Standards and types of
fittings. No matter how plastic pipe is good, but copper pipes are always in demand. In addition to their strength, they can well last more than a hundred years. They are not afraid of corrosion and the impact of solar activity, they are not torn from the frozen water, easy to install and bend. This copper pipe and differs from a similar one from steel or polymers. Few people know, but copper is a kind of antiseptic, and therefore not exposed to the pathogens located in some water supply systems.
Of course, copper pipes will have to install copper fittings.
These days, all pipes from this material and fittings for them are manufactured according to the following standards:
- European ISO 9002;
- English BS2;
- German DIN.
Where it is possible to use this type of products:
- for the installation of heating systems;
- for installation of cold and hot water supply systems;
- for gas distribution systems;
- for the device of air-conditioning systems.
As for connecting elements, special fittings are required for installation of different systems: capillary, press fittings, with threaded connection, compression, self-locking.
Capillary fittings, as one of the types of connecting element for copper pipes.
This product is perfect for both copper and steel pipelines. The design is as follows: inside, under the thread, is a tin, silver or copper thin wire.
Consider the brief instructions for this type of connection:
- Clean the ends of the connected copper parts from the burrs. They should be smooth and clean.
- Use a brush to apply a flux to the end of the pipe.
- Insert the copper pipe into the fitting( their diameters must match).
- Remove any excess flux.
- Heat the product from all sides to a temperature of 700 degrees Celsius.
From heat, the wire will melt, filling all the cracks. With gradual cooling of the joint, make it a sweep, using special compounds for copper.
Crimping and self-locking fittings, as one of the types of connecting element for copper pipes
Crimping( the same compression) fittings for copper piping, are used in situations where the use of open flames for connecting parts is prohibited. As a material for the manufacture of this type of product, metal, steel, brass and copper are used.
The design consists of sealing rings, gaskets and a compression ring, which is tightened with a conventional wrench, creating a sealed connection.
Crimp fittings are used to connect a pipeline of different diameters( for example, replacing a steel pipeline with a plastic one in a multi-storey building in one of the apartments).
Also, a self-locking fitting will do a very good job. It works according to the following scheme: inside the product there is a system of rings, and on one of them there are prongs. When pressing on such a ring with a special key, the teeth enter into another "O" ring and are firmly fixed in it.
To remove the compression fitting, use the same key with which the installation was made.
Tips for soldering copper pipes and its advantages
As we said above, copper has a number of advantages, respectively, and copper fittings, too. However, the soldering of such a pipeline makes it possible to create a stronger connection capable of withstanding small folds. Therefore, under the influence of external factors, such a connection will not burst, which positively affects the pipeline located in a remote location. To make the soldering correctly, follow the following instructions:
- Clean the edges of the parts to be joined to the metal shine from dust and dirt.
- Degrease the edges;
- Carefully check the clearances and arrangement of parts;
- When soldering copper and steel pipes, use flux. When soldering copper products, flux is not required.
In addition, there is a collet connection. The principle of operation resembles capillary and press fittings, but instead of a wire there is an artificial fiber. Thanks to press jaws, this connection becomes tight.
As you can see, the selection of connecting elements should be carefully and carefully considered. It is extremely undesirable to use different pipelines on connection. With the right choice and competent installation, your system will be of high quality and will last for many, many years.
