BRITISH STANDARD

Specification for

Bronze welding by gas

UDC 621.791.3:662.766.72:546.11:547.213:006.3/.8

BS 1724:1990

BS 1724:1990

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Welding
Standards Policy Committee (WEE/-) to Technical Committee WEE/19, upon
which the following bodies were represented:
BNF Metals Technology Centre
British Association for Brazing and Soldering
British Non-ferrous Metals Federation
Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association
Institute of Refrigeration
Joint Industry Board for Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services in
England and Wales
Society of British Aerospace Companies Limited
Welding Institute
Coopted member

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Welding
Standards Policy Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Board of BSI
and comes into effect on
31 July 1990
BSI 03-1999

Amendments issued since publication

First published January 1959

Second edition July 1990

Amd. No.

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference WEE/19
Draft for comment 87/76380 DC
ISBN 0 580 18275 4

Date

Comments

BS 1724:1990

Contents
Page
Committees responsible
Inside front cover
Foreword
iii
Section 1. General requirements
1
Scope
1
2
Definitions
1
3
Basic requirements
1
4
Operator approval
1
5
Examination of bronze welded joints
2
6
Test procedures
2
Section 2. Specific requirements
7
Bronze welding of copper
3
8
Bronze welding of carbon steel
3
9
Bronze welding of galvanized carbon steel
3
10 Bronze welding of cast iron
3
11 Bronze welding of malleable iron
5
12 Bronze welding of dissimilar metals
5
Appendix A Recommended forms of joint for use with bronze welding
6
Appendix B Removal of flux residues
11
Appendix C Destructive tests for bronze welds
12
Appendix D Filler metals
14
Figure 1 (Joint number 1) Upset butt
6
Figure 2 (Joint number 2) Lap
6
Figure 3 (Joint number 3) Square butt
6
Figure 4 (Joint number 4) Single V butt joint
6
Figure 5 (Joint number 5) Single V butt with root face
6
Figure 6 (Joint number 6) Double V butt with centre root face
7
Figure 7 (Joint number 7) Bell butt joint
7
Figure 8 (Joint number 8) Diminishing butt joint
7
Figure 9 (Joint number 9) Bell T joint
7
Figure 10 (Joint number 10) Saddle T joint
8
Figure 11 (Joint number 11) Short bell branch joint
8
Figure 12 (Joint number 12) Short stub branch joint
8
Figure 13 (Joint number 13) Fabricated Y joint
8
Figure 14 (Joint number 14) Square butt joint in carbon steel
9
Figure 15 (Joint number 15) Examples of straight lap joints
9
Figure 16 (Joint number 16) Examples of T fillet joints in
carbon steel
9
Figure 17 (Joint number 17) Sleeve joint for carbon steel pipes
(strength of the assembly should be of secondary importance)
10
Figure 18 (Joint number 18) Branch T saddle joints between
carbon steel pipes and bars
10
Figure 19 (Joint number 19) Tube-to-plate joint for carbon
steel assemblies
10
Figure 20 (Joint number 20) Butt joint for galvanized carbon
steel pipes
11
Figure 21 Shear V preparation for bronze welding
12
Figure 22 Tensile test piece
13
Figure 23 Cruciform test piece for the tensile testing of T fillet
joints in steel
13

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Page
13
13
4
4
5

Figure 24 Tubes generally not exceeding 75 mm diameter

Figure 25 Tubes exceeding 75 mm diameter
Table 1 Tests for bronze welds in copper
Table 2 Tests for bronze welds in carbon steel
Table 3 Tests for bronze welds in galvanized carbon steel
Table 4 Chemical composition of copper alloy filler rods and
wires (% m/m) as specified in BS 1453
15
Publications referred to
Inside back cover

ii

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Foreword
This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Welding
Standards Policy Committee and supersedes BS 1724:1959 which is now
withdrawn.
In some applications, certain of the tests described in this standard may
necessitate a routine sampling procedure; such a procedure should be agreed
between purchaser and manufacturer at the time of ordering. Attention is drawn
to BS 2635 which covers the drafting of specifications based on limiting the
number of defectives permitted in small samples.
It has been assumed in the drafting of this British Standard that the execution of
its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 16, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
BSI 04-1999

iii

iv

blank

BS 1724:1990

Section 1. General requirements

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for
bronze welding by any of the following combinations
of gases:
a) oxy-acetylene;
b) oxy-hydrogen;
c) oxy-propane.
The parent metals covered are:
1) copper1);
2) carbon steel;
3) galvanized carbon steel;
4) cast iron;
5) malleable iron;
6) combination of any two of 1) to 5).
Section 1 covers general requirements and section 2
covers specific requirements for individual
applications.
NOTE The titles of publications referred to in this standard are
listed on the inside back cover.

2 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the
definitions given in BS 499-1 apply. For convenience
the following definitions from BS 499 are given
below.
2.1
braze welding
the joining of metals using a technique similar to
fusion welding and a filler metal with a lower
melting point than the parent metal, but neither
using capillary action as in brazing nor
intentionally melting the parent metal
NOTE In general the melting point of the filler metal is
above 850 C.

2.2
bronze welding
a form of braze welding in which copper-rich filler
metal is used
NOTE The meaning attached to this term is quite arbitrary,
since bronze is not used. Bronze welding, unlike brazing, does not
depend upon capillary action. It uses a gas welding technique and
the bonding of the joint results from wetting the unmelted
surfaces and inter-diffusion of the filler metal and the parent
metal.

2.3
parent metal
metal to be joined or surfaced by welding, braze
welding or brazing

2.4
filler metal
metal added during welding, braze welding, brazing
or surfacing
2.5
flux
material used during welding, brazing or braze
welding to clean the surfaces of the joint chemically,
to prevent atmospheric oxidation and to reduce
impurities. In arc welding, many other substances,
which perform special functions, are added

3 Basic requirements
3.1 Parts to be joined
The parts shall be thoroughly clean, all surface
scale, dirt, grease, paint, rust or other surface
contamination being carefully removed.
NOTE Appendix A gives recommendations for joint design and
preparation but others may be used.

3.2 Preheating
Where preheating of the parts is required, it shall be
carried out in such a way that the parent metal is
not over-heated, which would cause excessive
surface oxidation of the parent metal or
volatilization of the constituents of the filler metal
when this is applied.
3.3 Flame adjustment
The flame shall be adjusted to a slightly oxidizing
condition.
NOTE This requirement is necessary to minimize volatilization
of the zinc in the filler metal and to minimize porosity in the
resultant joint.

3.4 Flux removal

The removal of flux residues is always desirable,
especially if the type of flux used may promote
subsequent corrosion, and when it is required
subsequently to paint or electroplate the work the
flux residues shall be completely removed.
NOTE 1 Guidance on removal of flux residues is given in
Appendix B.
NOTE 2 Fluxes contain irritant or toxic chemicals and should
therefore be treated with appropriate caution. Irritant fumes can
also be emitted on heating; these fumes should not be inhaled.

4 Operator approval
For the purposes of this standard a bronze welder
shall be considered to be approved if he has either:
a) completed tests detailed in clause 5 a), b)
where relevant, c) and d); or
b) obtained approval in accordance with
BS 1723-4 for an appropriate process.

1)

The process defined in clause 2 can be applied satisfactorily to certain copper alloys but, because special considerations arise
with some other types of copper alloys, the scope of this specification has been limited to the coppers specified in 7.1.

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

5 Examination of bronze welded joints 6.4 Macro-examination of polished sections

The examination of bronze welded joints shall be by
one or more of the following methods:
a) visual examination;
b) non-destructive physical tests on completed
work;
c) macro-examination of polished sections on
prepared samples;
d) destructive tests on prepared samples.
NOTE 1 The purchaser or his representative should specify
which of these are to be carried out.
NOTE 2 By agreement with the contractor, joints from finished
work may be subjected to c) and d).
NOTE 3 The sampling procedure and number of tests should be
the subject of agreement between the purchaser, or his
representative, and the contractor.

6 Test procedures
6.1 General
The methods of test shall be in accordance with
BS 1723-3.
6.2 Visual examination
Visual examination shall, in all cases, be based on
the completed joint, and shall include the heat
affected zone. The weld shall be examined for
regularity of shape and size of deposit, for
cleanliness of the filler metal and for evidence of
porosity. Isolated blowholes or a concentration of
pinholes in the weld metal shall be regarded as
grounds for rejection, but isolated pinholes shall not
be so regarded.
6.3 Non-destructive physical tests on
completed work
Non-destructive physical tests on completed
work include hydraulic or air pressure tests on
complete assemblies and shall comply with the
British Standard or other specification covering the
performance required of the finished article.

Test specimens for macro-examination of polished

sections shall be obtained from sample welds made
by operators who are being tested for their ability to
satisfy the requirements of this standard.
A section or sections shall be cut through the joint
and shall be suitably prepared and polished. The
joint shall show satisfactory penetration, adhesion
and freedom from porosity in all sections examined.
6.5 Destructive tests on sample welds
6.5.1 General
The weld shall comply with BS 1723-3 or
with 6.5.2, 6.5.3 or 6.5.4 as appropriate.
6.5.2 Destructive tests for butt joint in sheet
and plate
When tested in accordance with C.1, failure of the
test piece shall occur clear of the weld and weld
junctions, or if failure occurs in the weld or weld
junctions at a value not less than 90 % of the tensile
strength of the annealed parent metal.
6.5.3 Destructive tests for cruciform test
specimen
When tested in accordance with C.2, failure shall
occur clear of the weld or weld junctions, or if it
occurs in the weld or weld junctions, at a value not
less than 80 % of the tensile strength of the
annealed parent metal.
6.5.4 Destructive test for flattening copper tube
When tested in accordance with C.3, the flattened
copper weld shall show no cracking of the weld
metal or lifting from the pipe wall, evidence of slight
cracking at the doubled portions of the test piece
shall not be a cause of rejection.

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Section 2. Specific requirements

7 Bronze welding of copper
7.1 Parent metal
The parent metal shall comply with one of the
chemical compositions specified in BS 6017.
Tough pitch copper shall not be bronze welded by
the oxy-hydrogen process.
7.2 Filler metal and flux
The filler metal shall be either type C2 or C4 of
BS 1453 (see Appendix D).
A flux shall be used.
NOTE Unless otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the
manufacturer of the filler metal, the flux should comply with the
recommendations of the manufacturer of the filler metal.

7.3 Tests
The various types of joint (see Appendix A) shall be
subjected to the tests given in Table 1. The test
procedure and the results obtained shall comply
with clause 6.

8 Bronze welding of carbon steel

8.1 Parent metal
The parent metal shall be carbon steel containing
all of the following:
a) carbon

0.30 % (m/m) max;

b) sulphur

0.060 % (m/m) max;

c) phosphorus

0.060 % (m/m) max.

NOTE 1 This clause does not specify the parent metal to be

used; for this purpose, reference should be made to the
appropriate British Standard or other specification for material
complying with the above chemical composition.
NOTE 2 Certain alloy steels are also suitable for this process,
which may be used if the purchaser approves. The test
requirements are then outside the scope of this standard and
should be the subject of agreement between purchaser and
contractor.

8.2 Filler metal and flux

The filler metal shall be either type C2 or C5 of
BS 1453 (see Appendix D).
A flux shall be used.
NOTE Unless otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the
manufacturer of the filler metal, the flux should comply with the
recommendations of the manufacturer of the filler metal.

8.3 Tests
The various types of joint (see Appendix A) shall be
subjected to the tests given in Table 2. The testing
procedure and the results obtained shall comply
with clause 6.

BSI 04-1999

9 Bronze welding of galvanized carbon

steel
9.1 Parent metal
The parent metal shall be hot-dipped galvanized
carbon steel containing all of the following:
a) carbon

0.30 % (m/m) max;

b) sulphur

0.060 % (m/m) max;

c) phosphorus

0.060 % (m/m) max.

NOTE This clause does not specify the parent metal to be used;
for this purpose, reference should be made to the appropriate
British Standard or other specification for material complying
with the above chemical composition.

9.2 Filler metal and flux

The filler metal shall be either type C2 or C5 of
BS 1453 (see Appendix D).
A flux shall be used.
NOTE 1 Unless otherwise agreed between the purchaser and
the manufacturer of the filler metal, the flux should comply with
the recommendations of the manufacturer of the filler metal.
NOTE 2 A properly compounded paste flux is desirable, but if
powder flux is used it is recommended that it be applied in the
form of a paste, in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions, to afford maximum protection to the galvanized
coating.

9.3 Tests
The various types of joint (see Appendix A) shall be
subjected to the tests given in Table 3. The testing
procedure and the results obtained shall comply
with clause 6.
Visual examination shall show that the deposit of
filler metal is free from porosity and is merged with
the coating without leaving a zone deprived of zinc.

10 Bronze welding of cast iron

10.1 Parent metal
The parent metal shall be cast iron, including
spheroidal graphite cast iron.
10.2 Filler metal and flux
The filler metal shall be either type C4 or C5 of
BS 1453 (see Appendix D).
A flux shall be used.
NOTE Unless otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the
manufacturer of the filler metal, the flux should comply with the
recommendations of the manufacturer of the filler metal.

BS 1724:1990

Table 1 Tests for bronze welds in copper

Joint number (as in Appendix A)

Type of test applicable (see clause 5)

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

Visual
examination

Non-destructive
physicala

Polished
section

Tensile
(see C.1)

Flattening
(see C.3)

1. Upset butt
2. Lap
3. Square butt

4. V butt
5. V butt
6. Double V butt
7. Bell butt
8. Diminishing butt
9. Bell T

10. Saddle T
11. Short bell branch
12. Short stub branch
13. Fabricated Y

NOTE 1 The symbols and in the table indicate that the test is required or is not applicable respectively.
NOTE 2 Test joints made with weldable fittings may be subjected to the flattening test, but fracture of the fitting below the line of
weld shall not be a cause for rejection.
a

If required by the specification for the completed article.

Table 2 Tests for bronze welds in carbon steel

Joint number (as in Appendix A)

Type of test applicable (see clause 5)

a.

b.

c.

d.

d.

Visual
examination

Non-destructive
physicala

Polished
section

Tensile
(see C.1)

Cruciform
see C.2)

14. Square butt

4. V butt
15. Straight lap

16. T fillet
17. Sleeve
18. Saddle

19. Tube-to-plate

NOTE
a

The symbols and in the table indicate that the test is required or is not applicable respectively.

If required by the specification for the completed article.

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Table 3 Tests for bronze welds in galvanized carbon steel

Joint number (as in Appendix A)

Type of test applicable (see clause 5)

a.

b.

c.

d.

d.

Visual
examination

Non-destructive
physicala

Polished
section

Tensile
(see C.1)

Cruciform
see C.2)

14. Square butt

4. V butt
15. Straight lap

16. T fillet
17. Sleeve
20. Butt

18. Saddle
19. Tube-to-plate

NOTE
a

The symbols and in the table indicate that the test is required or is not applicable respectively.

If required by the specification for the completed article.

10.3 Preheat

12 Bronze welding of dissimilar metals

The temperature of preheat shall not exceed 400 C.

12.1 Parent metal

NOTE The extent of preheating will depend upon the size and
complexity of the casting to be welded. Complete preheating is
usually necessary for complicated castings. Local preheating
should be used for simple fractures, or where total preheating is
impracticable.

The parent metal shall be a combination of any of

the parent metals specified in 7.1, 8.1, 9.1, 10.1,
and 11.1.

10.4 Tests
The joint shall be tested in accordance with 6.2, 6.3
and 6.4.

11 Bronze welding of malleable iron

11.1 Parent metal
The parent metal shall be white heart or black heart
malleable iron.
11.2 Filler metal and flux
The filler metal shall be either type C4 or C5 of
BS 1453 (see Appendix D).
A flux shall be used.

12.2 Filler metal and flux

The filler metal shall be either type C2, C4 or C5 of
BS 1453 (see Appendix D), depending on the metals
to be joined.
A flux shall be used.
NOTE Unless otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the
manufacturer of the filler metal, the flux should comply with the
recommendations of the manufacturer of the filler metal.

12.3 Tests
Only tests common to the clauses covering each
metal to be joined shall be applicable. The testing
procedure and the results obtained shall comply
with clause 6.

NOTE Unless otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the

manufacturer of the filler metal, the flux should comply with the
recommendations of the manufacturer of the filler metal.

11.3 Tests
The joints shall be tested in accordance with 6.2, 6.3
and 6.4.

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Appendix A Recommended forms of

joint for use with bronze welding
NOTE The guidance on joint design given in BS 1723-2 applies
in general to bronze welded joints. Guidance covering capillary
penetration is not applicable.

A.1.4 Joint number 4: single V butt

The joint is shown in Figure 4. It is suitable for sheet
thicknesses greater than 3 mm up to and
including 6 mm.

A.1 Joints for sheets of copper

A.1.1 Joint number 1: upset butt
The joint is shown in Figure 1. It is suitable for sheet
thicknesses from 0.5 mm up to 1 mm.

Figure 4 (Joint number 4) Single

V butt joint
Figure 1 (Joint number 1) Upset butt
A.1.2 Joint number 2: lap
The joint is shown in Figure 2. It is suitable for sheet
thicknesses greater than 1 mm.

A.1.5 Joint number 5: single V butt with root

face
The joint is shown in Figure 5. It is suitable for sheet
thicknesses greater than 6 mm up to and
including 12 mm.

Figure 2 (Joint number 2) Lap

A.1.3 Joint number 3: square butt
The joint is shown in Figure 3. It is suitable for sheet
thicknesses greater than 1 mm.
Figure 5 (Joint number 5) Single V butt
with root face

Figure 3 (Joint number 3) Square butt

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

A.1.6 Joint number 6: double V butt with centre

root face
The joint is shown in Figure 6. It is suitable for plate
thicknesses greater than 12 mm where both sides of
the joint are accessible for double-operator welding.

Figure 6 (Joint number 6) Double V butt

with centre root face
A.2 Joints for tubes and pipes of copper
A.2.1 Butt joints
A.2.1.1 Joint number 7: bell
The joint is shown in Figure 7. The lower pipe is
swaged out to a recommended angle of 45 and the
upper pipe fitted to make contact with the shoulder.

Figure 7 (Joint number 7) Bell butt joint

BSI 04-1999

A.2.1.2 Joint number 8: diminishing

The joint is shown in Figure 8. The pipe of smaller
diameter is swaged out to fit the bore of the larger
pipe. It is inserted to a depth of between 3 mm
and 5 mm.

Figure 8 (Joint number 8) Diminishing

butt joint
A.2.2 T joints
A.2.2.1 Joint number 9: bell
The joint is shown in Figure 9. A small hole is first
to be drilled in the main pipe and its edge swaged
out to form a raised cup set at an angle of 45. The
branch is fitted on to make contact with the
shoulder.

Figure 9 (Joint number 9) Bell T joint

BS 1724:1990

A.2.2.2 Joint number 10: saddle type

The joint is shown in Figure 10. A hole
corresponding to the diameter of the branch pipe is
shaped to make close contact and form a saddle
joint.

A.2.3.2 Joint number 12: short stub

The joint is shown in Figure 12. A hole of suitable
diameter is cut in the main pipe to allow the branch
pipe to make contact and to form a saddle. After
being tacked in position, the welding is completed in
one operation.
NOTE It is recommended that the angle between branch pipe
and main pipe should be not less than 30.

Figure 10 (Joint number 10) Saddle

T joint
A.2.3 Branch joints
A.2.3.1 Joint number 11: short bell
The joint is shown in Figure 11. A small hole is
drilled in the main pipe and its edge swaged out.
The branch pipe is cut at an angle and swaged to
make contact with the shoulder.

Figure 12 (Joint number 12) Short stub

branch joint
A.2.4 Joint number 13: fabricated Y joint
This joint is shown in Figure 13. It is formed by
cutting away two bent pipe ends to their centre
lines, placing the cut edges together and joining
them by welding.

NOTE It is recommended that the angle between the branch

pipe and main pipe should be not less than 30.

Figure 13 (Joint number 13) Fabricated

Y joint

Figure 11 (Joint number 11) Short bell

branch joint

A.2.5 Weldable copper fittings

Any of the forms of joint, detailed in A.2.1 to A.2.4,
i.e. butt, T, saddle, branch and Y, can be produced by
using weldable copper fittings. The weldable fittings
are specially prepared to ensure accurate alignment
and fit of main pipes or branch pipes or both and to
have a suitable recess to accommodate the deposit of
filler metal.
Joints numbers 7, 8, 9, 11 and 13 are suitable for all
diameters and any thickness of pipe.

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Joints numbers 9, 10, 11 and 12 are suitable for

equal or unequal branches.
Joints numbers 10 and 12 are only suitable for pipes
of small diameters and are not recommended for
sanitary systems. The recommended types of T and
branch joints for sanitary systems are joints
numbers 9 and 11 and weldable fittings.
A.3 Joints for sheets of carbon steel
A.3.1 Joint number 14: square butt joint
The joint is shown in Figure 14. It is suitable for
sheet not more than 3 mm thick, the gap being equal
to half the thickness of the sheet.

A.3.2 Joint number 4: V butt joint

The joint is shown in Figure 4. It is suitable for sheet
thicker than 3 mm up to and including 6 mm. The
included angle is 60 to 90 and sharp corners
removed to give a gap not exceeding T.
A.3.3 Joint number 15: straight lap joint
Examples of the joint are shown in Figure 15, there
being one or two fillets of weld metal. This type of
joint is suitable for plates of different thicknesses.
A.3.4 Joint number 16: T fillet joint
Examples of the joint are shown in Figure 16. There
is no thickness limit, the plate thickness may be
unequal, and there may be one or two fillets.

Figure 14 (Joint number 14) Square butt

joint in carbon steel

Figure 15 (Joint number 15) Examples of straight lap joints

Figure 16 (Joint number 16) Examples of T fillet joints in carbon steel

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Figure 17 (Joint number 17) Sleeve joint for carbon steel pipes (strength of the assembly
should be of secondary importance)

Figure 18 (Joint number 18) Branch T saddle joints between carbon steel pipes and bars
A.4 Joints for tubes and pipes in carbon steel
A.4.1 Joint number 17: sleeve joint
The joint is shown in Figure 17. The strength of
these joints is assumed to be of secondary
importance, and subject to this consideration no
dimensional limits are specified.
A.4.2 Joint number 18: saddle joint
The joint is shown in Figure 18. These joints may be
made either without or with a hole in the main pipe,
depending on whether the pipes are used for
structural purposes or for conveying liquids or
gases. The use of a hole in the main pipe is
recommended even for structural work.

10

A.4.3 Joint number 19: tube-to-plate joint

The joint is shown in Figure 19.

Figure 19 (Joint number 19) Tube-to-plate

joint for carbon steel assemblies

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

A.5 Joints for sheets of galvanized carbon

steel
A.5.1 Joint number 14: square butt joint
The joint is shown in Figure 14. It is suitable for
sheet thicknesses less than 3 mm, the gap G being
equal to half the thickness of the sheet.
A.5.2 Joint number 4: V butt joint
The joint is shown in Figure 4. It is suitable for sheet
thicknesses greater than 3 mm up to and
including 6 mm. The included angle is 60 to 90
and sharp corners are, removed to give a gap not
exceeding ! T.
A.5.3 Joint number 15: straight lap joint
Examples of the joint are shown in Figure 15, there
being one or two fillets of weld metal. This type of
joint is suitable for plates of different thicknesses.
A.5.4 Joint number 16: T fillet joint
Examples of the joint are shown in Figure 16. There
is no thickness limit; the plate thickness may be
unequal, and there may be one or two fillets.
A.6 Joints for tubes and pipes of galvanized
carbon steel
A.6.1 Joint number 17: sleeve joint
This joint is shown in Figure 17. The strength of
these joints is assumed to be of secondary
importance, and consequently no dimensional limits
are specified.
A.6.2 Joint number 20: butt joint
The joint is shown in Figure 20. It is suitable for
pipes with a wall thickness exceeding 3 mm. The
width of the weld reinforcement is to be not less
than 2 T.

A.6.3 Joint number 18: saddle joint

The joint is shown in Figure 18. These joints may be
made either with or without a hole in the main pipe,
depending on whether the pipes are used for
structural purposes or for conveying liquids or
gases.
A.6.4 Joint number 19: tube-to-plate joint
The joint is shown in Figure 19. Great care has to be
taken to avoid damage to the galvanized coating.
NOTE In view of the possibility of destruction of the galvanized
coating by flame-cutting, preparation of joints for the bronze
welding of galvanized carbon steel should be by mechanical
methods.

A.7 Joints for bronze welding of cast iron

It is not possible to detail forms of joint for the
bronze welding of cast iron, owing to the variety of
applications which occur in practice. The method of
joint preparation employed should, therefore, be
agreed by the designer and the contractor. In
preparing the joint attention should be given to the
following recommendations.
a) Cleanliness should extend to the full depth of
the crack or fracture, and to a distance of not less
than 12 mm on both sides of the V.
b) The final treatment of the joint should be
carried out by machining, chiselling, filing or shot
blasting. A ground finish is not recommended.
c) Sharp corners should be removed where there
is any danger of local over-heating.
d) The minimum angle of the V should be 60.
e) The surface to which the filler metal is applied
should be as large as possible. For example, the
shear V form (see Figure 21) should be used
where possible.
A.8 Joints for bronze welding of malleable iron
It is impracticable to detail the form of joint for the
bronze welding of malleable iron but the
recommendations of A.7 should be followed.
A.9 Joints for bronze welding of dissimilar
metals
It is not possible to detail the form of joint but it
should generally follow the requirements for the
parent metals involved.

Appendix B Removal of flux residues

Figure 20 (Joint number 20) Butt joint for

galvanized carbon steel pipes

BSI 04-1999

The removal of flux residues may be carried out by

any of the following methods:
a) grit blasting (not suitable for galvanized pipe);
b) shot blasting (not suitable for galvanized pipe);
c) soaking for 5 min in a 5 % (v/v) phosphoric acid
solution raised to boiling point, and subsequently
rinsing in fresh cold water;

11

BS 1724:1990

NOTE

All edges radiused.

Figure 21 Shear V preparation for bronze welding

d) where no harmful results can occur, flux
removal is assisted by quenching the work in
water as soon as the filler metal has solidified.
Where a borax-type flux has been used and it is not
possible to loosen the residue by quenching in water
immediately after bronze welding, prolonged boiling
in water, or a short period of pickling in
cold 5 % (v/v) sulphuric acid will usually be
necessary. It is essential that the use of acid be
followed by thorough washing in hot water. If
solution methods fail to remove a borax-type flux
residue, mechanical means such as grit or shot
blasting will be necessary.
Further advice on flux removal is given in
BS 1723-2.

C.2 Tensile test on cruciform test speciment

(sheet or plate)
Make a cruciform test piece from material equal in
thickness to that to be used on a particular
fabrication to the dimensions shown in Figure 23.
Load the test piece until failure of the test piece
occurs.
C.3 Flattening test on copper tube
Use a test specimen representative of the work to be
undertaken and which consists of two short lengths
of pipe or tube welded together. The length of each
pipe is twice the diameter, with a minimum length
of 100 mm. Flatten the welded joint in a vice until
the inner walls are substantially in contact
(see Figure 24).

Appendix C Destructive tests for

bronze welds

NOTE When pipes exceed 75 mm diameter, the test piece may

be cut in half and each half flattened as shown in Figure 25.

C.1 Tensile test on butt joint in sheet and plate

Prepare a test piece as shown in Figure 22 and leave
it in the as welded condition without dressing.
Load the test piece until failure of the test piece
occurs.

12

BSI 04-1999

BS 1724:1990

Figure 22 Tensile test piece

Figure 23 Cruciform test piece for the tensile testing of T fillet joints in steel

Figure 25 Tubes exceeding 75 mm

diameter

Figure 24 Tubes generally not

exceeding 75 mm diameter

BSI 04-1999

13

BS 1724:1990

Appendix D Filler metals

While the chemical composition and other
requirements for the filler metal referred to in this
standard are not part of the specification, the
chemical compositions given in BS 1453 are
reproduced in Table 4 for information.

14

BSI 04-1999

 BSI 04-1999

Table 4 Chemical composition of copper alloy filler rods and wires (% m/m) as specified in BS 1453
Filler rod

Copper
min.

max.

Nickel
min.

max.

Silicon
min.

max.

Tin
max.

Manganese
min.

max.

Iron
min.

max.

Aluminium

Lead

max.

max.

Zinc

C2

58.5

61.5

0.2

0.5

0.5

0.03

0.03

the remainder

C4

58.5

61.5

0.15

0.3

0.5

0.05

0.25

0.5

0.03

0.03

the remainder

C5

46.0

50.0

8.0

11.0

0.15

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.03

0.03

the remainder

BS 1724:1990

15

16

blank

BS 1724:1990

Publications referred to
BS 499, Welding terms and symbols.
BS 499-1, Glossary for welding, brazing and thermal cutting.
BS 1453, Specification for filler materials for gas welding.
BS 1723, Brazing.
BS 1723-2, Guide to brazing.
BS 1723-3, Methods for non-destructive and destructive testing.
BS 1723-4, Methods for specifying brazing procedure and operator approval testing.
BS 2635, Drafting specifications based on limiting the number of defectives permitted in small samples2).
BS 6017, Specification for copper refinery shapes.

2) Referred

to in the foreword only.

BSI 04-1999

BSI
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

BSI British Standards Institution

BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards. It
presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level. It is
incorporated by Royal Charter.
Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British Standards
should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services. We
would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this
British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee responsible,
the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover. Tel: 020 8996 9000.
Fax: 020 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures that
subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.
In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the BSI
implementation of those that have been published as British Standards, unless
otherwise requested.
Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and international
standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters Service. Various
BSI electronic information services are also available which give details on all its
products and services. Contact the Information Centre. Tel: 020 8996 7111.
Fax: 020 8996 7048.
Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments and
receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details of
these and other benefits contact Membership Administration. Tel: 020 8996 7002.
Fax: 020 8996 7001.
Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the UK, of
the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as permitted
under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic,
photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission from BSI.
This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
written permission of BSI must be obtained.
If permission is granted, the terms may include royalty payments or a licensing
agreement. Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright Manager.
Tel: 020 8996 7070.