Modern technology has drawn on the unique combination of properties of copper and copper alloys in the form of tube and pipe products. Copper tube is used extensively to convey potable water in buildings and homes. Copper alloys are selected to convey many diverse fluids for the oil, chemical, process and marine industries. Copper tube’s second largest application is in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems; its fastest-growing use in is fire sprinkler systems and fuel gas distribution systems in residential and office buildings. Copper is used for plumbing tube principally because of its corrosion resistance, machinability and high level of heat transfer.
Chief tube applications for copper in the transportation industry are for automotive and truck radiators, air-conditioning systems and hydraulic lines. In marine service, copper and copper alloy tube and pipe are used to carry potable water, seawater and other fluids, but the chief application is alloy tube bundles for condensers and auxiliary heat exchangers. The food and beverage industries also use copper to carry process fluids for beer, spirits, cane sugar refining and other food processing operations.
Key Benefits
In large diameters or small, for liquid or gas, for high- or low-pressure systems under a wide range of temperatures, you can depend on copper and reduce costs for any mechanical system.
Key benefits offered by copper tube include:
- Versatility
- Variety of applications
- Wide range of sizes
- Problem-free performance
- Long lasting and maintenance free
- Corrosion resistance
- High thermal conductivity
- Easy to join and install
- An abundant resource
Find out more with our Plumbing resources here.
And be sure to download the Plumber’s Handbook here – created in conjunction with MM Kembla providing information on copper plumbing and installation methods.
