"Smart" pin brazing units produce even better joints

Keywords: Corrosion, Brazing

We are informed that with a 'smart' digital control system that can tell whether optimum conditions exist for a pin brazing operation, the new BB2 and BB3 units from Bright- Bond, a division of BAC Corrosion Control, perfect connections can be achieved virtually every time. The company asserts that because the smart controller assesses the set-up conditions, brazing pins are not wasted by being partially brazed before the power cuts out.Pin brazing was developed over fifty years ago to ensure electrical continuity on rails and connections for all types of track-bound transportation and cathodic protection test, bond and anode cables. It is a fully proven technique able to Withstand the elements in countries all over the world, from the subzero temperatures in arctic Europe and North America to the tropical humidity in Africa and the Far East.

Both the battery operated BB2 and its bigger sister, the BB3 now have digital control systems instead of analogue, electrical current quality to the brazing head is reportedly better resulting in a greatly improved braze. Control is said to be improved and more reliable than the analogue systems. If the software within the control unit detects a problem when an operator begins the brazing sequence, it will stop the process immediately. The pin that is in the gun can be used again as soon as the smart controller has assessed the conditions and indicated what needs resetting to provide optimum conditions (Plate 2).

Plate 2 The "smart" digital control system on BAC Bright-Bond's new BB2 (right) and BB3 (left) pin brazing units can tell if optimum conditions exist and then produce perfect connections every time

The Bright-Bond BB3 unit is designed with wheels, has a large capacity battery and is thought to be suitable for all types of installation and maintenance programmes. The pin-brazing process is digitally controlled for consistency of the brazing action and is pre-programmed with three settings, F,B and G that coincide with the type of pin being used. When the correct setting is selected on the control panel, the brazing process is timed to provide an optimum brazed connection every time.

The battery capacity is stated to be sufficient for approximately 100 brazes with the smallest brazing- pin type and is recharged from a mains supply. According to Bright- Bond by connecting the BB3 to an engine- driven generator unit, the completely sealed batteries can be charged continuously and with this combination the set is suitable for bigger works, typically new construction.

The portable, lightweight BB2 pin-brazing unit is used for smaller maintenance jobs or installations. The equipment functions in a similar manner to the BB3, with a smaller braze capacity of 40 brazes per charge cycle. It is possible however, that the batteries can be recharged during transportation from one site to another using the Bright-Bond in car system.

Details available from: Bright-Bond. Tel: +44 (0)1952 208512; Fax: +44(0)1952 290325; E-mail:brightbond@bacgroup.com;Website: http:\\www.brightbond.com