Boiler tubes

This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 30 March 2011 at 15:49 by Matthew Chapman 1.

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30 March 2011 at 14:45 #66297
Matthew Chapman 1
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@matthewchapman1
Hello,

My question relates to fitting boiler tubes – I believe its possible to use copper tubes in an otherwise steel bolier? If so how would they be fitted? I have an excellent book by KN Harris and he mentions expanding the tubes but gives no further detail. Is this process simply flaring both ends to trap the tube? Wouldnt this type of joint leak in a copper tubed steel boiler due to different thermal expansion rates?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Matt
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30 March 2011 at 14:45 #5465
Matthew Chapman 1
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@matthewchapman1
Fitting of boiler tubes
30 March 2011 at 15:16 #66298
JasonB
Moderator
@jasonb
You can use a tube expander which spreads the tube over the length of the tubeplate. They work a bit like an expanding reamer but instead of blades have hardened rollers an a very slight angle.

A bit of discussion about tehm on HMEM in this thread about a La France fire engine boiler

J

Edited By JasonB on 30/03/2011 15:18:34
30 March 2011 at 15:48 #66299
Matthew Chapman 1
Participant
@matthewchapman1
J,

Thanks very much, that contains a wealth of good information. Clearly it must not be a problem but i would have thought that the copper would expand more than the steel, unseat the tube and thus disturb the seal.

Thanks again,

Matt
30 March 2011 at 15:49 #66300
Matthew Chapman 1
Participant
@matthewchapman1
J,

Thanks very much, that contains a wealth of good information. Clearly it must not be a problem but i would have thought that the copper would expand more than the steel, unseat the tube and thus disturb the seal.

Thanks again,

Matt
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Boiler tubes

Boiler tubes

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