Introduction and Brand Overview

The TOF Joint System is a historic Italian brand specializing in brass fittings for polyethylene (PE) pipes, known for pioneering the external compression system patented in 1968. Acquired by EFFEBI in 2005, the brand combines traditional quality and safety with enhanced valve technology and global distribution capabilities.

Product Range and Specifications

The product portfolio includes a variety of brass and cast iron fittings designed for PE and iron pipes, such as single joints (male/female threads), straight joints, T-joints, 90° elbows, flange connections, and multi-way pump fittings. Materials primarily include brass (OT) and cast iron (GH). Detailed dimensional data (pipe diameter, thread size, and measurements A, B, B1, C), packaging quantities, product codes, and pricing are provided for precise selection.

Key Parameters and Dimensions

• Material types: OT (Brass), GH (Cast Iron)
• Pipe diameters: 20 mm to 110 mm for PE pipes; 1/2" to 3" for iron pipes
• Thread sizes and types specified per fitting
• Dimensional measurements critical for installation
• Packaging quantities and product codes for ordering
• Price ranges from small gaskets (~€0.41) to large fittings (>€118)

Product Identification and Legend

• OT = Brass (Ottone)
• GH = Cast Iron (Ghisa)
• Filetto = Thread
• Confezione = Packaging
• COD = Product Code

Assembly Procedures and Installation Guidelines

For PE gas pipe joints, assembly involves inserting internal reinforcement sleeves, sliding components (swivel nut, gripping ring, sealing ring) onto the pipe, inserting the pipe into the fitting body, and tightening the swivel nut with a pipe wrench. Derivation clamps (TOF/C) require positioning semicylindrical cast iron halves around the pipe, inserting bolts, and tightening nuts crosswise to 25-30 N·m torque for uniform sealing.

Offtake joints use clamp elements and a ball valve with a perforation tool to create branch connections without pipe end preparation.

Materials and Treatments

• Brass alloy CuZn40PB2-CW 617N for bodies, nuts, and flanges (UNI EN 12165)
• Spheroidal cast iron GS 400 for cast parts (UNI EN 1563)
• Hydraulic seals made of NBR elastomer (UNI 549, EN 681), with EPDM available for potable water
• Mechanical seals of polyacetal resin or brass alloy
• Zinc-plated steel bolts standard; stainless steel optional

Standards and Compliance

• EN 1254-3: Compression fittings for plastic pipes (water and gas)
• UNI 9736: PE pipe connections for mixed metal-PE gas pipelines
• DIN 8076, UNI 9034, UNI 9165: Gas distribution pipeline standards
• ISO 10838: Mechanical fittings for polyethylene piping systems for gaseous fuels
• Italian national laws and ministerial circulars for safety and potable water compliance

System Description and Performance

The TOF system uses a truncated conical rubber gasket and mechanical sealing ring to accommodate pipe ovalization and tolerances, ensuring hydraulic sealing and mechanical anchoring. Internal reinforcement sleeves are mandatory for PE 100 pipes and gas applications. The system supports maximum operating pressures up to 25 bar (depending on pipe type) and temperatures up to 100°C for metal fittings.

TOF/FE fittings are designed for threaded iron pipes and other rigid pipes with inch diameters, suitable for water and gas up to 18 bar and 100°C.

Usage Limits and Best Practices

• Use reinforcement sleeves inside PE pipes for gas connections to comply with UNI 9736.
• Follow the prescribed assembly sequence for components to ensure proper sealing and mechanical strength.
• Tighten swivel nuts and clamp bolts to recommended torque values (25-30 N·m) using appropriate tools.
• Check pressure and temperature limits before application (PN16 for water, up to 18 bar for iron fittings).
• Use compatible sealing materials (NBR for gas, EPDM for potable water).
• Ensure proper alignment and avoid pipe end preparation beyond square cuts with deburred edges.

Additional Components and Accessories

• Anchoring rings in brass and plastic (POM) for PE and iron pipes
• Polyethylene warning tapes color-coded by utility type (water, gas, electrical, sewage)
• Stainless steel bolt kits for joints

Summary

This document serves as a comprehensive technical catalog and installation guide for TOF mechanical compression fittings and anchoring systems used in polyethylene and metal piping systems for water, gas, and other fluids. It emphasizes ease of installation, reliability of sealing, compliance with international and national standards, and long-term performance proven in critical applications.