Gary McCreadie is an HVAC tech, the creator of hvacknowitall.com and the HVAC Know It All Podcast
Brazing Alternate options For The Progressive HVAC/R Technician
In case you make point out to the HVAC/R hardcorest there could be alternate options to brazing (that work), you would possibly get a type of mad face emojis thrown up at your remark! The very fact is, brazing is a stable connection that lasts for a few years and is a primary ability that every one HVAC/R professionals want to hold out their work. One factor I'm not satisfied of is the, "brazing is an artwork", remark. Artwork is a singular expression and brazing is "supposed" to be a repeatable course of with the identical consequence again and again.
Okay, some braze joints appear like they need to be in an artwork gallery however not for good cause.
There are some within the social media world that are likely to suppose I don't like brazing or maybe don't imagine in it. That may't be farther from the reality, I simply take pleasure in and experimenting with new expertise at any stage with the intention to increase my data within the HVAC/R commerce. I’ve been impressed with the SolderWeld merchandise currently and the way properly the rods circulate.
View this publish on Instagram
Try a few of our Amazon Affiliate instrument picks…
Why Not Brazing
There are some good causes that brazing alternate options have been developed and can proceed be. I keep in mind one facility I labored at a few years in the past required a 4 hour fireplace watch after the torch went out. I perceive why, the constructing was constructed with picket beams. Though I perceive why, that lengthy of a fireplace watch may be very time consuming and never sensible for lots of busy techs in most conditions.
Others the reason why brazing alternate options have been developed additionally must do with fireplace. Hearth is harmful, fireplace is dear and "scorching work" fires occur extra usually than you suppose. Here’s a hyperlink to a PDF with some extra information on scorching work fires. You might now perceive why increasingly buildings are tightening guidelines round torch lighting.
There are well being points that encompass brazing particularly indoors with little air flow. Brazing/welding fumes within the air include many substances that we shouldn't breathe in.
I used to work in lots of knowledge facilities, these rooms are sometimes sealed to maintain the surroundings at a continuing temperature and humidity with specialised tools. If I used to be brazing in these rooms, the fumes would linger for hours leaving myself, IT employees and different occupants to breathe. Try this text from the College of Alabama on brazing and well being.
Some environments, medical, pharmaceutical or different industries might not enable brazing as a result of surrounding surroundings.
Alternate options
After I focus on brazing alternate options, I can solely speak in regards to the merchandise that I’ve checked out and put my fingers on personally, I’ll undergo a couple of of those.
PRO-Match Fast Join
The RectorSeal PRO-Match Fast Join is the primary one we'll deal with right here. My expertise on the time of writing this text is just on a bench. I’ve not subject put in one but. Nevertheless, I’ve had many friends on-line speak positively about them and used them in conditions comparable to repairs in attic or crawl areas the place if could also be troublesome to get a set or torches into.
Like all pipe becoming procedures, the pipe should be completely cleaned earlier than use. The pipe should even be marked with a depth gauge to make sure the "push" becoming is inserted to the right depth on the pipe. I can see a bonus to utilizing the PRO-Slot in eventualities the place a fast restore is required. The place a torch can't be lit or if the time to tug a fireplace allow, gather torches, nitrogen and all different fireplace mitigation gear can be put the surroundings to be cooled or heated in jeopardy comparable to a server room, lab, or different essential surroundings.
View this publish on Instagram
AC Good Seal Exterior
The primary time I used AC Good Seal Exterior in a real-life utility was a couple of years again inside a server room or knowledge heart as some might name it.
There was a rub by way of on a capillary line on a water regulator valve and the system misplaced its cost. This was an ideal situation to do that product. As an alternative of lugging torches as much as the room, I utilized the putty like substance across the leak website. It held underneath a strain take a look at and evacuation. It additionally held cost for a complete yr till the entire valve was changed.
I prevented pulling fireplace permits and brazing in a sealed room with little to no air flow and inhaling fumes created by the brazing course of.
FixQuick
FixQuick is an fascinating product that I’ve solely bench examined, however it held roughly 400 PSI.
It's a two half system that consists of a liquid and a powder accelerant. I imagine it will be a fantastic different to brazing in sure conditions. One which involves thoughts is, repairing a pin gap evaporator leak that has succumb to corrosion and can be at jeopardy of additional harm if a flame have been to come back into contact with it.
Speedy Locking System
For restore and set up initiatives, Speedy Locking System undoubtedly has the flexibility to beat each. With a big line up of fittings, valves, filter driers and sight glass assemblies, most initiatives can be accomplished with their press instrument and jaws.
Personally, I haven't accomplished a full set up challenge however have talked to many who have with constructive outcomes. I used to be primarily a service tech with my former firm till I launched McCreadie HVAC. I’ve accomplished many repairs with RLS, additionally changed filter driers and accomplished a few unfinished set up initiatives by others. I personally loved each minute of prepping, and urgent with RLS.
It's undoubtedly a expertise that one should get used to however extra importantly experiment with to grasp it higher. RLS does in depth coaching with their product and I counsel you attain out to them if enthusiastic about extra data.
Conclusion
These are just some brazing alternate options on the market. However I imagine that is simply scratching the floor. The expertise will advance, get higher and turn into extra accessible as soon as belief and traction start to dig its heels. My prediction, on a grand scale, much less and fewer torches will probably be lit over the approaching years. My recommendation, keep updated on new expertise because it hits the market. Data is energy!
Gary McCreadie
Subscribe to the HVAC Know It All app
Comply with HVAC Know It All on Instagram, Fb, YouTube and LinkedIn and LISTEN to the HVAC Know It All Podcast
Save 8% on purchases at TruTech Instruments with code knowitall (excluding Fluke and Flir merchandise)
Save 8% at eMotors Direct with code HVACKNOWITALL
Whether you require installation, repair, or maintenance, our technicians will assist you with top-quality service at any time of the day or night. Take comfort in knowing your indoor air quality is the best it can be with MOE heating & cooling services Ontario's solution for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation that’s cooler than the rest.
Contact us to schedule a visit. Our qualified team of technicians, are always ready to help you and guide you for heating and cooling issues. Weather you want to replace an old furnace or install a brand new air conditioner, we are here to help you. Our main office is at Kitchener but we can service most of Ontario's cities
Supply hyperlink
Add Comment