Soldering or Silver-Brazing Procedure

The basic procedure for soldering or silver-brazing pipe or tubing to valves is as follows:

1. Cut the tube or pipe end square, and make sure the diameter is not undersize or out of round.
2. Remove all burrs with a metal file.
3. Clean the pipe or tubing end (at least to the depth of the socket) and the inside of the valve socket with steel wool and
a cloth to wipe away the residue.
4. Clean all surfaces with a suitable solvent and wipe dry.
5. Apply solder flux or silver-brazing flux to the inside of the valve socket and the outside of the pipe or tubing.
6. Insert the pipe or tubing into the valve socket until it seats against the shoulder within the socket.
7. Turn the valve and the pipe or tubing once or twice to evenly distribute the flux.
8. Make certain the valve is in open position before applying heat. A nonmetallic disc should be removed before the heat is applied. After removing the disc, the valve bonnet or bonnet ring should be replaced hand-tight to prevent distortion to the threaded sections when heating the valve.
9. Make certain the valve and pipe or tubing are properly supported during the soldering or silver-brazing process. Any strain on the joint while cooling will weaken it.
10. Apply flame evenly around piping or tubing adjacent to valve ends until solder or brazing alloy suitable for the service flows upon contact.
11. Soldering: Apply solder to the joint between the pipe or tubing and the end of the valve socket. Apply the flame toward the bottom of the valve socket until all the solder is absorbed. Control the direction of the flame away from the valve body to avoid excessive heating, which causes distortion and improper functioning of the valve.
12. Silver brazing: Apply brazing alloy to the joint between the pipe or tubing and the end of the valve socket. Wave the flame over the valve hexes to draw the metal alloy into the socket, leaving a solid fillet of brazing alloy at the joint. Control the direction of the flame away from the valve body to avoid excessive heating, which causes distortion and improper functioning of the valve.
13. Remove all excess and loose matter from the surface with a clean cloth or brush.