Solder Ring fittings deskill the soldering process involved in Copper Fittings by removing the need to introduce the solder yourself. Let's see how this works in the 6 simple steps we have laid out below.
What equipment do I need?
- Copper Pipe (BS EN 1057)
- Solder Ring Fittings (BS EN 1254)
- Flux
- Pipe Cutter
- Abrasive Cloth
- Deburring Tool
- Flame
- Heat Mat
- Hand & Eye Protection
- Wet Rag
Pre installation checks
Always check that the tube conforms to BS EN 1057 and that the outer diameter of the tube matches the size of the fitting. Both the fitting and tube should be checked to see that they are clean, damage and imperfection-free.
1. Cut your pipe to size
It is important that you cut your pipe cleanly across the tube diameter using a good quality pipe cutter or rotary pipe cutter.
Not doing so can impact on the quality of your jointing. If your cut is not flat, or your pipe is too short, the pipe may not hit the pipe stop, which means the joint may not take properly. Too long and you may introduce strain into the whole system.
2. Cleaning
It is essential that you clean both the inside the fitting and the outside of the pipe. The fitting should also be deburred using your deburring tool, this will ensure the pipe is smooth and will not interfere with flow.
The outside of the pipe needs to be cleaned to ensure that there is no pipe residue, dirt of grit present near the joint. If you don't remove all oxides and any material where the fittings and tube overlap you risk reducing the strength of the soldered joint, which can lead to problems later down the line.
3. Apply Flux
Soldering flux protects against re-oxidation of the joint during the soldering procedure, helps prepare the fitting for the capillary action, and to assist in residual oxide removal. It should be done as quickly as possible after cleaning.
Flux should only be applied to surfaces that have been cleaned using an abrasive cloth. After this, only enough flux to lightly coat the areas should be used, only in the areas where the tube and fitting will overlap.
All fluxes should be used sparingly and strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Flux is essentially corrosive and will erode the pipe over time if you don't remove all excess Flux at the end of the assembly.
4. Assemble
Insert the tube into the fitting until the pipe reaches the base of the pipe stop. A small twist can also be applied to ensure even coverage of the flux. At this point, excess flux should be wiped away using a rag.
5. Heating
When heating, the entire circumference of the fitting should be heated evenly. It is recommended that you warm the pipe and the fitting gently before applying direct heat.
Be careful not overheat the joint or direct the flame into the face of the fitting cup. This could burn the flux, which will make it more difficult for the solder to flow into the joint in the next step.
6. Cooling & Cleaning
You should allow the joint to cool naturally, otherwise you could stress the joint. When cool, remove any excess flux and residue with a wet rag.
Testing
All systems are thoroughly tested upon completion. Whenever possible, completed systems should also be flushed to remove debris.