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copper
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:51 am
by johnp
okay, starting to do some plumbing. what type of copper should i use? i will be connecting the main steam,exhaust to stack, and feed water pumps. with flared ends.
Re: copper
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 5:29 am
by fredrosse
I would recommend you use "Type K" copper (heavy wall) tubing for feedwater, "Type L" for exhaust. Better to use steel for the main steam line, with a WW Grainger Flex Bellows in the line to relieve strain from thermal expansion, etc. Copper should not be used for any service that could approach 400F.
Re: copper
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 4:27 pm
by barts
I've used 3/8" refrigeration tubing w/ compression fittings for cold water plumbing; with small plants there's no need for more. You can use flares if you like, but they're not required. For any copper w/ steam (I have oil burner steam plumbing) , compression fittings will end up leaking, so flare those. For the safety exhaust up the stack I just use type L copper house piping - simple.
I use flexible connections between the engine and boiler. Everything moves in a boat, either when underway or when trailering, and you don't want the steam piping to fight that.
- Bart