How PreFiS® Works
PreFiS® by Tube-Mac® is a high-performance press fitting system for creating permanent, non-welded connections in metal piping systems. It provides a reliable alternative to conventional welding and threaded connections, eliminating hot work and helping reduce installation time, manpower requirements and associated safety risks.
Designed for operating pressures up to 140 bar (2,000 psi), PreFiS® is suitable for demanding applications including high-pressure water mist fire suppression, CO₂ fire suppression and high-pressure cleaning systems. Its axial swaging technology creates a secure metal-to-metal connection without elastomeric seals, making it suitable for applications where long-term reliability and fire safety are critical.
Introduced in 1996, PreFiS® has been used across marine, oil & gas, automotive and petrochemical applications. The system has received certifications from leading marine and industrial authorities, including DNV, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and RINA, supporting its use in safety-critical piping applications.
PreFiS® Specification
Material and Sizes
PreFiS® is available in Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel material.
It is available from 1/2″ upto 3″ NPS, from 10mm upto 88.9mm Metric Tube Size.
Pressure and Temperature Ratings
Up to 140 bar pressure
Fitting Configurations
Turned Parts
1. End plug
2. Straight nozzle connector
3. Straight coupling with or without stop
4. Female stud coupling
5. Male stud coupling
6. Reducing coupling.
Forged Parts
7. 90° nozzle adapter
8. Nozzle connector tee
9. Equal cross
10. Reduced cross
11. Equal tee
12. Reduced tee
13. 90° angle
Benefits of PreFiS®
- No threading or welding needed; ideal for use on board vessels or in confined areas
- Suitable for welded and seamless carbon steel and stainless steel tube/pipe
- Customized PreFiS® tubes with reduced wall thickness on special request
- DNV, LR, and RINA approved for 140 bar water mist and wash water systems
- Press fitting installs in seconds
- No threading or welding needed; ideal for use on board vessels or in confined areas
- No expenses for NDT, such as x-raying
Certifications
Compliance
- ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8
- CRN (Canadian Registration No)
- NAVSEA (United States Naval Sea Command)
- ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Navy)
- US Coast Guard
Testing
- API 6FB Third Edition Nov. 98 Fire Test for End Connection Fittings
- ISO 19921 Fire Test, Fire Resistance of Metallic Pipe Components with Resilient and Elastomeric Seals
- US Military Navy Shock Test MIL-S-901D
Applications
PreFiS® fittings can be used across hydraulic, lubrication, oil, water and other utility piping applications, subject to the applicable pressure, temperature, material and fitting specifications.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Read the case study where the Pyplok® system proved to be a more cost-effective solution than traditional hot work system for on-site pipework fabrication and repairs.
FAQ'S
If I don't swage the fitting enough, do I have to cut it out and replace it?
No you don’t have to cut out and replace the fitting. Simply place the Pyplok® tool around the fitting and re-swage it. Check with the inspection gauge to ensure the proper swage diameter has been achieved. As a pre-engineered tool, you can swage the fitting hundreds of times and you will never damage the fitting. The Pyplok® tool will automatically stop at a pre-engineered diameter for each size.
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FAQ'S
What is the PreFiS® Press Fitting System?
PreFiS® is a non-welded press-fitting system developed for joining metal tubes and pipes in industrial applications. It uses a specialised press tool to create a secure, metal-to-metal sealed connection without conventional welding or threaded joints, helping simplify piping installation and reduce hot-work requirements.
How does the PreFiS® Press Fitting System work?
PreFiS® uses a dedicated press tool and hydraulic pump to mechanically form the fitting around the prepared tube or pipe end. This creates a permanent connection with metal-to-metal sealing. The connection is produced through a controlled pressing operation rather than welding or threading.
What are the advantages of using PreFiS® over conventional welded piping?
PreFiS® eliminates welding at the connection, reducing hot-work requirements and the associated safety risks. Its rapid press-fitting installation can reduce assembly time and labour requirements, while eliminating weld-related non-destructive testing for the press joint can simplify project execution. These advantages are particularly valuable in confined spaces and marine environments.
What is the maximum operating pressure of the PreFiS® system?
PreFiS® is promoted for applications with operating pressures of up to 140 bar (2,000 psi), including approved water-mist and wash-water systems. The allowable pressure depends on the tube size, material, fitting configuration and applicable approval. Confirm the rating for the specific assembly before selecting it for a high-pressure application
What tube and pipe sizes are available for PreFiS®?
PreFiS® fittings are available for metric tube sizes from 10.0 mm to 88.9 mm and nominal pipe sizes from ½ inch to 3 inches. The available sizes depend on the fitting configuration and tube or pipe specifications. Special tubes with reduced wall thickness may also be available on request.
Which materials are compatible with the PreFiS® system?
PreFiS® fittings are available in carbon steel and stainless steel and are designed for use with compatible welded and seamless carbon steel and stainless steel tubes or pipes. The selected materials and dimensions must meet the manufacturer’s specifications and be suitable for the operating pressure, temperature and conveyed medium.
Which industries use PreFiS® press fittings?
PreFiS® is suitable for selected industrial and marine piping applications, including:
Marine and offshore systems
High-pressure water-mist fire suppression
CO₂ fire suppression systems
High-pressure cleaning installations
Oil and gas facilities
Automotive and petrochemical applications
The final selection must account for the fluid, operating conditions and applicable system approvals.
Does PreFiS® require welding or threading?
No. PreFiS® is designed to create permanent press-fit connections without welding or threading at the joint. This reduces the need for hot-work permits and welding-related activities during installation, making it particularly useful in locations where welding access or hot-work operations are restricted.
What equipment is required to install PreFiS® fittings?
Installation requires a compatible PreFiS® press tool, a hydraulic pump and the appropriate tooling for the selected fitting and tube size. The tube must be prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the press operation must follow the prescribed procedure to ensure a properly formed connection.
Does PreFiS® use O-rings or elastomeric seals?
PreFiS® uses a metal-to-metal sealing arrangement rather than relying on conventional elastomeric seals at the connection. This can make the system suitable for applications where elastomeric sealing elements are undesirable, subject to the product’s approved operating conditions and compatibility requirements.
What approvals and certifications does PreFiS® have?
PreFiS® has approvals from DNV, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and RINA for specified 140 bar water-mist and wash-water applications. These approvals apply to defined configurations and service conditions, so the relevant certificate and scope should be checked before specifying the product for a safety-critical installation.
What types of fittings are available in the PreFiS® range?
The PreFiS® range includes multiple fitting configurations for different piping layouts.
Turned fittings include end plugs, straight nozzle connectors, straight couplings with or without stops, female and male stud couplings, and reducing couplings.
Forged fittings include 90° nozzle adapters, nozzle connector tees, equal and reduced crosses, equal and reduced tees, and 90° angles.
Can PreFiS® help reduce installation costs and project downtime?
Yes. The press-fitting process can significantly reduce the time needed to assemble individual connections compared with conventional welded joints. By eliminating welding at the connection and reducing associated inspection requirements, PreFiS® can help lower installation labour, simplify work in confined spaces and support faster project completion. Actual savings depend on project size and site conditions.
What is the difference between PreFiS® and Pyplok®?
PreFiS® and Pyplok® are both non-welded connection technologies, but they use different joining methods and have different application ranges.
PreFiS®: Uses a dedicated press tool to form a metal-to-metal sealed connection for compatible steel tubes and pipes. It is commonly used in approved water-mist systems and selected industrial applications.
Pyplok®: Uses a radial swaging process to mechanically secure a fitting around the pipe or tube. It is available in a wider range of material options and connection configurations for various industrial applications.
The appropriate technology depends on the pipe dimensions, materials, pressure requirements, application and applicable approvals.