Permasert 2.0: Everything You Need To Know

For years and years, there have been many theories on what is the best and most cost-effective way to run pipe. Inside or outside the home, there are so many ways to run gas lines. Today we are going to narrow it down and discuss piping outside the home, and, we'll narrow that list down further to just one way, Perfection's Permasert 2.0.

First, a little history. Before Permasert mechanical couplings, the ends of the polyethylene pipe were joined by either socket fusion or butt fusion. These processes required expensive equipment that essentially melted the pipes together or fused them to a fitting. It was a time-consuming process that was costly to install.

Perfection's Permasert 2.0 mechanical fittings improve that bond. The name "Permasert" comes from the fact that once the connection is made, it is permanent and the pullout strength is actually greater than the pipe it is connected to. Perfection has perfected their fittings and will save you time and money on every installation.

Before we go into the different type of fittings Perfection offers let's take a moment to break down what makes a Permasert 2.0 fitting so strong.

A. Permasert 2.0 Coupling is molded from PE4710 resin. This is a higher density resin that prevents slow crack growth from occuring for 50 years. It meets or exceeds US DOT Part 192; ASTM D2513, Category 1; ASTM F1924; NFPA 58; CSA 137.4. IAPMO/UPC listed. B. The Spacer Retainer Ring centers the pipe and provides a redundant activation mechanism for the collet, because the last thing you want is pipe slip. C. The Thrust Washer provides even distribution of force on the collet. D. Stiffener is zinc-plated steel guaranteeing a proper alignment and adds support for full restraint. E. Seals BUNA-N (Nitrile) elastomers provide a redundant sealing system. F. Collet is tapered so it grips to prevent pipe pull-out.

Now let's go through some common fittings used in the industry today:

Anodeless Risers

These risers are probably the most commonly used riser in the propane industry. They are called anodeless risers since they were designed to not need cathodic protection. These risers can be ordered with or without the coupling factory-installed allowing you to make a nice clean transition to iron pipe or copper tubing at the house and the tank.

Flex Risers

These risers are becoming more popular because of their flexibility and wide range of sizes. They offer 1/2" CTS and 3/4" IPS polyethylene connections along with 1/2" and 3/4" MPT outlet connections. All Flex Risers come in lengths of 36", 60" and 84". There's a flex riser for every job. The 36" flex risers are generally used at the building and the 84" flex risers are used at the tank. This is generally long enough to attach straight to the regulator without additional fittings. These risers are also ideal for connecting underground tanks and generators as well.

Mechanical Couplings

Perfection offers a variety of couplings; standard couplings, reducing couplings and repair couplings. These couplings are approved for underground use only. They are non-corrosive and do not require cathodic protection.

All the fittings above are commonly used with most residential installations. However, Perfection offers other fittings such as shutoff valves and mechanical tapping tees for larger installations. The valves allow you to isolate areas of the piping and the mechanical tapping tees allow you to add a tee without having to shut down the system. Most of these valves are available in sizes from half-inch to eight inches.

Polyethylene Pipe

Polyethylene pipe (PE) is also known as "poly pipe" or Thermoplastic can be joined together by using heat fusion or mechanical fittings as we discussed above. In most cases today, the majority of people are using mechanical fittings. Fusion is generally used on larger installations and natural gas pipelines. PE pipe comes in a variety of sizes and lengths but mainly in our industry the range is from 1/2" CTS to 4" IPS. Most of the pipe is packaged in two hundred fifty foot or five hundred foot rolls although some of the larger sizes are shipped in forty-foot sticks.

Now, let's take a look to see how easy it is to install Perfection Permasert 2.0 fittings:

1. Cut the tubing so that the end is square.

2. Wipe with a clean dry cloth and inspect the last several inches of PE piping for damage. If there is any damage, cut again to remove the damaged area.

3. Insert tube and rotate in chamfer tool until tube bottoms out.

4. Mark the stab depth.

5. Stab tubing into the coupling until it bottoms out.

6. Pressure test the finished joint according to your company's standard operating procedure

Like any installation, lines need to be sized and installed properly to serve the attached equipment according to NFPA 58 requirements. This includes choosing the proper pipe size, being aware of proper burial depths, and backfilling material along with the installation of tracer tape and wire. Installation of polyethylene piping system must be done by a qualified person only and they must be aware of all code requirements on the installation. Certifications can be acquired by calling your local Tarantin Industries Sales Representative. We can conduct onsite training, and we also offer training at some of our locations throughout the year. Call us today at 800.922.0724 for more information.