A variety of fittings and devices are used to connect pipelines. There are certain requirements for all the variety of connections, which agree that the efficiency of the installed fitting must be maximum, and the installation itself must be simple and quick.
Sufficiently new connection for domestic market is an American, so named due to the fact that it was developed and assembled in the USA. This article will discuss the sizes of American pipes for polypropylene pipes, their features and qualities.
Distinctive features of the American
American is not a specific connection, but a general name that combines a variety of fittings (angles, taps, couplings, etc.). Structurally, all these elements differ from analogues in the mandatory presence of a union nut.
Among the advantages of an American woman are the following qualities:
- Easy pipe disconnection regardless of the material used. There is no need to rotate the pipes for disconnection.
- Creating a detachable connection using a union nut. This design is good because when joining pipes, you only need to rotate the nut, while the pipes themselves remain stationary. This factor is very important in most cases.
- Unlike the drive, the American is a detachable connection that does not depend on the length of the fitting and the seal installed along the thread.
- Tightness, which is achieved through a special gasket. When using such a seal, installation is very simple, and as a result, the structure does not leak at all.
Types of American connections
The American connection for polypropylene pipes is a threaded, collapsible connection with a special seal. This description allows us to say that the American can be used to connect the pipeline more than once. In addition to this factor, such a connection allows you to quickly and without much hassle install any system, even if it is located in an extremely inconvenient place for installing fittings.
The two parts of the pipeline are connected using an American connection using a union nut. The fitting design includes two fittings, a sealing gasket and a hexagonal union nut. Installation convenience is also added small sizes American models for polypropylene pipes, which, coupled with the absence of the need to rotate the pipes, significantly simplify the work.
Repair and maintenance of the American woman also cannot be called complicated - they do not require either special equipment or new gasket. Soldering pipes with American wire is very simple and straightforward, so any owner can do this work.
American fittings for polypropylene pipes allow you to create the following types of connections:
- Connection with internal thread;
- Connection with external thread;
- Welded joint with union nut;
- Combined connection.
Design features of the American
The detachable connection of polypropylene pipes when using an American pipe is made using a fitting, the surface of which can be conical or flat.
The conical seal is more advantageous due to its advantages:
- Long service life And high reliability when connecting metal elements without additional sealing.
- Material homogeneity, due to which maximum resistance to temperature changes and aggressive chemical environments is achieved.
- High tightness, which is not violated with deviations not exceeding 5 degrees.
Classification of American women
Among the most popular types of American weeds, it is worth highlighting the following:
- Coupling with external thread, suitable for connecting polypropylene pipes with steel or plumbing fixtures;
- Coupling with internal thread, which, like the previous type, can be used in hot and cold pipelines, suitable for connecting steel and polypropylene pipes;
- American pipe with external and internal threads, used in the same situations as the previous types, but at the same time allows you to create a threaded connection.
The American coupling for polypropylene pipes is used in cases where it is necessary to connect two parts of the pipe, which, among other things, may also have different diameter(read also: " "). In this respect, the American coupling is no different from conventional fittings. One part of the coupling is rigidly fixed to the pipe using a suitable method: it is screwed to metal pipes, when connecting copper and steel pipes it is welded, and polypropylene and copper pipes- soldering. The second part of the coupling is a conventional dismountable connection.
A crane can also be used when installing the pipeline. This type fittings are less popular - perhaps the whole point is that the benefits of taps are not known to everyone. Before their appearance, the connection of pipes was carried out using a drive, the design of which included long thread, special coupling, counter thread and lock nut.
A ball valve is much better, if only because it is much easier to install - the entire installation process comes down to tightening two parts, which also align themselves. After making a few turns wrench, you can connect the tap and the American, thereby establishing a reliable connection.
These cranes are very suitable for installation heating systems. For example, if you install a radiator using two American ones located on each side, you can achieve very good results: firstly, if necessary, the radiator will be easily dismantled, and secondly, it becomes possible to regulate the water supply and temperature in the system.
One more interesting variety American is an angle tap. His main feature lies in its versatility - one such American connection for soldering polypropylene pipes replaces several simple connections, which significantly simplifies installation. Can also be used in taps different pens, allowing you to reduce the effort required for turning and simplify it.
Keys for American women
To install and dismantle pipes connected using an American fitting, you need a special wrench suitable specifically for these fittings. When arranging pipelines, American sizes 12 and 34 with two internal projections are most often used. A hex fitting is used somewhat less frequently.
However, you can make a key for an American woman yourself. For this you need a piece of profile reinforcement. Such a workpiece must be heated, bent to a square state and given a cone-shaped shape. After this, the metal must be hardened to ensure required strength tool.
The need for a cone shape does not seem obvious at first glance, but it is very important point. The fact is that the protrusions on different American women may have slight differences in the dimensions of the protrusions. In addition, the cone shape allows you to work with hex fittings.
For fixing metal American women, ordinary pliers are quite suitable.
Conclusion
The use of American women during pipeline installation is good decision, since these fittings allow you to make reliable design fast and easy. Wide range and versatility have a positive effect on the prevalence of American women, and they are used more and more every year.
American... What is this? This name is given to a quick-release nut equipped with a thread. The element design includes 2 threaded fittings, a union nut and a gasket. American is often used for pipe installation, as it provides a reliable and tight connection. This universal element, very often used during installation work.
American can be used for installing hot and cold water pipes, heating systems, and technological structures intended for transporting non-aggressive substances.
Types of connections
The conical type of fastening, performed using an American fastener, has many advantages. In particular, the connection is tight and reliable. It is resistant to temperature changes and chemical environments. You can use the American one even when the pipe axes are slightly deviated. Even in this case, the installation will be of high quality and reliable.
A threaded connection is indispensable in cases where immediate joining or dismantling of pipes and control parts is required. You can see the types of installation by looking at the photo.
The American nut is good because it can be used several times. To carry out repeated installation work, you only need to purchase a new gasket.
Characteristics
The American has a number of advantages relative to other fittings. With its help, you can undock the structure without using the rotation method. These elements are carried out from the most different materials: polypropylene, stainless steel, cast iron, brass.
For installation using the American type, a special key is required. You can either purchase it in a store or do it yourself.
There are different sizes of this element. The choice of a particular one depends on the specifics of the work. The most commonly used sizes are American sizes 12 and 34.
Using this element, you can connect both hard and soft lines of structures. There are two types of connection: straight and angular. This factor is very important for comfortable and quick installation.
The corner element allows you to perform installation work in hard-to-reach areas, fasten the parts together different types and sizes. The American makes it easier to repair the system. So, you can quickly dismantle the system without using additional tools.
The part can be installed on pipes transporting hot and cold water, non-aggressive liquids. In this case, the temperature of liquids should not be more than 120 degrees. The part is used for mounting elements with a small diameter.
You can find it in stores different types American: with external and internal thread. The element can be mounted in any position. In this case, it is not necessary to take into account the direction of transport of the substance in the system.
The connection is made using open-end and adjustable-type wrenches. You can also use universal keys. Pipe pipes must not be used in the work. gas keys.
The outer surface of the element consists of a nickel galvanic shell. It is necessary so that the part has increased resistance to corrosion and mechanical impact. In addition, this coating also has an aesthetic meaning. With it, the element acquires a pleasing appearance to the eye.
Scope of use
This element is used for the most wide range works In particular, it is used for the installation of water supply structures and heating systems. The excellent consumer qualities of the elements make them suitable for connecting any types of pipes. They are used during repair work on radiators, and when installing water meters, and when installing shut-off valves, and when fastening structural parts, and for installing cleaning filters.
The advantages of the American system are not only that it can be installed quickly and easily, but also during the further operation of the system. The part facilitates further repair work and dismantling.
Now you know everything necessary information about this irreplaceable detail: what it is, where it is used, how the work is done. You can see what she looks like through a photo. You can see them on our website. The photo shows various types details, which will allow you to better navigate the store with the relevant products.
The American is a universal and indispensable device that is used in domestic and industrial construction of pipelines of various configurations. Almost all masters have to face the need to create quick release coupling on the highway to replace a section of it, insert an insert or clean it. Thanks to this useful invention, plumbers have at their disposal a variety of practical fittings for American plumbing, allowing them to do the job quickly and efficiently.
The American compound owes its name to the country where the technology was developed threaded connection materials different sections and composition. GOST USA The American thread standard does not coincide with the standards in force in Europe and Asia. But quite often there is a need to create a unified system of pipes and plumbing fixtures of different origins. In order to adapt their products to the standards of importing countries, American designers came up with a technology for quick and reliable joining of plastic, copper and steel pipes.
American couplings are used to perform the following tasks:
- insertions into the system of tees, taps and other devices;
- replacing a damaged section of the highway;
- installation without the use of electric and gas welding.
To understand what an American woman is, you need to consider design features this category of fittings, study their properties, advantages and scope of application.
What types of fittings are there?
The assembly of water supply, heating and gas pipelines requires the presence of many branches, branches and intermediate devices. At the same time, it is necessary to provide connection options for heated towel rails, toilet tanks, radiators and many other devices.
The detachable connection of pipes must be tight, strong and durable.
Particular attention is paid to the aesthetic side of the issue. To achieve these goals, we use various types American women.
Gusset
It is used at the joints of pipeline sections at a certain angle. If earlier adapters were welded into the system, now this need has disappeared. American corners have different diameters and degrees of bending. Products available for sale are curved at angles of 45º, 60º, 90º and 135º.
The main advantage of such fittings is that the transition from one direction to another is smooth. The connection with the union nut ensures a tight fit of the joints and optimal pressure on the rubber gaskets. At any time it is possible to remove the fitting for inspection or cleaning of the line.
coupling
The combined detachable coupling is used to connect straight sections of the main line. American inch thread allows joining of pipes made of PVC, non-ferrous and ferrous metal.
Despite the simple-looking device, these fittings are capable of ensuring tight joints throughout the entire period of operation of the system. An undoubted advantage of using a coupling is the ability to unscrew and remove it. The product is reusable and can be used many times without loss of quality characteristics.
Cranes
Ball valves have become a successful and worthy replacement for valves, which were previously used everywhere. Installing an American faucet, what does it give? This question arises due to the high cost of this product in comparison with standard squeegees. Housing made of stainless steel and brass inserts is a durable, corrosion-resistant and reliable unit. The absence of rubber and silicone gaskets eliminates abrasion and premature failure of fittings.
Installed ball valves under the sinks, flush cisterns, water heaters, at the entrance of the main line to the apartment, in front of the heating radiators.
Other types of American
When repairing pipelines, you may need removable tees, crosses and plugs. You can complete installation tasks without the use of welding, soldering and thread cutting tools using American fittings. Connectors have different configurations, sizes and materials of manufacture. For joining, fittings with one or another connection option are used.
Types of threaded connections and options for connecting to a pipe
Novice plumbers are interested in what American fittings are available for connecting pipes. Quite a lot of them have been developed to solve any issue when laying or repairing pipelines. Let's dwell on what kind of fittings and fittings there are, the shape and cross-section of products.
Cone and flat
The American cone is rightfully considered the most reliable, dense and durable device for joining materials of the same and different configurations. The conical connection assumes the absence of gasket material. Contact density is achieved by tightly pressing the joints being connected.
Experts recommend using sealing tape when installing an American brass straight coupling to prevent even the slightest chance of leakage. Cone fittings are usually installed in heating and hot water supply systems, as these products are resistant to high temperatures.
Flat fittings use a flange nut on the flange and a flat gasket to provide a seal. It is easy to install cylindrical inserts; you can use gas wrenches for this. The disadvantage is that the gasket decreases in size over time, changes shape and begins to leak water.
It is not recommended to hide such varieties of Americana in walls or under decoration. A leak will definitely occur, it’s a matter of time.
With threaded fitting
A similar device with external thread allows you to join polypropylene pipes without welding. In some cases, the distance between the wall and the connection point is so small that the issue can only be resolved by installing an American fitting with a threaded fitting. For work it is necessary to use special tools with a fixed application of force.
With internal thread
When working with pipelines made of steel and brass, durable and reliable fittings with internal threads are used. The use of plastic in such joints is not recommended.
The tubes are pre-carved to match the American style.
To do this, there is no need to dismantle or cut off part of the system. After that, no matter how many inches internal thread, the union nut is screwed onto the pipeline.
Materials
American fittings are made from materials that have different strength, resistance to temperature changes and corrosion. Each pipeline has its own characteristics, for which its own version of connections and inserts is selected.
Steel (stainless)
Stainless steel products are characterized by high strength, ease of use and long term operation. They do not change their appearance throughout the entire service.
The cost of steel weld fittings is in the average range, which makes them popular among amateurs and professionals.
Galvanized
They belong to the budget category of goods of this class. Availability of products attracts craftsmen when carrying out construction work large scale. However, the service life of galvanized fittings is limited. Over the course of several years, their geometry is disrupted due to corrosion, which destroys the black iron. The zinc itself moves away from the body of the product after a maximum of a year, exposing unsightly rust.
Brass
A review of the types of couplings for polypropylene pipes allows us to conclude that brass American ones meet all the requirements regarding reliability and safety.
The alloy is durable, elastic, resistant to heat and chemically active liquids. The disadvantage is the high cost and change in color of brass during operation. Appearance Products are improved by chrome plating or powder coating.
Copper
American copper women are produced in limited quantities, due to low demand and high cost. Fittings made of this metal are in demand only when they are attached to products made of a similar material. Copper is difficult to care for as it darkens and develops a greenish patina.
The metal is susceptible to electrolytic corrosion, which is impossible to combat.
Plastic
American women are not produced in their pure form from polypropylene. This plastic does not have sufficient strength for connecting pipes and plumbing fixtures. A polymer is used as a base into which metal threaded inserts are fused. As a rule, plastic American ones are used in systems where there is high temperature and pressure.
Average price per fitting
The table below shows current offers for today.
Pros and cons
Having examined the features of American plumbing and answered the question of what it is, we can dwell on the advantages and disadvantages of these devices.
First, let's look at their advantages:
- reliability and strength of the connection, absolute tightness of the connection;
- simplicity and high speed installation that involves tightening one or two nuts;
- a dismountable connection that can be easily removed and put back;
- the ability to join pipes made of materials of different structures;
- a wide range of products of different configurations with seals included;
- long service life of a structure assembled using American steel.
Fittings in this category have no technical disadvantages. The high cost confuses low-income craftsmen, but it is justified high quality goods. As for changing the color of products made of non-ferrous and ferrous metal, they are installed in technological channels, covered with panels and boxes.
Keys for American women
- adjustable wrench;
- open-end wrench;
- spanner;
- dies for making threads;
- internal keys with 6, 12 and 34 edges;
- round spacer key.
It is better to buy tools in a set, which is cheaper and helps solve any problems with installing the American one.
How to install correctly
Depending on what material you have to work with, you choose various ways installation of fittings.
At the joints of metal pipes
Steel lines are used to transport hot liquids under high pressure. Threaded connections are used to connect their sections.
First you need to take a die the right size and make 7 turns of thread at each joint. After this, the fitting is inserted between the joints, and the union nuts are screwed onto the threads until the required degree of clamping of the gasket is achieved.
Quick-release threaded American is available with a flat or conical connection of structural parts. Usually, the simplest American one consists of four parts: two threaded fittings, a gasket (but not always) and a union nut.
The tightness between the fittings occurs due to the conical surfaces of the edges of the parts and rubber gasket or for flat ones - only with a gasket, for example, paronite.
American ones are designed for convenient, quick connection or disconnection of pipes and various shut-off and control elements of heating and plumbing systems in the house. The connection (connector) of the pipelines is carried out using only one union nut. Please note that the American detachable connection in plumbing is intended for repeated use with replacement of the “squeezed out” gasket if necessary and has an undeniable advantage compared to a conventional connection with a coupling and lock nut.
Such connections come with a coupling threaded connection (Photo 1)
or for soldering polypropylene pipes (Photo 4).
American plumbing fixtures are made from different materials: cast iron (Photo 3),
brass coated with chrome or nickel (and without),
made of stainless steel and combined, with individual polypropylene parts. They can be purchased at trading network various sizes (diameters) and designs (straight, angular (Photo 2),
designed for different pressure environment in the pipeline.
American taps have become widespread.
By design ball valve American can be straight or angular and is designed to work in cold and hot non-aggressive environments.
Available in nominal bore diameters of 15 (1/2″), 20 (3/4″) ... and up to 50 (2″ inches). The temperature limit for a plastic tap is plus 90 degrees. And a ball valve with an American brass valve, for example, a Bugatti (Bugatti), can withstand temperature conditions, according to the manufacturer, from minus 20 to plus 120 degrees.
In order to install or dismantle detachable connections, you will need a key for American women. In plumbing practice, you often have to deal with American ones of 1/2″ and 3/4″, with two internal projections, less often with a hexagon. I make this “L”-shaped double-sided key myself, from scraps of construction profile 14 reinforcement, using the method of heating and flattening to a square. Then I give it a slight conical shape and harden it. It is made under a cone because different manufacturers The sizes of the internal protrusions are slightly different.
The universal double “L” shaped key for American women has the following approximate dimensions (diagram in Fig. 1):
handle length 150 mm;
edge under 1/2″ - A = 12, B = 10, C = 32;
edge under 3/4″ - A = 16, B = 13, C = 35
This homemade wrench is also suitable for detachable hexagon connections.
Advice: if you need to work with only one or two... 1/2″ metal American ones, you can use ordinary pliers, which will serve as a key quite well (Photo 5).
This is the name for the type of threaded connection of pipes in water supply and hot water supply systems. With its appearance on the market, the American quickly gained popularity among specialists in plumbing work due to the ease of installation and reliability of joining of pipeline elements.
If you need to connect pipes, an American is ideal option. After all, later, when performing repair work, there is no need to dismantle part of the network.
It is impossible to assemble a pipeline from a single pipe. It is necessary to perform turns and connections of pipeline elements to obtain the desired configuration. Fittings have always been used to make joints.
You can also carry out installation using a coupling, which in the standard version is a threaded part. When connected, it is screwed onto the threaded part.
The next part is twisted into the coupling by rotation and such an operation (especially if all the elements large sizes), represents quite a noticeable inconvenience.
What is an American
The connecting part in this design consists of three parts:
- threaded fittings - attached to one part of the water supply at the connector;
- counter pipe with collar - installed on the other end;
- union nut - installed on a fitting with a collar before installing it in its location.
Next, when the nut is screwed in with pressure on the shoulder, the fittings are pulled one to one and these two parts are compressed. To ensure the tightness of the joint using a coupling, gaskets are used. And with a conical joint, it is not necessary.
If it is necessary to dismantle a section joined using an American connection, it is enough to unscrew the nut, while the mating elements of the pipeline remain motionless.
Types of docking points. Quantity constructive solutions installation corresponds to the number of varieties of molded products.
By type of materials used
It involves the use of homogeneous elements, primarily in order to avoid electrolytic corrosion, therefore fittings are produced in various designs:
- . Life cycle such details is also limited by the tendency to form lime deposits from water on internal surfaces.
- Copper– less susceptible to corrosion, used only on pipelines made of the same material.
- Brass– the most popular in use, resistant to oxidation, durability is at least 50 years.
- Polypropylene– in terms of strength characteristics and ease of use, they are increasingly competing with metal products.
- Polymer– have all the advantages of plastic products. For polypropylene pipes - American is best view connections.
- Combined– used as adapters when joining metal pipes with plastic pipes when partially replacing a pipeline. To make such fittings, a metal threaded part is pressed into a plastic body.
By type of assembly method
In addition to differences in materials of manufacture, the threaded connection differs in the design of the docking units.
They are threaded, with different cutting directions, having internal or external thread on the sides. Samples with a conical joint are also used, with the help of which an American connection is made using a thrust ferrule under the nut.
Video
Such a variety of fittings creates certain difficulties when choosing them for an inexperienced person, but gives real pleasure to professional performers.
By surface protection method
What types of protective coating are there for American women? Steel and cast iron products– covered with a protective nickel or zinc coating to protect against corrosion.
For plastic or stainless steel analogues, protection is not applied. In this regard, it is recommended to use chocks for pipe wrenches or special wrenches with internal engagement of the part.
Joining of metal components
Pipelines for various purposes made of metal are still widely used in plumbing. Therefore, installation metal pipes, has wide application in a wide variety of options.
For simple joining, you need to cut threads at the ends of the assembled elements using a standard thread-cutting tool. The American thread is screwed onto the prepared ends, and the threads need to be sealed by winding FUM tape or strands of flax fiber.
The final connection is made by tightening the nut and installing the gasket. At reuse The gasket of the connecting unit must be replaced. The joint turns out to be reliable and repairable. What are the American types for metal components:
- direct connection of metal pipes;
- installation is carried out at right angles, as well as at angles of 30 and 45 degrees;
- installation of cantilever elements of a water supply system with a pipe, such as taps, mixers, air vents;
- threaded connection for changing to another diameter;
American allows you to get a sealed joint in pipelines of any configuration.
Joining plastic components
Compound components pipelines from composite materials has its own characteristics. Polypropylene pipes are joined by welding using special equipment. The process is very simple and is carried out on site during installation.
Video
Widely used designs where docking with polypropylene pipe on American conicals, where devices with a sealing ring are used.
Connecting polypropylene pipes using an American method is the most reliable and perhaps the only method of joining using a detachable coupling, including connecting a heated towel rail.
Several types of connections for polypropylene pipes are used:
- coupling with external thread;
- coupling with internal thread;
- a device with the simultaneous use of internal and external threads;
- angular, produced at angles of 30, 45 and 90 degrees for installation in hard-to-reach places.
Installing a towel dryer
Installation of such a device in the bathroom can serve as an example of using a threaded connection for inserting additional equipment. The heated towel rail is connected either to a heating system or to a hot water supply circuit.
Video
In the second case, you will have to use the services of a remote control system to turn off the hot water riser for several hours; in the first case, you will have to wait until the end of the heating season.
Work can be performed in the following order:
- Install the dryer in its permanent location.
- Make a cut into DHW riser or heating with the installation of threaded fittings for input and output flows.
- Install corners with ball valves on them.
- Connect the heated towel rail through plastic pipes. The critical temperature for them is 95 degrees; this temperature is not used in either system.
- Install a valve on the upper register to bleed air from the system, otherwise airlock may interfere with coolant circulation.
- Check for leaks in the dryer by opening the inlet and outlet ball valves. If there are leaks, you need to recheck the joints using additional seals on the threads. Linen tow and fluoroplastic sealing material (FUM) in the form of a tape or cord are suitable for this.
- Installation of ball valves will allow you to renovation work without disconnecting the riser. It should be noted that connecting a heated towel rail to a polypropylene pipe requires careful handling, since the pressure ring cannot always be reused due to its deformation.
Connecting the heated towel rail to the riser with a polypropylene pipe using American cones allows you to avoid the use of pipe benders. This reduces the labor intensity of work and their adjustment in place.
An example of connecting a heated towel rail through a threaded connection is shown in the figure.
Dimensions of coupling elements
In domestic plumbing standards, American ones are classified as “coupled connections with a union nut.”
Naturally, their size range corresponds to that on the molded elements of water pipelines. What types there are depend on the method of docking to the main line or cantilever element.
Video
So, when installing a tap or mixer as a plumbing element, American ones are used in sizes from 3/8 to ¾ inches with conical threads. This allows for reliable installation in just a few turns of the nut.
For water supply systems they are used within the range of 10 – 50 mm, the maximum value is typical for connection with a heated towel rail.
To connect pipes made of polymers, special couplings are used - American conical couplings, onto which the plastic shell is literally pulled by the force of a screwed nut through a thrust ring, ensuring a joint density that is several times higher than the pressure in the system.
Pipe sizes
For American plumbing, the thread can be selected based on the data given in Table 1.
When using plastic pipes, you need to take into account the properties of the material. , such as elasticity, plasticity and chemical resistance.
Video
Therefore for polypropylene products, American - practically the only way connections ensuring high-quality docking. Using them locally, you can assemble a pipeline of any configuration with high degree reliability.
For installation using American means, its dimensions must be adequate to the pipes used. For cold and hot water supply networks this is an inch or an inch and a quarter; for heating systems in a private home it is better to use one and a half inch products.
When using plastic products For drip systems For irrigation, it is enough to use half-inch sizes.
It should be remembered that the critical temperature for polypropylene pipelines is 95 degrees; this parameter must be controlled when connecting to heaters. The temperature at the outlet of the device may be above permissible limits.
When partially replacing the water supply with a plastic one, the American one is used as an adapter.
Video
When editing with American women who have protective coating, must be applied special tool, without damaging the cladding layer.
When selecting components for a pipeline, you need to take into account their location in terms of accessibility and functionality.
Conclusion
The invention of the “American” method of connecting pipeline elements was a revolutionary event in the field of installation of water supply systems of any complexity. As a result, such a complex process has become accessible even to performers with minimal skills in this field.
Without a doubt, be equipped with this type of connection and good luck to you!
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