what is the use of copper tube

Copper pipes are widely used in air conditioning because:

• Copper is an excellent thermal conductor
• Copper pipes are strong and easy to solder
• Copper is more economical than other metals with similar properties
• Copper is very good at resisting corrosion

Full Answer

What is the use of copper tubing in plumbing?

Copper tubing. Copper tubing is most often used for the supply of hot and cold tap water, and as a refrigerant line in HVAC systems.

What is the use of co-copper tubing?

Copper tubing is most often used for supply of hot and cold tap water, and as refrigerant line in HVAC systems. There are two basic types of copper tubing, soft copper and rigid copper. Copper tubing is joined using flare connection, compression connection, or solder. Copper offers a high level of corrosion resistance, but is becoming very costly.

What is the purpose of the copper tube in refrigeration system?

In order to prevent the refrigerant from absorbing unnecessary heat from the ambient, the copper tube is insulated between the evaporator and the compressor at the low pressure side of the system.

What is long lasting copper tube?

Long lasting copper tube is a favorite choice for plumbing, heating, cooling and other systems. In the United States, it is manufactured to meet the requirements of specifications established by ASTM International.

Why copper tubes are used in AC?

Copper as a metal has highly anti-corrosive properties compared to aluminium. During the cooling process, pipes comes in contact with air which causes oxidation within these pipes. Copper can better handle oxidation and corrosion for longer periods ultimately gives air conditioners a longer lifespan.

What is copper tubing?

Type L Copper Pipe While not quite as thick as Type K, with a wall thickness of . 045 inches for a ¾-inch diameter pipe, it is still quite durable and can be used in many more ways. Type L is beefy enough to be used in underground applications but is often used to replace or repair water lines.

What are the benefits of copper pipe?

Benefits of Using Copper Plumbing PipesCopper Plumbing Pipes Are Durable. ... Copper Piping Does Not Contaminate Water. ... Copper Pipes Are Lightweight. ... Copper Piping is Less Harmful For the Environment. ... Copper Plumbing Pipes Are Fire Resistant. ... Copper Pipes Are Expensive. ... Copper Piping May Add a Metallic Flavor to Water.More items...•

What are the 4 types of copper tubing?

Copper pipe manufacturers offer four standards of copper pipe which are types L, M, DWV, and K. These letters partially indicate the relative pipe wall thickness. A pipe's wall thickness is dependent on the pipe size.

What copper pipe is used for water?

Type L copper pipes come in hard pipes or flexible rolls. Hard Type L pipes are commonly used indoors to supply potable water, carry hot water, and supply water to sprinkler systems.

How is copper tubing made?

From the holding furnace (or tundish) copper is cast into large "logs" by either the continuous or semi-continuous method. In continuous casting, metal is poured into horizontally oriented, cylindrical graphite molds, which are water-cooled to force the copper to freeze quickly.

Is copper pipe safe for drinking water?

A low level of copper usually leaves a green/blue stain on taps, pipes, hand basins, showers or toilets but there is no bitter or metallic taste. This water is still safe to drink. A high level of copper usually leaves a metallic or unpleasant bitter taste in the drinking water.

What is the cost of copper pipe?

Copper is the most expensive piping material available, prices ranging from $5,000 up to $20,000 to repipe a house. While copper piping is durable, the material is rigid – driving up the cost....Pipe MaterialCost Per FootCPVC$0.50 – $1PEX$0.50 – $2Copper$2 – $4

What is a disadvantage of copper pipe?

The disadvantage of Copper pipes is that they sometimes fail when water temperature is above 180 degrees. Furthermore, condensation often forms inside the pipes. When this condensation freezes, it blocks water flow. Another disadvantage is that coppers pipes cause water to have a slight metallic taste.

What is the difference between copper tubing and copper piping?

Tubing is usually more expensive than pipe due to tighter manufacturing tolerances. Interestingly, while the stated and measured OD's of tubing are almost exact in most cases, copper tubing generally has a measured OD that is 1/8” larger than stated OD. As such, maybe it should be called copper pipe.

What is the difference in copper tubing?

Type K is the heaviest. Type L is medium weight and used most often for water lines in homes. Type M is thinner and is used underground or for light domestic water lines if local codes allow.

What are the 3 types of copper?

The three most common types of copper pipe used in residential and commercial construction are Type K, Type L, and Type M. A fourth type, used for drain-waste-vent, or DWV, piping, can be found in some older homes.

What type of copper tubing is used for refrigeration?

Hardened copper tubing is used for water lines, commercial refrigeration and HVAC. This type of tubing is joined using grooved, compression, crimped, or sweat connections.

What are the types of copper?

Copper pipes can be manufactured as soft or rigid copper and offer excellent corrosion-resistance and reliable connections. The three most common types of copper pipe used in residential and commercial construction are Type K, Type L, and Type M.

What type of copper is used in water heaters?

Type M is thin-wall copper pipe; Type L is thick-wall pipe. In some areas, Type M pipe isn't allowed for delivering potable water, but it can be used for hot-water heating systems. Copper pipe is commonly available in diameters ranging from ½ inch to 2 inches.

How is copper tubing measured?

The nominal size of copper pipe is always smaller than the OD measurement. 1/2- inch pipe is the measurement of copper pipe that is 5/8 inch OD. The ID is affected by wall thickness. The thickest wall is found in type K, followed by type L and type M.

Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed

Bright annealed copper tube is an almost pure copper tube manufactured to the requirements of ASTM B 68 - Standard Specification for Seamless Coppe...

Seamless Copper Water Tube

Copper water tube is a seamless, almost pure copper material manufactured to the requirements of ASTM B 88 - Standard Specification for Seamless Co...

Wrought Seamless Copper & Copper Alloy Tube

ASTM B 251 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and Copper- Alloy Tube covers a number of general requirem...

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Tube

Copper tube used for air conditioning and refrigeration applications in the field (sometimes called "refer" or "ACR" tube) is an almost pure copper...

Threadless Copper Pipe (TP)

Threadless copper pipe, often referred to as TP pipe, is a seamless copper pipe material manufactured to the requirements of ASTM B 302 - Standard...

What type of tubing is used for a coiled copper tube?

Instead, the stainless steel tubing type will have to be used. A typical coiled soft copper tube. There are basically two types of tube namely the hard-drawn and the soft type. This type of tubing is rigid, hard and stiff.

Why is the copper tube insulated?

It is then filled with nitrogen gas before being capped. In order to prevent the refrigerant from absorbing unnecessary heat from the ambient, the copper tube is insulated between the evaporator and the compressor at the low pressure side of the system.

What is the diameter of a copper tube?

The soft copper is flexible and comes in rolls of 25 feet or 50 feet. The typical outer diameter ranges from 1/8 inch to 13⁄8 inch. Markings of ACR are done on the tubing to indicate that it is used for air conditioning and refrigeration purposes. During production, these parts are cleaned and dehydrated to remove the moisture from the tube. It is then filled with nitrogen gas before being capped.

Why do we need a tube?

The tube is used as a path for the refrigerant to flow between system components and to contain it from escaping to the atmosphere. Sizing, installation layout and fittings must be done properly to ensure that the system runs efficiently. During installation, it is of utmost importance that moisture, dirt and other contaminants are prevented ...

How to prevent kinks in soldering?

Use a proper tube bending springs to prevent flatten or kink. When soldering or brazing is required, make sure that you have being trained to do this and adhere strictly to the instructions of the manufacturers. Wear eye protection when particles are being released in the air as a result of your action.

When cutting the tubing to the required length, make sure that you use a proper tool such as the tube cutter?

When cutting the tubing to the required length, make sure that you use a proper tool such as the tube cutter.The burr on the inside of the tube that resulted from the cutting must be removed from the tube as these contaminants will affect the flow of refrigerant as well as affecting the performance of the system.

How long is a standard refrigerant tube?

The length commonly available is 10 feet or 20 feet. There are three standard weight with different wall thickness for each type. Type K has the thickest wall tubing followed by Type L and Type M. If you need a higher pressure tube, thicker type is to be used to ensure it can handle the pressure of the refrigerant.

What is standard copper tube?

Standard Tubes: Types of Copper Tube. Long lasting copper tube is a favorite choice for plumbing, heating, cooling and other systems. In the United States, it is manufactured to meet the requirements of specifications established by ASTM International. All tube supplied to these ASTM standards is a minimum of 99.9 percent pure copper.

What is the minimum copper content for ASTM?

All tube supplied to these ASTM standards is a minimum of 99.9 percent pure copper. The copper customarily used for tube supplied to these specifications is deoxidized with phosphorus and referred to as UNS C12200 or DHP 1 Copper. Other coppers may also be used.

How to join a tube in a hard temper?

Tube in the hard temper condition is usually joined by soldering or brazing, using capillary fittings or by welding. Tube in the soft temper can be joined by the same techniques and is also commonly joined by the use of flare-type and compression fittings.

What is the difference between a K and L gas tube?

Each type represents a series of sizes with different wall thicknesses. Type K tube has thicker walls than Type L tube, and Type L walls are thicker than Type M, for any given diameter. All inside diameters depend on tube size and wall thickness.

Can a tube be joined?

Tube in both the hard and soft tempers can also be joined by a variety of "mechanical" joints that can be assembled without the use of the heat source required for soldering and brazing .

What is a copper water tube?

Copper water tube is a seamless, almost pure copper material manufactured to the requirements of ASTM B 88 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, of three basic wall thickness dimensions designated as types K, L, and M. Type K is the thickest and type M is the thinnest with type L being of intermediate thickness. All three types of tube are manufactured from copper alloy C12200 having a chemical composition of a minimum of 99.9% Copper (Cu) and Silver (Ag) combined and a maximum allowable range of Phosphorous (P) of 0.015 % - 0.040 %.

What is the copper content of a brass tube?

the copper (Cu) content of these alloys ranges from 62.0% to 96.0% depending on the alloy chosen.

What are B 280 tubes?

B 280 tube is produced in straight lengths or coils in tempers H58 or O60 respectively, although annealed straight lengths may be special ordered. Straight lengths are provided in sizes from 3/8" O.D. through 4 1/8" O.D. while annealed coils are supplied in sizes ranging from 1/8" O.D. through 1 5/8" O.D. ACR tube is required to be identified in the following fashion: Coils: The name or trademark of the manufacturer and ACR shall be permanently incised on each tube ¼" or larger at Intervals not greater than 1½ ft. Hard Straight Lengths: The name or trademark of the manufacturer and a mark indicating either L or ACR shall be incised at intervals not greater than 1½ ft. along the length of the tube. Hard straight lengths shall further be marked with a blue stripe containing the manufacturer's name or trademark, the nation of origin, outside diameter and ACR repeating at intervals not greater than 3 ft.

What is a bright annealed copper tube?

Bright annealed copper tube is an almost pure copper tube manufactured to the requirements of ASTM B 68 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed. It may be manufactured from any one of the following alloys: C10200, C10300, C10800, C12000, or C12200 unless specified otherwise on the original contract or purchase order. ASTM B68 tube is suitable for use in refrigeration, fuel oil, gasoline, or oil lines where the interior surface of the tube is essentially free of any scale or dirt and is specifically specified as ASTM B68.

What type of alloy is used for medical gas tubes?

(Both of these types are defined and described in ASTM B88.) Alloy C12200 is the only alloy permitted for use for medical gas tube and is a minimum 99.9% pure copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) combined with no greater than 0.040% phosphorous (P).

What is copper pipe?

Copper pipe is almost pure copper manufactured to the requirements of ASTM B 42 - Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Pipe, Standard Sizes. It may be manufactured from any of five (5) copper alloys (C10200, C10300, C10800, C12000, C12200) that all conform to the chemical composition requirements of alloys containing a minimum of 99.9% Copper (Cu) and a maximum of 0.04% Phosphorous (P). Available sizes are 1/8" to 12" diameters in regular wall thickness and 1/8" to 10" in extra strong wall thickness. The standard length for copper pipe is 12 feet. Copper pipe is suitable for plumbing, boiler feed lines, refrigeration and for similar purposes.

What is seamless brass tube?

Seamless brass tube is manufactured to the requirements of ASTM B 135 - Standard Specification for Seamless Brass Tube and may be either round, square, or rectangular and is suitable for general engineering applications. It may be manufactured from any one of the following alloys: C22000, C23000, C26000, C27000, C27200, C27400, C28000, C33000, C33200, C37000, or C44300 and these alloys contain Copper (Cu) concentrations of between 60% and 90% with various percentages of Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), and Tin (Sn) permitted, depending on the alloy.

What is the purpose of copper tubing and fittings?

Tubing and Fittings in HVACR. The copper tubing and fittings used in air conditioning and refrigeration are designed and processed for HVACR and are often charged with nitrogen. The nitrogen keeps the tubing clean and dry preventing the onset of oxidation/corrosion. This type of tubing is used for hot and cold water supplies and ...

What is hardened copper tubing?

Hardened Copper Tubing. Hardened copper tubing is used for water lines, commercial refrigeration and HVAC. This type of tubing is joined using grooved, compression, crimped, or sweat connections. The runs are mostly straight except where it must be bent to go around construction. Elbow fittings are used to make the bend.

What is DWV tubing?

Type DWV is the thinnest of all the copper tubings and is used in areas such as waste, vent, and drain applications. Just like type M, this type is available in hard drawn straight sections.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of PVC tubing?

Plastic tubing or PVC has its advantages and disadvantages. It has certain heat restraints and metal fittings cannot be mixed with it. Advantages include versatility of use/application and corrosion is minimal. Learning and becoming adept at flaring, connecting, bending, brazing, and soldering tubing in an HVACR system is one ...

What are the different types of tubing?

Other Types of Tubing. There are other types of tubing besides copper. Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastic tubing are used in HVAC and refrigeration applications. Aluminum coils and refrigerant piping are being used. The use of stainless steel may be seen in certain types of ducting and the walls of mechanical parts within an HVAC system.

What is the thickest type of copper tubing?

Copper tubing is usually available in either soft or hard presentations. Type K is the thickest of the types and is often used underground. It is coated or may by suited with a polyethylene coating. It is usually available as hard drawn straight sections and in rolls that have been annealed. Type L is thinner than type K ...

Is copper tubing annealed?

Soft copper tubing will bend easily and can be forced around obstacles and construction. Copper such as this is said to be annealed. In the world of metallurg y, copper, brass, and silver are cooled slowly in the air so they remain in such a state as to be formed or shaped in definite ways. It is more expensive when it is annealed.

What is copper tube?

Copper tubes are composed of 99.9% pure copper and small quantities of alloying elements in accordance with standards published by ASTM. They are available in both hard and soft tempers, the latter meaning that the tube has been annealed to soften it. Hard tubing is joined by capillary fittings. Soft tubing can be joined in a variety ...

Why is copper tubing called copper tubing?

When the product is formed into coils, it is sometimes referred to as copper tubing owing to the increase in flexibility and the ability to bend the material more readily. But that distinction is not by any means a universally practiced or accepted one.

How to join copper tubing?

As mentioned, copper tubes are easily joined using heating methods such as soldering and brazing. While these methods are sufficient and expedient for domestic water applications, etc., heating does anneal drawn tubing and this lowers its pressure rating. Several mechanical methods are available that do not alter tube characteristics. These include flared joints, roll-groove joints, press-connect joints, and push-connect joints. These mechanical joining methods are handy in cases where using flame or heat is unsafe. Another plus is that some of these mechanical joints are readily disassembled.

Why do you have to remove oil from a tube?

Oils used in the manufacture of the tubes must be removed to prevent their combustion in the presence of oxygen and to ensure the health of patients. The tubes are normally plugged and capped after cleaning and brazed during installation under a nitrogen purge. The applicable reference standard is ASTM B 819.

What type of gas is used for pressure service?

Type K and L are suitable for pressure service such as with air compressors and natural- and LP-gas delivery (K for underground, L for interiors). All three types are suitable for domestic water service (Type M is preferred), handling fuel and fuel oils (Type L, preferred), HVAC applications (Type L, preferred), vacuum installations, etc.

Do ACR tubes need to be cleaned?

As with medical gas tubes, ACR tubes must be cleaned and capped before shipment.

What is copper pipe used for?

Copper pipes are commonly used in the construction industry for water supply lines and refrigerant lines in HVAC (heating, cooling, and air-conditioning) systems . Copper pipes can be manufactured as soft or rigid copper and offer excellent corrosion-resistance and reliable connections.

What type of copper pipe is used in commercial construction?

The three most common types of copper pipe used in residential and commercial construction are Type K, Type L, and Type M. A fourth type, used for drain-waste-vent, or DWV, piping, can be found in some older homes.

What is type M copper pipe?

Type M Copper Pipe: Type M copper pipe is thinner than both type K and L copper pipe. Sold in both rigid and flexible forms, Type M is used most commonly for heating water services and vacuum systems. It can be used with sweat, compression, and flare fittings. Type M tubing is favored for residential work for its relatively low price; a thinner wall means less copper and thus a lower price. Type M copper is not always allowed by plumbing codes in all areas and applications. Always check with the local building authority for restrictions on its use.

What is DWV pipe?

It is suitable only for above-ground applications and has a low-pressure rating, typically lower than the water pressure of most municipal water supply systems. DWV pipe usually has yellow markings to distinguish it from M type copper. Read More.

What type of copper pipe is used for sweat?

It is available in rigid and flexible forms and can be used with sweat, compression, and flare fittings. Type L is considered the most common type of copper piping, as it can be used in many more applications than Type K. Flexible Type L copper can be used to repair or replace old water lines, although rigid tubing is more durable.

What is type K pipe?

Type K pipe is available in a rigid and flexible form and can be used with flared and compression fittings. It is recommended for main water lines and underground installations because its thickness helps it withstand the pressure from backfilled earth in trenches.

Is copper pipe type L or M?

Type L copper is thinner than Type K but thicker than type M. Type M Copper Pipe: Copper pipe type M wall is thinner than both type K and L copper. Sold in both rigid and flexible forms, Type M is used most commonly for heating water services and vacuum systems. It can be used with sweat, compression, and flare fittings.

What determines copper tube type?

It is up to the designer to select the type of copper tube for use in a particular application. Strength, formability and other mechanical factors often determine the choice. Plumbing and mechanical codes govern what types may be used. When a choice can be made, it is helpful to know which type of copper tube has and can serve successfully and economically in the following applications:

Why use soft temper copper tube?

With soft temper tube, particularly when used for renovation or modernization projects , much less wall and ceiling space is needed. 4.

What is the difference between a K and a L tube?

8-inch larger than the standard size designation. Each type represents a series of sizes with different wall thicknesses. Type K tube has thicker walls than Type L tube, and Type L walls are thicker than Type M, for any given diameter. All inside diameters depend on tube size and wall thickness. Copper tube for air-conditioning and refrigeration field service (ACR) is designated by actual outside diameter. “Temper” describes the strength and hardness of the tube. In the piping trades, drawn temper tube is often referred to as “hard” tube and annealed as “soft” tube. Tube in the hard temper condition is usually joined by soldering or brazing, using capillary fittings or by welding. Tube in the soft temper can be joined by the same techniques and is also commonly joined by the use of flare-type and compression fittings. It is also possible to expand the end of one tube so that it can be joined to another by soldering or brazing without a capillary fitting—a procedure that can be efficient and economical in many installations. Tube in both the hard and soft tempers can also be joined by a variety of “mechanical” joints that can be assembled without the use of the heat source required for soldering and brazing.

What is copper used for?

Archaeologists probing ancient ruins have discovered that this enduring metal was a great boon to many peoples. Tools for handicraft and agriculture, weapons for hunting, and articles for decorative and household uses were wrought from copper by early civilizations. The craftsmen who built the great pyramid for the Egyptian Pharaoh Cheops fashioned copper pipe to convey water to the royal bath. A remnant of this pipe was unearthed some years ago still in usable condition, a testimonial to copper’s durability and resistance to corrosion. Modern technology, recognizing that no material is superior to copper for conveying water, has reconfirmed it as the prime material for such purposes. Years of trouble-free service in installations here and abroad have built a new reputation for copper piping in its modern form—light, strong, corrosion resistant tube. It serves all kinds of buildings: single-family homes, high- rise apartments and industrial, commerical and office buildings. Today, copper tube for the plumbing, heating and air-conditioning industries is available in drawn and annealed tempers (referred to in the trades as “hard” and “soft”) and in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses. Readily available fittings serve every design application. Joints are simple, reliable and economical to make—additional reasons for selecting copper tube. Today, nearly 5,000 years after Cheops, copper developments continue as the industry pioneers broader uses for copper tube in engineered plumbing systems for new and retrofitted residential, industrial and commerical installations.

What temperature does copper tube need to be at?

Copper tube retains excellent ductility at low temperatures to –452°F and yield strength and tensile strength increase as temperature is reduced to this point. This plus its excellent thermal conductivity makes an unusual combination of properties for heat exchangers, piping, and other components in cryogenic plants and other low temperature applications.

What type of material is used for air conditioning and refrigeration?

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems—Copper is the preferred material for use with most refrigerants. Use Types L, ACR or as specified.

What type of temper is used for heating?

Heating—For radiant panel and hydronic heating and for snow melting systems, use Type L soft temper where coils are formed in place or prefabricated, Type M where straight lengths are used. For water heating and low-pressure steam, use Type M for all sizes. For condensate return lines, Type L is successfully used.

What is copper pipe used for?

Photo: depositphotos.com. Copper pipes have been used as water supply lines in homes for decades, and you’ve probably seen them under your cabinets or overhead in your basement. Most people know that pipes come in different diameters, but what you may not realize is that some types of copper pipes are thicker than others, too.

What type of copper pipe is used for underground water lines?

2. Type L Copper Pipe. While not quite as thick as Type K, with a wall thickness of .045 inches for a ¾-inch diameter pipe, it is still quite durable and can be used in many more ways. Type L is beefy enough to be used in underground applications but is often used to replace or repair water lines.

What is type L water pipe?

Marked with blue and equipped for interior water supply systems, hot water heating systems, and fire protection such as sprinkler systems, Type L is the most commonly used of the copper pipe types. It comes in both flexible rolls and rigid tubing, with the rigid tubing usually used for internal water piping and the flexible rolls used underground and outside the home.

What type of copper pipe is best for a home?

1. Type K Copper Pipe. Of all copper pipe types, Type K has the thickest walls and is the most durable.

What is the thickest type of copper pipe?

Of all copper pipe types, Type K has the thickest walls and is the most durable. Pipe wall thickness varies according to the pipe diameter. ½-inch Type K pipe has a wall thickness of .049 inches, while ¾-inch has a thickness of .065 inches. Its thickness also makes Type K the heaviest and most expensive type of copper pipe. You won’t find Type K copper pipes under your sink or connected to other plumbing fixtures; partly because they aren’t as easy to work with as other types of copper but mostly due to the prohibitive cost. Type K’s thickness lends itself to use in commercial plumbing, HVAC, and sprinkler systems but most commonly found in underground water main installations. A thinner pipe can crimp or collapse underground, but Type K’s durability will allow it to last longer, meaning it doesn’t need to be dug up every few years.

What is the difference between Type M and Type M copper pipe?

Best of all, it costs less than the other copper pipe types! Advertisement. Type M has red markings and comes in flexible rolls and rigid tubing. While it isn’t often used in outdoor underground applications, Type M copper pipe is a perfect fit and plenty durable if you are looking to run a water system in your home.

What is a K pipe?

Distinguished by green markings, Type K pipe is available in both rigid form and in flexible rolls. You’ll often find flexible rolls of Type K used for underground water mains because they are easier to run in a trench, require no fittings, and can be used with compression and flared fittings.

Overview

Sizes

Common wall-thicknesses of copper tubing in the U.S., Canada and India are "Type K", "Type L", "Type M", and "Type DWV":
• Type K has the thickest wall section of the three types of pressure rated tubing and is commonly used for deep underground burial, such as under sidewalks and streets, with a suitable corrosion protection coating or continuous polyethylene sleeve as required by the plumbing code. In the U…

Types

Lead leaching

Corrosion

Pinholes

See also