ProPress Job-PGP

Paul Pollets

We're just completing our first project using the ProPress tool from Viega (Ridgid. I'm amazed with the time it saves. This remodel and retrofit uses Wirsbo "staple-up" with transfer plates for the main floor and 4 wall panel rads in the basement level. We're using a Viessmann Vitogas 100 and VitoCell 300-53g and Vitotronic 200 control. Wanted to use a Vitodens, but there was no way to vent it properly, and had to go with the existing chimney and a new liner. I'll post the final pics next week when we commission the system.

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J.C.A._3

Paul,

Welcome to the club! I'm a big believer in the system. The time saved is a win/win for both you and the customer. The array of available fittings is getting better all the time and more and more supply houses are now stocking them. (Some more than others, but they evidently see the advantage)

I hear tell that the fitting depth will soon include a few things that I would like to have seen earlier this Fall. Specifically, venturi tees. I've asked for some strange and wonderful fittings in the last few months and have been very surprised to have them in hand walking out the door.

If you start using it on bigger (1-1/4-4") fittings, beware the pull of the tool! It will take a few tries to figure it out, but straight runs ARE attainable. Ask Mr. Milne to send a couple of pictures of the job Steve did with dual Vitolas. A thing of beauty to be sure.

Here is a photo of the first job we ever did with our "cordless" PP, we liked it so much, it never went back to the supplier. Chris

Constantin

Looks great!

Just wondering though... was the chimney issue precipitated by the length restrictions of the Vitodens when it's in coaxial-vent form?

IIRC, venting a Vitodens in a non-coax form is acceptable (stays type-IV). The trade-off is slightly higher noise levels in the boiler room (which is where the Vitodens will then draw its air from). IIRC, the max eqv. chimney length is 65' under those conditions. Seems long enough under most conditions.

Would you mind to elaborate on the siting issues with the Vitodens? Just curious.... it seems like that boiler can do just about anything though its coaxial venting restrictions are a lot tighter than some other brands. Perhaps thus all the focus on making the thing silent so it can be mounted in the living space.

Paul Pollets

Vitodens

The joists ran in the proper direction on each side of the mech rm, but the 2x8 space would not allow proper pitching of the vent in the 15' length of the co-vent. The Vitodens has a 20ft maximum developed length horizonatally. It should be pitched 1/4"/ft. Exceeding the vent length won't affect the boiler, as long as it's pitched. In this case, it was physically impossible to do either horizontally or vertically. Oh well....IU would have preferred the Vitodens, as would have the client, but the Vitogas100 ain't too bad.

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Paul Pollets

Yo

Thanks Chris, The fittings are mostly available in Seattle and inventories should get better as more contractors adapt. I'll reduce my copper sweat fittings within the next 90 days.


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J.C.A._3

Constantin,

Again, a very sound point from an engineering perspective.
As you know, most boilers in Europe are mounted in close proximity to living/dwelling spaces. Think about our countries (relatively short) history. Most of our heating appliances are located in the sub-terrainian region of our homes, thus noise has been largely overlooked, as to heating paramiters. Chimnies have also been a part of the heating system since the dawn of man, be they a hole in the top of the cave, or something crafted from mortar and brick. Most people can't even conceive a boiler in their kitchen or any other "living space" because they are programmed to BELIEVE that a heating appliance will be "noisy".

The biggest challenge we, as Thermal Environmental Control Technicians (thanks for the new title Mr. Bean!!!!)face is that all of the piping for the heating system goes to the basement.The ability to move it to someplace other than the space now being used is usually limited by walls , and the like.

As much as I would like to believe we could move a boiler to a place where it will work in any particular home, I have to side with the homeowner at this point and say "What do you mean your going to take away my storage space for a new heater?" . They also look at the price. To move all those pipes somewhere else will cost a bundle.

Yes, people get real tempermental about things like this, and they REALLY believe that the "furnace" belongs in the basement, sad but true. Chris