With more than 1 million braze-free ZoomLockTM fittings already successfully installed, Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, is expanding its line-up of connectors, tools and ZoomLock compatible components for more HVACR uses.
A winner of the 2016 AHR Expo Innovation Award, ZoomLock products are popular with HVACR contractors and technicians who are looking for more flexibility, safety and efficiency, and with distributors and wholesalers who carry them.
ZoomLock technology works in both residential and commercial applications. The new tools are expected to be popular in large facilities such as supermarkets, hospitals, data centers, etc., where flame can be a problem. And with the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) market expected to grow to $9.65 billion by 2021, ZoomLock products are positioned to be an extremely popular facility solution.
Using specially designed ZoomLock crimping tools, technicians just connect the deburred tube ends into the fitting (which has o-rings inside) and press the assembly into place for a secure, leak-free seal. Additionally, it requires no brazing or adhesives, just the crimping tool and the fitting.
Parker braze-free connectors are currently available in straight couplings, long radius 90-degree elbows, tees, reducing couplings, slip couplings and cap connectors from 1/4” to 1-1/8”. Now access fittings (extended couplings with Schrader Valve) and Y fittings are joining the line-up, which will allow technicians to reduce time they have spent brazing these fittings in the past.
Another addition, a RIDGID® compatible jaw set that is compatible with the RIDGID® RP-200-B, RP-210-B, and RP-100-B Press Tools, will be available soon for those who already own the RIDGID® tools.
The next generation 19kN tool that can accommodate 1-3/8” connectors along with the present offerings is expected in March.
Press-to-connect fittings were developed more than 20 years ago and have been widely adopted in the plumbing industry due to the significant timesaving, repeatability, and simplicity of installation. However, ZoomLock’s patented design is the ONLY press-to-connect technology that is approved for HVACR operating pressures up to 700 psi. This truly is a groundbreaking technology for the HVACR industry aimed at increasing technician productivity. One technician can quickly do the connecting job alone, with no torch, no hot-work permits, no safety equipment, and no special experience. In just minutes, ZoomLock provides a clean, leak-proof connection. By eliminating concerns about gas and flames, ZoomLock also gives you more flexibility in where and when you can work, with no need to nitrogen-purge the lines.
“To make a system convenient to install, there are ZoomLock compatible components including ODM x ODM ball valves, Catch-All® filter-driers, See-All® sight glasses, and solenoid valves,” said Steve Schuster, ZoomLock Product Manager.
"The value is best captured in applications where multiple braze joints must be made quickly, cleanly, and leak free allowing over a 50 percent timesaving,” he added. “The benefits translate to increased profits for contractors and technicians and the distributors who are providing them with these tools.”
“We found that with ZoomLock, we are able to get our technicians in and out of jobs a lot quicker and with fewer expenses,” said Don Fowler, Service Division President of Main Enterprises. “There is no nitrogen needed for purging or the other expensive items associated with brazing. The whole process, including the clean up, is a lot quicker.”
Joe Kokinda, President and CEO of Professional HVACR Services, Inc., says that what surprised him most was how ZoomLock reduced safety risks and how easy it was to use. “Why someone who runs pipe in the HVAC/R trades doesn’t use ZoomLock, is beyond me.”
Parker is exhibiting the new products at the 2017 AHR Expo in Las Vegas (Booth # C3306).
Visit http://www.zoomlock.com for additional information.