What is the right gas for my torch?
For the solar installer doing a small amount of work with a torch is part of the territory. Whether it is using copper pipes for a glycol installation or tying into the existing lines many jobs require that you have to solder to finish the job. There are a couple of different gases out there available for soldering but which one is right for the job?
In general the choice is between propane and MAPP (Acetylene requires mixing so therefore is not a viable choice for on-site work). MAPP gas burns hotter than propane enabling you to solder faster. Faster soldering means less time on the job. This higher heat is also a necessity (or nearly so) on pipe sizes greater than ¾” in diameter. This means any time you are soldering on the collector headers you should be using MAPP gas. Propane can be used effectively on the smaller diameter lines particularly with ½” diameter and smaller.
If you are currently using propane I would encourage you on your next visit to pick up a canister to try MAPP. You will be glad you did.