Viega’s press connection systems on major East London redevelopment

Viega recently supplied its market first Megapress press connection system for thick-walled steel tube to the redevelopment of the former Britannia Music offices in Ilford, East London.

The project was in partnership with M&E specialist Promech Services, involving the creation of high-quality new homes.

The mixed-use development is part of a wider regeneration strategy in the Redbridge Borough and will provide a total of 354 homes in a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. 

Promech Services was awarded the full mechanical services design and installation contract by main contractor Durkan in 2017.

Viega’s Megapress press connection solution was selected for use on the thick-walled steel tube of the heating systems across the development. With the aim to create high-quality new homes, the thick-walled steel tube was specified to provide enhanced durability and longevity to the systems. Viega also delivered full product training for the Promech operatives working on site.

Steve Pearce, Director at Promech explains: “We had used press connections for a number of years on carbon steel and multilayer composite pipe installations. We were introduced to the Viega range, and Megapress specifically, on a previous contract so when the decision was made to use heavyweight steel tube on this project it was the obvious choice.”

Megapress, the first solution of its kind launched to the market, allows thick-walled steel tube with diameters between ⅜ inch and 4 inches to be cold press connected. When compared with alternatives such as welding, grooving or threading tube, Megapress provides between a 60% and 80% time-saving, depending on the tube diameter.

With a focus on ensuring the reliability of the systems at the Britannia Music site it was important to prevent any post-installation issues. The Megapress and Profipress fittings feature Viega’s patented SC-Contur technology, which is designed to deliver a 100% positive leak if the fitting is inadvertently unpressed – clearly discernible during leakage testing or when the system is filled for the first time. This provides a reliable method of detecting any issues early in the process to avoid costly and time-consuming remedial work.