The split system for air conditioning consists of two units. The connection of the external and internal parts is carried out by a line of copper pipes. Refrigerant circulates along the highway - the working fluid of the air conditioner. Installation of the pipeline requires the purchase of components. Strong and tight connection of parts of the highway provide fittings for air conditioners.
Purpose of shaped products
Fittings - a popular consumable for the installation of 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. Technical characteristics of the metal allow the fittings to withstand temperatures up to + 150 ° C and pressures up to 40 Bar.
Advantages of copper parts:
- high resistance to corrosion;
- ultraviolet does not change the characteristics of the metal;
- long term of operation;
- the tightness of the connection is ensured, preventing the leakage of freon;
- compact size and a wide range of fittings.
Track 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 fittings (for soldering). There are combined options for joining pipes in two ways at the same time.
Threaded accessories simplify and speed up line installation. The detachable connection is convenient for dismantling and repair, but loses in reliability. Under the influence of thermal deformation, the assembly loses its integrity over time.
Copper solder fittings are cheaper than crimp parts. During heating, they form a strong and reliable seam, guaranteeing the absence of refrigerant leaks.
Different types of fittings
The range of components for air conditioners includes various types and sizes of solder fittings and crimp fittings. The choice of connectors 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:
- Elbow or angle 90 ° - an element for threading or soldering for connecting pipes at right angles.
- The coupling is a connecting part in the direct soldering of two parts of the line.
- Tee - shaped element designed to connect an additional branch of the pipeline.
- An adapter is a fitting used in the installation of pipes of various diameters. Common sizes: 1/4 ″ -3/8 ″, 1/2 ″ -3/8 ″, 3/4 ″ -5/8 ″.
- The coupling fitting is used for joining pipes with different diameters and the location of the thread on the inlets.
Schröder valve - Service connection for the air conditioner or Schroeder valve - a tube with a nipple used for evacuating and filling the system. Provides connection to gauge manifold.
- End cap is a part with internal or external thread. Designed to overlap the end openings of the pipeline.
- Adapters for air conditioners designed for refueling and refueling the system with freon. Two elements are included - for low and high pressure.
How to handle components properly
Soldering is the main method of connecting the pipeline. Copper fittings are selected by diameter and purpose. A gas flame torch, flux and solder are required for operation. The coupling or transition is evenly heated. During the soldering process, a sealed connection is formed by filling the gap between the pipe fitting with silver solder.
Before starting the installation of the crimp fitting, the part is disassembled - twist the nut and remove the ring. 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 excessive use of force. One of the crimp connection methods is fixing the flared pipe with a union nut. Soft, machined copper is firmly attached to the fitting even without a connecting sleeve.
Among the popular manufacturers of fittings for split systems, it is worth noting the German company Sanha. Brand products are made from an alloy of copper and red bronze. The company catalog contains couplings and adapters for soldering, elements for crimp mounting. Products are manufactured according to ISO 9002. The components of the Chinese company Hailang are of high quality. Products are designed for capillary soldering. Shaped elements are produced according to international standards BS EN 1254-1 and ASME B16 22.
The assembly of the piping for refrigerant circulation must be carried out using copper fittings. Replacement of shaped parts with steel or plastic products is not permissible.
