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Technical Guide Brazing Alloys

Brazing Alloys · Reference Standard Equivalents Composition (% weight) Fusion Range (°C) Characteristics & Application Material Code AWS A5.8 Ag P Cu Sn Ni Solidus Liquidus KIELMANN

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Page 1: Brazing Alloys · Reference Standard Equivalents Composition (% weight) Fusion Range (°C) Characteristics & Application Material Code AWS A5.8 Ag P Cu Sn Ni Solidus Liquidus KIELMANN

T e c h n i c a l G u i d eB r a z i n g A l l o y s

Page 2: Brazing Alloys · Reference Standard Equivalents Composition (% weight) Fusion Range (°C) Characteristics & Application Material Code AWS A5.8 Ag P Cu Sn Ni Solidus Liquidus KIELMANN

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Note: Technical information contained in this catalog may be changed or updated by the manufacturer withoutnotice for the benefit of the excellence, service or presentation of the products. No liability is assumed for the useof this information.

T E C H N I C A L G U I D E

B R A Z I N G A L L O Y S

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B R A Z I N G A L L O Y S

BRAZING ALLOYS & FLUXES

An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements in which the main component is a metal. Most pure metals are either too soft, brittle or chemically reactive for practical use. Combining different ratios of metals as alloys modifies the properties of pure metals to produce desirable characteristics.

The aim of making alloys is generally to make them less brittle, harder, resistant to corrosion, to alter their thermal conductivity or to have a more desirable color and luster.

Brazing is a metal-joining process whereby a filler metal is heated above melting point and distributed between two or more close-fitting parts by capillary action. The filler metal is brought slightly above its melting temperature (liquidus) while protected by a suitable atmosphere, usually a flux. It then flows over the base metal (known as wetting) and is then cooled to join the work-pieces together. It is similar to soldering, except that temperatures used to melt the filler metal are higher for brazing.

Brazing alloys are generally available as rods, ribbons, powders, pastes, creams, wires and pre-forms (such as securing washers). Depending on the application, the filler material can be pre-applied at the desired location or applied during the heating cycle.

For manual brazing, wire and rod forms are generally used as they are the easiest to apply while heating. In the case of furnace brazing, alloy is usually applied beforehand since the process is usually highly automated.

In the case of brazing operations not contained within an inert or reduced atmosphere or environment (i.e. a furnace), flux is required to prevent oxide formation while the metal is heated. The flux also serves the purpose of cleaning any contamination left on the brazing surfaces.

Flux can be applied in any number of forms including flux paste, liquid, powder or pre-made brazing pastes that combine flux with filler metal powder. Flux can also be applied using brazing rods with a coating of flux, or a flux core.

In either case, the flux flows into the joint when applied to the heated joint and is displaced by the molten filler metal entering the joint. Excess flux should be removed when the cycle is completed because flux left in the joint can generate corrosion, impede joint inspection, and prevent further surface finishing operations.

Phosphorus-containing brazing alloys can be self-fluxing when joining copper to copper. Fluxes are generally selected based on their performance on particular base metals. To be effective, the flux must be chemically compatible with both the base metal and the filler metal being used.

As a general rule, longer brazing cycles should use less active fluxes than short brazing operations.

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B R A Z I N G A L L O Y S

I. SILVER - PHOSPHOR - COPPER BRAZING ALLOYS

brazing rods are alloys having a silver range between 0% and 15% and alloys of different types of metals such as copper, phosphor and zinc, to a greater o lesser extent, and with one, two or three metals depending on the application.

They are used for welding copper-copper, copper-brass or bass-brass pipes and joints. Their main application is in air conditioning and refrigeration industries, among others.

• Low silver-content brazing rods (melting between 645°C and 793°C and a 0% - 15% silver content)

• As ratio of silver composition is increased, they provide more elasticity in the joints to resist movements and variations

• They have reduced heating cycles without excessive quantities of brazing material for their high fluidity and capillary penetration, providing clean, compact, and non-porous joints

• They generate very strong joints in narrow spaces of 0,002”

• Excellent mechanical strength • Proper for joining dissimilar metals of different

expansion coefficients• Very good electrical and thermal conductivity• No rust, and good corrosion resistance• Manufactured under international standards, using

modern casting and extrusion processes for better product homogeneity and excellent finish

• Not recommended to join ferrous or nickel alloys, since a brittle welding would be generated

FEATURES

(X%) = One or two digits, % of alloy

(K) = Manufacturer :

KIELMANN ( X % )

NOMENCLATURE

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I. PHOSPHOR-COPPER & SILVER-PHOSPHOR-COPPER BRAZING ALLOYS

ComercialReference

TechnicalReference Standard

Equivalents Composition (% weight)

Fusion Range (°C)

Characteristics & ApplicationMaterial

CodeAWS A5.8 Ag P Cu Sn Ni Solidus Liquidus

KIELMANN 0 KBM-CU92PA B-Cu92P - - - 7,5 ~ 8,5 Rest - - 714 750

Low melting point, well flowing. Copper-phosphorus alloy, used to bond copper and copper with brass.

Fragile bond; recommended for joints subject to very little vibration or movement.

KIELMANN 2 KBM-CU91PA B-Cu91PAg 209 BCuP-6 1,8 ~ 2,2 6,8 ~ 7,2 Rest - - 645 788

Designed to broaden the KIELMANN 0 application; used to filling gaps and soldering seams in a wider temperature range. Applied to bond copper with

copper or brass parts for refrigerator, air-conditioner, electrical & other instruments; where the mechanical

properties are not critical parameters.

KIELMANN 5 KBM-CU89PB B-Cu89PAg - BcuP-3 4,8 ~ 5,2 5,8 ~ 6,7 Rest - - 645 780

Used to filling gaps and soldering seams in a wider temperature range. Applies on copper & brass parts for refrigerator, air-conditioner,

electrical & other instruments. Good flow capability. Increased softness, flexibility & electrical conductivity.

Used for larger soldering gaps.

KIELMANN 5+ KBM-CU88PA B-Cu88PAg 205 - 4,8 ~ 5,2 6,5 ~ 7,0 Rest - - 645 771

Used to filling gaps and soldering seams in a wider temperature range. Applies on copper & brass parts

for refrigerator, air-conditioner, electrical & other instruments. Improved flow capability compared to Kielmann 5. Increased softness, flexibility & electrical

conductivity. Used for larger soldering gaps.

KIELMANN 6 KBM-CU87PA B-Cu87PAg - - 5,8 ~ 6,2 7,0 ~ 7,5 Rest - - 645 718

Low melting point. Well flowing. Used on copper and brass parts with a small soldering connecting point.

Improved flow capability compared to Kielmann 5+. Increased softness, flexibility & electrical conductivity.

KIELMANN 15 KBM-CU80PA B-Cu80AgP 204 - 14,5 ~ 15,5 4,8 ~ 5,3 Rest - - 645 815

Increased softness and electrical conductivity compared to the prior products. Applied on copper

& brass where a higher soldering quality is required and where larger connection gaps exist.

Recommended for installations with constant vibrations and movement.

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I I. BRAZING RINGS

brazing rings are available in a variety of alloys and sizes to meet desired requirements. They are strong, uniform and reliable; an excellent option for brazing. They melt at very low temperatures, flowing between capillary spaces, producing stronger bonds.

(XX) = Model

(R) = Type : Ring

(BM) = Product : Brazing Material

(K) = Manufacturer :

KBM - R (XX)

NOMENCLATURE

II. BRAZING RINGS

Reference

Copper Tube (O.D.) Material Diameter Ring

(I.D.)Junction

Inches mm Inches mm Inches mm

KBM-R10 1/4 (0,055) 6,35 1/18 1,40 1/4 (0,247) 6,000

Smooth Joint

KBM-R20 1/4 (0,063) 7,00 1/16 1,60 1/4 (0,270) 6,000

KBM-R30 1/3 (0,063) 7,93 1/16 1,60 1/3 (0,307) 7,000

KBM-R40 1/3 (0,071) 9,52 1/14 1,80 1/3 (0,370) 9,000

KBM-R50 1/2 (0,071) 12,70 1/14 1,80 1/2 (0,492) 12,497

I.D. (internal diameter of ring)

I.D. must be considered, if the ring is installed on the external side the pipe. The ring must be tight enough to prevent gaps, so that when brazing, it can expand and properly adjust to the pipe. The internal diameter of the ring is 0.007” smaller than its outside diameter (O.D.)

O.D. (external diameter of ring)

O.D. must be considered, if the ring is installed on the internal side of the pipe. It is important to leave a gap in the ring, so that when brazing, it can contract and adjust ensuring a tight coupling with no overlapping of one end above the other.

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I I I. ALUMINIUM BRAZING ALLOY WITH FLUX CORE

Aluminium brazing alloy with flux core provides a practical alternative when joining or repairing aluminium parts. It is an aluminium alloy with non corrosive flux core, not requiring external flux. It is highly ductile, and melts at 440°C / 824°F.

(F) = Flux core

(X) = Diameter : 2 mm

(AL) = Component : Aluminium (BM) = Product : Brazing Material

(K) = Manufacturer :

KBM - AL (X) F

NOMENCLATURE

III. ALUMINIUM BRAZING ALLOY WITH FLUX CORE

ComercialReference Description

Fusion RangeCharacteristics & Application

°C °F

KBM-AL2F Rolled Aluminium Capillar, Core filled with Flux 440 824 Well flowing. Suitable for Al & Al alloys.

Anti-corrosive capability.

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IV. SILVER BRAZING ALLOY (CADMIUM-CONTAINING)

Silver brazing, also called silver solder or braze, is a brazing type in which a silver-based filler material is used. The silver may contain varying percentages of silver and other materials, such as copper, zinc and cadmium. Alloys of this group provide good filling quality for small gaps. It can be applied on copper, copper alloys, steel and stainless steel, especially in industrial HVAC&R production processes.

(A) = Component : Aluminium

(CD) = Component : Cadmium

(XX) = Percentage Composition Component Silver

(AG) = Component Silver (BM) = Product : Brazing Material

(K) = Manufacturer :

KBM - AG (XX) CDA

NOMENCLATURE

V. SILVER BRAZING ALLOY (CADMIUM-CONTAINING)

Reference StandardEquivalents Composition

(% weight)Fusion Range

(°C)Characteristics & Application

Material Code AWS A5.8 Ag Cu Zn Cd Otros Solidus Liquidus

KBM-AG18CDA B-Ag18CuZnCdSn - - 17,0 ~ 19,0 38,0 ~ 40,0 25,0 ~ 29,0 13,0 ~ 17,0 Sn 1,0 640 746Well flowing. Used for stainless steel,

copper, copper alloys on refrigeration products.

KBM-AG20CDA B-Ag20CuZnCd - - 19,0 ~ 21,0 34,0 ~ 36,0 29,0 ~ 33,0 14 ~ 16 Si 0,15 620 730Low melting point. Well flowing.

Clean soldering seams. Used on copper, copper alloys and stainless steel.

KBM-AG25CDA B-Ag25CuZnCd - BAg-33 24,0 ~ 26,0 29,0 ~ 31,0 26,5 ~ 28,5 16,5 ~ 18,5 - 607 682Low melting point. Well flowing.

Used for copper, copper alloys steel and stainless steel.

KBM-AG30CDA B-Ag30CuZnCd 311 BAg-2A 29,0 ~ 31,0 26,0 ~ 28,0 21,0 ~ 25,0 19,0 ~ 21,0 - 607 710Low melting point. Soft.

Good filling qualities. Used on copper copper alloys, steel & stainless steel.

KBM-AG45CDA B-Ag45CuZnCd - BAg-1 44,0 ~ 46,0 14,0 ~ 16,0 14,0 ~ 18,0 23,0 ~ 25,0 - 607 618Comparatively low melting point.

Good filling qualities for small gaps. Used on copper, copper alloy, steel & stainless steel.

KBM-AG50CDA B-Ag50CuZnCd 313 BAg-1a 49,0 ~ 51,0 14,5 ~ 16,5 14,5 ~ 18,5 17,0 ~ 19,0 - 627 635 Narrow melting range but flows better than KBM-AG45CDA.

KBM-AG40CDA B-Ag40CuZnCdNi 312 - 39,0 ~ 41,0 15,5 ~ 16,5 17,5 ~ 18,5 25,1 ~ 26,5 Ni 0,1 ~ 0,3 595 605

Lowest melting temperature among this group of brazing materials. Used

for copper, copper alloys, steel & stainless steel. Especially suitable where a low

soldering temperature is required.

KBM-AG50CDB B-Ag50CuZnCdNi 315 BAg-3 49,0 ~ 51,0 14,5 ~ 16,5 13,5 ~ 17,5 15,0 ~ 17,0 Ni 2,5 ~ 3,5 632 688

Anti-corrosion capability. Good on parts of hard alloys

& stainless steel.

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VI. SILVER BRAZING ALLOY (CADMIUM-FREE)

Reference StandardEquivalents Composition

(% weight)Fusion Range

(°C)Characteristics & Application

Material Code AWS A5.8 Ag Cu Zn Sn Other Solidus Liquidus

KBM-AG25CUA B-Ag25CuZn 302 - 24,0 ~ 26,0 40,0 ~ 42,0 33,0 ~ 35,0 - - 700 800Soft, good filling capability. Used on copper, copper alloys, steel & stainless steel parts where a smooth soldered surface is required. Resists vibration.

KBM-AG30CUA B-Ag30CuZn - BAg-20 29,0 ~ 31,0 37,0 ~ 39,0 30,0 ~ 34,0 - - 677 766Well flowing. Used for copper, copper alloys, steel & stainless steel where strong connection between parts is required.

KBM-AG45CUA B-Ag45CuZn 303 BAg-5 44,0 ~ 46,0 29,0 ~ 31,0 23,0 ~ 27,0 - - 665 745

Low melting point. Flows well & fills up well. Used on parts where strong connections is required, resists strong vibration. Widely used in electronic, electrical & food processing industries.

KBM-AG50CUA B-Ag50CuZn 304 BAg-6 49,0 ~ 51,0 33,0 ~ 35,0 14,0 ~ 18,0 - - 690 775Used where a smooth soldered surface is required, resists strong vibration. Also suitable for parts with irregular joints or curved.

KBM-AG25CUB B-Ag25CuZnSn - BAg-37 24,0 ~ 26,0 39,0 ~ 41,0 31,0 ~ 35,0 1,5 ~ 2,5 - 688 780Well flowing. Clean soldered seam. Used for copper, copper alloys, silver/nickle alloy, steel & stainless steel.

KBM-AG30CUB B-Ag30CuZnSn 310 - 29,0 ~ 31,0 35,0 ~ 37,0 30,0 ~ 34,0 1,5 ~ 2,5 - 650 750 Low melting point. Well flowing. Used for copper, copper alloy, steel & stainless steel.

KBM-AG34CUA B-Ag34CuZnSn - - 33,0 ~ 35,0 35,0 ~ 37,0 25,0 ~ 29,0 2,5 ~ 3,5 - 630 730Low melting point. Flows well & fills up well. Used on parts of copper, copper alloy, carbon steel, stainless steel.

KBM-AG40CUA B-Ag40CuZnSnNi 322 - 39,0 ~ 41,0 24,0 ~ 26,0 29,5 ~ 31,5 2,7 ~ 3,3 Ni 1,3 ~ 1,65 634 640Low melting point. Added Ni & Sn replaces Cadmium. Used on parts of copper, copper alloy, carbon steel and stainless steel.

KBM-AG56CUA B-Ag56CuZnSn 316 BAg-7 55,0 ~ 57,0 21,0 ~ 23,0 15,0 ~ 19,0 4,5 ~ 5,5 - 620 650Substitute for Cadmium brazing material. Applied on parts of copper, steel, Ni and other alloys. Normally used in food processing industries.

KBM-AG30CUC B-Ag30CuZnIn - - 29,0 ~ 31,0 37,0 ~ 39,0 25,5 ~ 28,5 - In 4,5 ~ 5,5 640 755Added In lowers melting point. Softer & fills up well. Widely used on copper & steel parts of refrigeration compressor.

KBM-AG34CUB B-Ag34CuZnIn - - 33,0 ~ 35,0 34,0 ~ 36,0 28,5 ~ 31,5 - In 0,8 ~ 1,2 660 740Low melting point. Well flowing. A usual substitute for B-Ag34CuZnSn, used on copper & steel parts of refrigeration compressor.

KBM-AG40CUB B-Ag40CuZnIn - - 39,0 ~ 41,0 29,0 ~ 31,0 23,5 ~ 26,5 - In 4,5 ~ 5,5 635 715Low melting point. Flows well. A usual substitute for B-Ag45CuZn, used on copper & steel parts of refrigeration compressor.

V. SILVER BRAZING ALLOY (CADMIUM-FREE)

These alloys provide the same benefits and uses of the previous group. The main difference is that the composition does not include cadmium. It is mainly used in the food processing industry.

(Y) = Model

(CU) = Component : Copper

(XX) = Percentage Composition Component Silver

(AG) = Component Silver (BM) = Product : Brazing Material

(K) = Manufacturer :

KBM - AG (XX) CU (Y)

NOMENCLATURE

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VI. WHITE FLUX

white flux is a multipurpose chemical low temperature product for use with silver brazing alloys. Applicable to most ferrous and non-ferrous metals, except aluminium, magnesium and titanium. It melts at 566°C up to a maximum temperature of 871°C.

It is suitable for isolating from air contact, for dissolving and removing oxides that may be formed at the time of casting, allowing the filler metal to flow and be homogeneously distributed in the joint.

(XXX) = Model

(FX) = Product : Flux (BM) = Product : Brazing Material

(K) = Manufacturer :

KBM - FX - (XXX)

NOMENCLATURE

VII. FLUX

Reference Composition (% weight) Characteristics & Application

KBM-FX101 H3BO3: 29 ~ 31KBF4 : 68 ~ 71

Used for copper, copper alloys, steel & stainless steel. Temperature range of 550 - 850ºC.

KBM-FX102KF : 40 ~ 44

KBF4 : 21 ~ 25B2O3 : 33 ~ 37

Same as above, but temperature range of 600 - 850ºC.

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UNDERSTANDING SOLDERING …

Soldering and Brazing Copper Pipes

In both processes, the work of a qualified technician is required in order to ensure resistant welded joints on all pipe diameters. Copper piping systems generated by soldering or brazing, if properly prepared and heated, used the appropriate filler metal, and finally properly installed, will provide a solid joining for a longlife and reliable service.

The theory, basic techniques and operating variables for both processes are the same, namely: the time required, the heat applied and the filler metal used to complete the joining. As defined by the American Welding Association, the difference between these two processes is the temperature at which joining is obtained: In soldering joining is achieved at less than 840°C, while in brazing, temperatures are above 840°C.

COMPARISON SOLDERING VS. BRAZINGSoldering Brazing

Measurement The joint quality will depend on the exact measurement of pipe. A pipe too short will prevent from having an effective joint.

CutingMethods for cutting pipes are: disc-type pipe cutter, thin saw for metals, grinding wheel or portable band or static saw, among others. Cut must be made at straight angle to achieve the exact joint between the pipe end and the copper fitting. Important: Do not deform the pipe when cutting.

Deburring Process

If after cutting the pipe ends are uneven due to small burrs, they must be removed, since they might produce corrosion by erosion due to local turbulence and a higher flow velocity in the pipe. It is important to smooth these burrs both inside and outside the pipe, to ensure a smooth surface and thus a better flow. Care must be taken not to deform the ends of the flexible pipes by applying too much pressure. Methods to remove burrs are deburring blades in the pipe cutter, circular or semicircular sandpaper, pocket knife or a special sander to smooth burrs.

Mechanical Cleaning

A thorough cleaning is important for the complete removal of oxides, stains, dirt and oil rests on the surface, for a free flow of filler metal. The presence of these residues may also diminish the joint resistance and cause failures. For cleaning, the pipe ends must be gently sanded with sandpaper, brushes or abrasive nylon sponges slightly deeper than the joint. Also, copper fitting must be cleaned following the same instructions applied for pipe cleaning.

Cleaning with Chemical AgentsThis type of cleaning can be made provided that pipe and joints are thoroughly rinsed afterwards. Thus, any acid condition which could be generated will be neutralized. The cleaned surfaces must not be touched either with hands or gloves that might be greasy, as the skin oils, lubricants or grease may put at risk the welding operation.

Temperature Ranges /Operating Conditions

In theory the solder joints are generally used in systems with temperatures not exceeding 121°C (250°F). However, in normal practice, soldering has been applied at temperatures between 176°C (350°F) and 288°C (550°F).

Theoretically brazed joints are used where resistance to higher temperatures than 176°C (350°F) is required. However, in normal practice, brazing has been applied at temperatures between 593°C (1100°F) and 843°C (1550°F).

Flux Application

A non-aggressive flux is recommended, which must be agitated before application. This flux must be able to dissolve and remove all traces of oxide on surfaces to be joined, to protect the cleaned surfaces from re-oxidation during heating and to favor contact between areas to be welded.

Use a brush to apply a thin and uniform layer of flux on pipe and copper fitting. Do not use fingers to apply the flux, since flux chemicals can be harmful if in contact with eyes, mouth, or open wounds.

The brazing fluxes are water-based type with a different composition to those used for soldering. These fluxes cannot and must not be interchanged.

Like soldering fluxes, brazing ones dissolve and remove residual oxides from the metal surface to protect it from re-oxidation during heating and to facilitate adhesion of solder material to the surfaces being joined.

The fluxes are also used to estimate the welding temperature. The flux application method is the same as the one used for solder material. If the outside of both the copper fitting and the area of the tube affected by heat are covered with flux, oxidation is prevented and joint appearance is greatly improved.

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COMPARISON SOLDERING VS. BRAZING (...Cont.)Soldering Brazing

Types of Solder Material

There are many types of solder material that can produce strong and hermetic joints. The ones used to solder pipes contain tin and varying amounts of antimony, copper, lead or silver. The selection of the solder material depends on the application and the local regulations. For drinking water systems, the best option is to use lead-free solder materials.

There are two basic types of filler metals suitable for brazing copper pipes: the Brazing-Copper-Phosporus (BCuP) series and the Brazing-Silver (Bag) series. These types of metals are classified by their components.

To join copper pipes and copper fittings, filler metals of the BCuP series are preferably used, because of their phosphorus content, which acts as a fluxing agent and also, because of their low silver percentage, which makes them relatively less expensive. When copper pipes, forged copper fittings and BCuP-type filler metals are used, use of flux is the best option because of the self casting action of the phosphorus present in all components of the joint.

The selection of the filler metal for brazing depends on four main factors: the dimensional tolerance of the joint, the type and material of the cap (cast or forged), the desired appearance and cost.

Joining

Once the flux has been successfully applied, both surfaces are joined by inserting the pipe into the copper connection, ensuring the pipe is resting on the copper fitting base. The pipe is slightly rotated to ensure an even distribution of the flux. Excess flux is removed with a cloth from the exterior of the joint. Taking into account the heat required for both soldering and brazing, only cotton fabrics must be used. It is important to prepare all joints in the same working day. For proper joining, it must be verified that the pipe and the copper fitting are tightly coupled to ensure a uniform capillary space around the entire circumference of the joint. The uniformity of this space will guarantee optimum penetration of the filler metal, if the guidelines for connection have been followed. If there is excessive capillary space, it may cause cracks in the filler metal due to stress or vibration.

Heating

Due to the open flame and the high temperatures required for the soldering process and the flammability of gases used, it is mandatory to follow the security warnings. Usually, heat is applied with a gas or air torch. These torches can use acetylene or a variety of LP gas. Also, electrical resistance tools can be used.

To commence heating, one begins to move the flame perpendicularly to the pipe. This preheating will take the initial heat toward the copper fitting for an even distribution of heat internally and externally. The degree of heating depends on the size of the desired joint. Experience will indicate the amount of time required. Flame must not be applied on the copper fitting, but from this fitting toward the pipe at a distance equal to the surface of the fitting. With the torch on the fitting base, the joint is touched with the solder material. If the solder material does not melt, it must be withdrawn. Continue applying heat. Care must be taken not to overheat the joint or direct the flame directly onto the fitting because flux can be burnt and may lose its effectiveness.

Once melting temperature is reached, heat can be applied to the copper fitting’s base to facilitate the capillary action which makes the molten solder material flows into the base.

Oxy-fuel torches are generally used to heat brazing material at high temperatures. Thanks to technological innovations of nozzle design of these torches, now a wider variety of sizes is available for use at soldering and brazing.

When operating at high temperatures, appropriate security measures must be followed to protect both the operator and the materials.

The heating process is the same as soldering. First the pipe is preheated and then both, pipe and copper fitting. When the filler metal starts melting, heat is applied to the copper fitting’s base to facilitate the filler metal to penetrate by capillary action.

Solder Material Application

With the pipe in a horizontal position, the application of the solder material is started slightly off-center in the bottom of the joint. Continue then around the bottom of the copper fitting up to the top center. Again at the starting point, this area is re-covered and then on the unfinished side until reaching the top. Again, soldering is re-applied. The molten solder metal flows into the joint by capillary action, regardless of whether it is ascending, descending or horizontally.

Remember that the heat of the joint should melt the filler metal. The metal must not be molten with the torch. Once molten, the metal will penetrate the joint by capillary action. It is important to continuously move the flame and not to fix it on a point for too long to prevent burning the pipe or the copper fitting. Upon correctly completing the joint, a filler metal bead around the joint is observed. If the filler metal does not flow, or tends to agglomerate, it means there is oxidation on metal surfaces or that there is insufficient heat in the parts to be assembled. Also, if the filler metal does not penetrate the joint and tends to flow out, thisindicates that one of the parts is overheated or the other lacks heat.

Cooling and CleaningOnce the application of solder material to the joint is finished, it is allowed to cool naturally. When cool, excess flux is cleaned with a clean cotton cloth.

Once the joint is complete, it is allowed to cool naturally. Flux residues are removed with hot water and brushing the joint with a stainless steel wire brush.

*1: Based on the texts of the EPC Soldering Engineering Data

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Notes:

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