Getting The Perfect Fit

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The BFM® fitting system consists of a blue banded flexible connector and, in most instances, two steel adaptors called spigots that are welded onto the machinery/pipes being connected.

To get the maximum performance out of a BFM® fitting system, it's important to get the initial installation right - and it's a simple process of following some basic guidelines.

If you are installing multiple connections, we recommend standardizing your flexible connectors wherever possible to make inventory control more streamlined and sustainable.

 

 
Before installing your BFM® system spigots, check that you have gone over these steps to help ensure you get a perfect fit for your BFM® system:
1. Identify the connection type
Is the connection:
  • Static inline
  • Static offset
  • Vibrating
  • Oscillating

This is important as an installation with movement requires a different installation gap/connector length to a static installation.

2. Total Available Space

Measure the total possible space available between the two points to be connected.  

This should include anywhere you could cut your tubes/pipes down to if necessary.

Knowing how much space there is available for the installation is especially helpful if you are doing multiple installations and would like to try and standardize the size of your connectors.

3. Diameter

Measure the diameter on all connection points.  If your inlet and outlet connection points are different diameters, we usually recommend resizing your pipework if possible so they are the same to simplify ordering standard connector sizes.

If you are installing multiple connectors, we recommend choosing a standardized connector size wherever possible and adapting your pipework to fit for future supply chain sustainability.

4. Alignment

Plan to align any offsets / straighten any angles where possible to maintain the integrity of the BFM® connector.

Where alignment isn't possible due to space constraints for example, offset measurements should be taken.

5. Offsets and Movement

Measure any movement (or offsets that can't be straightened).

For movement:

  • Perform the measurement at machine start-up and shutdown to record maximum movement (use slow-motion video).
  • Measure maximum movement/offset in one direction from a fixed point.
6. Installation Gap Calculator

Once you've got your measurements, You can use the BFM® Calculator to identify the perfect fit, or contact your local authorized BFM® Distributor for assistance.

Return on Investment of BFM® fitting

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There are many benefits of installing a BFM fitting system and these provide significant long-term savings to your business that will far outweigh the initial purchase and installation cost.

 

Wooden Blocks ROI 600 x 397

 

Installation Guides

For more information on the BFM® fitting installation process, we have a range of videos and guides to help you.

Our distributors are also able to advise and guide you through the process.