Optimizing Your BFM® fitting System

Title Line

To ensure you get the best out of your BFM® fittings, check out our videos and downloadable guides to help walk you through the individual elements of installing the BFM® fitting system.

  • Measure For Installation
  • Welding Spigots
  • Snapping in Connectors
  • Fitting Covers
  • Tool Release (TR)
  • Installation Tips
Measure For Installation

Measuring the Installation Gap and working out the right BFM® fitting spigot diameter and connector length for your application is important to get maximum performance. 

Before installing BFM® spigots for the first time, ensure you have gone over the six simple steps required to get a perfect fit for your BFM® system. 

  1. Identify the connection type.
  2. Measure available space
  3. Measure required diameters & standardize if possible
  4. Align any offsets (where you can)
  5. Measure any remaining offset & also any movement
  6. Use Installation Gap Calculator to select appropriate connector length/installation gap
Welding Spigots

Spigot Welding Guidelines

The tail of the spigot can be cut right to the base of the head, but we recommend leaving at least 15mm (19/32") on the tail and EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID HEAT SHRINKAGE as this will affect the fit between the flexible connector cuff and the spigot.

We recommend breaking the welding process into small sections (eg. 100mm), alternating to opposite thirds of the spigot circumference each time to help avoid heat shrinkage.

We recommend following a four-step process when it comes to welding BFM® spigots:

  1. Align - Size your BFM® spigot to your pipe, adjustments may be required to suit the BFM® spigot.
  2. Tack - Tack the BFM® spigot to the correct sized pipe
  3. Peen - Peen the tacked joint to ensure correct fit.
  4. Weld - Weld the BFM® spigot on. Dress and polish to required standards.
Snapping in Connectors

The standard BFM® connector is also tool-free, which means it is much simpler, faster and safer to replace than traditional clamped connections. BFM® fitting connectors can be installed by any staff member, increasing your plant's autonomy and efficiency.

After installing your spigots correctly using our Installation Gap (IG) Calculator, fitting and replacing a BFM® is easy. In fact, it's so easy, you can replace the connectors using just your hands in less than 30 seconds.

 

Fitting Covers

Kevlar Covers are used in over-pressure / potentially explosive applications to reduce the risk of fire.

Black Out Covers are used in light-sensitive applications to maintain your product quality.

Both types of covers fit over the top of a BFM® fitting connector and can be installed using the method below.

 

Tool Release (TR)

Tool Release (TR) Connectors are an additional option to our standard connector range and are an added level of safety to help prevent connectors being removed in potentially dangerous locations.

TR connectors have a much firmer snap-band and cannot be removed easily by hand.

There are two different 'Tool' options depending on your preference.

We have a standard TR Tool option, or a 'Smiley Face' TR Tool option.  Both require holes to be drilled or punched in the top 'ridge' of the BFM® fitting spigot.  

 

Both types of TR connectors can be installed using the method below:

Installation Tips

Watch the video to learn tips on:

  • Spigot installation

  • Fitting a connector

  • Spotting common fitting problems

  • Removing a connector

  • Using a Tool Release Tool

  • Fitting a Kevlar Cover


You can also download our guide for measuring and installation here:

Graphic of the BFM® IG Calculator

 

Download Installation Gap Calculator

Title Line

The installation gap is the space to leave between the BFM® spigots and always needs to be slightly shorter than the connector length (CL). It's extremely important to get this right for the optimal performance of your BFM® fitting system.

The BFM® IG Calculator will help you identify the correct Installation Gap (IG) for your BFM® fitting installation.

 

Need help with installing your BFM® fitting?

Title Line

We have Authorized Distributors who can answer any installation questions you may have and help you get up and running with your BFM® fitting system.