ASTM B813-16

Standard Specification for Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube

ABSTRACT
This guide establishes the requirements and test methods for liquid and paste fluxes for joining by soldering of copper and copper alloy tube and fittings in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, mechanical, fire sprinkler, and other similar systems. There shall be a clear indication that in the areas of flux reaction, the sheets shall show a corrosion and residue-free surface comparable with the unwetted areas as determined by visual inspection. Samples of flux taken for the purpose of the tests listed in this specification shall be selected from the stock of the manufacturer and shall be representative of the material being evaluated. The specimen shall undergo the spreading test wherein the oven shall be equipped with a sight glass for visible control of the melting of the solder. The specimen shall then pass the aggressiveness test wherein the aggressiveness of the flux is determined by means of a resistivity test of an aqueous solution of the flux residue. The conductivity cell to be used shall be kept immersed in distilled water at ambient temperature for a given minimum number of hours before use. Resistivity tests shall be performed for both soldered and unsoldered specimen. The specimen shall then undergo corrosive test by being dipped onto ethanol.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements and test methods for liquid and paste fluxes for joining by soldering of copper and copper alloy tube and fittings in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, mechanical, fire sprinkler, and other similar systems.
Note 1: This specification does not apply to fluxes intended for electronic applications.  
1.2 Solder fluxes are to be tested in accordance with the requirements of this specification by an independent testing laboratory. Testing, measuring equipment, and inspection facilities shall be of sufficient accuracy and quality to comply with the requirements of this specification.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 The following hazard caveat pertains to Sections 11 – 19. This standard does not purport to address the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2016
• ICS: 25.160.50 - Brazing and soldering
• Technical Committee: B05 - Copper and Copper Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B05.04 - Pipe and Tube

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B813-10 - Standard Specification for Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM B280-23 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B152/B152M-19 - Standard Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B280-19 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19a - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM B846-19 - Standard Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM B280-18 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B88M-18 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B88M-16 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM B88-16 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM B280-16 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1200-10(2014) - Standard Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM B88-14 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2014
• Refers: ASTM B88M-13 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube [Metric]
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM B280-13 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013

Overview

ASTM B813-16 is the recognized standard specification for liquid and paste fluxes used in the soldering of copper and copper alloy tubes and fittings. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines fundamental requirements and test methods to ensure that fluxes perform effectively and safely in joining processes for plumbing, heating, air conditioning, mechanical, and fire sprinkler systems-among other similar uses. This specification aims to guarantee high-quality joints, minimize corrosion, and improve reliability within water supply, HVAC, and related systems by prescribing flux characteristics, performance tests, and compatibility criteria.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: Covers liquid and paste fluxes for soldering copper and copper alloys in tubes and fittings commonly used in plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, and fire protection systems. It specifically does not cover fluxes for electronics.
• Flux Performance Requirements: Ensures that fluxes
  • Adequately remove oxides from copper surfaces.
  • Remain active across the soldering temperature range.
  • Allow proper wetting and spreading of solder.
  • Leave minimal, non-corrosive, and water-flushable residue.
  • Are compatible with potable water systems by limiting toxicity and restricting lead content.
• Testing Methods: Details standardized test procedures such as:
  • Spreading factor tests to measure solder wettability.
  • Aggressiveness tests using resistivity of flux residue aqueous solutions.
  • Corrosiveness assessments by visual inspection and copper strip test methods.
  • Viscosity measurements using a Ford viscosity cup.
  • Residue flushing efficiency to ensure post-solder cleanliness.

Applications

The ASTM B813-16 standard is integral to industries and professionals involved in:

• Plumbing: Ensures safe, reliable joints in potable water and distribution systems.
• Heating and Air Conditioning: Used in assembling and maintaining HVAC copper piping for system durability.
• Fire Sprinkler Systems: Supports integrity and longevity of critical safety infrastructure.
• Mechanical Systems: Provides guidelines for joining processes in a range of building services and industrial piping systems.

Practical value: By complying with this standard, manufacturers, contractors, and inspectors can assure:

• Consistent flux performance.
• Reduced risk of corrosion or contamination within copper tubing systems.
• Adherence to regulatory and health-related constraints, such as maximum lead content and prevention of toxic residue.

Related Standards

• ASTM B32: Specification for Solder Metal-defining compatible solder materials.
• ASTM B88 / B88M: Specifications for seamless copper water tubes (both Imperial and metric).
• ASTM B152 / B152M: Specification for copper sheet, strip, plate, and rolled bar-applicable to test sheet requirements.
• ASTM B280: Specification for seamless copper tube for air conditioning and refrigeration field service.
• ASTM B846: Terminology for copper and copper alloys.
• ASTM D130: Test method for corrosiveness to copper-relevant for corrosion testing of fluxes.
• ASTM D1200: Test method for viscosity by Ford viscosity cup.

For a complete, reliable joining process in copper piping systems, using fluxes compliant with ASTM B813-16 assures safety, quality, and regulatory alignment in all relevant applications.

Keywords: ASTM B813, liquid fluxes, paste fluxes, soldering copper, soldering copper alloy tubes, plumbing flux standard, HVAC soldering, fire sprinkler flux specification, lead-free flux, copper tube soldering flux, corrosion resistance, flux residue flushing, flux testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:B813 −16
Standard Specification for
Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering of Copper and
Copper Alloy Tube
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B813; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
This specification covers a series of specific requirements for liquid and paste fluxes. It also
incorporates a series of test methods that establish the procedures on how to measure these properties.
Theformatofthisspecificationinitiallydefinesthespecificationrequirementsfollowedbythespecific
test methods in the order in which they are to be performed.
1. Scope* 2.2 ASTM Standards:
B32 Specification for Solder Metal
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements and test
B88 Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube
methods for liquid and paste fluxes for joining by soldering of
B88M Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube (Met-
copper and copper alloy tube and fittings in plumbing, heating,
ric)
air conditioning, mechanical, fire sprinkler, and other similar
B152/B152M Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate,
systems.
and Rolled Bar
NOTE 1—This specification does not apply to fluxes intended for
B280 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Con-
electronic applications.
ditioning and Refrigeration Field Service
1.2 Solder fluxes are to be tested in accordance with the
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
requirements of this specification by an independent testing
D130 Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from Petro-
laboratory. Testing, measuring equipment, and inspection fa-
leum Products by Copper Strip Test
cilities shall be of sufficient accuracy and quality to comply
D1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
with the requirements of this specification.
2.3 Other:
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
3. General Requirements
1.4 The following hazard caveat pertains to Sections 11 –
3.1 The flux shall be suitable for joining copper tube and
19. This standard does not purport to address the safety
fittings by soldering in the size ranges shown in Table 1 of
problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
Specifications B88 and B88M and Tables 4 and 5 of Specifi-
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
cation B280.
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
3.2 The flux shall remain active over the temperature range
limitations prior to use.
of the soldering operation, removing and excluding oxides
from the metal surfaces in the joint.
2. Referenced Documents
3.3 The flux shall be suitable for use with all solders listed
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the
in Table 5 of Specification B32 as well as the more recently
date of materials purchase form a part of this specification to
the extent referenced herein:
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of Committee B05 on Copper and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
CopperAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe and contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Tube. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2016. Published May 2016. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B813 – 10. DOI: Available from U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street,
10.1520/B0813-16. NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, www.gpo.gov.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B813−16
developed solder alloys suitable for the applications in the 7. Corrosiveness Requirements
scope of this specification.
7.1 There shall be a clear indication that in the areas of flux
3.4 The flux shall allow the solder to adequately wet and reaction, the sheets shall show a corrosion and residue-free
spread on the surfaces being soldered. surface comparable with the unwetted areas as determined by
visual inspection in accordance with Section 17.
3.5 The flux residue shall be water flushable after soldering
as specified in accordance with Sections 7 and 9. 7.2 Corrosiveness shall be reported in accordance with one
of the classifications listed as follows (see Test Method D130):
3.6 The flux residue shall not be corrosive or toxic after
Classification Description
soldering potable water systems.
3.7 The flux shall not release toxic fumes during the 1 Slight tarnish
2 Moderate tarnish
soldering operation or corrosive or toxic substances into the
3 Dark tarnish
water inside or outside the completed system.
8. Viscosity Requirements
3.8 The flux shall adhere to the copper and copper alloys
under anticipated temperature, joint geometry, joint position,
8.1 The viscosity of liquid fluxes shall be less than 180 s as
job site, and weather conditions.
determined using a No. 2 Ford flow cup in accordance with
Section 18.
3.9 The flux shall not contain more than 0.2 % lead in
accordance with the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking
9. Residue Flushing Requirements
Water Act.
9.1 Flushing of the residue shall be determined by weight
3.10 In the case of Tinning flux, if the unalloyed flux meets
loss.
the requirements of this specification, then the Tinning flux
shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this specification.
9.2 The loss of weight of each sheet shall be determined by
comparing the average weight before and after the test proce-
4. Terminology
dure. The weight loss of the flux residue shall be more than
99 % in accordance with Section 19.
4.1 For terms related to copper and copper alloys, refer to
Terminology B846 for terms specific to this standard.
c 2 a
~ !
% Weight Loss d 5 100 2 3100 (2)
~ !
b 2 a
4.2 Definitions: ~ !
4.2.1 flux, n—a chemically active substance that is used to
where:
remove and exclude oxides from the joint area during heating
a = weight of degreased, flushing-test sheet, g;
and that ensures that the melted solder will wet the surfaces to
b = weight of degreased, flushing-test sheet plus the weight
be joined.
of applied flux, g; and
4.2.2 tinning flux, n—a flux as described in 4.2.1, containing
c = weight of dried, flushing-test sheet after flushing, g.
tinalloypowderatamaximumlevelof10 %byweightofflux.
10. Sampling
5. Spreading Factor
10.1 Samples of flux taken for the purpose of the tests listed
5.1 Spreading of the solder is determined by measuring the
in this specification shall be selected from the stock of the
height (h) of a solder bead on a standard test sheet following
manufacturer and shall be representative of the material being
the specified heating cycle. Spread factor (SF) is calculated as
evaluated.
follows:
11. Specimen Preparation
SF 5 100 1.0 2 h (1)
~ !
11.1 Standard Quantity of Solder Metal—A standard quan-
where:
tity of solder metal shall be a sample of 60:40 tin-lead (Alloy
h = the maximum height of the solder bead, mm.
Grade Sn60), measuring 6.0 mm in diameter by 0.86 mm in
5.2 A flux is considered to have acceptably influenced the
thickness, weighing approximately 0.21 g, that has been
spreading of solder on the copper surfaces when the average
degreased with trichloroethylene.
spreading factor is at least 50 (see Section 13).
11.2 Standard Quantity of Flux—Astandard quantity of flux
5.3 The spreading test shall show a balanced action by
shall be 0.003 mL as measured by a precision pipet or other
forming a regular and even solder layer.
volumetric measuring devices with equivalent precision.
11.2.1 Standard Quantity of Tinning Flux—A standard
6. Aggressiveness Requirements
quantity of Tinning flux shall be the same as described in 11.2,
6.1 From a standard test sheet on which a specimen has with a maximum of 10 % tinning powder added to it.
been prepared with solder (see Section 15), the resistivity of
11.3 Standard Test Sheet—A standard test sheet shall be a
the aqueous solution shall be more than 100 000 Ω cm.
piece of copper 35 by 35 by 1 mm thick of Copper UNS No.
6.2 From a standard test sheet on which a specimen has C12200 (deoxidized high residual phosphorus) produced in
beenpreparedwithoutsolder(seeSection16),theresistivityof accordance with Specification B152/B152M.
the aqueous solution shall be more than 85 000 Ω cm. 11.3.1 Preparation:
B813−16
11.3.1.1 The sheet is abraded three times with a waterproof The oven shall be equipped with a sight glass for visible
sand or emery paper (Grit No. 360), each time perpendicular to control of the melting of the solder. It shall be possible to
the previous direction. One corner of each test sheet shall be measure the oven temperature in close proximity to the test
bent upwards to permit handling. It is degreased with calcium sheet. The test sheet shall be capable of being placed in the
carbonate mixed with water to a paste consistency with which oven and removed from it exactly horizontally. To reduce
the test sheet is rubbed using a wad of cotton. The residue is cooling when the preheated test sheet is removed from the
flushed off by a strong jet of tap water. The test sheet is oven, it is placed on a plate in an exact horizontal position so
considered to be degreased when it is completely moistened by astobepushedinandout.Theovenmustbeeasytoheattothe
water when flushed. preset temperature.
11.3.1.2 In any of the following steps in which the test
13.2.2 Gilson Precision Pipet,3to25µL.
sheets must be handled, use forceps or laboratory tongs. The
13.3 Spreading Factor Procedure:
sheet is then etched for 15 s in an etching solution formulated
13.3.1 Thespreadingfactortestspecimenistheconditionof
as follows:
the standard test sheet with a standard quantity of flux having
(a) Etching Solution—(1-Letching solution contains 200-g
been heated to 275°C for 30 s in the oven. Immediately
chromic acid anhydride (CrO ) and 125-mL sulfuric acid
afterwards, a standard quantity of solder metal is placed over
(specific gravity 1.84) reagent grade, balance distilled water,
the liquid flux and the test specimen is replaced in the oven. In
diluted to 1 L.)
the case of Tinning flux, specimen should be prepared without
(b) Finally, the sheet is rinsed thoroughly with distilled
tinning powder added to the base flux.
water (60 to 70°C), immersed in ethanol (ACS Grade), and
13.3.2 The period for which the test sheet shall be outside
allowed to dry.
the oven for application of the solder metal shall not exceed
11.4 Resistivity Test Specimen—The resistivity test speci-
10 s.
men is the condition of the standard test sheet on which have
13.3.3 Remove test sheet from the ethanol, allow to dry, and
been deposited standard quantities of flux and solder metal
apply a standard quantity of flux. Spread the flux with a
before they are placed in the oven. In the case of Tinning flux,
standard quantity of solder metal to an area of about 15 mm in
specimen should be prepared without tinning powder added to
diameter and then remove the solder metal.
the base flux.
13.3.4 Heat the test
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B813 − 10 B813 − 16
Standard Specification for
Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering of Copper and
Copper Alloy Tube
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B813; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
This specification covers a series of specific requirements for liquid and paste fluxes. It also
incorporates a series of test methods that establish the procedures on how to measure these properties.
The format of this specification initially defines the specification requirements followed by the specific
test methods in the order in which they are to be performed.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification establishes the requirements and test methods for liquid and paste fluxes for joining by soldering of copper
and copper alloy tube and fittings in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, mechanical, fire sprinkler, and other similar systems.
NOTE 1—This specification does not apply to fluxes intended for electronic applications.
1.2 Solder fluxes are to be tested in accordance with the requirements of this specification by an independent testing laboratory.
Testing, measuring equipment, and inspection facilities shall be of sufficient accuracy and quality to comply with the requirements
of this specification.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.4 The following hazard caveat pertains to Sections 11 – 19.This standard does not purport to address the safety problems, if
any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the date of materials purchase form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B32 Specification for Solder Metal
B88 Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube
B88M Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube (Metric)
B152/B152M Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar
B280 Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service
B846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys
D130 Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from Petroleum Products by Copper Strip Test
D1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
This specification is under the jurisdiction of Committee B05 on Copper and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe and Tube.
Current edition approved April 1, 2010May 1, 2016. Published April 2010May 2016. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20092010 as
B813 – 00B813 – 10. (2009). DOI: 10.1520/B0813-10.10.1520/B0813-16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B813 − 16
2.3 Other:
1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act
3. General Requirements
3.1 The flux shall be suitable for joining copper tube and fittings by soldering in the size ranges shown in Table 1 of
Specifications B88 and B88M and Tables 4 and 5 of Specification B280.
3.2 The flux shall remain active over the temperature range of the soldering operation, removing and excluding oxides from the
metal surfaces in the joint.
3.3 The flux shall be suitable for use with all solders listed in Table 5 of Specification B32 as well as the more recently
developed solder alloys suitable for the applications in the scope of this specification.
3.4 The flux shall allow the solder to adequately wet and spread on the surfaces being soldered.
3.5 The flux residue shall be water flushable after soldering as specified in accordance with Sections 7 and 9.
3.6 The flux residue shall not be corrosive or toxic after soldering potable water systems.
3.7 The flux shall not release toxic fumes during the soldering operation or corrosive or toxic substances into the water inside
or outside the completed system.
3.8 The flux shall adhere to the copper and copper alloys under anticipated temperature, joint geometry, joint position, job site,
and weather conditions.
3.9 The flux shall not contain more than 0.2 % lead in accordance with the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act.
3.10 In the case of Tinning flux, if the unalloyed flux meets the requirements of this specification, then the Tinning flux shall
be deemed to meet the requirements of this specification.
4. Terminology
4.1 For terms related to copper and copper alloys, refer to Terminology B846 for terms specific to this standard.
4.2 Definitions:
4.2.1 flux, n—a chemically active substance that is used to remove and exclude oxides from the joint area during heating and
that ensures that the melted solder will wet the surfaces to be joined.
4.2.2 tinning flux, n—a flux as described in 4.2.1, containing tin alloy powder at a maximum level of 10 % by weight of flux.
5. Spreading Factor
5.1 Spreading of the solder is determined by measuring the height (h) of a solder bead on a standard test sheet following the
specified heating cycle. Spread factor (SF) is calculated as follows:
SF 5 100 1.0 2 h (1)
~ !
where:
h = the maximum height of the solder bead, mm.
5.2 A flux is considered to have acceptably influenced the spreading of solder on the copper surfaces when the average spreading
factor is at least 50 (see Section 13).
5.3 The spreading test shall show a balanced action by forming a regular and even solder layer.
6. Aggressiveness Requirements
6.1 From a standard test sheet on which a specimen has been prepared with solder (see Section 15), the resistivity of the aqueous
solution shall be more than 100 000 Ω cm.
6.2 From a standard test sheet on which a specimen has been prepared without solder (see Section 16), the resistivity of the
aqueous solution shall be more than 85 000 Ω cm.
7. Corrosiveness Requirements
7.1 There shall be a clear indication that in the areas of flux reaction, the sheets shall show a corrosion and residue-free surface
comparable with the unwetted areas as determined by visual inspection in accordance with Section 17.
7.2 Corrosiveness shall be reported in accordance with one of the classifications listed as follows (see Test Method D130):
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, www.gpo.gov.
B813 − 16
Classification Description
1 Slight tarnish
1 Slight tarnish
2 Moderate tarnish
2 Moderate tarnish
3 Dark tarnish
3 Dark tarnish
8. Viscosity Requirements
8.1 The viscosity of liquid fluxes shall be less than 180 s as determined using a No. 2 Ford flow cup in accordance with Section
18.
9. Residue Flushing Requirements
9.1 Flushing of the residue shall be determined by weight loss.
9.2 The loss of weight of each sheet shall be determined by comparing the average weight before and after the test procedure.
The weight loss of the flux residue shall be more than 99 % in accordance with Section 19.
c 2 a
~ !
% Weight Loss ~d! 5 100 2 3100 (2)
~b 2a!
where:
a = weight of degreased, flushing-test sheet, g;
b = weight of degreased, flushing-test sheet plus the weight of applied flux, g; and
c = weight of dried, flushing-test sheet after flushing, g.
10. Sampling
10.1 Samples of flux taken for the purpose of the tests listed in this specification shall be selected from the stock of the
manufacturer and shall be representative of the material being evaluated.
11. Specimen Preparation
11.1 Standard Quantity of Solder Metal—A standard quantity of solder metal shall be a sample of 60:40 tin-lead (Alloy Grade
Sn60), measuring 6.0 mm in diameter by 0.86 mm in thickness, weighing approximately 0.21 g, that has been degreased with
trichloroethylene.
11.2 Standard Quantity of Flux—A standard quantity of flux shall be 0.003 mL as measured by a precision pipet or other
volumetric measuring devices with equivalent precision.
11.2.1 Standard Quantity of Tinning Flux—A standard quantity of Tinning flux shall be the same as described in 11.2, with a
maximum of 10 % tinning powder added to it.
11.3 Standard Test Sheet—A standard test sheet shall be a piece of copper 35 by 35 by 1 mm thick of Copper UNS No. C12200
(deoxidized high residual phosphorus) produced in accordance with SpecificationsSpecification B152/B152M.
11.3.1 Preparation:
11.3.1.1 The sheet is abraded three times with a waterproof sand or emery paper (Grit No. 360), each time perpendicular to the
previous direction. One corner of each test sheet shall be bent upwards to permit handling. It is degreased with calcium carbonate
mixed with water to a paste consistency with which the test sheet is rubbed using a wad of cotton. The residue is flushed off by
a strong jet of tap water. The test sheet is considered to be degreased when it is completely moistened by water when flushed.
11.3.1.2 In any of the following steps in which the test sheets must be handled, use forceps or laboratory tongs. The sheet is
then etched for 15 s in an etching solution formulated as follows:
(a)Etching Solution—(1-L etching solution contains 200-g chromic acid anhydride (CrO ) and 125-mL sulfuric acid (specific
gravity 1.84) reagent grade, balance distilled water, diluted to 1 L.)
(a) Etching Solution—(1-L etching solution contains 200-g chromic acid anhydride (CrO ) and 125-mL sulfuric acid (specific
gravity 1.84) reagent grade, balance distilled water, diluted to 1 L.)
(b) Finally, the sheet is rinsed thoroughly with distilled water (60 to 70°C), immersed in ethanol (ACS Grade), and allowed
to dry.
(b) Finally, the sheet is rinsed thoroughly with distilled water (60 to 70°C), immersed in ethanol (ACS Grade), and allowed to
dry.
11.4 Resistivity Test Specimen—The resistivity test specimen is the condition of the standard test sheet on which have been
deposited standard quantities of flux and solder metal before they are placed in the oven. In the case of Tinning flux, specimen
should be prepared without tinning powder added to the base flux.
11.4.1 Preparation:
B813 − 16
11.4.1.1 Remove test sheet from the liquid ethanol, allow to dry, and apply a standard quantity of flux. With a standard quantity
of solder metal, spread the flux to an area of about 15 mm 15 mm in diameter.
11.4.1.2 Place the test sheet with flux and solder metal in the oven where it remains for 3 min at a temperature of 275°C from
the time the solder melts. Remove the specimen and allow to cool to room temperature.
11.5 Flushing-Test Sheet—The flushing-test sheet is a piece of copper 100 by 100 by 1.0 mm thick of Copper UNS No. C12200
(deoxidized high residual phosphorus) produced in accordance with SpecificationsSpecification B152/B152M.
11.5.1 Preparation:
11.5.1.1 The copper sheets shall have raised edges of 3 or 4 mm 4 mm to avoid loss of flux. The sheets shall be degreased with
trichloroethylene, flushed with water, and dried at a temperature of 50°C. Every sheet shall be weighed to 10-mg accuracy using
a standard laboratory balance.
12. Test Methods
12.1 The propert
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