SLIDE 1
LOKRING TUBING CONNECTORS
A HIGHLY RELIABLE METHOD FOR JOINING METALLIC TUBING 1
SLIDE 2 LOKRING HISTORY
In the late 1960’s, LOKRINGs were invented to solve braze joint problems in the B-1 bomber program. By the late 1970’s, the patent rights for refrigerant applications were secured by the VULKAN-Hackforth Group in Germany. VULKAN LOKRING was integrated into the VULKAN Hackforth Group and design, manufacturing and sales were launched in 1979. Due to the extensive use of ISO-Butane, LOKRINGs quickly dominated the OEM and service markets in Europe. In 1992, VULKAN-Hackforth purchased rights to the US market. More than 250 Million OEM rings are being installed annually by Appliance, HVAC & Automotive manufacturers.
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SLIDE 3 Speed and Ease of Installation
The LOKRING Tube Connection allows a fast and reliable connection of tubes, even of different material. This tube connection system is a cold, clean method that eliminates brazing, hot works permits, damage due to flame, and the need for nitrogen flow during installs. Reports from the field indicate Labor savings
- f between 30% and 50% on various
Ductless System Installations.
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SLIDE 4
The Simple Steps To Making LOKRING Connections
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SLIDE 5 1 Establish tube diameter and wall thickness, this is indicated on the
- utside of the tube and repeated at
fixed distances. 2 Select correct Lokring connector utilising comparison chart and ring/packaging marking.
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SLIDE 6 3 Select correct insert for the tube specification utilising comparison chart and insert marking
4 Ensure correct size jaws are fitted into the tool for the Lokring connector to be used
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SLIDE 7 5 Clean the outside diameter of the tube in a radial motion using an abrasive Nylon mat.(other cleaning materials such as emery cloth or wire wool should be avoided) 6 Insert correct de-burr brush to prevent swarf contamination during de-burring
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SLIDE 8 7 Remove burrs from the internal surfaces of the tube with a tube de-burrer 8 Remove de-burr brush.
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SLIDE 9 9 Ensure correctly sized insert fits into tube if not repeat operations 6-8 10 Remove connector from the packaging and slide one of the rings onto the tube ensuring that the chamfered edge is towards the tube end.
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SLIDE 10 11 Slide connector body onto the tube, ensuring that the centre stop of the connector is reached. 12 Mark the tube along the edge of the connector body with a suitable indelible ink pen.
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SLIDE 11 13 Optional marking to ensure tube is fully inserted prior to assembly. Push the ring to the edge of the connector body and mark a second reference line with the indelible ink pen. 14 Apply Lokprep LT to the tube and utilising the tip of the bottle ensure that a band of unbroken Lokprep coats the
- utside of the tube diameter.
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SLIDE 12 15 Immediately re install the connector body onto the tube and ensure that it is fully inserted to the centre stop of the body, then push the ring up to the edge of the connector body. 16 Open the tool and place the jaws squarely onto the connector and ring. (Jaws must be kept clean to ensure correct location on the assembly surfaces)
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SLIDE 13 17 Once positioned on the connector close the joint ensuring at all times that the assembly force is smooth and the jaws remain squarely positioned on the connector body. 18 Once the shoulder of the centre ring is reached remove the tool and remove excess Lokprep from both the connector and jaws.
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SLIDE 14 19 The ink mark should now be visible at the edge of the connector ensuring the tube has remained in position during assembly. 20 There should be minimal marking
- n the ring face if the joint has been
assembled utilising the correct jaws and a steady assembly force.
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SLIDE 15 21 Repeat operation for the second side 22 The ink marks should now be visible at the edge of both of the assembled rings
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SLIDE 16 Lokprep
Lokprep is an anaerobic sealer used to fill leak paths created by small imperfections, scratches, & extrusion lines that are present on all manufactured tubing and is a very important part of the LOKRING process. Lokprep is designed to stay semi pliable and thermal cycle with the tubing between temperature extremes of
- 10 ºC to 70 ºC. Temperatures above 150 ºC
may burn out the Lokprep and cause leaks. Such as a torch too close to the connector!
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SLIDE 17
Lokprep Application
The correct dose of Lokprep is enough to create a thin layer over the complete exterior of the tube that comes in contact with the inside of the LOKRING connector. 17
SLIDE 18 There are 2 types of Lokprep used on HVAC copper installations, LT (Low Temp) & HT (High Temp) The higher the temperature the faster the Lokprep cures. Rule of thumb is, if you can hold your bare hand comfortably on the copper tube use the Lokprep LT if it’s hot to the touch use HT.
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SLIDE 19 Dispersing Lokprep
The LOKRING should be placed
tube and turned 360 degrees to evenly disperse Lokprep. Once Lokprep is applied the connection should be completed within 20 sec. 19
SLIDE 20 Allow Lokprep a minimum of 10 minutes set up time before applying radial torque, stress, vacuum or pressure to the
in temperatures below 12 ºC allow 30 minutes) 20
SLIDE 21
Tube must be inserted fully to LOKRING internal stop. Wrong Correct 21
SLIDE 22 LOKRING Assembly Tool
Position the tool with the correct jaws sizes over the LOKRING connector as shown and operate the tool ensuring the tube remains fully inserted and jaws are properly seated. Continue to operate the tool until the ring is fully seated against the
- stop. Use the same steps to
complete the other side of the LOKRING connector.
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SLIDE 23 Lokpress cordless assembly
- tool. Jaws turn 360° Weight is
5 ½ lbs. Will close Lokring connectors & reducers used on common HVAC tube sizes ¼” thru 1 3/8” OD. Lokpress comes complete with 2- M12 REDLITHIUM™ BATTERIES and charger. 23
SLIDE 24
Completed Connection
Both rings fully seated against stops. LOKRING connection is ready for service. 24
SLIDE 25
EURO FLARE CONNECTION
R410A LOKRING Euro Flares are available in sizes ¼ inch thru ¾ inch. These connections are used at Outdoor Units, Branch Selector Boxes, and Indoor Units. Mechanical connections should always be made 1st, then the LOKRING connector ! 25
SLIDE 26 R410A systems require exacting flare specifications and forming
- procedures. These specs are different
than standard 45 degree SAE flares. Failure to follow manufacture’s specs
- n flare connections is the Number 1
cause of System Leaks
R410A Euro Flares take the Failure Modes Out!
Lokring Euro Flares include replaceable preformed flare inserts, nut, and are designed for use on R410A systems. The correct size Lokring connector or reducer & stabilization insert for the copper tube side only needs to be ordered separately.
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No insert is needed at stainless steel tube pilot side of connection
SLIDE 27 Installing a Lokring R410A Euro Flare
A drop of oil compatible with the system oil or Nylog should be applied to the seal and back
- f the flare body to ensure accurate torque
reading.
Only Nylog a specifically designed refrigerant oil based product should be applied to mating surfaces of flare faces. Threaded connection should be tightened to manufactures specs before completing Lokring connection. A new flare insert should be used each time the connection is loosened or taken apart for service.
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SLIDE 28 Assembling a Euro-flare ( R410a)
Lokprep is applied at copper tube and stainless steel flare pilot tube Stabilization insert is required at copper tube side only. (Insert should NOT be used at stainless pilot tube side of connection).
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SLIDE 29
The NRA connector is used in cases where a reducing Tee may be needed or in situations where odd size reducers are needed. 29
SLIDE 30 NRA Connection
Insert Connector NRA Insert
Lokprep required at 3 areas 30
SLIDE 31 Standard Lokring tees are sized the same on all 3 legs. If reducer tees are needed an NRA may be used on up to 2 legs. Again no insert is needed at the NRA to Tee but inserts are needed at the tube connections. Remember to use Lokprep at NRA to tee and tube connections.
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SLIDE 32 VRV VRF manufacturers system supplied Y-branches and manifolds are designed for soldering or braze only and cannot be used with Lokring unless a standard size tube stub is soldered to all 3 legs! Lokring supplied Y-branches and Manifolds are preferred and save time.
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SLIDE 33 Lokring Y-branches are available in YP (parallel) and Y-tee (one 90°tube). Lokring Y-Branches are supplied with the correct inserts and insulation shells . All 3 tubes are sized the same. Lokring reducers are used to make drop size connections. (the inserts supplied with Lokring Y branches and manifolds may be a different size than the inserts used on the copper tube used on the installation. Keep these inserts separated!)
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SLIDE 34
Lokring manifolds also come with the correct inserts and insulation shell. Manifolds can be joined if additional ports are needed. Extra ports can be blocked using a Lokring stopper 34
SLIDE 35 LOKRING Basics Recap
1. Clean tube ends with abrasive mat or fine emery cloth & deburr as necessary. 2. Install stabilization inserts for 1/4” thru 1 3/8” tube. 3. Place the ring (chamfered edge facing tube end) over the tube if not pre-mounted on the LOKRING body. 4. Apply sufficient Lokprep to create a thin layer over the complete exterior of the tube that comes in contact with the inside of the LOKRING connector. Place LOKRING over tube to internal stop and rotate tube or LOKRING to distribute Lokprep. 5. Using appropriate jaws and LOKRING assembly tool, push the 1st ring onto the LOKRING body until fully seated to stop. 6. Repeat steps 3 thru 6 for second side of LOKRING connector. 7. Allow Lokprep a minimum of 10 minutes set up time before applying stress, vacuum or pressure to the connection. (Note in temperatures below 12 ºC allow 30 minutes)
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SLIDE 36
THE COLD CLEAN CONNECTION
Internal Cleanliness comparison of a LOKRING Connection and a Brazed Joint. 36
