Large copper tube …… Where.?

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

.

I have had some drawings delivered today for a reasonable sized boiler.

I am mulling through ideas to construct it from steel or copper as it gives the requirements for both.

Another idea is that I have a friend who is a welder for the nuclear industry and as you can imagine (thankfully) a very capable one.! Who tells me that they have loads of scrap stainless. This would be good except I would then be dependent upon him for every single join.

The drawing calls for an 8" dia main tube being 3/16th thick for copper (1/4" if made from steel) and 15 3/4" in length.

Where would I obtain such a copper tube.?

Thanks, Nick

Edited By Nick_G on 08/08/2015 16:55:59

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

May well have to roll it.

Re the stainless, that would have to be tested by an independant boiler tester as you intend to use the boiler in public which would be a lot more costly than having a copper one done by your local club. You would also have to do all the calcs and get the design approved.

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Roll it, have it TIG welded or silver solder and use a strap to cover the longitudinal joint to give the required strength.

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

one of the familiar mod eng suppliers quotes 8" deoxy copper tube, cant remember which but its out there, and omg its expensive !! 8" steel is easy to find, and massively cheaper especially with the price of solder and the 2 x oxy sets you will need to get the copper hot enough.

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

.

Mmmmmh. Perhaps I should be more realistic and go for a 6" one.?

It's to get 'something like' a Stuart No.4 to actually do some work and not just turn over for display.

Regards, Nick

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Be very wary of stainless. The stuff used in the nuclear industry is likely to be austenitic (at least it was in the bit I worked in), and this is prone to chloride stress corrosion cracking and to pitting when used stressed in very hot water. You can get SS suitable for boilers, but you have to be really sure it's the right stuff. If you can't afford copper use mild steel, and get your coded welder mate to weld it together. You might need material certs as well, ask your club boiler inspector

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

You could try john keatley metals. They list 6in in 10swg copper tube but you would want 6swg or 3/16 etc. They may have it.

John

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[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Nothing wrong with a decent size propane burner Fizzy for heating a copper lump.

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