Diameter inches pressure. The use of copper pipes in heating systems

The appearance on the market of many budget analogues - pipes made of metal-plastic and PPN (polypropylene), did not cause the loss of popularity of copper pipes, which are still widely used in the arrangement of heating systems.

This article presents copper pipes and fittings. We will consider pipe sizes and types of fittings, compare them with polypropylene counterparts and study the technology for connecting products for soldering, compression and press crimping.

Article content

Copper pipe marking

Copper pipes for heating are manufactured in accordance with the provisions of GOST No. 617-90 "Copper pipes". Products have a unified type marking DKRNM 28*3*3000 M2 B, wherein

• D - manufacturing method ( , G - pressed);
• K - circular section;
• N - manufacturing accuracy is normal (P - increased);
• M - soft (P - semi-hard, T - hard, L - soft with increased plasticity, P - semi-hard with increased strength, H - hard with increased strength);
• 28 - outer diameter, mm;
• 3 - wall thickness, mm;
• 3000 - measured length of the segment;
• M2 - from copper grade M2.

Copper pipes can be made in soft or hard versions, depending on the grade of the alloy used for the production. For the arrangement of heating systems, solid products are most often used, the use of soft pipes is rational only when installing a warm floor, which is laid with a large number of bends.

Assortment and features of choice

Solid copper pipes for heating are produced in lengths from 2 to 5 m, soft - in bays up to 50 meters long. The wall thickness varies within 1-3 mm; in heating communications, products with walls of 1.5-2 mm are most often used.

Consider the overall characteristics of the most popular pipe diameters:

• ∅ 10 mm: weight of a running meter - 197 g, wall thickness - 1.5 mm;
• ∅ 12 mm: rm weight - 308 g, wall thickness - 1.5 mm;
• ∅ 15 mm: rm weight - 391 g, wall thickness - 1.5 mm;
• ∅ 18 mm: rm weight - 480 g, wall thickness - 2 mm;
• ∅ 22 mm: rm weight - 590 g, wall thickness - 2 mm;
• ∅ 28 mm: rm weight - 1115 g, wall thickness - 2.5 mm;
• ∅ 35 mm: rm weight - 1420 g, wall thickness - 2.5 mm;
• ∅ 42 mm: rm weight - 1700 g, wall thickness - 3 mm.

Depending on the production technology, pipes can be annealed or unannealed. Products that have not undergone thermal hardening have greater mechanical strength (they are able to withstand pressures up to 450 bar) but less elasticity (practically do not bend). Annealed (heated to a high temperature and then cooled) pipes, on the contrary, are more ductile and less resistant to deformation.

A few words about the choice of pipe diameter. It must correspond to the diameter of the boiler supply opening (at the first branch), and at each subsequent branch it is necessary to use products with a diameter that is 1 step of the dimensional grid less than on the previous one - this approach will ensure that there are no pressure losses at all stages of the coolant circulation.

For example: the diameter of the pipes connected to the radiators is 20 mm, the diameter of the vertical wiring risers is 22 mm, the diameter of the main supply line is 24 mm. The "return" channel is assembled in a similar way, however, the diameter changes from larger to smaller.

Advantages and disadvantages, comparison with analogues

Copper pipes for heating have an alternative, which they are. We will study the advantages and disadvantages of the options we are considering and determine which one is better to use:

• the service life of copper pipes reaches 100 years, while polypropylene pipes serve no more than 30 years (the service life directly depends on the mode of use - when the coolant temperature rises above the permissible value, polypropylene loses strength and deforms);
• both options have a minimum weight and a fairly simple connection technology (soldering or shaped fittings are used for joining;
• copper products have a temperature maximum of 250 degrees, polypropylene - 95 degrees (they can tolerate a short-term increase in temperature up to 110 0);
• both copper and polypropylene pipes have high resistance to corrosion under the influence of water and high air humidity, however, copper is a conductive material and must be protected from stray currents, under the influence of which it can corrode rapidly;
• polypropylene pipes break when the coolant freezes, while copper pipes, due to the high elasticity of the material, remain intact;
• copper and polypropylene products have perfectly smooth inner walls, on which plaque does not form, which worsens the throughput of the pipeline;
• copper, unlike plastic, does not lose its performance when exposed to direct sunlight.

However, copper products also have a number of disadvantages, the main of which is the high cost. For comparison: the price per meter of pipe with a diameter of 18 mm is 400 rubles, while a polypropylene analogue costs 60 rubles / meter. The copper fittings used to connect the pipeline also differ in this.

Copper is a fairly soft material that is subject to abrasive wear under the influence of mechanical particles inside the coolant. To avoid this, the pipeline must be equipped with a filtering device. Keep in mind that copper pipes cannot be connected to products made of other metals - steel, aluminum or stainless steel. This is fraught with the activation of electrochemical reactions, as a result of which the pipeline begins to rust rapidly. The only metal copper is compatible with is brass.

Copper pipes in heating systems (video)

Fittings for connecting copper pipelines

Copper fittings - shaped elements, through which individual sections of the pipeline are joined together. Copper pipe fittings are available in the following configurations:

• parallel couplings;
• tees;
• squares (at 45 and 90 degrees);
• crosses.

The above copper fittings can be one-dimensional - for connecting pipes of the same diameter, or transitional - for connecting pipeline sections of different sizes.

Solder fittings

Connecting products intended for joining by soldering are called capillary. Their inner walls are covered with a thin layer of tin solder - molten solder fills the gap between the walls of the connecting products and, after hardening, firmly links them together.

We note the Sanha fittings for high-quality solder products. This company manufactures copper fittings of all common sizes according to German quality standards from CW024A grade alloy. Connections are able to withstand pressure in the range of 16-40 bar and an operating temperature of 110 degrees.

The technology for connecting copper pipelines by soldering is quite simple in execution:

1. The mating surfaces of the pipes and fittings are cleaned of contaminants, degreased and processed with fine-grained sandpaper.
2. A layer of low-temperature flux up to 1 mm thick is applied to the pipe walls.
3. The connecting elements are joined together, after which the junction is heated with a hot air gun or a gas burner up to a temperature of 400 0 for 10-15 seconds.
4. The cooling time of the joint is expected, after which the flux residues are cleaned with rags.

It is necessary to carry out soldering in a ventilated room, since during the melting of solder and flux, gases harmful to the body are released.

Collet connections

Collet, they are also compression fittings for copper pipes, perform a serviced connection to be dismantled. All are classified into two groups:

• "A" - for products made of solid and semi-solid copper;
• "B" - for soft copper pipes.

They differ in that class "B" fittings have an inner sleeve - a fitting, on which the connected sections of the pipeline are mounted. The fitting acts as a support element that prevents deformation of the copper walls during crimping.

Connection mounting technology:

1. A union nut and a split ring are put on the pipe.
2. The ring is placed at a distance of 1 cm from the cut.
3. The pipe is pushed onto the fitting nipple.
4. The union nut is hand-tightened until it stops, after which it is tightened with an adjustable or open-end wrench.

Press connection

For copper pipes, they consist of a body, a fitting and a crimp sleeve. Their installation takes a minimum of time - the connecting sections of the pipeline are inserted into the seat on the fitting, after which the sleeve is crimped using press tongs. This tool you can rent it at a plumbing store or buy it, prices start at 3 thousand rubles.

Such a connection is maintenance-free, unlike a collet joint, you cannot dismantle it without violating the integrity of the fitting. In the event of leakage, it is necessary to replace the connecting element. Note that press fittings are the most reliable and durable, their service life reaches 30 years.

Copper plumbing is not afraid of negative temperatures, does not emit toxic substances into the water, and can withstand water supply at temperatures up to 100 degrees.

From the article you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of such water pipes and types of copper pipes, how to correctly calculate the diameter and length of the pipe, how to install pipes and connect fittings.

Pros and cons of copper pipes

Like any material, copper pipes have their pros and cons. Knowing them, you will independently determine which material is best suited for your conditions.

Comparison with steel pipes

1. Longer service life (according to the technical passport for pipes, at least 50 years).
2. Easy installation - no need for expensive and complex welding work.
3. Easier to bend pipes.
4. Less weight.
5. They are not afraid of sub-zero temperatures and freezing of water inside.

1. They are more expensive.
2. To install press fittings, press tongs are required; for soldering, open fire is required.

Comparison with PVC, polypropylene, conventional and XLPE pipes

1. Withstand temperatures up to 110 degrees.
2. UV resistant.
3. The maximum pressure is above 200 atmospheres (bar).
4. High solder joint strength.

1. The presence of stray currents.
2. Susceptibility to corrosion in contact with steel.
3. Usage gas burner for solder connections.

Comparison with corrugated stainless steel pipes

1. Resistance to aggressive influences. Copper is coated with an oxide layer, which protects the pipe material from aggressive substances.
2. Less pipe cost.
3. Fittings are 2-3 times cheaper (by soldering).
4. Stronger connection (for soldering).

1. For a quality solder connection, it is necessary to use a gas burner.

How to calculate the required pipe diameter

Calculating the diameter of pipes for water supply is a complex engineering task that takes into account many factors - water flow per unit time, pressure and pressure of water, pipe material, shape and length of the water supply, and others.

If you calculate the diameter of the pipes yourself, follow a simple rule: when the water pressure in the water supply system is more than three atmospheres (bar) minimum size tubes for connecting a tap - 8 mm. For a collector to which 2-3 taps are connected - 15 mm. For the central manifold - 20 mm.

If the water pressure is below 2 atmospheres, increase the pipes by one size - use 10 instead of 8 mm, set 20 instead of 15 mm. If the length of the water supply from entering the house to consumers (faucets, washing machines and other devices) is more than 20 meters, use pipes on larger size. This will increase the cost of the material, but will save the water pressure in the taps. Such calculations are not accurate, you do them at your own peril and risk.

If you do not want to overpay for an excessive diameter and risk loss of pressure, contact a specialist. They will determine which diameter of the copper pipe is optimal for a particular section of the water supply.

Copper pipe size chart

Types of copper pipes and fittings

According to GOST R 52318-2005, copper pipes are divided into soft, semi-solid and hard. If you see the inscription “annealed” on the packaging (bay) of the pipe, this is a pipe made of soft metal. According to GOST: the pipe is in a soft state. Such pipes can withstand pressure up to 220 atmospheres, semi-solid - up to 250, solid - up to 290. If the package says "unannealed", this is a semi-solid or hard pipe that is hard to work with.

In the water pipes of houses and apartments, the water pressure does not exceed 7 atmospheres, therefore, semi-solid and hard pipes have no advantages over soft ones. The harder the pipe, the greater the bending radius and the less resistance to sub-zero temperatures. Soft pipes are more expensive, but easier to install.

For laying in concrete and protection against stray currents that damage the water supply, copper pipes are covered with a film of PVC, polyethylene or other polymers. Insulation will increase the thickness of the pipe by 0.5-1 mm, but keep it from corrosion.

If you are laying water supply through the air, purchase a pipe without a film. If, after laying the water pipe, some of the pipes are filled with concrete, use pipes with insulation.

Compression fitting

Fittings for copper pipes are available in the following types:

• crimp;
• capillary for soldering;
• with fused solder;
• compression.

According to the reliability of the connection in the water supply of a house or apartment, all fittings are the same. The difference between them appears at pressures above 100 atmospheres. Purchase the type of fitting that you have the equipment to install.

Buy all fittings of one system. If you took a crimp part and a capillary part for soldering, you will need two sets of tools for installation various kinds fittings.

Fittings are made from inexpensive hard copper, so don't overpay for a dishonest promotional stunt when it says "soft annealed copper" on the packaging or on the price tag.

Each manufacturer arranges its own product tolerances. In this case, the fittings are made to the size of the pipe. If you are installing plumbing for capillary soldering, purchase pipes and fittings from the same manufacturer. A difference of a tenth of a millimeter will break the capillary effect and the connection will turn out to be weak.

Copper pipe installation process

When you have designed the plumbing configuration, calculated and purchased pipes and fittings, start installation. To run pipe through a wall, punch or drill a hole. If, after installing the water pipe, some of the pipes are filled with concrete, use pipes with polymer insulation for these sections.

To protect fittings in concrete, prepare a plastic corrugated hose with an inner diameter of 5-10 mm more pipe. Mount the section and put a hose on it. If you are using compression fittings, take a hose with a diameter of 5-10 mm larger than the fitting. It will keep the fittings from corrosion due to stray currents and extend the life of the plumbing.

Use manual or electric press pliers to install compression fittings. The cost of a manual device is from a thousand euros, an electric device is from two thousand. Use adjustable wrenches to install compression fittings. To install solder fittings (capillary and fused solder), use the flux and solder recommended by the manufacturer.

When soldering pipes, be careful not to direct the flame of the torch at wood, rubber and plastic elements or painted surfaces.

From the article, you learned about the pros and cons of copper pipes, sizes, material features and installation methods. This will help you prepare for the repair or replacement of plumbing in a house or apartment, assess your strengths and capabilities. If you do not have the necessary equipment or are not confident in your abilities, contact the experts.

Despite everything, copper pipes have been and remain one of the most popular materials for the construction of pipelines for various purposes, along with metal, plastic and other types of products. According to GOST, a copper pipe can be used in many sectors of the economy, which is mainly due to the characteristics of copper itself, as well as the technology of seamless production of pipes.

This article will give general characteristics copper pipes, their properties and some installation features are announced.

Characteristics of copper pipes

Copper pipes do not react and are almost completely impervious to working fluids various types and in particular for oils, fats, herbicides, insecticides, bacteria, viruses and other substances.

With regard to chlorine, which may be contained in tap water, it not only does not destroy copper, but also contributes to the formation of a protective oxidizing layer, which gives the pipe even greater strength and durability.

Like plastic pipes, copper products are good because they are practically not subject to build-ups on the inner surface of various organic and inorganic substances– limescale, etc. According to GOST, a copper pipe is able to successfully operate in a wide temperature range (-200 ... +250 degrees), while showing high resistance to temperature extremes and having a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

A copper pipe 1/4 inch in diameter, along with products of other sizes, is quite plastic. Thanks to this, the level of safety becomes higher: copper pipes do not lose their integrity and tightness when water freezes in them.

Unlike copper, they are not afraid of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and commercially available copper pipe paint is more applicable to make the pipeline suitable for environmental conditions. appearance than for protection.

In addition, to increase the attractiveness of the appearance of copper pipes with a specific color, today a special chrome-plated copper pipe is produced.

Pipes of this type have an insignificant roughness coefficient, which is lower in comparison with metal and even polymer pipes, and this, under the same conditions, makes it possible to use a copper pipe of a smaller diameter.

In the production of pipes and fittings, as a rule, phosphorodeoxoxidized copper containing Cu + Ag > 99.90% and phosphorus (residual content) 0.015-0.040% is used. This grade of copper CU-DPH according to DIN 1412 is easy to weld and solder, has enhanced anti-corrosion properties and does not lose physical properties(plasticity, hardness, etc.) under conditions of long-term operation.

Copper pipes - GOST 617-19 melt at a temperature of 1083 degrees. All this determines the service life of copper fittings and pipes, which is 50-80 years.

In dry air conditions, such pipes practically do not oxidize, but if moisture and carbon dioxide appear, a green film may form on the metal surface.

Among other things, unlike steel and cast iron pipes, the weight of copper pipes is very small, which also greatly simplifies the laying of pipelines of this type.

The mass or simply the weight of a copper pipe, if necessary, can be calculated by the formula:

• Q = (D - S) * S * π * γ / 1000
• where Q is the mass per linear meter of the pipe;
• D is its outer diameter in millimeters;
• S is the wall thickness also in mm;
• π is a constant, equal to 3.14;
• γ is the density of copper, equal to 8.9 kg/l.

For example, the weight of a copper 12/1 pipe 1 m long will be just over 300 grams.

Applications of copper pipelines

The areas of use of copper pipes are very numerous.

Most often, such pipes are used in the following systems:

• in heating pipelines;
• in water supply systems (both hot and cold);
• in pipelines transporting gas or compressed air;
• in freon supply systems in refrigeration equipment;
• V hydraulic systems for oil supply;
• in fuel pipelines;
• in condensate removal systems;
• when connecting technological equipment;
• in air conditioning systems and others.

Types of copper pipes

Varieties of pipes according to the method of manufacture

Not only the cross-sections and sizes of copper pipes are different.

In domestic systems, as a rule, two types of copper pipes are used:

• annealed;
• unannealed.

Annealed products are subjected to annealing (special heat treatment), as a result of which the pipes become soft. At the same time, the strength qualities of pipes deteriorate slightly, while the installation of copper components becomes much simpler.

The supply of annealed copper pipes is carried out in lengths of several tens of meters (usually 2-50 m), rolled into coils. Pipes of the unannealed type are sold in the form of straight segments from one to several meters, usually 5 m in length.

According to the shape of the section, in addition to the classical form, there are also copper pipes of rectangular section. Such products are usually intended for the production of conductors for stator windings of electrical machines, which are cooled by the liquid method.

Rectangular copper pipes, due to their non-standard shape, are difficult to manufacture, which makes their cost compared to conventional pipes higher.

Dimensions and designations of copper pipes

Copper pipe - 1/2 inch, as well as products of other diameters of the inch system, in the modern interpretation are increasingly measured in millimeters.

So, pipes with diameters from 10 to 22 mm for water supply systems, from 32 to 42 mm for drain systems are in tangible demand today.

In addition, a new standard designation for pipe sizes has appeared in everyday life: if earlier 1/4 copper pipe was identified only by the outer diameter (1/4 inch), now a fractional designation, for example, 12/14 describes the pipe diameters - external and internal - in millimeters.

Officially, according to GOST, copper pipes are indicated fractionally, where the numerator indicates the outer diameter of the pipe in millimeters, and the denominator indicates the wall thickness. Pipe 14/1 is a pipe with an outer diameter of 14 mm, an inner diameter of 13 mm, and a wall thickness of 1 mm.

Marking of the following type NF ZZZ 07 RUSSIA 12 x 1 A 617-19 A will mean the following: ZZZ - manufacturer's indication, 07 - manufacturer's number, RUSSIA - country of origin, 12 x 1 - outer diameter and wall thickness of the pipe, 617-19 - copper pipes GOST.

Features of installation of copper pipes

Before mounting copper pipes, perform the required measurements and cutting into components. The cut of the pipe must certainly be even, for which a special pipe cutter should be used.

Copper pipe connection methods

Threads are not applied to copper pipes.

The pipes are connected in two ways:

• method ;
• pressing.

The most common, due to its efficiency, is the capillary soldering method. Soldering ensures the reliability and complete tightness of pipe connections. Copper square pipe, as a rule, is connected in this way.

Capillary soldering is usually performed using sockets and fittings. This method of piping is successfully applied when the operation of the pipe is planned at high temperatures.

The press connection is made using various types of fittings, including self-locking and compression fittings. In addition, special flanges and screed clamps can be used. The pressing method is applicable in cases where the impact on the pipeline of an open flame is excluded.

Fittings for connecting copper pipes

Copper pipes are interconnected by means of compression and solder fittings.

Crimp type fittings are usually made of brass. This element provides tightness of fastening due to the ferrule located inside the fitting. The ring is tightened with a connecting nut manually or with a wrench.

A 1/2 copper pipe or a product of a different diameter can be connected with a compression fitting at the pipeline installation site, where there is always access to checking the tightness of the connection. Such fittings usually connect pipelines designed for operation under low pressure, while the fittings require periodic inspection and tightening.

The technology for connecting a fitting to a copper pipe is as follows:

1. The fitting must be disassembled into components.
2. A clamping nut and a ferrule are put on the pipe.
3. The end of the pipe with the ferrule and nut is inserted into the fitting.
4. The nut is tightened to the stop by hand, while the cone-shaped ring should enter the conical part of the fitting without distortion.
5. Next, the nut is tightened with a wrench by 0.5-1.25 turns, depending on the diameter of the copper pipe.

With excessively strong tightening with a ferrule, you can simply cut through the pipe wall. No need to overdo it.

It should be remembered that such a connection is not a standard of reliability. It is the compression fittings that are prone to leaks more often than others. For this reason, constant monitoring of the integrity of such connections will be required.

Connecting copper pipes with pipes made of other materials

Copper pipe 3/8, as well as products of other diameters, in pipelines of hot and cold water supply can be connected to a pipe made of brass, steel, plastic without the risk of corrosion.

As for the connection with galvanized steel, both the profile and the round pipe are afraid of such combinations. The reason for this is the occurrence of active electrolytic processes that occur between zinc and copper.

Pipes of this type can only be connected using brass fittings, while the water flow must be carried out from zinc to copper, and nothing else.

Products of various diameters, such as 3/8 copper pipe, are very effective in terms of their durability. Having picked up modern copper pipes for a domestic pipeline, you will surely be satisfied with your choice.