to J.O. Lundberg. Niels A. Christensen was granted a US patent for his O-ring design in 1937.

Like all good ideas, it came to the attention of some pretty big players. The O-ring quickly became the standard seal for hydraulics in the military. The top brass set out the standard sizes and basic design guidelines that remain in use today.

The humble O-ring delivers a reliable seal through compression and that is why PE pipe joiners that seal via O-rings are described as compression fittings.

PLASSON seals due to a simple solution

PLASSON took the original O-ring from 1896 and did something simple but clever with it. By placing the O-ring into a special groove machined into the inside of each fitting, the PLASSON O-ring is always in the optimum position for sealing.

This innovative design means the fitting seals water-tight as soon as the pipe passes through the O-ring. With PLASSON compression fittings, you only tighten the nut to prevent the pipe and fitting from moving apart, or blowing out, under pressure. The design also means the O-Ring can’t fall out and be damaged, contaminated or lost during installation.

The O-ring is a donut-shaped ring (technically, a toroid) with a circular cross section made from different elastomers.

PLASSON compression fittings can have Nitrile NBR O-rings or EPDM O-rings, which has a better chemical resistance than NBR, or Vitron seals, which offer better chemical resistance than EPDM.

The name Viton is a trademark and refers to fluorocarbon O-rings, or FKM/FPM for short. This material has an excellent tolerance for high temperatures, resistance to oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids as well as aromatics and solvents.

O-rings seal by mechanical deformation (caused by compression) which creates a barrier to a fluid’s potential leak path between two closely mated surfaces.

Applying fluid pressure pushes the O-ring against the groove wall on the low-pressure side, increasing the sealing force. At higher pressures, the O-ring deforms to a “D” shape, increasing the contact area further.

PLASSON METRIC COMPRESSION TEES FOR POLY PIPE

The range of PLASSON compression fittings includes small 16mm and popular residential plumbing fittings at 20mm, 25mm and 32mm right up to large 63mm couplers for civil water and waste water pipelines.

PLASSON compression fittings are easy to install – just take a look at our install video:

October 24, 2021/0 Comments/by [email protected]

Electrofusion, Install tips

USING THE SMARTFUSE APP: IT’S FREE!

PLASSON SmartFuse app is designed to make electrofusion simpler and more efficient. And it is 100% free to use and always will be.

PLASSON SmartFuse offers a weld recording and reporting system. When using the app, installers are not only guided through systemised welds, the app ensures photos record each step.

These visual records are stored along with details for the fitting being installed, the precise location, the installer’s ID, all control box weld stage times and data and even the temperature on the day!

This data can be saved on site via USB, which is handy in remote areas with limited internet access, or automatically in the cloud.

This gives managers and asset owners a real-time comprehensive picture of what is happening on any job, anywhere, anytime.

CLICK TO SEE THE SMARTFUSE APP SIMPLIFY ELECTROFUSION

October 14, 2021/0 Comments/by [email protected]

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