Tube and Tubing

What is the primary difference between hard temper and soft temper copper tubes?

Hard temper tube is recommended for exposed lines due to its rigidity, while soft temper tube is more flexible and suited for buried lines.

What is the purity percentage of refined copper used to make seamless pipes?

Copper is refined to 99.7% purity before being made into seamless pipe.

What are the main advantages of copper as a pipe material? Disadv?

Copper has malleability, ductility, and corrosion resistance, with a smoother surface for a flow capacity 20% greater than steel or iron.

Disadv is the high coefficient of expansion.

What is red brass composed of? Yellow Brass?

Red brass is composed of 85% copper and 15% zinc. (better corrosion resistance)

Yellow Brass is 66% copper and 34% zinc. (harder wearing, common on valves, faucets, taps)

How does the coefficient of expansion of brass compare to copper? What about of bronze?

In order from higher coefficient to lower:

1. Brass

2. Bronze

3. Copper

What is the primary use of bronze pipe?

Bronze pipe, mainly consisting of 90% copper and 10% tin, is primarily used for underground water service.

What are the three designations of copper pipe?

The three designations are Standard, XS (Extra Strong), and XXS (Double Extra Strong).

Compare Copper Pipe, Tube, and Tubing.

Copper Pipe:

• rated in NPS, comes up to 12” by ID, and from 14”+ goes by OD.

• Same ratings as pipe = STD, XS, XXS

Copper Tube:

• thinner walls than pipe

• specified by approx ID in NPS

Copper Tubing:

• thin walls 0.028” (1/8 to 1/2”) or 0.032” (1/8” to 3/4”

• Soft tempered or hard tempered. Soft temper can come up to 100ft lengths

Explain the differences in color codes for the 5 different copper types:

Type K:

• Green

• thickest wall

• 1/4” to 12”

• Hard temper 12’ or 20’, soft temper up to 100’, water service coils 66’

• Applications:

  • Resi underground water service

  • Hot/Cold water distrib. (not as common)

  • Underground waste and vent lines (hard temper)

  • Heating Systems (more severe)

  • Industrial Heating Systems

  • Gas Fittings (if underground needs soft temper)

  • Steam Heating Systems

Type L

• Blue

• medium wall

• same sizes and lengths as type K but the water service coils are 60’

• Applications:

  • Resi underground water service

  • Hot/Cold water distrib.

  • Underground waste and vent lines (hard temper)

  • Heating Systems

  • Radiant Heating Systems (most common)

  • Industrial Heating Systems

  • Gas Fittings (if underground it needs a external PVC resin and soft temper)

  • Steam Heating Systems

Type M

• Red

• most common

• Less wall thickness than K or L

• should not be bent

• Hard temper only

• 1/4” to 12” and lengths of 12’ or 20’

• Applications:

  • Hot/Cold water distrib.

  • Drainage, Waste, Venting

  • Heating Systems

  • Hot Water/Hydronic Systems

  • Low Pressure Steam Heating Systems

Type H

• White

• thin walls

• made for hot water heating systems - no longer made

• Used to come in 1/2” or 3/4, or 1” in 12’ sections.

Type DWV

• Yellow

• not pressure rated - only for drainage, waste, vent

• above ground only - hard temper only.

• 1 1/4” to 6”, 12’ or 20’ lengths

• Applications:

  • Drainage, Waste, Venting

What type of joint is referred to as a streamlined joint?

Soldering type joints are sometimes referred to as streamlined.

What type of materials is typically used for compression fittings?

Compression fittings are typically made from barstock brass.

What type of tubing is recommended for high-pressure applications?

For high-pressure applications, double flared tubing is recommended.

What is the advantage of flared connections over soldered connections?

Flared connections create a stronger connection than soldered or compression joints.

What is the rated pressure for press-connect fittings?

Press-connect fittings are rated for 0 to 300 psig. Temp -40 to 284F.

What are the 3 SAE design types for flared fittings, which is most commonly used?

• SAE 37 deg

• SAE 45 degree (most common)

• Inverted flare

Which copper types are usually used for residential water service lines?

Soft temper Type K and L are usually used for residential underground water service lines.

Which is usually strongest joint? Solder, compression, flare?

Flare

What is the minimum type of tubing for flared connections?

Type L or soft tubing minimum

What type of copper tubing is commonly used for radiant heating applications?

Type L copper tubing is the most common for radiant heating applications.

What type of joint is recommended for oil burners?

Flared joints are typically used for oil burners.

What happens to metals in high-temperature applications regarding corrosion?

High temperatures speed up corrosion, which is why copper is preferred for heating applications.

How are tube bending benders classified? (3)

Tube Bending benders are classified as:

1. spring benders -

   • protect tube from being reduced at the size of bend.

   • not designed for consistent radius each time

   • small diameters only. If pushing past limits, it will kink tubing

2. gear benders

• Provides mechanical advantage

• Typically type K or L tube, usually most reliable for 1/2” to 1” tube

• Usually max bend u can do is 180deg.

• Lever type or mechanical type

3. lever or mechanical type benders.

• Lever type - relies on operator strength, usually good up to 5/8” for hard temper tube.

• Mechanical type - uses gear advantage and ratchet, usually good for 3/4” L tube.

• Benders are handheld

• Each bender is only made for 1 specific tubing size.

What should you align when bending a tube to a 90-degree mark?

When bending to a 90-degree mark, align your measurement to the right or left reference according to your bender's design and where your reference measurement is from.

What type of copper is recommended for high-temperature steam applications?

Type L or K copper is recommended for high-temperature steam applications.

What type of compression fitting uses sealed sleeves or collets?

Ferrule fittings, also referred to as flareless or sleeve types, use two sealing sleeves or collets.

How should oxygen tubes be handled before shipping?

Oxygen tubes should be steam or chemical cleaned and capped for shipping.

Why is it necessary to de-grease oxygen copper tubes?

Oxygen application copper tubes should be de-greased to prevent fires.

What is the typical composition of bronze?

Most bronze is composed of 90% copper and 10% tin.

What is the primary purpose of expansion or slip joints in plumbing?

They accommodate movement due to temperature changes.

What is the key feature of Type DWV tubing?

Type DWV tubing is not pressure-rated and used for drainage purposes.

What does the term 'high-pressure compression fittings' refer to?

Fittings that have serrated edges and can go up to 10,000 psig.

What are the sizes available for Type DWV tubing?

Type DWV is available in sizes 1 ¼ to 6 inches.

What should be used in place of flux when brazing copper to copper?

Phosphorous brazing should be used with no flux.

What materials (gas fittings) are used for gas fittings in plumbing?

Gas fittings usually use Type K or L tubing, or G if above ground. Usually silver brazed joints.

What feature makes double flared fittings suitable for hydraulic lines?

Double flared fittings are rated for higher pressures compared to single flared fittings.

What is the crucial design characteristic of flared fittings when used for gas applications?

The fitting nut needs to be forged.

Which joint methods are commonly used for fire sprinkler system fittings?

Brazing, soldering, or epoxy adhesives are commonly used for fire sprinkler fittings.

In what applications is soft temper copper typically used?

Soft temper copper is used in applications like underground buried lines.

Which type of bender is not designed for consistent radius during use?

Spring benders are not designed for consistent radius.

Why is copper preferred for heating systems?

Copper is less susceptible to corrosion at high temperatures.

What size tube can the lever type bender usually handle effectively?

Lever type benders are usually good for up to 5/8” for hard temper tube. After that it becomes difficult.

Which types of copper soft and hard are designed for bending?

Type L or K.

Soft can be done by hand but hard needs benders. Bending soft tubing above 1” can be difficult.

What material is typically used for soldering plumbing fittings?

Copper is the typical material used for soldering fittings.

What is the classification of pipe used for high-temperature copper applications?

Type K and L copper are classified for high-temperature applications.

What technique relies on the malleability of copper for joining?

Press connect technique relies on the malleability of copper.

Which type of joint is typically stronger: solder or flared?

Flared connections are typically stronger than soldered joints.

What are the characteristics of spring benders?

Spring benders are small diameter, not designed for consistent radius and may kink tubing if pushed past limits.

In what manner should joints in gas lines be constructed?

Joints in gas lines should be silver brazed.

List 3 types of tubing benders with any differences:

1. Spring type

   • protect tuber from being reduced at size of bend

   • not consistent radius

   • small diamater tubing only, can kink if pushing limit

2. Gear benders

   • mechanical advantage

   • Typically type K or L tube, most reliable for 1/2” to 1”.

   • usually max bend u wanna do is 180deg.

3. Lever and Mechanical Hand Benders

   • Lever type - operator strength, usually good up to 5/8” if Type L hard temper

   • Mechanical type - gear advantage and ratchet, usually used when dealing with > 3/4” type L hard temper tube

   • Each bender usually made for a specific size

List 3 specialized applications for copper tubing:

• Oxygen Tubes

  • Either Type K or L. (May have special designation such as Medical, MedOxy, and ACR Oxy)

  • CSA Z305 has info on medical gas installs

  • Tube lengths are steam or chemical cleaned and capped for shipping.

  • tube should be degreased to prevent fires.

  • Copper to copper - use phosphorous brazing with no flux. Dissimilar metals you may use flux.

• Oil Burners

  • Soft temper K or L. Hard temper can also be used for neat appearance.

  • Flared joints typically used.

• Fire Sprinklers

  • Building code standards 13, 13D, 13R guidelines for install

  • NFPA permits type M, L, K copper sizes down to 3/4”.

  • Brazing, soldering, epoxy adhesives.

Copper Tubing type used in heating?

• L or M but K can be used for more severe application

• Hard temper for riser, soft temper for stub ins

• Plan 1/8” movement per 10ft run for each 100F temp change plan via expansion or slip joints

What copper tubing type is used in hot water/hydronic systems (Water heating systems)?

• Hard Temper : Type M

• Soft Temper : K or L

What copper tubing type is used in Radiant heating systems?

Type L most common

What copper tubing type is used in Industrial heating systems?

• K or L

• Low pressure might us type M (<15psig)

• If >250F then silver brazed.

What copper tubing type is used in Gas Fitting systems (underground gas lines)?

• K or L, or G if above ground up to 1 1/4”

• If underground it needs a PVC coated resin from factory and soft temper

• Silver brazed joints

What does Press Connect fittings rely on? (2 things)

• Copper Malleability

• Sealing capability of the elastometric gasket seal.

List 3 advantages of copper tube over steel pipe.

1. Malleability

2. Ductility

3. Corrosion Resistance

Main application of type M tube?

Resi & Light commercial water & heating lines

Can soft temper copper be bent without tools? What about hard temper?

Yes, hard temper you need tube benders.

Greatest disadvantage of copper over steel pipe?

Higher thermal expansion

Minimum/Maximum sizes of: Type: K, L, M, DWV tube

• K: 1/4” to 12” hard or soft temper

• L: 1/4” to 12” hard or soft temper

• M: 1/4” to 12” hard temper only

• H: 1/2, 3/4” or 1”

• DWV: 1 1/4” to 6”

What copper tubing can be used in steam heating?

K or L

What does “SPS” mean for copper pipe?

Standard Pipe Size

Copper coefficient of expansion?

0.0000171 / Deg C

List 5 copper tube joining methods:

1. Solder

2. Brazing

3. Ferrule (compression)

4. Flare

5. Press connect

What makes Tylok (or swagelok) different from standard compression fittings?

Tylok uses a 2 piece ferrule system

When ordering copper tubing - how must it be ordered?

You must specify the size and wall thickness:

3× 100’ coils; 1/4” OD x 0.028” copper tubing

Can you interchange compression type ferrules, and nuts?

NO. A good leak proof joint cannot be achieved if all components are not the same type.

Copper types for Hot and Cold water Lines:

K, L or M.

L or M is more common.

What type of copper tubing is used in Oxygen Systems?

Specially cleaned and sealed K or L. Medical grade and may be called Medical, Med/Oxy, ACR Oxy.

When should you use solid brass fittings instead of copper fittings?

Where most durable connections needed.

Solid brass costs 10x more than copper fittings and take 2x longer to install.

Flaring Procedure:

1. Cut and ream

2. Slide flare nut on and push out of way of joint

3. Clip pipe flaring tool, ends fluish with face of tool. Some tools may require it to protrude slightly.

4. Slowly turn tool handle until bottomed out

5. Unscrew and check flare quality. If not good, cut off and try again. When complete - check flare for:

   1. Correct size (fit the fitting snug and not tight)

   2. Excessive thin out (flare splitting apart)

6. Line up and tighten nut. Make connection as tight as possible.

Press Connect Procedure:

1. Cut pipe square. (displacement type cutter or fine tooth saw)

2. Deburr.

3. Check fitment, measure and mark proper insertion depth . Failing to do this may fail the joint.

4. slight twist motion, slide fitting on to the marked depth.

5. Place jaws over sealing element, visually check the marking did not move. Operate the tool

6. Release tool and the control label should indicate the press is done.

What is another less common joining method?

Epoxy - epoxy cement with conventional solder type fittings. Epoxy cement applied to the tube end and fitting cup in place of solder.

Compression fitting joining technique:

1. Cut all tube, use piece of wool to clean to about 1”.

2. Run the nuts with the ferrules off and ensure no binding. If a ferrule is unevenly chamfered, the longest chamfer is pointed towards the fitting (end of the tube being connected).

3. Slide the tube into connector, ensure it hits the stop in the body.

I stopped writing the steps here because it’s overly complicated and makes no sense in the ILM.

Once hand tight, tighten an additional turn (in reality if using swagelok you tighten 1 turn and 1/4).

After testing, it was found that the bursting strength of copper tube is _____ than it was before bending.

Stronger

When bending type L hard tube ___ and over, you may find that _____ are needed.

When bending type L hard tube 3/4” and over, you may find that mechanical tube benders are needed.

What is the commonality with all tube benders?

Each bender will only bend the size of tubing it is designed for.

List the 5 applications for copper pipe, tube, and tubing and give an example.

1. Plumbing

   • Water service lines

2. Heating

   • Hydronic systems

3. Gas

   • above or underground gas installs

4. Steam or Pipe fittings

   • Steam systems, boilers, industrial heating

5. Specialized

   • Oxygen, oil burner connections, sprinklers

Which bender is most reliable for 1/2” to 1” tube and tubing?

Gear Bender

What sizes does tubing come in?

1/8 to 3/4”