copper condensate line

Phil Segneri

why are copper condensate lines a bad idea in steam systems?

Randy Tibbits

If we are talking about a gas fired appliance the acidity in the condensate eats the copper.

Robert O'Connor_6

I assume

you are talking about return lines.


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regards

Robert

Mark Eatherton1

Copper steel and oxygen do not a good mix make...

You are asking for trouble from electrolysis, and the lesser of the two noble metals will fail (cast iron or steel).

It can be used, however, the connection between the two metals MUST be dielectrically isolated (prefer yellow brass adapters, or yellow brass ball valves, NOT dielectric unions), and you must make sure that there are no copper shavings or filings still in the pipe when installed.

I'd go to the extra trouble of blowing the pipe out with compressed air or drag a rag through the pipe to clean it out. Otherwise, you'll have particles of copper floating through your system, and whenever it comes into contact with the steel/cast iron, it could deposit a few cells of copper and start its own tubercle of corrosion that won't show for about 10 years.

As another poster pointed out, if you're talking about the flue gas side of a high efficiency boiler, the acidity of the condensate will cause the copper to go away...

The use of copper on the supply side is a difinate no no with the exception of the make up water.

ME

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