Apollo Valves 4A User Manual

Soldering Guide
94A and 94ALF-A Lead Free Forged Brass Ball Valves
Most customers will never experience an issue with their Apollo valves. The few reports we do receive
related to body joint, stem packing or seat leaks involve solder valves rather than NPT, so heat
definitely plays a role. Limiting the amount of heat applied beyond the solder cup will prevent most
problems.
1. Always identify the alloy to be soldered. 94ALF EZ-Solder
®
forged brass valves do NOT
contain silicon alloy, meaning heat transfer rates are identical to standard brass. Therefore
extra heat is NOT required in order to ensure a sound solder joint.
Note also that brass conducts heat at a rate 50% faster than bronze, so brass valves in general
require less heating time than comparable bronze valves.
2. Always review the applicable Apollo Installation, Operation & Maintenance Instructions to
ensure factory recommendations are being followed:
https://aalberts-ips.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/I908900-rev-F-Web.pdf
3. We also recommend viewing our Apollo soldering video and the Copper Development
Association-produced video entitled Soldering of No Lead…Valves. Both cover Industry
Best Practices relative to soldering valves. We particularly endorse heating of the tube prior
to heating the solder cup of the valve to reduce the total amount of heat applied to the valve.
Apollo video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3cuXXQTk2o&t=33s&ab_channel=ApolloValves%7CAal
bertsIPSA
CDA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyGZI48_vuc&t=6s
4. The installer should be mindful of the type of gas being used. Acetylene is the hottest industrial
gas, meaning it requires the most care and caution when soldering vs MAPP gas or propane.
Always move the flame to evenly distribute the heat to all surfaces of the solder cup during
heating.
5. Do NOT oversize the torch tip! The torch tip selection should be appropriate for the pipe size,
based on the torch manufacturers’ recommendation (see example below). In fact TurboTorch
®
technicians advise their tip sizing chart is based on wrot copper fittings, and they recommend
reducing the tip selection by 1 – 2 sizes when soldering (ball) valves due to the PTFE
components.

Apollo Valves 4A Specifications

General

Brand	Apollo Valves
Model	4A
Category	Control Unit
Language	English

Summary

Apollo Valves Soldering Guide: 94A and 94ALF-A Lead Free Forged Brass Ball Valves

Identify Solder Alloy Type

Ensure the correct alloy is identified, as 94ALF EZ-Solder® valves do not contain silicon alloy.

Review Installation and Maintenance Instructions

Always consult applicable Apollo Installation, Operation & Maintenance Instructions for guidance.

Watch Apollo and CDA Soldering Videos

View Apollo and Copper Development Association videos for soldering best practices.

Manage Gas Type and Heat Distribution

Be mindful of gas type (e.g., acetylene) and distribute heat evenly to all surfaces.

Proper Torch Tip Sizing

Do not oversize the torch tip; reduce selection by 1-2 sizes for ball valves due to PTFE components.

Select Appropriate Solder Type

Use soft solders with melting temperatures below 500°F; lower temps reduce heat introduction.

Ball Position During Soldering

Solder with the ball in the fully open position for optimal heat sink effect and seat protection.

Prevent Stem Packing Leaks

Limit heat to the center section; tighten packing nut clockwise if leaks occur.

Adapt to Modern Soldering Challenges

Valves are engineered to resist damage from new lead-free alloys, hotter gases, and air-swirl technologies.

Troubleshooting Common Solder Valve Issues

Review previous points to minimize heat effects; use wet rags to protect joints if needed.

Factory Evaluation for Persistent Problems

Return a sample of valves with detailed soldering information for factory evaluation.