If you are in search of an HVAC fitting that is able to connect refrigerant lines without the need for brazing, we recommend the use of our SmartLock® refrigerant HVAC fittings. Learn more about SmartLock and the benefits of investing in our products for your HVAC/R system below, and then contact our team today to get started with a quote!
How Can SmartLock Connect Refrigerant Lines Without Brazing?
How Can SmartLock Connect Refrigerant Lines Without Brazing?
What Is Brazing for HVAC?
Brazing, similarly to welding, involves the process of melting and joining via a heated torch until the surface becomes molten and solders together. When it comes to HVAC, brazing is often used to join copper pipes, which are used to transport the refrigerant liquid. Brazing is a joining process that uses either hand or torch brazing methods, both of which require dangerous chemical compounds.
SmartLock aims to provide a more efficient and safer way to connect refrigerant lines by eliminating the need for brazing. If you are in search of an HVAC fitting that can connect refrigerant lines without brazing, we recommend the use of our SmartLock HVAC/R fittings. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Why Brazing Is Not Ideal
The problems associated with brazing range from being expensive and time-consuming to being hazardous for workers and the environment. Here are a few reasons why brazing is not an ideal solution for connecting refrigerant lines to HVAC fittings:
The process of hand brazing often takes a long time and it requires a high level of skill.
A weakened brazed joint may lead to leaks and poor performance.
Brazing offers no real protection for the refrigerant lines, which could leave them unprotected from the outside atmospheres, such as humidity or heat.
Liquid from the line could leak from the brazed joint into the fitting, which could lead to refrigerant being in the air.
The brazed joint could fail over time because of freeze and thaw cycles or the effect of pressure changes.
By choosing a brazing-free refrigerant HVAC fitting, such as SmartLock, you eliminate these risks and more that are often associated with the brazing process. Get in contact with our team today to see if SmartLock is the right fit for your space.
How SmartLock Works
SmartLock is able to connect refrigerant lines without brazing thanks to our patented metal-to-metal sealing technology. Compared to o-ring sealing methods, metal-to-metal sealing allows for the highest design pressure range on the market. Plus, SmartLock uses metal ferrule, which is the most durable and stable material that is compatible with all types of refrigerants and tubes. Because of this, metal ferrule also extends the lifespan of the HVAC fitting itself.
The SmartLock Advantage
Aside from no brazing, SmartLock has plenty of other amazing beneficial features, including the following.
No Flaring: The connection point is flush with the system.
No Special Tools: Not even a torque wrench is required.
No Leaking: The patented metal-to-metal seal is efficient at preventing leaks.
No Hot Work Permit: No need for niche work permits.
No Special Gauge: A regular pipe thread gauge is able to be used.
No Nitro Purging: It is not necessary to purge the system for metal removal.
No Oxidation: The fittings will not oxidize or rust over time.
No Corrosion: The metal-to-metal seal prevents corrosion from occurring.
As you can see, SmartLock is the safest option for your refrigerant HVAC system. Invest today and see the difference that SmartLock can make for yourself!
The Process for Installing SmartLock Brazing-Free HVAC Fittings
One of the main reasons why SmartLock HVAC fittings are a great investment is because they are much easier and faster to install than compared to conventional braze or flare fittings. Our process for SmartLock installation is outlined below.
- Step 1: Bring SmartLock Refrigerant Fittings to the Worksite
- Step 2: Cut the Tube to Fit the HVAC System
- Step 3: Mark the Lines Using a Marking Gauge
- Step 4: Insert the Tube Into the SmartLock Fitting
- Step 5: Fasten the SmartLock Fitting
- Step 6: Visual Inspection of the Marked Line(s)
That’s it! Our goal is to make it as simple and stress-free as possible for our customers to make the switch to SmartLock refrigerant connection fittings. If you would like a more detailed overview of our HVAC fitting process, feel free to get in touch with our team today.
Are you ready to get started or learn more about SmartLock, the safest option for your refrigerant HVAC fittings? Contact our team at SmartLock today — we would be more than happy to help you out with our brazing-free HVAC fittings.