Max btus for 1\" copper?

Eric Johnson

What is the maximum number of btus that you can get through 1" copper? And as a practical matter, would it make any sense to connect a boiler that exceeded that number to a one-inch copper supply and return line?

David Sutton_6

BTU's

Based on a 20° temp drop 1 gallon per min of flow will transport 10,000 BTU's and a 1 copper pipe will handle 8 GPM
8 x 10,000= 80,000


David

ALH_4

Velocity and Delta-T

The limitation is based on velocity in the pipe. Conservatively you could run 10gpm through a 1" diameter pipe. With water, you can move approximately 5000 btu per degree delta-T between the supply to the return in a 1" pipe. 20°F dT gives you 100MBH. 30°F dT gives you 150MBH. The btu carrying capacity of the pipe depends on the dT your system is designed for.