Coupling for copper pipes. Connection of copper pipes. General information about fittings

Copper pipes are used for installation DHW systems, Cold water supply, air conditioning, heating, gas supply. They are expensive, but durable, plastic, and corrosion resistant. But in order for engineering communications of them to serve for decades, the connection copper pipes should be done correctly.

We will tell you how the device of copper pipelines is made, which ensures the tightness of the transported medium or circulating heat carrier. Installation technologies are described in detail in the article presented for review. Based on our advice, the construction of the systems will be excellent.

To carry out the installation of internal pipelines in the house, you can choose a pipe made of plastic, metal-plastic, or of stainless steel... But only a copper analog is able to serve without problems and overhaul for more than half a century.

Correctly mounted copper piping systems in practice work properly throughout the entire service life that is assigned to a cottage or apartment building.

According to the statistics of accidents, the fittings and soldered joints used during installation turn out to be more reliable than the copper pipes themselves - if a breakthrough occurs in the system, then only on the wall of the pipe product

Copper pipes are not afraid of prolonged heat loads, chlorine and ultraviolet light. When freezing, they do not crack, and when the temperature of the internal environment (water, wastewater, gas) changes, they do not change their geometry.

Unlike plastic counterparts, they do not sag. This plastic is susceptible to expansion at high temperatures, with copper this does not happen by definition.

There are two drawbacks to tubular copper products - the high price and softness of the metal. However, the high cost of the material pays off with a long service life.

And so that the walls of the pipes are not damaged from the inside by erosion, filters must be installed in the system. If there are no contaminants in the form of solid particles in the water, then there will be no problems with the destruction of pipelines.

Pipe processing and welding requirements

When working with copper pipes, the following rules must be observed:

When installing cold water or hot water supply by soldering, the use of lead solder should be excluded - lead is too toxic.
The water flow rate should not exceed 2 m / s, otherwise the smallest particles of sand or other solid matter will gradually begin to destroy the pipe walls.
When using fluxes, after completion of the installation, the piping system in mandatory subject to flushing - the flux is corrosive and will corrode copper tube walls.
When soldering, overheating of the joint must not be allowed - this can lead not only to the formation of a leaky joint, but also to a loss of strength of the copper product.
Transitions of pipes from copper to other metals (steel and aluminum) are recommended to be made using brass or bronze adapter fittings - otherwise, steel and aluminum pipes will quickly begin to corrode.
Burrs (metal beads) and burrs in the places of cutting must be removed - their presence leads to the formation of turbulent eddies in the water flow, which contributes to erosion and a decrease in the operating life of the copper pipeline.
When preparing copper pipes for connection, it is strictly forbidden to use abrasives - their remaining after installation inside the particles will damage the metal and form a fistula.

If, in addition to copper, there are pipes or elements made of other metals in the water supply or heating system in the house, then the water flow should go from them to copper, and not vice versa. The flow of water from copper to steel, zinc or aluminum will lead to rapid electrochemical corrosion of the pipeline sections from the latter.

Copper pipes are cut and bent without problems, even a novice craftsman can cope with their connection into a single pipeline system. You just need to select the appropriate tools and follow the instructions.

Due to the ductility and strength of the metal, copper pipes are easily cut and bent. Piping can be rotated using either a pipe bender or fittings. And for the device for branching and connections with various devices, there are many parts made of heat-resistant plastics, brass, stainless steel and bronze.

About the interaction of copper with other metals

In most private houses, domestic water pipes are assembled from steel and aluminum pipes. Heating systems also include steel or aluminum radiators. Incorrect insertion into such a copper pipe layout is fraught with considerable problems.

By building codes, in order to exclude corrosion processes in the pipeline from pipes of different metal, the water flow should be directed to copper

Most the best option installation is the use of pipes and devices exclusively from copper and its alloys. Now you can easily find bimetallic aluminum-copper radiators, as well as the corresponding fittings and shut-off valves... Combine different metals worth it only in extreme cases.

If overlap is unavoidable, then copper should be the final one in the chain of pipeline elements. It is impossible to rid her of the ability to conduct electric current.

And in the presence of even a weak current, this metal creates galvanic vapors with steel, aluminum and zinc, which inevitably leads to their premature corrosion. When installing a water supply system, it is imperative to insert bronze adapters between them.

Another potential problem is oxygen in water. The higher its content, the faster the pipes corrode. This applies to pipelines both from the same metal and made from different ones.

Often, cottage owners allow serious mistake, often changing the coolant in heating system... This only leads to the addition of completely unnecessary portions of oxygen. It is best not to completely change the water, but to top it up when the need arises.

Mounting choice: detachable vs one-piece

In order to form a single pipeline system, you can use several methods of their articulation. Various plumbers use crimp and press fittings, welding or soldering. But before you start work yourself, you need to decide - be one-piece pipeline or detachable.

There are three installation technologies for connecting copper pipes:

electric welding;
soldering with a torch or electric soldering iron;
pressing.

All these technologies can be applied in the formation of both detachable and one-piece systems. There is more a question of using a variety of fittings and adapters or rejecting them.

If a structure cannot be disassembled without destroying its individual parts, then it is considered one-piece - it comes out cheaper, but it is more difficult to repair it

If the pipeline system is needed detachable, as well as simpler in terms of repair and adding new elements, then the connections must be made detachable.

For this, fittings are used:

compression;
threaded;
self-locking.

Detachable connections are easier to make yourself, you can even do without soldering. They do not require excessively high qualifications from the master.

However, such assemblies need constant inspection and tightening of the nuts in order to exclude leaks. Changes in pressure and temperature in the system lead to loosening of the fasteners. And from time to time it is recommended to tighten them.

If access to copper pipes is planned to be closed tightly with finishing or concrete screed, then it is best to connect them into an integral structure by soldering or welding. Such a system is more reliable, durable and tear resistant.

Do not thread on copper products. This metal is too soft in structure. When installing a detachable pipeline, all threaded connections must be made through fittings. The latter can be connected to a copper pipe by pressing or soldering.

Before making the connections, copper pipes are prepared in a special way:

Image gallery

Copper pipe is cut with a metal hacksaw or pipe cutter. The cutting line must be exactly at right angles

After cutting, the end of the pipe must be processed with a deburrer to remove the slightest irregularities and burrs.

The part of the pipe immersed in the socket prepared for brazing is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and degreased

It is imperative to clean and degrease the socket of the coupling, branch or tee, which will be soldered to the pipe

Cutting copper pipe before joining

Deburring with a deburring tool

Degreasing and cleaning the outer surface

Stripping the socket of the coupling and fitting

Three main connection methods

Before connecting the pieces of copper pipes, it is necessary to cut them in accordance with the wiring diagram and prepare them. You will need a pipe cutter or a hacksaw for metal, a pipe bender and a file. And fine-grained sandpaper will not interfere with cleaning the ends.

Only having in hand a diagram of the future pipeline system, you can calculate the required amount of consumables. It is necessary to decide in advance where and of what diameter the pipes will be mounted. It is also necessary to clearly understand how many connecting elements are required for this.

Option # 1: Welding copper pipes

Automated or manual welding of copper pipes requires electrodes and a protective gas (nitrogen, argon or helium). You will also need a DC welder and in some cases a torch. The electrode can be graphite, tungsten, copper or carbon.

The main disadvantage of this installation technology is significant differences in the characteristics of the resulting seam and pipe metal. They differ in chemical composition, internal structure, electrical and thermal conductivity. If the welding is performed incorrectly, the joint may even part afterwards.

Due to the alloying of copper as a result of the action of the deoxidizer present in the electrode, the weld is very different in many parameters from the main welded metal.

Welding copper pipes can only be properly connected by a qualified craftsman. This requires certain knowledge and skills.

This installation option has a lot of technological nuances. If you plan to do everything yourself, and you have no experience with a welding machine, then it is better to use a different connection method.

Option # 2: Capillary brazing

In domestic conditions, copper pipes are rarely connected by welding plumbing. It is too complex, requires specialized skills and time consuming business. It is easier to use the capillary soldering method using a gas torch or blowtorch.

The technology of brazing copper pipes with solder is based on capillary rise (seepage) of the latter after melting along the gap between two pressed metal planes

Soldering of copper pipes is:

low-temperature - soft solders and a blowtorch are used;
high-temperature - refractory alloys and a propane or acetylene burner are used.

In the end result, these methods of brazing copper pipes do not have much difference. The connection in both cases is reliable and durable. The seam with the high-temperature method is somewhat stronger. However, due to the high temperature of the gas jet from the burner, the risk of burning through the metal of the tube wall increases.

Solders are used on the basis of tin or lead with the addition of bismuth, selenium, copper and silver. However, if the pipes are brazed for the feed system drinking water, then it is better to refuse the lead version because of its toxicity.

Image gallery

To implement low-temperature welding, it is not necessary to have special equipment and special skills of the performer. You can carry it out on their own

The connection by low-temperature brazing is used mainly in the assembly of pipelines from soft pipes R 220. They withstand a pressure of 220 N / mm², which does not exceed the operating parameters in domestic heating and water supply networks

To perform low-temperature brazing, pipes and solder are enough to heat up with a standard blowtorch

To create a melt that fills the capillaries and the gap between the pipes to be connected, low-melting solder is used, which quickly melts and spreads freely along the socket

Low-temperature welding in a domestic environment

Coil with soft copper pipes

Soldering torch for low temperature soldering

Using low-melting solder

There are two ways to solder copper pipelines:

bell-shaped;
with fittings.

The first option provides for the expansion of the end of one of the pipes to be connected with a special expander. Then this socket is put on the second pipe, and the joint is soldered with solder.

The expansion of the end is made so that a gap of 0.1–0.2 mm remains between the outer and inner walls of the products to be joined. You don't need more. Solder on it, due to the capillary effect, will still fill the entire available lumen.

In this technology, it is important not to damage the pipe during expansion. If it is made of hard copper (R 290), then it will have to be pre-fired. In this case, the metal at the junction acquires the properties of a soft analogue. It is important not to forget about these changes when calculating the parameters of the working pressure in the pipeline.

The use of special fittings for capillary brazing eliminates errors with the expansion ratio of the pipe when forming a socket, they are initially adjusted to the required dimensions

To simplify the do-it-yourself soldering of copper pipeline elements, it is enough to purchase ready-made couplings, turns, tees and plugs. They already have the required socket. The use of these parts leads to an increase in the cost of installation work, but greatly simplifies them.

To clean the metal in the place of soldering and lubricate the solder, the ends of the pipes to be connected are coated with flux. It should be applied exclusively to the outside of the pipe walls. Sockets and fittings are not processed from the inside. This is simply not necessary.

Image gallery

High-temperature brazing requires a propane or acetylene gas torch

For efficient low-temperature melting, fittings with low-melting solder melted into them are used. They can be used for high-temperature brazing.

To improve the quality of the solder, the pipe sections to be joined are coated with a flux, which plays the role of a lubricant and etching of the metal. In high-temperature brazing, borax is used as a flux

For the production of high-temperature brazing, you will need a refractory solder made of bronze or a silver-copper alloy. It comes in the form of rigid rods with a diameter of 3 mm

Propane or acetylene gas burner

Using fused solder fittings

Fluxing the joint area

Refractory rod

Discount price: RUB 1,287.59

In stock

Shipment rate: 1 piece

Number of units:

1 +1

Amount: 1 287.59 rubles

Water outlet crimp-B with plastic ring TIEMME 10x1 / 2 "is designed to connect copper and steel pipes with water intake points in the water supply, heating and plumbing equipment. The material of the crimp-B TIEMME 10x1 / 2" - brass CW617N with a plastic ring (P.T.F.E.). The scope of the water socket is water, glycols, non-aggressive liquids, oil and compressed air... The norms for the pipe limit the operating conditions of the crimp-B water inlet with a plastic ring TIEMME 10x1 / 2 "with the following data: the maximum operating temperature is 120 degrees Celsius, the maximum allowable pressure is 30 bar. The thread of the crimp-B water inlet with a plastic ring TIEMME 10x1 / 2" - ISO 228 (GOST 6357-81), connection type - crimp and internal thread.

In stock

Buy

The method is based on the capillary rise of liquid (molten solder) along the thinnest gap between the pipe walls. There are two types of brazing for copper pipes: low and high temperature brazing. The difference in soldering is mainly related to the melting point of the solder. For high-temperature rations, refractory rod solders are used, for low-temperature rations - soft solders rolled into coils. Accordingly, acetylene and propane burners are used to heat pipes during high-temperature brazing, for low-temperature ones it is sometimes enough, fire from a blowtorch. High-temperature brazing can be used for all types of copper wiring, including solar heating collectors, where pipes can be heated up to 250 ° C, low-temperature brazing is more demanding on pipe heating temperatures, however, it is successfully used in hot water supply and heating systems. There are no structural differences in these types of brazing, however, high-temperature brazing is more often used for socket joints of pipes, and low-temperature brazing is used on pipe joints with fittings with solder fused in them, although the opposite is also possible.

For the installation of copper pipelines, three types of pipes are used: soft (R 220), semi-hard (R 250) and hard (R 290). Tensile strength in MPa (N / mm²) is suggested as a parameter of hardness (stiffness). Soft pipes are sold rolled into coils, semi-hard and hard pipes are sold with straight rods. The fundamental difference in these types of pipes is the pressure of the transported medium, which the pipes can withstand. Hard pipes withstand the highest pressure (290 N / mm²), the lowest - soft pipes (220 N / mm²). The pressure that is created in apartment and even cottage pipelines will successfully withstand any of these pipes. And if you need to build a steam boiler room or mini-production, then you cannot do without calculating and drawing up a project, but this is another topic.

Socket brazing (fig. 36) uses soft, semi-hard or hard copper pipes with a pre-annealed end. One of the ends of the pipe with an expander is given the shape of a bell, similar to a bell sewer pipes, the end of the other pipe will be inserted into it. It must be remembered that when annealing the ends of hard pipes, you release the metal and the pipe at the junction acquires the properties of a soft pipe. This circumstance must be taken into account when designing a pipeline according to pressure criteria.

Rice. 36. Connection of copper pipes by socket soldering

To make a socket, you need to use only those heads on the expander that are designed for a given pipe diameter, then the socket diameter will automatically turn out to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe. Typically, the gap between the inner walls of the bell and the outer walls of the pipe to be inserted into the bell is about 0.2 mm. This gap ensures that the molten solder is “drawn in” and evenly distributed over the entire inner surface of the socket at any position of the pipe. In other words, the pipes can be brazed in any position, even with the socket down, the capillary gap between the pipes will still "suck" into itself the molten solder, which will be evenly distributed over the place of soldering. Using the "correct" expander head, this is 80% of the success of soldering - the gap between the pipes and the socket depth is set by this tool.

Today, pipe manufacturers produce prefabricated fittings and couplings that already have sockets (fig. 37). The use of such parts makes the pipeline more expensive, but it completely eliminates the "human factor" present in self-made a bell with an expander.

Rice. 37. Fittings of copper and its alloys for socket soldering

The pipes in the place of the solder are covered with flux (Fig. 38), which will act as a lubricant for the solder and "etching" (metal purification) for copper. For high-temperature brazing with silver or bronze solders, borax is used as a flux. It is mixed with water until a viscous slurry is obtained. The flux is applied without surplus only to the collar of the pipe, which will be mated with the fitting or socket, and not inside the fitting or socket. After applying the flux, it is recommended to immediately join the parts to prevent foreign particles from entering the wet surface. If, for some reason, the soldering will occur a little later, then it is better for the parts to wait for this moment already in the articulated form. It is recommended to rotate the pipe in the fitting or socket, or vice versa, the fitting around the pipe axis in order to make sure that the flux is evenly distributed in the mounting gap and feel that the pipe has reached a stop. Then it is necessary to remove with a rag visible residues of flux from outer surface pipes.

Rice. 38. Coating pipes with flux and brazing

For brazing copper pipes, solder rods with a diameter of 3 mm from alloys of copper and silver or bronze are used. After making a socket or using a ready-made socket fitting, the pipes are inserted into each other. The connection is heated on all sides with a propane or acetylene torch. Heating is carried out until the solder bar brought up and pressed against the socket begins to melt. With the acquisition of experience, the heating time of the pipes is determined by the change in the color of the pipe - until the "red glow" is reached. Threaded fittings for connecting them to other pipelines or to plumbing fixtures are made of bronze and brass and require longer heating during brazing. To determine the consumption of solder per joint, they usually use the following method: the solder bar is bent in the shape of the letter G, making the bend slightly larger than the diameter of the socket. As soon as the place of soldering is warmed up to the desired temperature, the solder is pressed against the gap between the socket and the pipe inserted into it and lead it around the pipe, without stopping the heating of the joint. The solder melts and flows into the gap. It is necessary to melt the entire bent end of the solder into the gap, no more and no less. An increase in the consumption of solder leads to the fact that it can flow through the gap and melt the inner section of the pipes; a decrease in the consumption of solder leads to non-soldering of the joint.

When brazing pipes, you need to observe basic safety measures for working with an open flame. You need to work in tarpaulin gloves, it is better to be together with an assistant, keep the pipe at a distance from the place of heating. When working alone, use pipe clamps to temporarily secure the pipes.

After cooling down, the unit is ready for operation - this is the most reliable connection of copper pipes and is quite uncomplicated. The experience of brazing copper pipes comes quickly, and for those who already own the technique of gas welding, it is immediately clear. However, gas welding equipment is needed to heat pipes. Sometimes (for soldering joints of small diameters), you can use the hot air of a powerful building hair dryer, using a nozzle that restricts the hot air cone in order to achieve heating faster. Another way of heating without a flame is electrical contact devices. Outwardly, they resemble large pliers with replaceable copper heads for gripping pipes different diameters.

At the end of the soldering of the assembly or the entire pipeline, it must be flushed in order to free the internal cavities from the flux residues. As already mentioned, the flux works not only as a lubricant for solder, but also as an etchant for copper, that is, in fact, it is an aggressive oxidizing agent. And if so, then there is nothing else for him to do inside the pipes, he needs to be removed from there by rinsing with water. Leaked flux is removed from the outer surface of the pipes with a rag.

Butt soldering of pipelines is not allowed. If it is necessary to connect the parts end-to-end, then they do not solder the pipes, but welding. In principle, practically the same operations are done as in high-temperature brazing, except that the use of a flux is not required, and the heating of pipes and fittings increases to the melting temperature of the metal.

For low-temperature rations, fittings with solder melted in them are used. Outwardly, these are the same fittings for socket soldering, but a girdle is extruded along the surface of the socket (Fig. 39), inside which the manufacturers poured solder at the stage of manufacturing the fittings. Both refractory and low-melting solder can be poured into the fitting, thanks to which both types of soldering can be performed. However, most often, low-melting solder is poured into the fittings, therefore the joints on such fittings are classified as low-temperature rations.

Rice. 39. Fittings with fused solder in them

The technology for joining copper pipes with braze fittings is even easier than with conventional fittings. Pipes and fittings are processed in the same way as described above. The pipes are then inserted into fittings or couplings. The fittings are heated by the fire of a blowtorch or the hot air of a building hair dryer, the solder embedded in the fittings melts and spreads along the socket, soldering the parts (Fig. 40). That's the whole technology: I stuck the cleaned and flux-treated parts into each other, warmed up the unit blowtorch and let it cool down.

Rice. 40. Connection of copper pipes with fittings with brazed solder in them

The connection of copper pipes on low-temperature brazing can be used for all types of house pipe distribution, with the exception of pipelines with high temperatures (about 150-250 ° C), which in ordinary house can not be.

Copper pipes are widely used in various engineering systems houses and apartments. The main advantages of the material are resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, as well as ultraviolet radiation... In addition, copper pipes can be easily bent at any angle, making it easy to do it yourself.

As a disadvantage, it is often indicated that the material has a high cost, however, with such excellent characteristics of the metal, its price cannot be low. The installation of copper pipes is carried out using fittings. They can be crimped or soldered, depending on this, the connection of copper pipes is also different. Compression fittings create a detachable connection, and solder fittings are one-piece.

The main advantages and areas of use of copper piping

Copper pipes have an operating temperature from -200 to +250 degrees, as well as a low linear expansion, which allows them to be successfully used for such systems:

Heating;
Plumbing;
Conditioning;
Gas transportation;
Receiving alternative energy, for example, solar systems.

When installing copper pipes for cold and hot water, you do not have to worry about overgrowth or silting of the inner section. They also do not degrade under the influence of chlorine, which is added in high concentration to tap water... On the contrary, chlorine creates on inner wall pipelines the thinnest protective layer, which significantly extends the service life of the mains. In turn, a small amount of copper is released into drinking water, which has a beneficial effect on human health.

Features of installing pipes for water supply

Installation of a copper water supply system for cold and hot water does not differ in technology. However, you should pay attention to appearance piping and related fittings: parts intended for hot water are insulated with PVC foil. Installation of copper pipes for water supply can be carried out in one of the following ways:

Using threaded fittings.
With the use of soldering.

Collet connection with threaded fittings is the easiest and most affordable way of connecting with your own hands.

Threaded fittings create detachable connections that can be unscrewed or twisted many times as needed. In order to carry out the installation, you must:

Slide the crimp nut onto the pipes.
Put on the crimp ring on top.
Connect the elements together.
Tighten the nut.

The crimp ring is responsible for the tightness of the connection, therefore it cannot be reused. If the connection had to be unscrewed, the rubber ring should be replaced. Copper pipes can be bent in any direction, and therefore it is possible to save on the number of fittings.

Soldering is a somewhat more complex installation method, however, it is quite doable with your own hands. You must be careful and follow all safety measures when working with open flames. The connection itself consists of the following stages:

Cleaning pipe ends and shaped product sandpaper to bare metal.
A thin layer of soldering flux is applied with a brush.
The pipe is inserted into the fitting up to the maximum mark.
The connection is heated by a gas burner or construction hairdryer.
It is very important to evenly warm up the elements to be connected; for this it is recommended to use a blowtorch with two torches.
When the heating temperature is sufficient to melt the solder, it is injected into the joint.
After curing, excess flux can be removed.

Copper fittings with pre-provided solder in a special groove are on sale. This simplifies do-it-yourself installation: just insert the end of the pipe lubricated with flux and heat it to the required temperature. The solder will melt and flow into the gap between the pipe and fitting, creating a secure connection.

Features of installing a heating system using copper pipes

The installation of copper pipes for the heating system begins with preparatory work... The material can be easily bent and cut, but it must be done in the correct way. Key recommendations:

Before installation, it is necessary to cut the pipes into pieces of the required length.
It is better to cut pipes for heating with a pipe cutter or a hacksaw for metal.
The inner surface of the pipelines must be free of burrs and metal shavings. To complete this task, you will need a file and a scraper.
The cutting place must be leveled, especially in cases where the cutting was carried out with a hacksaw for metal, which slightly deforms the pipe.
You can bend a tubular product manually or using a special tool.
If the heating system has curved sections, especially complex shape, it is recommended to use a pipe bender. Such a bend will protect the material from unwanted creases, which can subsequently become a place for corrosion.
Products should be bent with the minimum allowable radius.
The bending radius when working with a pipe cutter must be at least 3.5 times the diameter of the pipeline. If the pipes are bent by hand, the bending radius should be at least 8 diameters.

The connection of the elements of the copper heating system is carried out in two already known ways:

Compression fittings;
Soldering method.

Because copper can be easily bent, installation is easy and requires few fittings. However, it is necessary to remember some rules for combining materials in a heating system.

Copper pipes must not be connected to aluminum radiators.

If the use of aluminum radiators cannot be avoided, a transition must be made through a steel pipe. This will help to avoid the onset of corrosion when copper and aluminum join. As for radiators made of other materials, for example, steel or cast iron, such problems do not arise.

Copper pipes are great for water, gas, and similar utility lines. And for their installation, various connecting elements are used, called fittings.

Features of the use of compression fittings

The popularity of crimp fittings for copper pipes is due to the fact that they do not require special equipment or welding to connect them. All you need is a cutter, calibrator, and a set of wrenches. Since a minimum of tools are involved, labor and costs are reduced.

But this design has certain disadvantages. The pipeline must not be concreted, because compression fittings may loosen over time, they should be tightened. Such a connection is not as reliable when compared to soldering. Therefore, they are designed for low pipe pressures. The design itself is reusable, but reassembled piping will be much less reliable.

Compression fitting device for copper pipes

A compression fitting consists of three components: a product body, a compression nut, and a ferrule for copper pipes. The latter is intended to increase the tightness of the connection and increase its resistance to pressure. The fitting usually contains one or a pair of ferrules. Their use can extend the durability of the piping system. Such a connection can last up to 50 years.

Compression fittings are available in polymer, metal, copper and brass. For the installation of a copper pipeline, it is preferable to use the latter. This is due to the plasticity of brass, as well as its low cost. Although its strength is lower than steel, brass fittings are much easier to install. Sometimes they are treated with nickel to increase the resistance of the compounds to various influences.

When buying a product, you should pay attention to its weight. The fitting should not be too light, because this is evidence of its poor quality. It is preferable to purchase components from reputable brands. In order not to bump into an unreliable product, you can ask for a quality certificate.

Taking these precautions will help you get a durable connection. Experts often advise choosing brass fittings for HDPE products, because they are corrosion-resistant, which will increase the strength of the system.

Varieties of compression fittings

There are five types of compression fittings for copper pipes:

Tees. They are designed to create a one-way branch from the main line.
Crosspieces. Used when double-sided branching is required.
Couplings. Allows to connect two pipes of equal diameter.
Taps. Designed to rotate the pipeline 45 degrees.
Plugs. Closing elements that are attached to the end of a pipe segment.

If it is necessary to connect pipes of equal diameter, straight fittings are used. If they do not match in diameter, then transition elements are used.

Specificity of installation of compression fittings in copper pipelines

As mentioned above, no special equipment is required for the installation of copper pipes with compression fittings. A person can cope with the task without any problems, having at his disposal only a few tools, and without outside help.

According to the European classification, there are two types of products with excellent markings.

Type A is designed to create overhead steel pipelines or semi-solid copper systems.

Type B is used in the installation of underground and aboveground systems, such components are suitable for pipes with a thick wall of soft and semi-hard copper grades.

When installing fittings for copper pipe to be crimped, certain rules must be strictly adhered to in order to obtain a reliable and durable design.

Installing Type A Compression Fittings

When choosing this type of connecting elements, you must perform the following steps:

Find the right size for the part. This is a very simple task, because all fittings are manufactured according to European standards and have the same dimensions.
Cut the pipe and strip it. The cut is checked using a gauge. It is necessary to remove uneven edges, dirt, scratches and other defects from the surface. The crimp ring is attached to the pipe. Experts recommend wetting the joint, this is done for more reliable contact of the seal.
Insert the pipe into the fitting as far as it will go. First, the crimp nut is tightened by hand, then with a wrench.

A slightly deformed pipe should be evidence of successful completion of the work. This is normal and confirms that the connection is secure. Here's how to crimp a copper pipe with a Type A fitting.

Recommendation: The connection of copper pipes with compression fittings does not require brute force. It is advisable to avoid excessive pressure during installation, as this can lead to premature failure of the structure, but will not increase the tightness of the system.

Installing Type B Compression Fittings

The installation algorithm for crimp connections for type B copper pipes is similar to the previous one. The cut must be cleaned of dirt and obvious defects. It is worth paying attention to the condition of the thread in the fitting. It can be lubricated with machine oil to facilitate connection. The pipe edge is flared, the seal cone must firmly press against the inner edge.

When performing work, it is important to choose right size key. Otherwise, the tool may deform the nut head. Also, it should not be loose. For example, if a connection with a diameter of 54 mm is intended, it is preferable to choose a wrench with a length of 750 mm.

Features of the installation of a copper pipeline

Since the cost of a copper pipeline is very high, it is recommended to adhere to a number of rules when purchasing materials:

It is preferable to buy pipes from one material, this approach will increase the durability of the structure.
The connection of copper to unalloyed steel is extremely unreliable. Their interaction gives rise to electrochemical processes that destroy the structure. At the same time, steel parts lose their corrosion resistance and fail much faster.
If a heterogeneous connection is planned, it is necessary to place steel tubes in front of copper in the direction of transporting liquid or gas.
But copper pipes can be used together with their PVC elements. Such a connection will be reliable, no negative consequences will arise.
For the installation of sewers, they are gaining more and more popularity PVC pipes... This is due to their low cost relative to metal products, while their durability is almost the same as the strength.

Compression fittings are often used when installing copper pipelines, since such a connection is practical and easy to implement. At the same time, it is important not to skimp on the quality of products, otherwise the structure will quickly require repair. The more responsibly the installation of the pipeline is carried out, the higher its service life will be.

Crimp fittings for copper pipes: compression for crimping, connection installation, how to crimp rings

Crimp fittings for copper pipes: types and features

In order to choose the right way of connecting copper pipes for a long and trouble-free operation of a home water supply system, consider the options for these various connections.

Firstly, the choice of copper pipes for domestic water supply is due to their quality characteristics: environmental friendliness, bactericidal properties, low susceptibility to corrosion, ease of installation, long-term operation with virtually no maintenance.

There are several ways of installing copper pipelines, and they are determined by the conditions of its subsequent operation: the principle of the pipeline is detachable or one-piece, serviced or unattended. If the pipeline is planned to be hidden (in the floor screed, in the wall), then strong non-separable joints are required. For them, maintenance-free connections are made by welding or soldering, pressing. Maintenance-free connections are characterized by reliability, durability, and are resistant to temperature and pressure fluctuations in the working environment.

In the case of laying pipes in the open access (on the walls), any type of connection is suitable, but more often the choice is made on the fastest and easiest compression connection when crimp fittings for copper pipes are used. Such connections need periodic inspection and service.

Different connections will require different tools... So, pipe crimping is carried out using press tongs or wrenches.

General information about fittings.

When making connections, special fittings for copper pipes are used, which differ in the way of installation. They are classified according to various criteria: There are elements for detachable (compression fittings for copper pipes) and one-piece joints (solder fittings).

They also differ in purpose:

for corner transitions and the connection of pipes of different diameters, adapters (bends) are used;
for the device of branches from the central pipe - tees or crosses;
for connecting pipes of different diameters on straight sections - couplings;
for the installation of automation systems in heat supply and cold supply, collet fittings are used for copper tubes.

The next type of classification is by material. Copper, brass, or bronze compression fittings are most commonly used for copper pipes, sometimes chrome-plated brass. There are also differences in the requirements for metal due to the technological purpose of the fitting used for different types of pipelines (water, gas, heating, cooling).

Regardless of the manufacturer of fittings, all connecting elements are made in the sizes regulated by world standards, they are interchangeable. Copper pipe fittings are easy to install and reliable.

Crimp connections for copper pipes.

There are two types of crimp connections for copper pipes - one-piece on press fittings and detachable connections on copper pipes on crimp (collet) fittings.

Non-collapsible copper pipes are installed using press fittings. This type of installation became possible due to the plasticity of copper, it is deformed with the help of a special tool, obtaining a durable and tight connection, the quality is quite comparable to the soldered one. Press fittings for copper pipes achieve a joint tightness that can withstand pressures higher than the pipe itself. The connection is considered more durable than compression, but requires the use of a special tool - a press.

Outwardly, they resemble capillary brazing fittings, but instead of solder, an O-ring made of an elastic polymer, superior in quality to rubber, is placed in the fitting girdle. The technology of using press fittings includes several simple operations: pipes are cut to the required size, the ends are stripped and calibrated. Then all the ends are inserted into the fitting, and the joints are squeezed out by pressing tongs. The shape of the edge will depend on which profile the tool is being used with.

The used copper crimp fitting is convenient in that it does not require special equipment, no need for an open flame. A minimum of tools are needed here: a cutter, spanners(according to pipe dimensions) and a calibrator. Although the resulting connection is considered collapsible, that is, it involves disassembly and reuse, its reliability in this case is reduced. These connections are not designed for high pressure service.

Detachable connections of copper pipes are obtained using crimp (collet) fittings. Compression fittings for copper pipes are divided into two main types: one for connecting pipes made of hard and semi-hard materials (A), the other for connecting semi-hard and soft materials (B). Collet for copper pipe creates additional pressure pressing the pipe walls against the fitting cartridge, which ensures the tightness of the connection.

Copper pipe compression fittings consist of a body, a crimp nut and a ferrule copper ring, which is designed to seal the connection. Due to the fact that the copper ring is flattened when pressed, the structure becomes immune to vibration.

Compression fittings for copper pipes of type A are used for joining pipes made of solid copper, hard pipes with annealed ends and even soft copper, but to avoid their deformation when tightened, a piece of pipe (support sleeve) is placed inward. Preparation for the process is carried out as in the previous connection: choose compression fittings for copper pipes of the required size, cut, clean the cut, check the geometry of the pipe with a mandrel-gauge and insert the pipe into the fitting. The clamping nut begins to be tightened by hand until the pipe stops turning relative to the fitting, then the tool is pulled until the pipe is slightly deformed and the joint is tight. If a leak is observed, then you can slightly turn the nut. In theory, the fitting can be unscrewed and reassembled, but it is best not to.

Type B copper pipe compression fittings are more popular and allow the installation of thick-walled soft copper pipes. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that sealing cones are used to increase the strength of the connection (socket rallying). When tightening the nut in such a connection, the cone tightly enters the flared edge of the pipe and is pressed against its inner surface, and from the outside it is additionally clamped sealing ring.

This is an excellent method of joining soft pipes without the need for internal support sleeves. Crimping a copper pipe is carried out with a wrench or adjustable wrench, matched to the size of the pipe and fitting.

When installing compression fittings for copper pipes, you should adhere to certain rules, it is better if this work is done by a specialist. Compliance with the fitting manufacturer's recommendations for tightening compression connection mandatory, since an inexperienced craftsman can overtighten the nut and cut the pipe with the compression ring. If this happens, you need to cut off the damaged edge and do the whole operation again. It should also be remembered that the surfaces to be joined must be as clean as the threads in the fitting. To obtain a reliable connection, it is necessary to choose the right wrench so as not to damage the edges of the clamping nut.

Crimp fittings for copper pipes: types and features

Crimp fittings for copper pipes: types and features Contents: To choose the right way to connect copper pipes for a long and trouble-free operation of a home water supply system, consider

Coupling copper pipes with collet and press fittings

Rice. 41. Connection of copper pipes with pressfitting

Another type of permanent connection of copper pipes is done on crimp press couplings (Fig. 41), by analogy with press fittings polymer pipes and fittings for brazing copper pipes with embedded solder. It's like a hybrid of two designs: a press fitting and a capillary brazing fitting. Externally, a press fitting for copper pipes is very much like a capillary brazing fitting (Fig. 39), and the technological difference lies in the inner content of the fitting. The solder embedded in the capillary collar of the fitting was replaced here with O-rings made of elastic polymers similar to rubber. The technology of connecting copper pipes on press fittings is reduced to simple operations: cut and clean the pipes from burrs, calibrate them, insert them into the press fitting and compress the connection with pressing tongs (Fig. 42).

Rice. 42. Securing the fitting with press pliers

In addition to one-piece, there are also detachable connections of copper pipes on crimp (collet) fittings. There are two main types of collet connections, the first for connecting hard and semi-hard pipes and the second for connecting soft and semi-hard pipes.

If you take a closer look at the first type of fittings, we will see that they almost completely repeat the compression fittings for metal-plastic pipes, with the only difference that the copper fittings do not have a stem on which to be pushed metal-plastic pipe... Otherwise, the first type of fittings for copper pipes almost completely repeats the design of fittings for metal-plastic: the same union nuts, the same O-ring, the same tightening method (Fig. 43).

Rice. 43. Connection of copper pipes with compression fittings of the first type

The preparatory operations consist in the selection of a fitting of a suitable dimension. Next, as usual, you should carefully cut the pipe, remove the burr, check the cut for the absence of ovality using a mandrel-gauge and, if necessary, restore the original geometry of the pipe. Then the pipe is inserted into the fitting until it stops. As a rule, the clamping nut is first tightened by hand. After the pipe is clamped by the compression ring to such an extent that it is impossible to turn it relative to the fitting by hand, the nut is turned with a wrench 1/3 or 2/3 of a turn in order to slightly deform the pipe and provide the required clamping force. Theoretically, such a pipe connection can be disassembled and reassembled, in practice - it is better not to touch it. If the connection does not leak, then leave it alone, if it leaks, then you need to slightly tighten the nuts.

Compression fittings of the first type are designed for hard copper pipes (fig. 43), but they can connect both soft and hard pipes with annealed ends. In order for the pipes not to deform when tightening the nuts, a piece of pipe is placed inside them - a support sleeve. After adding this element, the fitting almost completely repeats the design of a compression fitting for multilayer pipes.

Compression joints of the second type are based on the socket rallying of pipes through sealing cones. In these fittings, by tightening the nut, the cone is pressed against the inner surface of the flared end of the pipe, and the top of the pipe is clamped with an O-ring. In the construction of the assembly, the properties of soft copper are used: under pressure to "rub" against the surface to which it is pressed. The connection is not new, a sufficient number of men who understand brake system your vehicle or with a diesel engine power system. In the piping of plumbing systems, the connection is slightly modified, but the principle of rallying itself remains the same; on its basis, you may come across other types of fittings.

Rice. 44. Connection of soft copper pipes with compression fittings of the second type

The assembly technology of the assembly (Fig. 44) is as simple as all the assemblies described above. After cutting the pipes, removing burrs (burrs) and irregularities, a clamping nut is put on the pipe and the end of the pipe is flared with a mandrel. Further, a pressure cone is inserted into the open part, after which the assembly unit is assembled. Pre-tightening, as with all compression fittings, is done by hand and then tightened with a wrench, usually one turn.

For copper pipes of large diameters, it is used flange connection... The basic design includes welding of a flange with a pipe socket or high-temperature brazing, much less often a compression connection.

Coupling copper pipes with collet and press fittings

In addition to one-piece press connections, there are also detachable connections of copper pipes on crimp (collet) fittings.