Brewery Low Pressure Steam System

shawn823

Looking for pros/cons in using Copper with Propress XL fittings for a low pressure steam header in brewery. Appreciate any/all input
Thanks

pecmsg

Copper-----------NO

Pro Press---------YES

shawn823

any particular reason for not using copper outside of cost?

Koan

my understanding is that copper expands and contacts more than steel, copper pipe is not as strong as steel, and that soldered copper joints are more likely to fail under steam than threaded steel joints due to the higher stress of thermal expansion and lower strength. I believe conventional wisdom is to pipe steam with steel pipe above the wet returns. I have never heard of ProPress for a steel steam system, but again my understanding is that threaded steel joints are the accepted norm for steam.

KC_Jones

What size boiler is this? I thought those fittings only went up to 2", even if you did use it the 2" would limit the boiler size you could use it on and still do proper piping.

RayWohlfarth

@shawn823 I would be hesitant using copper for a low pressure steam boiler especially for a brewey boiler for a few reasons. Just like @Koan said, copper expands roughly 40% more than steel. Think of it like bending a paperclip back and forth. To make matters worse, a brewery boiler does not operate contunuosly so the heat and cooling cycle will be greater. More paperclip bending. The other concern is copper loses heat much faster than steel so that would condense the steam and lower your effieciency and effectiveness of the steam
Hope that helps

kevinj_4

KC_Jones said:

What size boiler is this? I thought those fittings only went up to 2", even if you did use it the 2" would limit the boiler size you could use it on and still do proper piping.

They have mega press from 2.5 thru 4, not sure if the bigger stuff is steam rated.

KC_Jones

kevinj_4 said:

KC_Jones said:

What size boiler is this? I thought those fittings only went up to 2", even if you did use it the 2" would limit the boiler size you could use it on and still do proper piping.

They have mega press from 2.5 thru 4, not sure if the bigger stuff is steam rated.

The OP specifically asks about copper, the mega press isn't copper unless I am misreading their catalog.

Rereading the OP, I think they are confused. They are asking about using copper with the fittings made for steel pipe, at least reading it exactly as written. Pretty sure the manufacturer won't allow that.

shawn823

Was considering Propress XL which is rated for Low Pressure Steam. Copper Pipe with copper fittings, header coming off boiler will be 3". Was only considering doing the header in copper as I have no access to a welder and did not want to T & C 3" pipe. based on comments I'm quickly moving away from copper. Thanks to all for the insight

kevinj_4

Propress only goes to 2" as I recall so you better check what the codes allow in your area for the piping.

It might be best to hire the headers done by a pro.

pecmsg

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/94138/pro-press-for-steam

EBEBRATT-Ed

Was just reading on U tube of some failures in Ridgids "pressure booster system" which is used for 2 1/2"-4" mega press system

shawn823

Thanks for all your insights, suggestions and sharing your knowledge. I have decided to use welded carbon steel pipe, keeping with a old school proven method.