Steam Boiler piping

Plastic Steam

Thanks Jim- Interesting article. I'm not sure what to make of it.  I'm all for innovation in residential steam though can you even imagine what sort of near boiler piping configurations we would see on the Wall if the "Cut & Paste" guys got into steam?!

Polysulfone is probably the only plastic you could use for steam though I really wonder about its longevity as its physical properties do degrade at high temperature (175 C) . somewhat over time. Maybe at 212-215C this isn't a problem?  (If anyone is interested here is the design book on Polysulfone http://www.solvayadvancedpolymers.com/static/wma/pdf/4/0/6/UDG2004.pdf)

I don't think it would have anywhere near the longevity of black iron piping and I would think it would need a lot of extra support to prevent sagging. It sounds like there would be initial benefits (Cut& Paste) however things are much different from the lab to real life. I think I'd be more interested in the controls and accessories they come up with.

Maybe if we can get the Polysulphone guys together with the Vaporad people http://www.fraccaro.it/en/vaporad_termostrisce_vapore.asp?pa=ho

they could come up with something practical. I agree with Charlie, put the effort into more efficient boilers and better controls

- Rod