Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine March 2022

HVACR NewsMagazine March 2022

Tech News

Problem #8: Using an Improper Flaring Tool

· When working on a mini-split system, be sure to only use flares nuts that have been specifically manufactured for mini- split ductless units. · A flare nut could crack over time if it is not designed to handle the pressure of R- 410A or other refrigerants. · A flare nut could crack if it is not designed to be exposed to the outdoor environment.

Problem #6: Being Used

· If there is a scratch on either the flare face or the flare seat of the adapter, it may be enough to allow refrigerant to leak out of the system.

· The correct flaring angle to use for HVAC and plumbing is one with a 45 degree flare. There are flaring tools out there that have different angles such as 37 degrees, which you don't want for flaring refrigerant tubing. · A standard flaring tool, a process flaring tool, or an eccentric flaring tool will create the correct 45 degree angle needed for a refrigerant tube flare. · A spin flare will create a smaller angle flare but while the copper tube is still hot, it can be tightened to the flare adapter which will stretch the flare face to 45 degrees. Spin Flares: https://amzn.to/31BCs8Z Here is a video I made using spin flaring and spin swaging bits: https://youtu.be/iFOTxT1qkLk

Problem #7: Preparation of the Copper Tubing

· If the copper tubing is squished while it is being cut, it usually cannot be used no matter how much you deburr the inside of the tube or re-round the outside of the tube. · Using a stick reamer or a unibit to ream the hole in the end of the copper tubing may not be a good idea. It could result in the inside of the tube being scarred, which you don’t want to happen. This could cause your flare face to be scarred before you even make the flare! · Deburr the hole at the end of the copper tubing well before starting to flare.

Problem #9: Improperly Torqued Flares