Braze Weld Technical
Braze Weld Technical
Braze Weld Technical
SUPPLIED BY
DELTA FLUID PRODUCTS LTD DELTA ROAD ST. HELENS WA9 2ED UK
JOINTING TECHNIQUES BROWNALL FITTINGS (BRAZOWELD) BRAZING (CAPILLARY JOINT) DEFINITION The process of BRAZING is carried out with the principal aim of using a filler metal to penetrate capillary gaps between the metals being joined, and thus create a strong joint by the bonding of the filler alloy with the with the parent surfaces over a comparatively large area. The formation of a fillet is secondary to this although possible. LOW TEMPERATURE BRAZING is brazing taking place in the temperature range 600C to 850C. The filler metals used are normally based on silver and copper. This process is also commonly referred to as SILVER BRAZING or SILVER ALLOY BRAZING. Two other process terms associated with Low Temperature Brazing are SILVER SOLDERING AND HARD SOLDERING. Capillary attraction, the basis upon which successful BRAZING depends, is ensured when a controlled gap is provided between the surfaces to be joined. This controlled gap is engineered by machining the sockets of BROWNALL fittings to close limits and the resultant assembly with copper tube to European Standard limits controls the desired gap. RECOMMENDED RODS AND FLUXES FOR BRAZING Rods recommended for this jointing technique are detailed in BS EN 1044: 1999 Filler Metals for Brazing and those widely used are CP101 and CP102 shown in table 4. Table 3 Group AG: Silver Brazing Alloys. Type AG2 is commonly used and has an approximate melting temperature of 610/620C. Table 4 Group CP: Copper Phosphorus Brazing Alloys. Type CP101 and CP102 are widely used and have an approximate melting temperature of 645/825C. Although having a wider melting temperature range and a higher melting temperature the alloys have no zinc or cadmium content and are therefore useful in most applications.
B.S. 1723: 1963 Specification for Brazing sets out general requirements for brazed joints: 1) CUTTING The tube should be cut square, preferably with copper tube cutters designed for the purpose, and to exact length required, so that it will engage the socket of the fitting full depth to the stop. Remove all slivers and burrs left from cutting the tube by reaming and filing, both inside and outside. 2) CLEANING The surfaces to be joined must be cleaned and free from oil, grease and heavy oxides. FITTING The socket of the fitting should be cleaned by similar methods to those used for the tube. Care should be observed in removing residues of the cleaning medium. TUBE The end of the tube needs to be cleaned for a distance only slightly more than is to enter the socket. The cleaning can be done using steel wool but care must be taken to remove all slivers of steel wool before assembly of the joint. 3) FLUXING The flux should be applied to the cleaned area of the tube and fitting evenly and sparingly, avoiding any excess. 4) ASSEMBLY Immediately after fluxing, assemble the joint by inserting the tube into the socket hard against the stop. If fluxed parts are allowed to stand, the water in the flux will evaporate and dried flux could flake off, exposing the metal to oxidation from the applied heat. The assembly should be firmly supported so that it will remain in alignment during the jointing operation, which can now commence. 5) HEAT (BRAZING BRAZOWELD CAST FITTINGS) Brazing is started by applying heat to the cast fitting to be joined. It is extremely important that the fitting is uniformly heated before any brazing is attempted. This preheating can be achieved either by a sweeping motion with the flame or a preheating stage in a furnace before assembly of the piping system.
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An indication that the assembly has reached the correct preheating temperature is when the flux becomes completely clear and has the appearance of water (approximately 595C). With fittings above 76mm it may be necessary to use two torches to obtain the heat input required. When the preheating temperature is achieved redirect the flame to the areas directly around the tube abutment of the fitting. Keep the flame sweeping along the axis the joint and apply the filler metal. The filler should be drawn into the joint by natural capillary attraction. When the joint is filled, a continuous fillet of brazing alloys will be visible completely around the joint. Stop feeding as soon as the joint is filled. HORIZONTAL JOINTS: When making horizontal joints, it is preferable to start applying the brazing alloy at the top, then the two sides, and finally the bottom, making sure that the operations overlap. VERTICAL JOINTS: On vertical joints, it is immaterial where the start is made. If the opening of the socket is pointed down, care should be taken to avoid overheating the tube, as this may cause the alloy to run down the tube. If this condition is encountered take the heat away and allow the alloy to set. Then reheat the solder cup of the fitting to draw up the alloy. 6) REMOVAL OF RESIDUAL FLUX After the brazing alloy has set, remove residual flux from the joint area as it is corrosive and presents an unclean appearance and condition. Hot water and detergent along with a soft cloth should be used. Copper fittings may be chilled quickly. It is advisable to allow castings to cool naturally to some extent before applying a swab. All flux must be removed before inspection and pressure testing. TROUBLE SPOTS If the alloy fails to flow or has a tendency to ball up, it indicates oxidation of the metal surfaces, or insufficient heat on the parts to be joined. If work starts to oxidise during heating, it indicates too little flux or too thin a consistency. If the brazing alloy refuses to enter the joint, it indicates that one part is overheated or the other is under heated or both. In both cases operations should be stopped and the joints disassembled, recleaned and fluxed. CAUTION 1) Brazing alloy and flux manufacturers recommendations should be adhered to. 2) These notes are given as a guide only and Donald Brown (Brownall) Ltd., cannot accept responsibility for installation work or system performance.
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BRAZING AND WELDING RODS FOR USE WITH BRAZOWELD FITTINGS BRAZING RODS To BS EN 1044: 1999 Table 4 (Copper Phosphorus)
TRADE NAME SUPPLIER TYPE SILVER CONTEN T 2% SOLIDUS C 644 LIQUIDUS C 740 FLUX
SILBRALLOY
EUTECTOID 1805
Johnson, Matthey, 81 Hatton Garden, London The SSCO, Windsor Street, Sheffield B.O.C. Ltd. North Circular Rd, London Johnson, Matthey, 81 Hatton Garden, London Eutectic Welding, North Feltham, Trading Estate, Feltham, Middlesex
CP102
CP102
1.8-2.2%
645
740+
CP103
705
800
CP101
15%
644
700
CP102
2%
650
750
TYPE CU 306
SOLIDUS C 875
LIQUIDUS C 895
FLUX
EUTECTROD 146
CZ 306
850
875
No. 18
Working Pressure bar Size Range (mm) 35 54 67 - 108 25 20 25 20 21.8 17.2 16.5 13.0 12.8 10.3 11.3 9.0
-10 to +66 +66 to +100 +100 to +120 +120 to +150 +150 to +170 +170 to +180
Recommended test pressure is 1.5 times working pressure at ambient temperature (i.e. 10 to +66). Ratings based on table Y tube and in line with former copper alloy globe valve standard BS.5145 (tube in 0 condition). Suitable for use with tables X, Y, Z and table 5 tube. NOTE: - The working pressure of the tube other than table Y is to be checked, as once brazed the tube will be in the O condition around the joint. Material: - BS EN 1982: 1999 CC760S (Formerly BS.1400 SCB6 Dezincification resistant). Fittings designed to be brazed or bronze welded. For Brazing: - Filler rods to BS EN 1044: 1999 Table 4 CP102. For Bronze Welding: - Filler rods to BS.1845 table 3 normally CZ6.