While looking on the web to get this answer I am finding too much information that leads to too many answers. What is the max working air pressure and burst pressure of 1/4" soft drawn copper refrigeration tubing? I'm sure there are many on this board that know the answer without looking for it. I'm not one of them.
Max pressure 1/4" copper tubing?
- Thread starter sloinker
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Here is a couple good references:
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/copper-tubes-dimensions-pressure-d_84.html
http://www.alascop.com/pdf/cu/water_tubing_1.pdf
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/copper-tubes-dimensions-pressure-d_84.html
http://www.alascop.com/pdf/cu/water_tubing_1.pdf
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It will depend on the manufacturer as there is some minor variance here even though they are supposed to be all the same depending on the grade. You would need to run your own tests to see for exacting specifications.
You could easily setup a test section and then overload it to see the burst pressure.
What are you trying to achieve?
You could easily setup a test section and then overload it to see the burst pressure.
What are you trying to achieve?
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I'm feeding a Rosemount transmitter from an industrial air compressor that has a working pressure of up to 300 psi. Normally I would bend and use stainless tube except I have limited space and need access without tubing interference. The soft copper fit the bill. It is temporary for now but may become permanent in the future. The copper allowed me the flexibility of a quick install before the end of work last night. I started wondering about it after I left and asked the question here after getting nothing definitive online. I don't even know the manufacturer as it was just a piece laying around the shop.
Even with grade M which is the softest you would be fine for 300 psi because it's rated for more than that. I ran grade M for my air compressor which is in my basement cold room (no garage) to a connector on the otherside of my house through the brick that faces the driveway so I can hook up my air hose there and work on my vehicles with my compressor in my basement. I used standard house copper flexible pipe grade "M" and I have 150 PSI running through it. It's been 5 years. No issues.
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I don't understand the scenario in which 1/4" od copper would work and 1/4" od aluminum or CRES wouldn't.
I would use 5052-O .028 or .035 wall bent with hand bender to keep flatness to a minimum.
I would use 5052-O .028 or .035 wall bent with hand bender to keep flatness to a minimum.
Originally Posted by Saul
I don't understand the scenario in which 1/4" od copper would work and 1/4" od aluminum or CRES wouldn't.
I would use 5052-O .028 or .035 wall bent with hand bender to keep flatness to a minimum.
We usually use stainless tube for all of our instruments. This is a one off that they needed pronto. I will probably go back in the future and bend some stainless and some carefully selected fittings to make it safe/presentable and workmanlike. Not much space, not much time and access requirements kind of forced my hand on the quick and dirty install.
I don't understand the scenario in which 1/4" od copper would work and 1/4" od aluminum or CRES wouldn't.
I would use 5052-O .028 or .035 wall bent with hand bender to keep flatness to a minimum.
We usually use stainless tube for all of our instruments. This is a one off that they needed pronto. I will probably go back in the future and bend some stainless and some carefully selected fittings to make it safe/presentable and workmanlike. Not much space, not much time and access requirements kind of forced my hand on the quick and dirty install.
If you want maximum working pressure & flexibility so it doesn't work harden use this.
Ptfe teflon hose with wire braid- specs are below, use -04 (1/4 inch) next to the bottom.
3000 working press, 12,000 burst- compatible with all chemicals
https://techflexhose.com/ptfe-smooth-bore-hoses.html
Ptfe teflon hose with wire braid- specs are below, use -04 (1/4 inch) next to the bottom.
3000 working press, 12,000 burst- compatible with all chemicals
https://techflexhose.com/ptfe-smooth-bore-hoses.html
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Some of the newer refrigerants run higher than 300 psi head pressure so I don't think you will have any issues.
Originally Posted by CDX825
Some of the newer refrigerants run higher than 300 psi head pressure so I don't think you will have any issues.
100% TRUTH
I would run copper 1/4" to 1000 psi and not blink about it.
stainless = 3,000psi-4,000 psi or more (depends on wall thickness)
Copper will handle 300 with EASE. I've seen clear nylon or HDPE tubing take over 300 psi with ease.... and that's plastic, for Pete's Sake (think air brake lines)
Some of the newer refrigerants run higher than 300 psi head pressure so I don't think you will have any issues.
100% TRUTH
I would run copper 1/4" to 1000 psi and not blink about it.
stainless = 3,000psi-4,000 psi or more (depends on wall thickness)
Copper will handle 300 with EASE. I've seen clear nylon or HDPE tubing take over 300 psi with ease.... and that's plastic, for Pete's Sake (think air brake lines)
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