The split air conditioning system consists of two units. The connection between the outer and inner parts is made with a copper pipe line. A refrigerant circulates along the highway - the working fluid of the air conditioner. Installation of the pipeline requires the purchase of accessories. Fittings for air conditioners provide a strong and tight connection of the parts of the line.
Appointment of fittings
Fittings are a popular consumable when installing a freon line. They are installed in places of branches, turns, transitions from one pipe diameter to another. The material for the fittings is copper or brass. The technical characteristics of the metal allow the fittings to withstand temperatures up to + 150 ° C and pressures up to 40 bar.
Benefits of copper parts:
- high resistance to corrosion;
- ultraviolet light does not change the characteristics of the metal;
- long service life;
- the tightness of the connection is ensured, which does not allow leakage of freon;
- compact size and wide range of fittings.
Route assembly is carried out by two main types of connection: detachable and one-piece. In the first case, threaded and crimp fittings are used, in the second - capillary (for soldering). There are combined options that provide pipe joining in two ways at the same time.
Threaded accessories simplify and speed up the installation of the line. The detachable connection is convenient for dismantling and repairing, but loses in reliability. Under the influence of thermal deformation, the assembly loses its tightness over time.
Copper solder fittings are cheaper than crimps. When heated, they form a strong and reliable seam that guarantees no refrigerant leaks.
Various types of fittings
The range of accessories for air conditioners includes various types and sizes of solder fittings and crimped fittings. The choice of connecting elements depends on their purpose. Threaded components are inferior in terms of strength to capillary and crimp products. They are used in areas requiring maintenance.
The main types of fittings for copper pipes of air conditioners:
- A 90 ° elbow or elbow is a threaded or brazed element for connecting pipes at right angles.
- Coupling is a connecting piece for direct soldering of two parts of the line.
- Tee is a shaped element designed to connect an additional branch of the pipeline.
- Adapter - a fitting used when installing pipes of various diameters. Common sizes: 1/4 ″ -3/8 ″, 1/2 ″ -3/8 ″, 3/4 ″ -5/8 ″.
- The nipple is used for joining pipes with different diameters and thread arrangements at the inlet holes.
Schrader valve - Service connection for air conditioner or Schrader valve - a tube with a nipple used when evacuating and filling the system. Provides connection for a manifold gauge.
- A plug is a part with an internal or external thread. Designed to close the end openings of the pipeline.
- Adapters for air conditioners, designed for filling and refueling the system with freon. The set includes two elements - for low and high pressure.
How to properly handle components
Brazing is the main method of connecting a pipeline. Copper fittings are selected according to diameter and purpose. Operation requires a flame torch, flux and solder. The sleeve or transition is heated evenly.During the soldering process, a tight connection is formed by filling the gap between the pipe with the fitting with silver solder.
Before starting the installation of the compression fitting, the part is disassembled - twist the nut and remove the ring. The parts are put on the pipe, which is inserted into the fitting until it stops. A sealing sleeve is inserted inside the connecting element, then a second pipe. The clamping nut is tightened with a wrench. The procedure does not require unnecessary use of force. One way to crimp is to secure the flared pipe with a union nut. The soft, machined copper is firmly attached to the nipple even without a coupling sleeve.
Among the popular manufacturers of fittings for split systems, the German company Sanha should be noted. The brand's products are made from an alloy of copper and red bronze. In the company's catalog there are couplings and adapters for soldering, elements for crimp mounting. Products are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9002. Components of the Chinese company Hailiang are of high quality. The products are designed for capillary brazing. Fittings are manufactured according to international standards BS EN 1254-1 and ASME B16 22.
Refrigerant piping must be assembled using copper fittings. Replacement of fittings with steel or plastic products is not permissible.
