Copper Pipe Brazing | Copper Pipe Joints | Method Statement

On this page you shall find a brief method statement for copper pipe joints installation and brazing for any kind of project.

Below is list of mandatory tools and equipment’s that are useful for this activity.

• Tool box for Mechanical/Hand Tools
• Leveling Instrument
• Silver Brazing Rods
• Blow-Torch or Heating Torch
• Thermometer (Heating gauge indicator if any)
• Grinding Machine, Drilling machine & Cutting Machine
• Oxygen & Acetylene cylinder & Cutting outfit
• Measuring Equipment’s
• Applicable PPE & Welders Safety equipment’s.

PRE-INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

All workers to attend safety induction conducted by main contractor and given specific training on the safe installation methods.

Task lighting to be ensured prior to start of copper pipe brazing including the work of riser piping.

Riser checklists to be filled and kept updated till completion of riser pipes brazing activities.

Copper pipe brazing jointing works shall be done as indicated on the approved shop drawings and as per site requirements.

The Site Engineer, Site Supervisor will give necessary instructions to certified welders and tradesmen, also to provide necessary approved construction/shop drawings of latest revision along with coordinated layouts.

Site engineer and supervisor shall also explain to the certified welders and tradesmen regarding necessary safety precautions as per risk assessment and project HSE plan.

INSPECTION GUIDANCE FOR BRAZING WORKS

Site engineer / supervisor will complete the inspection checklist and follow the inspection & test Plan detailed in this procedure.

The intent of this procedure is to establish a high level of assurance that the end product meets the specification requirements and consultant satisfaction.

QA/QC inspector shall verify that the approved procedures for brazing are followed and the inspections and testing records are completed.

Copper pipe joints / Copper pipe brazing

Prior to alignment of pipes for brazing each length of pipe will be inspected thoroughly to ensure that no visible defects are present.

Check the materials as per the material submittals, standards and specifications and get approval from the consultant/ Employer representative.

The ends of each pipe and the area which is adjacent (at least 1″ from the edge inside and outside) shall be thoroughly cleaned from the rust, paint oil scale or the other foreign materials, which are harmful for welding and brazing alloy heat build up quality.

Each length of pipe shall be thoroughly cleaned by blowing air from both ends of the pipe.

Protect and cover the openings of pipes with suitable cap or polyethylene sheet in order to avoid any foreign material entering.

Ensure both pipe ends are clean without any dirt or oil deposits before inserting to the socket which is Endex socket fittings, pressing firmly to reach stopper tip from inside socket, start leveling until it is firm, follow below procedure.

For proper aligning, external pipe clamps or jigs shall be used and (tack welding) or initial application of brazing alloy to hold the alignment.

When above is not possible, tack welding shall be used for alignment.

Ensure all brazing alloy rods are suitable to use particularly for wall thickness of the copper pipe and its diameter size of the copper pipe to ensure proper usage as per manufacturer’s data and recommendations.

Pre heating temperature must be 700 to 750°C (COPPER PIPES).

Heat the assembled joints between pipe and fittings evenly on all sides while heating build up encircling direction either left to right depends on the welder.

Apply solder or brazing alloy rod to the mouth of the fittings, when reaches the correct temperature the solder alloy will flow freely into the joints.

Briefly reapply the blowtorch and wipe off any excess flux residues (solders).

Allow the joint to cool down without disturbances (not flash with water or any Coolant), and clean the joint by fine sand paper generally to remove excess flux residues.

BRAZING / WELDING CONFORMANCE

Welding / Brazing alloy of piping shall be performed in accordance with the approved WPS based on project specifications and applicable codes for BS standards; hence there is no welding or brazing procedure specification on the project mentioned.

Brazing contractors’ ability and expertise will be incorporated on this method statement based on welding code standards and according to manufacturer’s recommendations and as per client agreement.

Oxy-acetylene welding to BS 26340 Class 11 with filler rods to BS 1453 and BS EN 12536 as appropriate. Arc welding to BS 4515 and BS 2971 Class 11.

Bronze welding of copper tube & pipes shall be oxy-acetylene and inert gas shall be in accordance with BS 1724.

Flange connection shall be according to ANSI standard, or otherwise as stated and agreed by client/consultant.

Contractor shall provide all relevant certificates if required by client/consultant.

Welding shall not be permitted when weather conditions are bad viz. rain, high winds or any other climate condition that may hamper the quality of welding.

Proper wind protection closures shall be provided for welders during welding.

All the equipment used for welding & brazing shall be in good condition.

Raise work inspection request (WIR) to consultant, all fabrication shall be visually inspected and acceptance criteria shall be as per the inspection and test plan ITP.

All welds and brazing joints will be 100% visually examined, conformity to drawing shall be done for all the lines checking that all components supports, brackets, etc. are installed as per approved materials and shop drawing details and specifications of the project.