FAQs

The electro-galvanized steel is used in closed systems (i.e. without water), therefore there are no risks of electrolysis. Obviously, the "naked part" must be protected against external corrosion as more subject to corrosion compared to the electro-galvanized part. 

No, absolutely not. Even if some inch size diameters are dimensionally close to copper pipes complying with EN1057 standard, the use of inch size pipes cancels the product guarantee. If you need to use inch size pipes, it is advisable to use FRABO FRIO press fittings, the FRABO range of copper endfeed fittings in inches, perfect dimensioned for this kind of pipes.

Yes. However, you must remember that:

• Any major change in temperature must be duly considered and taken care of during the design and project phase
• The use of galvanized steel at low temperatures requires the pipes to be well insulated using a perfectly adherent closed-cell insulation layer (any moisture trace between the pipe surface and the insulating layer must be avoided)

The answer is not univocal because EN1254-1, reference standard for fittings, indicates different values of pressure in function of the considered diameter and the typology of the used solder alloy. In general, we can say that 16 bar of working pressure are guaranteed for diameter until 54mm. For diameter over 54mm until 133mm, the maximum operating pressure drops to 10 bar.

It’s  preferrable not to bend connecting pipes and use the appropriate elbows to install the piping with the desired layout.

If necessary it’s possible to bend the pipes if  the correct bending radiuses are chosen (minimum is 4x the pipe diameter) and the correct tools are used (the correct tools do not alter the cross section of the pipes).

Bending of stainless steel is allowed only in case of heat-annealed pipes.

Currently no specific test can be provided as a precise estimate of the expected lifetime of the elastomeric gaskets. FRABO provides orings which have positively passed all the tests related to the relevant European Standards whose strictness can be taken as a warrant for quality and durability.

Absolutely not: this will lead to a loss of validity of the warranty and may be dangerous or unsafe.

A “closed circuit” (often referred to as “closed loop”)  shows no possible risk of increasing of the inside Oxygen/air content since is running always with the same water.

“Open circuits” run using an always-changing fluid so Oxygen/air is continuously flowing through the system.

Wet sprinkler systems are always filled with water in pressure. In case of fire a thermal-activated sprinkler nozzle sprays water over the flames to cool the area. Dry systems act  similarly but the pipes are constantly filled with pressurized air instead of water.

Installations in Carbon steel made using FRABOPRESS CSTEEL can convey glycol-based (normally ethilen-glycol is preferred) additives in water to a maximum percentage of 50%.

FRABOPRESS 316 series is manufactured using AISI316L stainless steel whose resistance to corrosion is considered outstanding. Local pitting corrosion phenomena may happen in case of highly aggressive environments which should not be considered as a standard application. Generally strong corrosion phenomena are related only to exposure to environments where the chlorine local content or temperatures  are way beyond the common thresholds. 

Unfortunately there’s no possibility to give a definitive answer since this may vary depending from the depth of the scratch and the tool which scratched the surface.

As a general rule a scratch given by a ferrous tool is expected to stain the pipe and in some unfortunate cases eventually lead to corrosion of the pipe.

As a general rule suitability of the frabopress pressfittings (Copper/Bronze, Stainless Steel and C-Steel) for this application is related to the oil content of the compressed air. In case the oil quantity is below 5mg/m³ any of said systems can be used as supplied.

In case the oil quantity is over said threshold we require the oring to be changed with the red FKM oring which features a unique resistance to oils, mineral greases thus granting higher performances.

Maximum operating pressure is, in any case, 16bar.

Please avoid the build of condensate inside the C-Steel sytems using dry air.

Frabopress fittings are manufactured using high quality materials and components and are specifically designed to stand the test of time. A pipe run made using the FRABOPRESS products (fittings and connecting pipes) which is installed with the prescribed tools and according the installing instruction has an expected lifetime of 30 years (this is not a legal binding warranty).

Legal warranties follow the legal prescriptions.

Yes, for sure. The black EPDM O-Ring which is commonly installed in FRABOPRESS H2O, C-steel and 316 series is suitable for said application.

FRABOPRESS SECURFRABO Copper/Bronze series feature a yellow HNBR oring which is suitable for contact with  glycol-based (normally ethylene-glycol is preferred) additives in water to a maximum percentage of 50%.

Acetylene is one of the most widespread technical gases and is well known to be very reactive if placed in contact with copper and copper alloys (contact promotes the building of instable or harmful byproducts).

FRABOPRESS 316 SECURFRABO series is the correct choice for said application.

Not much: those are two different German and English names for the same compound.

Any operation which may eventually lead to thermal stress is not recommended for pressfittings systems due to the presence of O-Rings.

If welding is required please take into consideration due cooling techniques which may help in keeping the temperatures under control.

A closed loop system installed using the system FRABOPRESS C-STEEL is not subject to corrosion as long as the system remains closed and no air is added to the water (given to the absence or extremely low quantity of Oxygen).

Press fitting production refers to UNI 11065 standard for copper fittings or copper alloy fittings and to UNI 11179 standard for steel fittings. The compliance with these standards is an essential requirement for using the fittings in a plant.

Design and installation of press fitting systems must comply with local standards, standards defined by the current state of the art and the standards described in the technical manual of the specific product.

The connection pipe can be bent.

However, it is not advisable to bend it, unless it is not possible to use a 90° or a 45° bend fitting. The bend must have a radius, which is at least 6 times the diameter of the pipe up to 54 mm of diameter.

The pipe must be subjected to cold bending with the suitable equipment in order to have no deformation.

Installations conveying water + emulsifiable oil are “open” installations so it is highly inadvisable to use Frabopress C-Steel fittings because of potential internal corrosion phenomena. The level and the speed of corrosion could be limited by emulfisiable oil but not deleted and it could jeopardize the durability.