Connecting copper pipes: instructions and comparison of various installation technologies. Fittings for copper pipes How to connect a fitting to a copper pipe

During plumbing work, as well as when laying sewer pipes for a house, it often becomes necessary to connect various segments made of copper pipes. It is about this difficult procedure that we will discuss further.

Cutting a copper pipe with a cutter

Initially, it is necessary to cut the pipes of the desired size, for which a special tool is used, shown in the following figure.

How to cut a rigid copper pipe. The cut is made with a special tool, the clamp of which must be tightly tightened, and then begin to rotate around the pipe, repeating it until the pipe is cut.

  1. Pipe cutter wheel.
  2. Pipe cutter.
  3. Pipe cutter guide wheel.
  4. Copper pipe.
  5. Side of rotation of the screw.
  6. Handle for tightening the clamp of the pipe cutter.

The principle of cutting a pipe is very simple. The cutter is put on the desired end of the pipe and moves to the place where the cut will be located. The clamp of the cutter must fit snugly against the pipe, for which the screw (clamp) should be tightened. Next, you need to start rotating the cutter around the pipe, gradually tightening the screw, and so on until the pipe is cut.

The classic use of a copper pipe cutting tool

Of course, you can use a hacksaw to cut the copper pipe, but with such a cut, the edges of the pipe will be too uneven and will have to be smoothed separately.

The pipe is cut, now you can start grinding the edges.

Edge processing of copper pipe after cutting

First of all, you should clean the edges of the pipes, removing all possible irregularities. For this, a needle file or a semicircular file is usually used.

Carefully remove any irregularities left after the cut from the edge of the pipe. To do this, you will need a needle file or a rounded file.

  1. Copper pipe.
  2. Irregularities and scuffs after cutting the pipe.
  3. A file or needle file of a semicircular shape.

Grinding pipe edges

Now we take a thin skin and proceed to grinding the outer surface of the edge. Polish it until it shines. Next, the inner plane of the pipe is processed right at the edges. To do this, as a rule, you can purchase special brushes at the nearest hardware store.

Grinding the edges of a copper pipe with sandpaper is not at all difficult

Do not overdo it with the surface of the pipe - if you remove too much material, then there will be problems with subsequent soldering.

The edges of the pipe, both outside and inside, must be carefully cleaned with a thin sandpaper.

  1. Copper pipe.
  2. Sandpaper (thin).
  3. Using light pressure, sand the edge of the pipe.
  4. Cleaning the edge of the pipe.
  5. Copper tee.
  6. Fine sandpaper.
  7. Cleaning the inside edge.
  8. Run sandpaper along the inside of the pipe.

Flux application

Next, we need a brush, with which a thin layer of flux is applied both inside and outside the pipe. Because flux is a reactive etchant, use it carefully to avoid possible corrosion of the pipe.

It is advisable to use a brush to apply a layer of flux. Do not try to do this with your fingers - the flux is very poisonous and harmful not only to the fingers, but also to the eyes.

  1. Copper pipe.
  2. Copper tee.

Apply the flux to the copper pipe with a brush

Insert the pipe into the fitting as tightly as possible. Rotate this fitting to spread the flux evenly. If any drops remain outside the pipe, remove them.

With the edges of the pipe lubricated with flux, slide the fitting onto the pipe and rotate it so that it is more evenly distributed over the pipe. Be sure to remove any remaining flux that has leaked out.

  1. Copper tee.
  2. Insert the pipe into the fitting.
  3. Rotate the pipe to spread the flux over the fitting.
  4. Wipe off any remaining flux.
  5. Copper pipe.

Treatment of pipe joints with a burner

Let's start with the burner. Light it and bring the flame of the burner to the edge of the pipe joint. Heat up the end of the fitting and blaze the end of the fitting one after the other.

Both the pipe and the fitting must be heated with a torch to a temperature at which the solder will begin to melt.

  1. Heat up the pipe.
  2. Heat up the side of the fitting.

Processing the joint of a copper pipe with a propane torch

Solder distribution

When the joint is hot enough and the solder begins to melt, touch the end of the solder to the point where the fitting and pipe join. Go through this junction in a circular motion. After the entire edge is covered with solder, and you are sure that there are no gaps left, you need to wait until the joint has cooled down. Also note that when applying solder, the burner flame must touch the pipe.

The end of the solder must be applied to the fitting and fired along the joint. The solder will then melt and go straight into the gap between the pipe and the fitting. During the entire process, warm up the fitting so as to maintain the melting temperature of the solder.

  1. Copper fitting.
  2. Hold the propane torch at the fitting.
  3. Copper pipe.
  4. Apply solder to the joint and spread it along the edge.
  5. Solder.

Use of solder to weld copper pipe

How does the solder get directly into the space between the pipe and the fitting, will it not remain outside? In fact, the solder will enter the gap due to the action of capillary forces, and it can flow both vertically and horizontally. This process is clearly illustrated in the following figure.

Mechanism of action of capillary forces on solder.

  1. Copper fitting.
  2. Copper pipe.
  3. Solder that enters the gap between the pipes due to capillary suction.
  4. The solder hardens and forms protective layer, which is distributed along the edge of the joint.
  5. How solder is distributed.
  6. Straightened solder.
  7. Cooled solder takes on a paste-like form.

To select a solder, one must be guided by the pressure of the liquid in the pipeline being laid, as well as the melting temperature of the solder. According to existing standards, in fluxes and solders intended for sewer systems, the concentration of lead should not exceed a value of 0.2%.

How to connect soft copper pipes

It is not for nothing that a soft copper pipe is called that way - it is not difficult to bend it with your hands. However, at the same time, the risk that the pipe will be bent incorrectly is quite high. Therefore, we strongly recommend using a pipe bender.

If the pipe is too kinked, water will not be able to fully pass through the kink zone, not to mention the appearance of cracks. If a bend of a sufficiently large radius is needed, then a flexible shell of a conventional water hose made from a spring. It is only necessary that this sheath matches the diameter of the copper pipe.

If you need to bend a long soft copper pipe, you can use a spring sheath of a conventional hose. The pipe should be bent carefully, without applying too much force. Then, simply by rotating, remove the pipe.

  1. Spring protective sheath.
  2. Soft copper pipe.

To bend the pipe, you can gently press on it with your knee. In this case, the larger the bending radius of the pipe, the less likely it is that the pipe will be too bent.

The simplest method of bending a soft copper pipe: using a regular steel corrugated hose and a plastic bottle

If you want to bend the pipe within a smaller radius, then you can not do without a manual pipe bender. Rotate the handles 180 degrees before inserting the pipe into this tool.

When the pipe is inserted, one handle must be raised so that it makes a right angle with the other handle. It is difficult to make a mistake here, since there is a corresponding mark on the pipe bender roller that must be aligned with the bending point.

Pipe bender application video

This video demonstrates how to properly use a pipe bender to bend copper pipes for plumbing or air conditioning systems.

Using a pipe bender

Now just bring the bender handles together until you get exactly the bend you want. Before bending the pipe, make sure that the pipe bender fully matches its diameter.

The lever pipe bender is an ideal tool for bending copper pipe. In this case, the minimum bending radius depends on the diameter of the pipe you are bending.

  1. Copper pipe.
  2. Copper pipe.
  3. Turn the handle until the pipe is bent to the desired angle.
  4. Rotate the handles 180 degrees and insert the pipe into the pipe bender.
  5. Copper pipe.
  6. Pipe bender roller.
  7. Copper pipe.

Classic lever pipe bender for bending copper (and not only) pipes

Flaring connection of copper pipe

To connect a soft copper pipe, a coupling is often used, into which the pre-flared end of the pipe is embedded. A joint of this type has many advantages, in particular, it is very easy to dismantle it if necessary and fix it again.

Typically, a flared joint is used when a propane torch cannot be used, or if it is not possible to drain water from an old pipe. To fasten the coupling, it is enough to put it on the pipe, after which it is necessary to flare the end of the pipe using the appropriate tool.

The photo shows the flare and clamp with a set of holes for calibration. All this together and there are tools for the correct flaring of a copper pipe.

Flaring process

The flaring of the copper pipe is as follows.

  1. First you need to clean the end of the pipe.
  2. A coupling is put on the pipe.
  3. The pipe is inserted into the calibration hole and then clamped. Of course, the diameter of the pipe must match the diameter of the hole. In this case, the end of the pipe must be installed flush or slightly higher than the clamping plane.
  4. An appropriate fixture is put on the clamp, after which the screw should be rotated. Ultimately, the end of the pipe must be flared at an angle, which, on average, is 45 degrees.

The end of the pipe should be clamped in the calibrated hole. Next, the flaring tool is moved to the clamp, and the cone is inserted into the pipe. Flaring is carried out by rotating the screw.

  1. Edge flaring tool.
  2. Flaring cone.
  3. Calibration holes.
  4. Clamp.
  5. Copper pipe.

The pipe is removed from the calibrated hole, after which the coupling is transferred close to the previously flared edges.

A coupling is used to connect the flared ends of copper pipes.

  1. Coupling component for flaring.
  2. The tapered end of the component is inserted into the flared part of the pipe.
  3. Coupling component in the form of a nut.
  4. Flared pipe edges.
  5. Copper pipe.

Standard Coupling for Copper Pipe

To wrap the threads of the coupling, use sealing tape and then tighten the appropriate nut tightly. Now the clutch is fully assembled and we can admire it in the next picture.

The assembled clutch looks like this.

  1. Nut for flaring.
  2. The central component of the coupling.
  3. Flare nut.
  4. Copper pipe with flared end.

Sometimes copper pipes are cut at the factory with an allowance of 2-2.5 cm. This is done so that in case of unsuccessful flaring, the end of the pipe could be cut off and flared again.

Video on expanding copper pipes

A visual tutorial on expanding copper pipes with your own hands. You can see for yourself that there is nothing complicated in this process.

Coupling with gasket

To connect a copper pipe with taps and valves, an element such as coupling with gasket .

In fact, this is a regular nut with a sealing gasket. In this case, the fitting that is connected to the coupling must have a thread corresponding to the thread of this nut.

This coupling has a special fixing gasket that fits exactly into the nut that has an internal thread, after which it is inserted into the hole of the valve, which, in turn, has an external thread.

  1. Copper pipe.
  2. Screw.
  3. Sealing gasket.
  4. Coupling for connection with a gasket.
  5. Connection with another pipe.
  6. valve or fitting.

Installing this clutch is easy. Initially, a nut is put on the pipe, then a sealing gasket.

Typical gasketed coupling for copper pipe

Next, the pipe is inserted into the fitting, it must be exactly perpendicular to the opening of the fitting. This is a very important point, because if the pipe is installed in the fitting even at a slight angle, then leakage is almost inevitable.

The sealing gasket is now pressed against the edges of the fitting. It remains to tighten the nut on the valve, and it is not necessary to tighten it much, about a quarter of a turn.

Copper pipes and fittings are in demand due to their high durability and strength, as well as a number of other technical characteristics that ensure the smooth operation of various communication networks.

1 Main features of engineering networks made of copper

Russian and foreign companies currently producing high quality copper fittings and pipes. Such products meet the requirements of European standards (ISO 9002, BS2, DIN), they are characterized by increased resistance to the pressure of working media flowing through pipelines, to high and low temperatures, to external influences during transportation and storage.

Engineering networks made of copper are not afraid of sunlight (this distinguishes them in better side from polymer structures that are now popular), they do not develop rust over time, which always forms on metal and steel pipelines. Their service life is at least a hundred years, you see, it is very difficult to find a better and practically "eternal" material for arranging household and industrial communications.

They are used for the construction of the following systems:

  • air conditioning;
  • heating;
  • water supply (both cold and hot);
  • gas distribution.

Individuals, as a rule, use copper pipes when they install reliable and durable water supply networks in their homes. It is clear that the connecting elements for such tubular products are most often also made of copper. Copper fittings are considered to be much more economical than metal fittings as they require less material to make.

The bottom line is that in the production of, for example, cast-iron parts, their walls are initially designed to be thick - engineers leave a "margin" for metal loss as a result of corrosion. But connecting elements made of copper can be made much thinner, because their rust does not touch even after decades of operation.

The demand for copper pipelines is also determined by other reasons:

  • antiseptic properties of copper (water in its supply systems is not affected by pathogenic microbes and organisms, which naturally improves the quality of drinking water);
  • ease of installation of pipes and their connection to each other.

In addition, if the water in the pipes freezes, the line only deforms, and does not break, as is noted when steel and other products freeze. The destruction of copper structures is recorded only when they are subjected to a load of more than 200 atmospheres (similar to the pressure in household systems simply cannot be).

2 Types of connecting elements for copper pipes

Modern fittings for copper networks are of the following types:

  • threaded;
  • self-locking;
  • compression (crimp);
  • press fittings;
  • capillary.

Press fittings for copper pipes are now almost never used to connect elements of copper pipelines. Firstly, their installation is carried out using a special press, which costs a lot. Secondly, such fittings were originally created to connect plastic and metal-plastic structures. It makes sense to use press parts for copper pipes only if it is impossible to perform high-quality soldering of pipes or mount them with other types of connecting elements.

In this article, we will take a closer look at other fittings (compression, threaded, and so on), but first we note that when installing copper products, you must always use materials of a homogeneous structure. In this case, the engineering network will be guaranteed to serve as long as possible and without breakdowns. In other words, the connection of copper pipes should be made with copper fittings, and other materials should be used only as needed.

If dissimilar materials are used, the following piping installation rules must be followed:

  • Copper pipes in combined systems are always installed in the direction of the water flow after steel or metal products.
  • It is forbidden to connect copper with galvanized steel, as well as with pipes made of unalloyed alloys. This is due to the fact that in this case such processes of an electrochemical nature are formed in the system, which significantly accelerate the rusting of steel elements.
  • Connection of products from copper and its alloys with steels of the acid-resistant group is allowed. But it's better to replace metal pipes on polyvinyl chloride (if, of course, there is such an opportunity).

3 Threaded fittings for copper pipelines

Such connecting elements are recommended to be mounted when the design of the engineering system involves its periodic disassembly, repair (replacement of parts that have failed) and assembly. Threaded connection characterized by the presence on it of an internal or external thread, designed to create a single line.

In terms of reliability and long-term operation, threaded fittings are less practical than compression or capillary fittings. They must be checked regularly, dismantling old and installing new elements. For this reason, such fittings can be mounted in those parts of the system that are easy to reach.

Options for threaded elements for arranging copper pipelines:

  • couplings: they can be used to connect pipes of different materials, as well as straight sections of pipelines with different or identical sections of tubular products;
  • corners at 45 and 90 degrees: necessary to rotate the pipe at a given angle;
  • outlet fittings;
  • crosses, tees (otherwise they are called collectors): they allow you to maintain the main direction of the network and at the same time carry out any number of independent branches from it;
  • caps and special plugs: make it possible to qualitatively block the terminations of the copper communication system.

When installing new networks, it is desirable to use compression fittings, but it is better to upgrade pipelines and overhaul them with threaded elements.

4 Self-locking and compression fittings

Such fittings, which are called crimp or collet fittings, are a good replacement for fittings mounted using open fire. Push-in fittings consist of a set of gaskets and rings, as well as a special ring for crimping the pipe. A completely tight connection of tubular products from different materials is ensured by tightening the compression ring with a wrench. Compression fittings can be made of steel, metal-plastic, brass or copper.

Crimping (collet) parts are indispensable for water supply systems, which consist of pipes of various cross sections. They are also in demand for the construction of networks from different materials. Although in recent times classic compression fittings began to be replaced by self-locking parts, as they are more preferable in terms of their operational capabilities.

Self-locking collet fittings are structures inside which a whole system of rings is installed. Moreover, one ring is necessarily equipped with teeth. When pressed with a special mounting key on this gear element, it is fixed in the adjacent ring, resulting in a truly strong connection.

Such compression fittings are dismantled as simply as they are installed, with the same key. Please note that compression products for copper pipes are always made of copper. At the same time, they are suitable for arranging pipelines made of any other metals and plastics.

5 Connection of copper pipes by capillary technique

Soldering is recognized as the most popular way of really reliable and durable connection of copper pipe structures. This operation is based on the capillary effect. It states that the liquid is able to rise up the capillary, overcoming the emerging force of gravity in cases where there is a certain distance between two surfaces.

In practice, this phenomenon allows the used solder to be evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the joined surface. Moreover, it does not matter in what spatial position the pipeline element is located. It is not difficult to apply solder not from above, but from below.

The technology of the capillary technique is as follows:

  • the pipe connection is heated (using a burner);
  • molten solder enters the gap between the connecting element and the pipe and completely fills it;
  • the pipeline is allowed to cool;
  • using a cleaning compound, they clean the outer parts of the system.

This can be considered complete - the system is ready to perform its tasks! Copper and metal pipes are installed using capillary technology. If a steel fitting is used, a special flux must be applied to the soldering point in advance. The role of the material for the solder is performed by a very thin tin or copper wire, which is placed under the thread of the fitting. In some cases, silver wire is also used.

Another important point. Push-in connections are mounted without pre-training connected products. But soldering can be done only after careful removal of dirt and dust from the edges of the pipes, as well as after degreasing the surface.

6 Features of rolling copper pipes

When arranging pipelines from copper products by means of detachable connections often a special device called rolling is used. Also common is its second name - flanging. With the help of this tool, it is possible to perform rolling - an operation that makes it possible to modify the shape and geometric parameters of copper and other ductile materials without losing their operational properties.

Elementary rolling is an ordinary conical blank, which is placed in a pipe, and then rotated until it is bent to the desired shape. It is clear that such a device is unrealistic to use in the arrangement of modern pipelines, since it does not provide uniform pressure on the walls and does not allow you to choose a specific rolling force.

More efficient is rolling with clamps and a cone that wraps around its own axis. It is such a tool that is recommended to be purchased for laying communications in your home. It is inexpensive, but the quality of work guarantees quite high. The clamp of such a flanging is equipped with either several holes suitable for certain pipe diameters, or one hole universal type, into which tubular products of a wide variety of sections can be inserted.

Professional specialists involved in the construction of pipelines usually use rolling with a safety ratchet and an eccentric. Before you start working with it, you will need to put nuts on the pipe to be connected (they make it possible to make the required connection). Professional rolling deforms the metal by rolling the pipe (its inner surface) with an eccentric - a device with a displaced center.

And the ratchet determines the greatest force that can be applied to the structure without the formation of the phenomenon of thinning of the pipe walls and its punching. Strict observance of the copper deformation force is ensured by rolling the eccentric. This device does not leave small grooves and dents on the inner surface of the pipe. This means that the system will serve you for a very long time, because it is the presence of these flaws that significantly reduces the life of the communication (grooves and dents are those areas where the likelihood of leaks is high).

Thus, rolling with an eccentric and a ratchet-fuse is rightfully considered perfect tool for the installation of copper pipelines at an impeccable quality level. And most importantly - the whole process goes quickly and without excessive expenditure of physical strength.

Pipe products made of copper, as well as fittings for connecting copper pipes, allow you to create reliable and durable communications that differ in a number of ways. unique properties. The advantages and quality characteristics that distinguish such pipelines largely explain their relatively high cost.

Communications from copper pipes and fittings

High-quality copper pipes and fittings, the technical and operational characteristics of which comply with the international standards ISO 9002, BS2 and DIN, are now produced by both foreign and domestic companies. Such pipes, as well as connecting elements for them, successfully withstand the high pressure of the media transported through them, high and low temperatures, mechanical influences to which they may be exposed during operation, transportation and storage.

Unlike the polymer pipes that are popular in our time, copper pipe products do not deteriorate from exposure to sunlight, they are not afraid of corrosion, which is a real scourge for products made from ferrous metals. In terms of service life, which copper pipes and fittings differ in, no similar product made from another material can be compared with them. It is noteworthy that copper products are practically eternal, the service life of communications from them is at least 100 years.

Pipe products, as well as fittings made of copper, are used for arranging engineering networks for various purposes:

  • heating systems;
  • air conditioning;
  • cold and hot water supply;
  • gas communications.

Those consumers who decide to use copper pipe products and copper fittings mainly use them to equip reliable and durable water supply networks. Fittings made from copper are more compact and look much cleaner than those made from ferrous metals. This is explained by the fact that during the design and manufacture copper fittings there is no need to make their walls thicker, given their further corrosion, since they are simply not subject to it.

There are several reasons explaining the high popularity of pipes and fittings for them made of copper:

  • copper, as you know, has antiseptic properties, therefore, pathogens do not develop in water pipes made from this metal, and the quality of the water transported through them even improves;
  • installation of pipelines for which pipes and fittings made of copper are used is much easier than communications from black pipes;
  • due to the high ductility of copper, pipes made of this metal, when water freezes in them, do not burst, but simply deform; to destroy a copper pipe, it is necessary to apply an internal pressure of 200 atm to it, and such pressures simply do not exist in household communications.

Elements for copper pipe connections

Copper fittings, with which copper pipes are connected, are presented on modern market in a wide variety of sizes and design. The most well-known types of such connecting elements are:

  • threaded fittings for copper pipes;
  • self-locking connecting elements;
  • compression or crimp type fittings;
  • so-called press fittings;
  • connection fittings capillary type.

Of all the listed types of connecting elements, press fittings for copper pipes are the least commonly used in our time, which is explained by the following reasons: their installation requires the use of complex and expensive equipment: special presses. The design of press fittings was originally developed in order to connect plastic and metal-plastic pipes, so their use for the installation of copper products is not always advisable.

In order for the pipeline, in the arrangement of which copper parts are used, to serve as long as possible and be highly reliable, it is advisable to use elements of homogeneous materials during its installation. Connecting copper pipes with fittings that are made from other raw materials should be done only in rare exceptions.

If it is not possible to avoid the use of fittings made of dissimilar materials during the installation of pipelines, then such a process must be carried out, adhering to the following simple rules:

  • copper pipes in communications, for the creation of which elements from different materials are used, are always installed after ferrous metal products: in the direction of the liquid;
  • copper parts of pipelines cannot be connected to galvanized fittings and, failure to comply with this requirement will cause electrochemical reactions to operate in such systems, which will significantly accelerate the corrosion process of steel parts;
  • copper elements of pipe structures can be connected to parts made of acid-resistant steels, but if possible, it is better to replace such parts with fittings made of polyvinyl chloride.

Threaded fittings

Copper fittings belonging to the category of threaded group connectors are recommended to be used if the created engineering communications is planned to be periodically disassembled in order to perform it Maintenance. To carry out such technological operations as disassembly and assembly of the pipeline, allows the presence of external and internal thread on its structural elements.

Fittings connected to copper pipes with threads are significantly inferior to capillary and compression products in terms of their reliability. For this reason, such connecting elements must be checked regularly and, if necessary, replaced with new ones. In addition, it is best to use such fittings in those places in the pipeline that are easily accessible.

There are several most common types of threaded fittings for connecting copper pipes, which include:

  • couplings are fittings with which you can connect pipes made of different materials, as well as create straight sections of pipelines formed from segments of the same or different diameters;
  • corners - these include fittings with which you can change the direction of movement of the pipeline by 45 or 90 degrees;
  • fittings - fittings that allow you to divert the transported medium from the main pipeline;
    crosses, tees, which are also called manifolds - these are fittings with which they create branches from the main pipeline, while maintaining its main direction;
  • fittings used to close the end of a copper pipeline; as they can be used special plugs or caps.
When installing a new copper pipeline, specialists most often use crimp-type connecting elements, and when repairing or upgrading such communications, threaded-type fittings are used.

Connectors of compression and self-locking type

Fittings for connecting copper pipes, belonging to the category of compression or self-locking, are also called collet or crimp. Such connectors are a good alternative to fittings that are connected to copper parts by soldering. A collet-type fitting is an element whose design consists of sealing rings and gaskets, as well as a crimp ring, which, when tightened, contributes to the tightness of the connection being created. The material for the manufacture of compression or collet fittings can be not only copper, but also brass or metal-plastic.

Crimp-type collet connectors are the best option for heating and plumbing systems, for the installation of which copper pipes of different diameters or tubular products made of various materials. Recently, self-locking fittings have become increasingly popular, which are distinguished by more preferable performance characteristics.

Self-locking fittings, in terms of the speed of making the connection and in terms of its reliability, can completely replace soldering. The design of such fittings includes a whole set of rings, one of which is equipped with special teeth. The principle of operation of such connecting elements is based on the fact that when exposed to a ring with teeth using a special mounting key, it is fixed in an adjacent element, thereby creating a reliable and durable connection of copper pipe sections. Unlike soldering, dismantling a connection obtained with such a fitting is as simple as obtaining it, using the same installation key.

It should be borne in mind that compression type fittings are always made of copper, while they can be used to connect elements made of ferrous metal and polymer materials.

Capillary method of connecting copper pipes

Which is rightfully considered the most reliable and durable method of connecting copper parts, is performed based on the principles of capillary technology. In accordance with this effect, which is based on the laws of physics, a liquid can rise through a capillary, overcoming gravity, if there is a certain distance between the lower and upper points of its rise.

This physical effect allows you to solder copper pipes in such a way that the molten gas burner solder was evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the joint being created. In order to effectively perform such soldering, pipes can be placed in any spatial position, the main thing is that the molten solder is supplied from the bottom of the joint being formed.

In more detail, the process of performing capillary soldering is as follows:

  • using a gas burner, the place of the future connection is thoroughly heated;
  • molten solder is supplied into the gap between the ends of the pipes to be connected or between the pipe and the fitting used, which completely fills it due to the capillary effect;
  • the resulting compound is allowed to cool completely;
  • after the complete cooling of the formed joint, its elements are carefully cleaned using a special cleaning compound.

With the help of soldering, based on the capillary effect, pipeline elements are connected not only from copper, but also from ferrous metals. In the event that a steel fitting is used as a connecting element for copper pipes, then a layer of a special flux is applied to the place of the future connection. As a solder, when performing soldering using capillary technology, a very current wire is used, which can be made of tin, copper, and in some cases even silver.

The connection of elements of copper pipelines using collet-type fittings is performed without preliminary preparation of the connection points. But in order to perform high-quality soldering of such pipes and fittings, it is necessary not only to thoroughly clean the place of the future connection from dirt and dust, but also to degrease it.

Copper pipe rolling process

When arranging heating and plumbing systems, the parts of which are made of copper, such technological operations as flaring or disassembling copper pipes are often performed. With this operation, for which you can use a different tool, you change geometric parameters ends of the connected pipes without changing the performance characteristics of the product.

The simplest tool with which to perform this operation is a rod with a conical tip, which is inserted into the end of a copper pipe and turned in it until it acquires the desired geometric shape. This device, although quite simple to use, does not allow for high-quality flaring, providing uniform pressure on the walls.

Copper pipes are a versatile material that is used almost everywhere: when creating water pipes, gas pipelines, and heating systems. They are not afraid of chlorinated water, which makes them particularly attractive for the installation of urban water supply networks. Copper is not afraid of corrosion and has a very long service life.

Installation of a copper pipeline is carried out using a variety of different types connections, and this is not only welding and soldering, but also the use of compression (crimp) elements.

Advantages and disadvantages of compression fittings

The connection of copper pipes with compression fittings is convenient because it does not require high temperature and special equipment.

This means that with their help you can mount pipes in hard-to-reach places, from the tools you only need:

  • spanners,
  • calibrator,
  • cutter.

The time of work is reduced, labor costs are reduced, and the resulting system is completely sealed and durable.

However, this design is not without drawbacks. Compression fittings must be periodically checked and tightened, so they must not be concreted.

They are designed for low pressure in the system, therefore they are considered less reliable than soldering. The design is reusable, that is, it can be disassembled and assembled, but in practice, the reconnection is unreliable, and soon it has to be replaced.

The device and principle of operation of the compression fitting

Compression fitting for copper pipes consists of several parts:

  • corps;
  • crimp nut;
  • crimp ring.

Crimp rings (usually one or two are used) are designed to create a tight connection and provide it with high pressure resistance and durability. Thanks to them, the structure becomes resistant to vibration fatigue and can serve for many years.

Quality copper pipe fittings can last up to 50 years.

Advice!
It is better to choose parts that use special EPD M material for the connecting rings, rather than ordinary rubber, as they will last much longer.

Compression fittings are made from:

  • brass,
  • copper,
  • plastic,
  • metal.

At the same time, brass connecting elements are most often used, since this material is easy to process and costs less than pure copper. In terms of strength, it is inferior to stainless steel, but on the other hand, it is much easier to mount it.

Sometimes brass fittings are additionally treated with nickel to increase resistance to various influences.

When choosing, pay attention to the weight of the product, this indicator should not be too light. You can ask the seller for a quality certificate, in addition, professionals advise immediately choosing parts from a well-known manufacturer.

This ensures that you do not waste your money and that the installed system is reliable. Many people advise using a brass fitting for HDPE pipes, as it does not corrode, but provides a greater margin of safety than plastic.

Types of compression fittings

In various piping systems, several types of connecting devices are used, which you can see in the photo:

  • tees(used when creating a one-way branch);
  • crosses(installation of bilateral branches);
  • couplings(connect two pipe sections of the same diameter);
  • bends(used to create 45 degree turns);
  • plugs(installed at the end of the pipe section).

If it is supposed to connect pipes of the same diameter, then direct connecting devices are used, and if different, transitional ones.

Installation of compression fittings on copper pipes

Since this type of connection does not require special equipment, it is quite possible to do it yourself.

In the European classification, two types of components are distinguished, marked with the letters A and B.

  1. Type A are used only for the installation of above-ground piping systems made of semi-solid grades of copper or stainless steel.
  2. Type B used for underground and surface utilities, it is designed for soft and semi-hard grades of copper with a thick wall.

Installation instructions for different types require strict adherence certain rules to make the connection as reliable as possible.

Installation of compression fittings type A

  1. Choose the right element size. It is not difficult to do this, since all connecting structures are made according to a single European standard in accordance with the nomenclature;
  2. Cut the pipe and remove burrs. Check the cut with a gauge. Make sure that there is no dirt, rough edges or scratches on the surface. A compression ring is put on the pipe, you can moisten the junction with water to prevent the seal from tearing or slipping;
  3. Insert the pipe into the fitting as far as it will go. Tighten the clamping nut by hand first and then use a wrench.

Advice!
Excessive use of force is not required here, since the connection will not become more tight from this. When using cheap parts, the ring may be squeezed out, in which case the fitting will have to be completely replaced.

As a result of the actions taken, the pipe should only be slightly deformed, and this confirms that the connection is tight. The video in this article will show in detail in practice all the stages of work on creating a durable structure.

Installation of compression fittings type B

Fittings of the second type are mounted in approximately the same way. The cut is cleaned of dirt, it is important to ensure that the threads in the new fitting are clean. It can only be slightly lubricated with machine oil to make it easier to wrap. The seal cone must be pressed against the inner edge of the tube, the edge of the pipe itself must be flared.

It is important to choose the right key and make sure that it is not loose, otherwise you can easily damage the nut. For example, if a connection with a diameter of 54 mm is required, it is better to take a key with a length of 750 mm.

Features of connecting copper pipes

The price of a copper pipeline is quite high, so it is recommended to follow a few rules when choosing materials.

  • It is better that they are uniform, this will increase the life of the entire structure.
  • It is impossible to combine copper with unalloyed steels. Because of this, electrochemical processes begin between the metals, which are detrimental to the connection. Steel elements and even galvanized steel in this case begins to suffer from corrosion.
  • In extreme cases, if a heterogeneous connection cannot be avoided, they are installed in front of copper in the direction of water flow.
  • Copper pipes are well combined with PVC pipeline parts, in this case there will be no negative consequences for the connection.
  • PVC pipes for sewerage are increasingly replacing metal pipes, as they are cheaper, easier to install, and at the same time they are practically not inferior to them in strength and durability.

Conclusion

Crimp fittings for connecting copper pipes are used quite often, as it is both convenient and profitable. But it is important not to save on the quality of parts, otherwise the need for repairs will arise very soon. The more responsibly you approach the selection and installation of components, the longer they will eventually serve you.

The connection of copper pipes is made in three ways: on compression fittings, by means of capillary soldering and using press fittings. Each of these methods has its pros and cons. It all depends on the conditions in which it is planned to operate the plumbing system.

Connections on compression (compression) fittings

The main advantage of this technique is ease of installation, a minimum of auxiliary tools. Each person will be able to cope with such work, because you only need to tighten the nuts with two keys. Disadvantages of connection through fittings: limited maximum pressure (up to 10 bar) at a system temperature of 100 degrees.

Connection of copper pipes with compression fittings

During installation, it is also extremely important to prevent the slightest distortion. If the fittings are intended for "soft" pipes, a special bushing is required. The last factor is extremely important, but it is often neglected.

Connections made by capillary soldering

The advantages of soldering: accuracy and evenness of the seams, the minimum amount of solder required, democratic value. Operating characteristics: maximum working pressure 40 bar at maximum system temperature 150 degrees. Capillary soldering requires a torch (on propane or acetylene), flux, solder. This method connecting copper pipes requires a certain experience and knowledge from a person.

With press fittings

Advantages of installation work without soldering: high reliability, average cost with a quick payback. To perform work without soldering, by means of press fittings, a minimum of knowledge and skills is required from a person. Connecting copper pipes in this way is a matter of minutes.

How to connect copper pipes with steel?

Traditionally, copper products are mounted with steel parts using compression (compression) fittings. Work technology:

The fitting is disassembled, then a pipe is inserted into it, on which a compression ring and a clamping nut are preliminarily put on.

By hand the nut is tightened to the stop. It is important to ensure that there are no distortions. Based on the diameters of the copper pipe or the instructions indicated in the passport documents or special tables, the nut is tightened by a certain number of turns with a wrench. Usually the number of turns is from ½ to ¼. It is important to follow the recommended RPM. Otherwise, the pipe may be deformed.

Connecting copper products to steel parts is quite simple. If you still don't understand something, we strongly recommend watching the instructional video, which explains in detail how to mount copper parts with steel pipes.

Mounting technology

How to connect copper products?

  1. Cut off, as in the previous version, the desired segment of the product;
  2. The outer and inner parts are cleaned of contaminants using a special ruff or sponge for copper;
  3. The pipe is inserted into the capillary fitting to the limit, flux is applied, the excess of which can be removed with a clean cloth;
  4. The connection is heated by means of a gas burner or a special building hair dryer, solder is applied. The solder should melt and evenly fill the mounting gap;
  5. We are waiting for the natural cooling of the solder. Flux residues are removed with a damp and clean cloth.

Now you know how to connect copper pipes in several ways. If something in the installation of copper products seems unclear to you, you can always watch the instructional video. In principle, this work is quite simple and you can do it yourself, without resorting to the services of professionals.

www.trubygid.ru

How to connect copper pipes

Flare connection

2. Put the coupling on the pipe.

Threaded connection

Fitting is being prepared;

truba-info.ru

How to solder copper pipes - soldering copper pipes

Pipe products made of copper materials and their alloys have not looked like a novelty in our heating systems; in addition, they are increasingly found today in modern water and gas supply lines of residential buildings and industrial enterprises. These reliable and flexible products are currently widely used as critical components of modern air conditioning systems and refrigeration units different profile.

copper pipe

All this is quite enough for us to have a desire to learn how to form one-piece connections from such products, or rather, to get acquainted with how to solder copper pipes in living conditions. The fact is that the known techniques for connecting copper pipes have been used since ancient times and involve the introduction of a special molten adhesive composition or solder into the contact zone. What is especially important to know when mastering the process of soldering copper pipes is that reliable welding contact is obtained, as a rule, only when the melting temperature of the solder itself is slightly lower than the melting point of the tubes being welded.

We also note that high-quality and reliable soldering of copper pipes with your own hands will require special care from the performer when working with the products to be welded, as well as a certain theoretical training.

Benefits of Welded Copper Joints

Copper pipe welding

It is impossible not to mention in our article the many testimonies that additionally confirm undeniable advantages copper structures obtained by welding. Such mentions only increase the ever-growing demand for products that are distinguished by a whole set of rather unique properties:

  • durability and strength of welded copper products;
  • availability and ease of processing of copper material;
  • the ability to select the conditions for the formation of a welding contact (adjusting the welding mode).

In addition, the use of the latest welding techniques will allow you to save on mandatory assembly spare parts such as standard adapters and fittings, which significantly reduces the overall cost of manufacturing welded heating pipes.

Copper pipe soldering methods and tools used

When carrying out special operations related to welding of pipe blanks different diameter The most commonly used temperatures are:

  1. High temperature regime with thermal heating of the melt zone up to 900 degrees, used for workpieces under significant loads.
  2. The mode of low-temperature processing, practiced most often in everyday life with a working temperature in the contact zone up to 450 degrees.
Gripper-pipe cutter

You may need the following tool to help you fix the jointed pipes during the soldering process:

  • A special grip-pipe cutter that provides an even cut of the workpiece at the place of its intended welding.
  • Chamfer preparation tool (including deburring).
  • A special kind of expansion mechanism used to prepare the soldering site to a depth approximately equal to the diameter of the workpieces to be welded.
  • And, finally, the welding machine itself or the gas burner, which is directly used for soldering copper joints.
soldering torch

In addition to this, you will certainly need a building thermal hair dryer, through which it will be possible to heat up the joints of the workpieces up to 650 degrees (used mainly when working with low-melting solders).

Building hair dryer

The presence in the current tool kit of such a heating-welding machine will allow its owner to very easily regulate the temperature regime in the welding zone, as well as maintain it at optimal level. In addition, a wide range of interchangeable nozzles included in the working kit welding device, provides you with the ability to direct a jet of heated air to any place convenient for you.

Materials used in soldering copper blanks

Before soldering heating pipes with their own hands, any performer is simply obliged to thoroughly familiarize himself with the working materials used as thermal solders. In addition, he should certainly be aware that all these materials, according to their refractoriness characteristics, are divided into solders of hard and soft categories.

Solders

Solder

The so-called high refractoriness solders outwardly resemble elongated rods of an arbitrary profile and are usually used when it is necessary to heat the metal in the soldering zone to the highest possible temperatures (up to 900 degrees Celsius). Such temperatures provide a high-quality and reliable solder contact.

Note! Such soldering materials are mainly used in repair and restoration work carried out on critical supply lines or in the repair of industrial air conditioners and special refrigeration equipment.

The most typical representatives of solder solders of this class include self-fluxing copper-phosphorus compositions equipped with a variety of additives (such as Cu94 P6 and Cu92 P6 Ag2). Almost imperceptible to the eye, the addition of 6% silver or phosphorus will allow you to lower operating temperature melting of such solder up to 750 degrees. And this is provided that the actual expansion rates of the materials used correspond almost exactly to those of copper, which makes it possible to obtain a strong and reliable connection.

soft solder

Solders, colloquially called "soft", got their name due to the fact that they are used in the process of low-temperature processing of copper tubes produced at home. They are made, as a rule, in the form of rather thin wires and are developed on the basis of such popular chemicals as lead, tin, zinc or their alloys known to all of us.

Fluxes

Flux for soldering

In order to simplify the procedure for soldering copper pipes with your own hands, special paste-like or even liquid formulations(they are also called fluxes). It is important to note that often the success or failure of the operation performed can largely depend on the competent selection of one or another flux.

Like solders, the materials we are considering are also conditionally divided into low-temperature reagents (up to 450 degrees) and high-temperature chemical components used in soldering above 450 degrees.

Such chemical compositions are used for the following purposes:

  • help to clean the soldering area from harmful oxides;
  • protect working area from the ingress of oxygen, which is always contained in environment;
  • form favorable conditions for the uniform distribution of the soldering composition in the places of soldering;
  • improve the quality of adhesion of products with solder.

During the work, the solder, heated to the required temperature, spreads evenly over the parts of the parts to be soldered, thus forming a reliable connection. After the soldering contact has cooled down, all excess flux is simply removed from the processing zone.

Video

This video is about soldering pipes with soft solder:

www.trubyinfo.ru

How to connect copper pipes | All about pipes

Installation of copper pipelines involves the ability to properly make pipe and fitting connections. We will talk about this in this short article.

Copper pipes can be connected to the coupling without flaring the end of the pipe. The advantage of such a connection is that it can be disassembled and reassembled at any time. In the same place where it is not possible to work with a gas burner or it is impossible to completely drain the water from the old pipe, a flare connection is used. Such a connection is made as follows. The first step is to process the end of the pipe so that its surface is perfectly flat. After that, a coupling is put on the pipe, and a flaring cone is directed inside the pipe. After that, pull the flare clamp and slowly turn the flare screw. This must be done until the expansion angle of the pipe reaches forty-five degrees. After that, the screw must be unscrewed, the clamp loosened and the flaring device removed from the pipe. Now the coupling can be shifted towards the end of the pipe until it stops and tighten the nut.

However, more often copper pipes are interconnected using fittings. Unlike plastic pipes, fittings in copper pipes are not crimped, but soldered. Such soldering can be both high-temperature and low-temperature. In the first case, hard solder rod is used with high temperature melting. The heating of pipes and fittings in this case should be done with acetylene or propane burners, since the temperature of their flame is very high. Low-temperature soldering uses soft solder in the form of a wire. Warming up can be done with a conventional blowtorch. On practice brazing used for socket joints, and low-temperature for fittings. Soldering technology is simple. First, the soldered surface of the pipe and fitting is cleaned of oxide and covered with flux. Then a fitting is put on the pipe and the place of the future connection is heated until the molten solder fills the gap between the pipe and the fitting. It should be borne in mind that the solder should not melt in the flame of the burner, but from the temperature of the heated metal. After cooling, the connection acquires high strength. After that, it remains only to remove the remaining flux from the surface.

also in copper pipelines threaded connections are also used. They must be handled with extreme caution, since copper threads can be torn off without even applying excessive force. In threaded connections for copper pipes, a ferrule is always used, which is designed to evenly distribute the load over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe connection. This work is done in the following sequence. First, the end of the pipe is processed, then a union nut is put on the pipe, and a compression ring is put on the very edge. Then the fitting is inserted into the pipe until it stops and the union nut is carefully tightened.

xn--80abcm9bmekkw.xn--p1ai

How to connect copper pipes - construction

How to connect copper pipes

Copper pipes are connected when arranging various pipelines, using fittings and special methods. Everyone needs to know how to connect copper pipes, since obtaining a reliable joint requires certain conditions to be met.

Flare connection

Soft copper pipes are very often connected to a coupling in which the non-flared end of the pipe is sealed. It is not difficult to dismantle such a joint, and then it can be easily restored. Usually, a flared connection of copper pipes is used when it is dangerous to work with a burner and it is impossible to completely drain the water from the old pipe. The order of work is as follows:

1. Clean the end of the pipe. In this case, you need to remove all the burrs.

2. Put the coupling on the pipe.

3. Insert the pipe into the calibrated flare hole. Squeeze it in there well. The hole should be the same diameter as the pipe itself. Install the end of the pipe at the same level or slightly above the clamping surface.

4. Put a fixture on the clamp. Start turning the screw until the cone flares at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the end of the pipe.

5. Remove the pipe from the calibrated hole. Then you need to bring the coupling close to the flared edges. Wrap the threads of the coupling with sealing tape, and tighten the nut.

Connection with fittings

Connecting copper pipes with fittings reduces labor costs during installation, the time it takes to complete the work and guarantees the quality of the connection, since there is no metal retraction. Copper pipes with fittings are most often connected by capillary soldering, which is based on the capillary effect. There are two types of soldering copper pipes:

The soldering is high-temperature. For this method, rod refractory solders are used. Propane and acetylene burners are used to heat pipes;

The soldering is low-temperature. With this method, soft solders are used, which are rolled into coils. For this soldering, fire from an ordinary blowtorch is enough.

There are no special differences in these two methods, but high-temperature soldering is used for socket pipe connections, and low-temperature soldering is used on joints with fittings into which solder is fused.

The fitting method is as follows:

A fitting is put on a flux-coated pipe:

The joint is heated with a torch until the solder melts and closes the gap between the fitting and the pipe;

The structure is allowed to cool and then the exterior is cleaned with special cleaners for copper. After that, the pipe is ready for operation.

Threaded connection

The threaded connection of copper pipes is collapsible, and special ferrules are used. If there is a need for dismantling, the ring will need to be replaced. This type of connection is made as follows:

First cut off a piece of pipe of the required length;

If pipes with PVC insulation are used, it is necessary to remove the insulating layer from the end of the pipe with a sharp knife and remove the burrs that formed after the cut with a file;

Fitting is being prepared;

A union nut is put on the pipe, then a squeeze ring is put on;

The nut should be screwed on smoothly - at first it is twisted by hand, when it becomes impossible to do so, a key is used. During operation, the nut compresses the pipe and the joint is sealed.

fix-builder.com

Loading...
Top