Technofast Industries has been appointed the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor for Swiss-engineered Haelok pipe fittings, which can be deployed in under a minute to provide sealing performance under high pressure conditions.
Leaking refrigerant in commercial and industrial heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems can be difficult to trace and remedy, particularly if the piping systems involved were not ideally specified in the first place.
The leaks have a double impact – on climate change and system costs for users and specifiers of essential HVAC and refrigeration systems – including industries such as food and beverage processing.
Refrigerants now commonly in use can be potent greenhouse gases if they do leak, which is a source of concern to environmental authorities, and the cost of HVAC systems in commercial buildings can account for up to 50 per cent of energy use, according to the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.
Technofast owner, John Bucknell, said problems can develop gradually over time, or sometimes occur suddenly and produce a shock of discovery when power bills arrive.
“Prompt action is required to curb environmental and financial costs in refrigeration and HVAC systems, particularly those in which piping is often complex and designed to accommodate large cooling loads,” said Bucknell.
“Pipe installation and repair work often involves welding, which means you need a hot work permit, a spotter, x-raying, flushing, purging, and a shutdown period – all of which take time and add considerable cost. With a Haelok fitting, one person can complete the repair in approximately 40 seconds, and the pipe is ready to go.
“You can also isolate the particular area you are working on, rather than shutting down the whole line. Then, simply hydraulically cut the pipe, install the relevant Haelok fitting, crimp the ends, and the job is complete,” he said.
Haelok gas-tight fittings can be deployed in under a minute to provide pipe sealing performance in systems coping with vibration and high pressure. These systems may contain refrigerants in a gaseous or liquid state, depending on the specific stage of the refrigeration cycle.
While the pipes themselves are typically made from durable materials to withstand pressure variations and temperature – such as steel, stainless steel and copper – the joints also must also be engineered to withstand these variables.
The Haelok range includes 250 standard sizes and variations, such as straight fittings, repair fittings, reduction fittings, fittings with internal or external threads, end caps, union tees, elbow 90-degree fittings, SAE flanges and many more variations to suit different applications. In addition to the standard range, Bucknell said customised fittings can be manufactured to suit unique requirements.
Haelok fittings can be acquired in Australia through Technofast Industries, which has a head office based in Brisbane. More information is available at technofast.com.
