Viega, an industry leader in press technology for metal and plastic fittings and valves, announced that the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has given B31 Board approval to Viega to include ASTM F3226 Metallic Press-Connect Fittings as a listed component.

ASTM F3226 is a standard that is regarded as having established the highest performance requirements for metallic press fittings on the market today. ASME B31, Code for Pressure Piping, is a standard developed, published and maintained by ASME. The code covers several sections, including Power Piping, Process Piping and Building Services Piping. It is needed particularly in scenarios involving highpressure, critical applications and industries with stringent safety standards. Viega’s ProPress® and MegaPress® (copper, carbon steel and stainless steel) press fitting systems are now included in the B31.1, B31.3 and B31.9 listed component tables.

“Having our fittings referenced in the listed components sections eliminates any subjectivity and gives us a simple and verifiable ‘Yes, we are compliant,’ and puts engineers at ease that they can fall back on the accepted status of the fitting,” said Christopher McBride, codes and standards manager for Viega. “Viega has consistently challenged the status quo and is the first company to have a press fitting for natural gas up to 4". We also were the first to receive seismic ratings and approvals. Now, we can add ASTM F3226’s inclusion in the B31.1, B31.3 and B31.9 codes. This validates that our products continue to have a rightful place in the world of process piping.”

“Viega’s press fittings continue to set the bar for the rest of the press fitting market by meeting or exceeding the highest quality and performance standards on the market today. The inclusion of press fittings in the listed components tables of the ASME B31 codes provides engineers with the necessary guidelines needed to safely design piping systems that conform to the ASME codes without the need for further engineering analysis,” said Jeff Gallagher, technical manager of Viega.

“This approval is recognition of Viega’s extensive testing and track record as a solution, not only for residential and commercial but also industrial applications,” said Adam Botts, product manager of Viega. “As a company, Viega goes above and beyond with testing. Our fittings meet the highest standards for seismic durability, and our CuNi fittings are the only fittings with NAVSEA approval. We’ve shown that we test our products against the toughest standards in the industry and have the track record to work in thousands of different applications. It is critically important to us to drive the industry forward by engaging with organizations such as ASME and ASTM to collaborate on essential frameworks like this.”

Since 1999, Viega has led industry-wide initiatives to secure acceptance and adhere to the most rigorous requirements in our approved applications. Viega maintains its leadership position in press technology by actively shaping codes, standards and regulations.

The approvals for codes B31.1 and B31.3 are currently in effect and, along with B31.9, are expected to be published in ASME’s next print edition.

Viega also announced that the pressure rating on its ProPress ball valves has been increased to 300 psi for potable and hydronic water applications to match the fitting ratings. Viega tests its fittings to the most stringent requirements in the press industry and is the solution for fittings in the world’s harshest environments.