Results 1 to 13 of 13
Thread: Silver soldering question.
-
01-12-2001, 04:36 AM #1
Silver soldering question.
Aloha, do you silver solder the fittings on air conditioners and refrigerators? If the answer is yes, what are the procedures for soldering. I am curious because the compressor has oil in it and the lines must have some oil in it so isn't that dangerous? TIA
Mahalo,
doogdoog
-
01-12-2001, 08:10 AM #2
Soldering
Aloha Doug,
I might be right in saying that in refrigeration - air con we do not solder. We either braze or weld using very high temp flames , usually oxy acetelene, which can typically reach temps of 1200 degrees Celcius.Last edited by Abe; 22-03-2002 at 08:33 PM.
-
01-12-2001, 08:21 AM #3
Aloha, thanks for the reply but I know how to weld using oxy/acet but I saw a refrig. tech using the torch on the lines and the compressor has oil in it and I would assume the lines has some too so how does he do it? TIA
Mahalo,
doogdoog
-
01-12-2001, 05:54 PM #4
Doog,
Aloha , The compressor has oil in it, yes. the lines..........no they dont. The oil normally drains into the compressor sump. Oil does migrate with the refrigerant, some gasses, like the old R12 are miscible with oil, ie: they carry oil with the gas quite comfortably. So probably during these migrations it is inevitable some traces of oil are left coating the tube walls.Last edited by Abe; 22-03-2002 at 08:34 PM.
-
02-12-2001, 09:57 AM #5
Aloha Aiyub, thanks for the reply and I understand about an open system without gas but what if you had a refrigerator and one of the lines had a small hole in it and you had to weld it closed so all of the gas leaked out but there is still residual oil on the walls of the tubing so can you just weld it to repair or do you have to add a valve to vent whatever gas that is generated by
by the heat of the torch. TIA
Mahalo,
doogdoog
-
02-12-2001, 09:19 PM #6
Ahhhh
Doogdoog,
Aloha
Ok, you have a small hole. this is what you do.
Domestic refrigerators usually have an access port on the compressor for charging gas, reading pressures evacuating etc
If you look at a compressor there are usually three ports. Two of the same size and located on the same level but on the opposite sides to each other. On one you will find a short piece of pipe that may have a valve on it or it may be welded shut.
The third is a smaller diameter pipe. This is the high side. Ignore this one.
OEM;s stick a short copper tube stub in and weld it shut instead of fitting a proper schraeder type access valve. ( To save on costs)
You remove this stub, located on the compressor and install a schraeder valve. You obtain these from your wholesaler.
Remove the core from the schraeder valve.
You can also install a Watsco type in line access valve which saves you having to weld a schraeder valve.
Welding
Any heat which builds up during the welding process will now be able to escape via the opening in the schraeder valve
Weld the hole.
Replace the core in the schraeder valve, and tighten it
Evacuate system and regas.
Dont worry about oil in the system. Any residual oil clinging to copper tube walls is of insignificant quantity to worry about. Im referring here to domestic and small commercial systems.
I have done hundreds with no problems with oil.
Mahalo
Aiyub
-
03-12-2001, 04:50 AM #7
Aloha Aiyub, got it and thanks for the information.
Mahalo,
doogdoog
-
19-04-2002, 05:47 AM #8
I can't seem to find this item you mentioned:
"You can also install a Watsco type in line access valve which saves you having to weld a schraeder valve. "
What is it? What does it do? How does it work? Where can I get some? How much do they cost?
Please email me with the information.
Thanks!I visit http://www.fuel-saver.org
-
19-04-2002, 05:55 AM #9
Would you be referring to a 'clamp-on' access valve?
If so, how do you get around the EPA requirement of returning the hermetically sealed system back to being hermetically sealed?I visit http://www.fuel-saver.org
-
19-04-2002, 11:56 PM #10
I'm pretty certain that when they refer to a hermetic system, they mean, a leak free system. If installed correctly, those piercing valves can be expected to stay leak free for weeks on end, thus rendering the system "hermetically sealed.
ie. I don't think the addition of a permanent access fitting causes an EPA violation...
-
20-04-2002, 12:23 AM #11Originally posted by condenseddave
those piercing valves can be expected to stay leak free for weeks on end, thus rendering the system "hermetically sealed
-
20-04-2002, 05:15 AM #12
When I last checked, the description of a hermetically sealed system was a system without a permanent service aperture, thus meaning when you finish the repairs, the aperature would be removed and the process stub welded (brazed) shut.
I reseal all of mine because when dealing with the epa (government), you are guilty until proven innocent (and sometimes then too), and the extra 3 minutes it takes to reseal a system is well worth the time investment. If it's sealed, they can't complain or fine you.
Last time I checked, fines ranged from $10,500 to $27,500 (US)
If I can find the reference to the law, I'll post the url for you.I visit http://www.fuel-saver.org
-
27-04-2002, 04:50 AM #13
on larger systems purge with nitrogen, an inert gas, won't support combustion... um, the watsco is a clamp on... Oh! Use an extended tube...
Similar Threads
-
Brazing vs. soldering
By DaBit in forum FundamentalsReplies: 28Last Post: 19-03-2011, 11:50 AM -
Newbie with a question
By AcidSlasher in forum FundamentalsReplies: 4Last Post: 07-03-2006, 11:20 AM -
quizy type question thingy
By rbartlett in forum Chit Chat & Service StoriesReplies: 25Last Post: 06-02-2006, 09:22 PM -
Urgent, Kirchoff question
By Peter_1 in forum FundamentalsReplies: 4Last Post: 20-01-2004, 03:12 PM -
Need help/info for soldering
By abcdefg1675 in forum TrainingReplies: 13Last Post: 10-08-2003, 08:55 PM