Copper Braze Joint Fittings 1

[KenRad]

I recently read an interesting article that talked about the differences in fitting insertion depth between soldered copper and brazed copper joints. According to this article, the insertion depth of the typical wrot copper plumbing fitting is designed for a soldered joint, but is actually too deep for an optimal brazed joint (as would be used with refrigerant lines). Since the article seemed to be one large advertisement for a tool that modifies fittings for brazing, I wanted to get some other input from the forum. The link is:

http://www.pmengineer.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2732,141370,00.html

Has anyone heard this information before? The author mentions fittings that are made specifically for brazing - anyone know who makes them or sells them? I am no brazing expert, and would appreciate your opinions before changing the way I braze and specify brazing.

---KenRad

 

[ChasBean1]

Kenrad, no, but it's not exactly my area. Very interesting, convincing, and well written, until skepticism sets in at the point of sale ("buy this crimper..."). The crimping itself might make a weakened point (not studied long-term yet) that makes full depth insertions gleam in comparison in joint life.

I guess marketing drives good research, but I remain watchful for good information (e.g., research by a nerd in mom's basement) without a pitch...

-CB

 

[ChrisConley]

With the number of brazed joints currently out there, I'm surprised that the copper manufacturer's haven't started making fittings as described in the article more commercially available. Less material should mean a slightly cheaper fitting they could sell for the same price as standard fitting. I guess there is the issue of using the wrong fitting then.

I searched but couldn't find anything from the CDA (Copper Development Association). Personally I'd wait to hear a position from them before I made any changes to my spec as well.

http://www.copper.org/

http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techref/cth/cth_toc.html