Apparatus and method for connecting a compressor to a system

Abstract

The compressor fittings, both suction and discharge, of a compressor can have braze rings positioned inside of the fittings as part of the compressor assembly. The braze ring can then be used by an installer to connect the compressor to corresponding suction and discharge lines of a system. The installer can insert the system tube or connection into the fitting and apply a torch until braze material can be seen exiting the joint around the system tube, which indicates the tube has been connected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compressor comprising:
 a shell having an enclosed space;   a compression mechanism positioned within the enclosed space of the shell;   a motor positioned within the enclosed space of the shell and connected to the compression mechanism by a shaft to power the compression mechanism;   at least one compressor fitting fastened in the shell to permit passage of refrigerant between inside and outside of the shell; and   the at least one compressor fitting comprising a braze ring positioned within the at least one compressor fitting, the braze ring comprising brazing material to connect a tube to the at least one compressor fitting.   
     
     
         2 . A method of connecting a compressor to a system, the method comprising:
 inserting a tube connected to a system into a fitting for a compressor having a braze ring position inside the fitting;   heating a braze area of the fitting to melt a braze material of the braze ring;   inspecting an end of the fitting for braze material; and   stopping heating of the braze area upon braze material being identified around a circumference of the end of the fitting during said inspecting an end.