12mm copper pipe

[John BromleyParticipant @johnbromley78794]

I am nearly at the assembly stage with my 1st boiler project, I just need a short length of 12mm copper for the central flue. Anybody know where I can get some? Ideally before Monday.

Seems to be a bit of a rarity in these parts.

John

[John BromleyParticipant @johnbromley78794]

Suppliers in North Kent

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

What do you call "these parts" no good suggesting somewhere down south if you live in the north of Scotland or not even the UK

 

Could you get away with 1/2" OD? thats assuming you want 12mm OD not bore and what wall thickness?

Edited By JasonB on 21/03/2014 18:13:06

[John BromleyParticipant @johnbromley78794]

Hi Jason, yes 1/2" would be fine, I'm in north Kent. (As stated in the sub heading) Not sure what wall thickness is for regular 12mm plumbing pipe, but 1-2mm would be ok I guess. I'm still new to boiler construction so any advice would be gratefully received. The boiler is the "Polly" design by Tubal Cain. The plans don't give a thickness for the flue/chimney pipe.

John

Edited By John Bromley on 21/03/2014 18:22:38

[Martin WParticipant @martinw]

John

If it is just ordinary copper tube you are after for a flue, not subjected to pressure, then any DIY store will have some, the likes of Screwfix, Homebase or Wickes etc are fairly well distributed around the country. Please note I am not familiar with the boiler so if the pipe will be exposed to pressure then seek further advice before using ordinary plumbing copper tubes.

Cheers

Martin

[John BromleyParticipant @johnbromley78794]

The pipe is subject to steam pressure. I will be using a pressure release valve set to 12-15 psi.

This is a small vertical boiler about 6" tall 2" diameter. I think mains water pressure is significantly higher than the design pressure of this boiler. So I foresee no dramas.

The plumbers merchants in my local area don't stock 12mm pipe, but having done a bit of searching it does seem to exist. It is used apparently for outdoor water supplies only.

John

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Folkestone Engineering Supplies, a ME supplier has all fractional sizes including what you could be looking for (1/2&quot.

Location is Hawkinge Tel: 01303 894611 http://www.feskent.co.uk

[NilochParticipant @niloch]

Well done KWIL for finding a source of supply even if it might be the Imperial equivalent. When I wanted some 12mm eighteen months ago I drew a blank everywhere including trying Screwfix and Wickes.

British mini-bore central heating copper pipe uses 10mm (not to be confused with the 6mm micro-bore) but the French use 12mm and I was fortunate enough to get some on ebay eventually.

As to whether you can get it in readiness for Monday, I'm doubtful but then you might be able to buy a foot-passenger passage on a ferry! There is a branch of LeroyMerlin in Calais, bring back a coil and sell off what you don't need, thereby paying your expenses!!

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

As far as I can find quickly the maximum pressure for normal thin walled copperpipe is 4 bar, test pressure seems to be 16 bar. Niko.

[John BromleyParticipant @johnbromley78794]

Brilliant stuff guys!

Top suggestion KWIL.

It looks like a bike ride down to Folkestone on Monday then. I'm off Mon and Tue, I'll at least be able to continue the build. Some of the 1/2" x 18swg should do it.

Of course, I'll have to make it worth the trip and get some material for future projects.

Many thanks.

John

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Ah I missed the sub heading, your surname should have been a give away as I assume you are in Bromley.

A bit closer than Folkstone would be Maidstone Eng (Maxitrak) who have 1/2" in a couple of wall thicknesses. Give them a ring in the morning to check they are open

[John BromleyParticipant @johnbromley78794]

Hi jason, I'm actually at the top of Blue Bell Hill, Bromley is my surname. I'm a Kent boy, born and bred.

I have already tried Maxitrak, they are were out of 1/2" last time I tried them. I get most of my stock and fastenings from them. Very reasonable prices on most stuff and a great selection of cheap off cuts, helping keep this hobby more affordable!

I'll pop down to FES anyway, just to check them out. I have a friend in the "Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modelers" Kent area group up the road in Densole, I might give him a buzz. Maybe go drink some tea and run a loco or two.

John

[Roger WoollettParticipant @rogerwoollett53105]

I suggest you use 15mm plumbers pipe – this will give you a bit more surface area for heat transfer. I have used that on Polly boilers and it works fine.

I think I am right in saying metric pipe is defined by its o/d and imperial by its i/d so 15mm is close to half inch. In my opinion 12mm pipe would be a bit small.

Roger Woollett

[John BromleyParticipant @johnbromley78794]

Thanks Roger, I have plenty of 15mm pipe. I'm still not very wise to the intricacies of boiler design. I'll give it a go with the 15mm pipe.

John

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