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REFRIGERATION
FUNDAMENTALS
HVAC/R
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• When and why;
– When an A/C or refrigeration system is entered, it must be
properly sealed
– Although flared fittings are widely used, most components
are joined by soldering and brazing
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Difference between soldering and brazing
– Soldering is accomplished with temps under 800°F
– Brazing is accomplished with temps over 800°F; usually
1,000°F to 1,500°F
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• SOLDERING
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Soldering is an adhesion process
Solder flows into tubing pores
Joining takes place when solder hardens
Solder has low tinsel strength
It is not recommended for A/C or refrigeration systems due to
the high temps and high pressures
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• SOLDERING
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Soldering is an adhesion process
Solder flows into tubing pores
Joining takes place when solder hardens
Solder has low tinsel strength
It is not recommended for A/C or refrigeration systems due to
the high temps and high pressures
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Newer solder gives tinsel strength of braze and lower
melting point of solder
– Known as silver bearing solder
– StayBright 6 and StayBright 8
– Both contain silver
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• When soldering, flux must be used
– Most common is Solderine
• Proper cleaning, fluxing, assembly support, and heating
is necessary
1) Clean all surfaces to be soldered
2) use clean flux on all ends
3) Do not overheat
4) Have parts properly supported
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• The solder has a lower melting point than the copper
being joined
• Solder should be distributed evenly around and in the
joint
• Heat the joint evenly, tube and fitting
• As flux clears, apply heat directly to the joint
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Capillary action will take place, leaving a proper fillet
or cap
• No globs or drips should be present
• Clean joint with a cloth
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• BRAZING
– Brazing is a common practice in HVAC/R
– On large applications, oxy-acetylene is used
– Most day to day operations can be done with a
plumbers torch and acetylene
– Brazing is a welding practice
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Unlike soldering, brazing can be done to join 2
dissimilar metals
• Many different alloys or filler metals are available for
HVAC/R work
– Most common:
• 5% Silver
• 15% Silver
• 45% Silver
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• The greater the silver content, the greater the tinsel
strength
– 5% and 15% are sold by the pound
– 45% is sold by the troy ounce
• Flux
– When brazing, silver flux must be used
– It cleans the metal and acts as a temperature indicator
– It assists in alloy flow and prevents oxidation
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Heat both Fitting and Tube
– Flux will turn powdery white and suddenly clear
– Clearing is an indication of about 1,100°F
• Apply alloy (braze), very little is needed
– Capillary action will take place
– Alloy (braze) will flow around 1,100°F to 1,250°F
• As flow starts, remove alloy and flame
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Cool the joint and clean to remove excess flux
• Excess flux could hide a pinhole leak
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Heating of the joint for soldering and brazing
– If heating at the compressor
– Do the joint closest to the compressor first, using a wet rag as
a heat shield, you could also use heat absorbing paste
• Whether soldering or brazing, avoid overheating;
glowing red produces scale
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• EQUIPMENT
– Oxy-acetylene
• Extremely hot; may also be used for cutting
• Not for residential or Roof Top use
• Intended for work shop and construction site use
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Tanks:
– “B” tank or “MC” tank sizes
– Can be an unguided missile if not properly secured, the tank
is under 250 psi
– Impact as little as 15 psi can cause valve to rupture
– Tank is cork lined
– The valve is opened only ½ turn with a tank wrench
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Safety
– Always secure the tank
– Leak test each time the tank is first opened or changed, using
only a bubble solution
– Store and use in upright position only
• Acetylene is heavier than air; can puddle on floor,
removing oxygen from the room, resulting in an
explosion hazard
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Regulators
– 2 types
• Adjustable and non-adjustable
– Adjustable
• Flame is adjusted with the regulator, not the torch handle
– Non-Adjustable
• Flame must be adjusted with the torch handle, handle is not made for
fine tuning
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• Hose, Handle, and Tip
– Should be leak checked when checking the regulator
– Tips are interchangeable
– New tips are called swirl tips, the give off a hotter flame for
brazing larger tubing
– Blue tip of flame is the hottest
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SOLDERING & BRAZING
• General Safety
– Never use pliers on any part of torch setup
– After use:
• Shut tank off at valve
• Bleed hose
• Coil hose
– Light torch only using striker
– Wear safety glasses at all times
– Adjust flame for different sized tubing