ZeroCon®: the latest generation of pipe fittings

Heavy Fittings offers a real highlight with its new, proprietary, and patented stainless steel threaded connection: the latest generation of "sealing" through material compatibility of the gasket and flange connection. With many advantages, the ZeroCon threaded connection opens up many cross-industry applications. All components are manufactured in Heavy Fittings' own production facilities using specialized machinery.

The connection consists of three parts: a threaded stub, an insert part, and a metallic special sealing ring. Thanks to this metallic sealing ring, the connection can be sterilized with hot steam without any issues and is significantly more resistant to aggressive media than soft seals. It is temperature-stable from -273°C to +400°C and resistant to environmental influences (e.g., seawater).

The ZeroCon® connection meets the highest purity standards and is made entirely of stainless steel with the stainless steel material number 1.4435, with an internal surface roughness of Ra ≤ 0.4 µm. The nuts with internal threads are internally silver-plated from 3/4 inch onwards. The surface treatment reduces friction during screwing and thus enables proper assembly. The weld seams are prepared for orbital welding. Dimensions are available in DIN, ISO, and INCH series.

The new ZeroCon® threaded connection offers no possibility for deposits or the formation of cultures or bacterial films, is 100% sterilizable, and absolutely leak-proof due to material compatibility.

The gap between the sealing ring and the connection piece is a maximum of 10 µm. The smallest organisms, such as mold spores, have a diameter of 20 µm. Bacterial tests conducted by an independent institute show that ZeroCon® prevents the accumulation of any bacteria and tiny organisms inside the media-carrying pipe. A perfect pharmaceutical seal and thus no germ accumulation due to its aseptic design.

For ultra-pure applications, all connection parts, sealing rings, and nuts can be electropolished and finished with pure water if needed to meet the conditions in cleanrooms and with pure media.

The robust yet fine and compact connection is suitable for applications under high pressure, critical vacuum or ultra-high vacuum, and extreme temperature conditions, such as those in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cleanroom technology, semiconductor industry, food industry, vacuum technology, coating industry, fluid technology, offshore, plant engineering, and many other sectors.

The helium leak test shows absolute tightness in vacuum. Using current measurement technology, a leak rate of ≤ 10^-12 mbar (!) is determined. It can also be used in explosion-proof areas.

It is turbulence-free and does not impair flow or contaminate the process medium through material outgassing. Due to the continuous and smooth passage inside, the connection is piggable. Focus in details: the sealing ring is precisely adapted to the bore of the pipe used. Corresponding high-quality pipes with standard dimensions are also part of Heavy Fittings' product portfolio.

A simple and quick leak test (when installed) is possible through specially designed leak detection holes in the nut.

The anti-rotation device prevents external forces and moments from acting through form-fit connection; it is not possible to loosen the connection through torsional forces. ZeroCon® is self-centering with an end stop.

The connection is very easy to handle: quick, simple installation and disassembly without the risk of damage due to excessive tightening torques. No maintenance work is required. A smooth transition to other dimension series is possible.

The approval test certificate 3.1 according to DIN EN 10204 is available, as all parts are marked with a test number.

The ZeroCon® product line complements the existing instrumentation ranges Clino® (aseptic connections) and Ecotube®. Heavy Fittings, as a stainless steel specialist, offers exclusively stainless steel pipe and hose connections, fittings, and valves in its product portfolio.