Steel reducing tee - 22/15/15 1509260013

Application and Construction of the Steel Reducing Tee

This component from the KAN-therm Steel system is a 90° steel reducing tee, designed for connecting pipes in central heating installations. Thanks to the use of galvanized carbon steel (Fe/Zn88) with a zinc layer thickness of 8–15 µm, the fitting ensures durability in environments where there is no direct contact with potable water. The construction is based on press-fitting technology, eliminating the need for adhesives or passive sealants. All three connections (one main and two branch) are made using press-fit sleeves, allowing for quick and leak-tight joining of pipes with diameters of 22 mm and 15 mm in a reducing configuration.

A key safety feature is the O-ring seal, which guarantees the hermeticity of the connection even under pressure fluctuations in the system. Importantly for installers working in challenging conditions, the product features the Leak Before Press (LBP) function. This means that if the press-fitting is performed incorrectly during installation or if the seal is damaged, water will begin to leak before the tool is fully compressed. As a result, installation errors become immediately visible and can be corrected before applying operating pressure to the entire system.

Application in Heating Systems and Installation Technology

This tee is primarily used in closed heating circuits, where operating conditions are stable and do not degrade carbon steel. It is not suitable for potable water installations or open systems where the risk of oxygen-induced corrosion is high—in such cases, systems made of stainless steel or copper would be required. In central heating (CH) installations, the galvanized coating effectively protects against corrosion, and the precise manufacturing allows for installation in tight spaces without risking damage to adjacent pipes.

Installation requires the use of dedicated press-fitting heads compatible with the KAN-therm Steel system. The process is straightforward:

• The pipe is cut perpendicular to its axis and deburred.
• The fitting is pushed onto the pipes until it stops (visible control line).
• Press-fitting is performed using a hydraulic or manual tool according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Thanks to the LBP function, the installer can be certain that each connection has been made correctly—the absence of leakage after press-fitting confirms the system's tightness. It is important to note that using this tee in potable water installations may lead to rapid pipe perforation due to the lack of resistance of carbon steel to oxygen-induced corrosion under such conditions. For heating systems, however, it is an economical and proven solution, combining the strength of metal with the speed of modern press-fit systems.