Elster Perfection Fitting Certification NPGA Southeastern Conference April 2015 Jim Hansen Elster Perfection
Piping Materials used in LP Copper - Inexpensive refrigerant tubing is permitted as a piping material. Copper tubing is connected with inexpensive flare fittings. Copper can corrode or be easily damaged. Polyethylene Coated Copper - More expensive than copper, but provides the corrosion advantages of polyethylene, can be connected with inexpensive flared connections. Polyethylene - Inexpensive piping material, lighter and easier to handle, but requires more expensive risers and couplings to make connections, increasing the cost of the installation. Sometimes considered cost prohibitive on runs less than 50 feet.
Types of Polyethylene Gas Piping PE2708/PE2406 Medium Density Polyethylene, generally yellow in color. Earlier generations were orange or peach color. MAOP of roughly 60 PSI depending on wall thickness PE4710/PE3408 High Density Polyethylene, generally black in color with yellow stripes to identify it as gas piping. MAOP of roughly 100 PSI depending on wall thickness
Polyethylene Gas Piping Polyethylene gas piping has been used by natural gas companies since the mid 1970 s, and has been proven to be a very reliable material. Can be straight or coiled, but must meet ASTM D2513, and be marked as such. Polyethylene gas piping meeting ASTM D2513 is OD controlled which allows for consistent OD dimension, and a variable ID and wall thickness Polyethylene pipe is not able to be joined with solvents or glues, and cannot be threaded PE4710/PE3408 (black piping) is not commonly used in propane due to pressure limitations in NFPA 58 of 30 PSI
Common Installation Good - Use polyethylene as the piping material between the tank and home, then transition to copper with a Coppersert underground at both locations, eliminating the cost of a riser. Better - Use polyethylene as the piping material between tank and home, using a rigid riser with Permasert. Requires a connection from riser threads to regulator, called a pigtail fabricated from copper piping and flare fittings. Best - Use polyethylene as the piping material between tank and home, using All-Flex riser with ServiSert directly into regulator, eliminating the need for additional fittings.
Permasert Component View
Permasert Installation Instructions Make sure that the fitting and tubing are the correct size Cut the tubing end square Wipe with a clean dry cloth, remove any dirt or debris. Inspect the pipe for scratches or gouges. If any, remove damaged area Chamfer the end of the tubing with a Elster Perfection chamfering tool Mark the stab depth, per the package instructions Insert the tubing into the fitting with steady even pressure until the stab mark is reached Pressure test all connections
Permasert Installation Installation instructions are printed on the bag Follow the instructions carefully
Elster Perfection Servisert Flex Riser
Servisert Flex Riser Installation Make sure that the Servisert Flex Riser and tubing are of the correct size At the tank, remove Servisert service head adapter from flex casing Insert tubing through flex casing Cut the tubing end square Wipe the tubing with a clean dry cloth. Inspect tubing for scratches or gouges. If any, remove damaged area Mark the stab depth
Servisert Flex Riser Installation Insert the tubing into the Servisert until stab depth mark is reached Connect Servisert to Flex Casing Apply thread sealant to MPT threads Tighten Servisert assembly directly into first stage regulator AT THE HOUSE Follow the previous steps Connect Servisert to second stage regulator Connect to house piping Pressure test all connections
Servisert Installation Installation instructions are printed on the packaging Follow the instructions carefully
Questions? James P. Hansen Elster Perfection jim.hansen@elster.com