The Future of Press Fittings - Inside INSTANTOR HQ

Introduction

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the INSTANTOR headquarters located in Dublin, thanks to a kind invitation from the company. Our adventure began at East Midlands Airport, where I was accompanied by a good friend, Shauer, who drove me to the airport. We were all excited to explore what INSTANTOR had instore, so we made our way through the process of boarding our flight to Dublin.

Upon arriving at INSTANTOR, we were welcomed into their offices, where a striking copper-plated drawing of the original brass “N” from 1926 proudly stood at the reception. As part of the Samba Group, INSTANTOR encompasses various companies, including the well-known Flair brand, further hinting at its rich industrial history. Once a local employer producing brass fittings, INSTANTOR continues to have a significant impact on the industry.

During our tour, we were introduced to three innovative piping systems. The first was the gas corrugated pipework, designed for long runs. Its flexibility significantly reduces the need for multiple fittings around corners, promising to make installations quicker and more efficient. Although I hadn't encountered this system before, it certainly piqued my interest for future projects, especially for underfloor gas piping.

Next, we explored the Copper press fittings, which are available for both water and gas applications. What intrigued me most was their in-house design and manufacturing of press tools. I look forward to integrating these into my work, and I learned about the unique O-ring design which provides a clear indicator of potential leaks in water fittings—an essential safety feature not found in gas fittings.

Then, we got hands-on experience with MLCP (Multi-Layer Composite Pipe), which combines a plastic outer layer with a rigid metal inner liner. This system exhibits greater durability and flexibility compared to traditional plastic pipework. The advantage of using this system is the ability to make specific bends that maintain their shape, simplifying future adjustments.

After lunch, we had the chance to speak with Null from INSTANTOR's pump division, known as Tuxon. Tuxon specializes in pumping solutions, from circulating pumps to shower boosters. The highlight was an innovative Universal pump head replacement kit, a game-changing product set to disrupt the market.

To conclude our day, we visited the iconic Guinness Factory and enjoyed a refreshing pint of Guinness. This trip was more than just an opportunity to explore the latest technology in plumbing; it underscored how much INSTANTOR values its products and their impact on end-users. A big thanks to INSTANTOR for this enlightening experience; I look forward to sharing more insights about press fittings in the future!

Keywords

INSTANTOR
Press fittings
MLCP
Copper fittings
Gas corrugated pipework
Tuxon pumps
Innovations
Plumbing solutions
Dublin

FAQ

Q: What is MLCP?
A: MLCP stands for Multi-Layer Composite Pipe, which features a plastic outer layer and a rigid metal inner liner for increased durability and flexibility.

Q: What are the advantages of gas corrugated pipework?
A: Gas corrugated pipework allows for long runs with fewer fittings and can bend around corners, making installations quicker and more efficient.

Q: Does INSTANTOR manufacture its products locally?
A: Currently, INSTANTOR manufactures its components overseas but maintains high-quality standards and performs thorough testing in their Dublin lab.

Q: What should I know about the Universal pump head replacement kit?
A: This innovative kit allows users to replace existing boiler pumps without changing the entire body, offering a cost-efficient solution for contractors.

Q: How does INSTANTOR ensure product quality?
A: INSTANTOR conducts rigorous testing on its fittings under different pressures, and immediately addresses any potential issues found during these tests.