Hakko N2 System

[Theboel]

Dear All,

I seen in the hakko website they have a nitrogen system soldering kit
http://www.hakko.com/english/n2system/
sample of the system are like this :
http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fm2026.html
the cost and complexity of the system is "extra ordinary" to me but I like to now maybe someone can shed a light a first hand experience or opinion about this soldering system.

Thank You

[BradC]

It makes perfect sense.

With the increase in temperature required for lead free solder, and the lower resistance of lead free solder to oxidation having an oxygen reduced environment is likely to significantly reduce joint/solder/tip damage due to oxides.

Same as back-purging when TIG welding, or puring with inert gas when brazing copper. I keep a cylinder of Nitrogen around for both (nitrogen is cheaper than Argon for purging, leaving more Argon for welding). If I had a lead on a cost effective N2 generator I'd swap out my Nitrogen bottle in a heartbeat. I'd imagine for continuous use like soldering, the only cost effective method is a generator.

[TheAmmoniacal]

I would be very sceptical about the claims of the N2 generator, separating N2 and O2 is not trivial, yet they claim 99.9% N2 from regular compressed air? How?

https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx780.html

[BradC]

I would be very sceptical about the claims of the N2 generator, separating N2 and O2 is not trivial, yet they claim 99.9% N2 from regular compressed air? How?

https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx780.html

PSA (Pressure Swing Absorption). Not very efficient but extremely effective.
I used some cheap zeolite and PVC plumbing fittings to get >75% O2 from compressed air in an afternoon. With the right adsorbent and a tuned system >99% is routinely achieved in industry.

[Theboel]

Hi All,

Beside hakko Goot/Taiyo Yuden also has same system and I found its more simple and cheap ( not sure)
http://www.surclean.co.uk/product.aspx?id=355

I like to see what exactly advantages / disadvantages using this system

The ersa brand has this video :


What do You think ?

[Tac Eht Xilef]

I would be very sceptical about the claims of the N2 generator, separating N2 and O2 is not trivial, yet they claim 99.9% N2 from regular compressed air? How?

https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx780.html

Actually, it is pretty trivial - membrane separator cartridges have gotten relatively cheap ($x00 vs $x000), last practically forever, and at low flow rates can easily reach 99%+ N2.