Are you using the right copper piping for the job?

It’s easy to take it for granted that copper performs successfully in a huge range of applications, but it doesn’t mean that all copper piping is suitable for every application.

No matter what the material, it is essential that careful consideration be given to all aspects of a system design, operating environment and material characteristics.

Refrigeration is a good example of an area where care must be taken with selection of copper piping. Its thermal conductivity and other unique properties has made copper a popular choice, and historically, installers have used pipe thicknesses that were readily available and known to perform.

However, some in the industry have failed to take into account the significant higher pressures of the popular non-ozone-depleting products that are replacing traditional refrigerants. The new refrigerants require much thicker piping to withstand increased pressures and ensure satisfactory service.

The copper industry has addressed this issue by manufacturing copper tubes suitable for higher pressures. Crane Copper, for example, has introduced copper tubes especially designed to comply with the appropriate Australian Standard on pressure piping. Their R410A rated copper tubes are capable of withstanding working pressures of 4131kPa when the refrigerant is operating at a temperature of 65°C, which is the recommended operating temperature for refrigeration systems as per AS/NZS 1677 Refrigerating systems.
(More information is available at www.cranecopper.com.au/downloads/CRA_Refrig.pdf)

As a contractor, it is important to keep up to date with regulatory, environmental and product changes of copper or any other material you use on the job. To assist in the knowledge of copper piping, CDC has developed a plumbing skills manual – available for download at
www.copper.com.au/uploaddir/documents/CDA_Prof_Plumbing_Skills.pdf