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Posted by jimj on January 11, 2006 at 12:03:41:
In Reply to: Piping the Mains - Residential posted by Matthew on January 09, 2006 at 15:57:41:
: Perhaps a silly question but, why not use copper ($$$) or high-temp PVC (cheap) for piping the mains? These are very low pressure systems (got mine heating the house great never exceeding 12 oz. of steam pressure!) so why not use a lighter material than iron pipe. Both copper, although expensive, and PVC would heat-up much much faster than iron - reducing initial load and loss. Seems well insulated copper or PVC would be a superior material choice for the mains? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Could do... if you like replacing pipes a lot... high temp PVC.. usually max. temp. rating 105*C... water boils 100*C atmospheric pressure @ sea level....... raise pressure, raise temperature... many system run 0.5 - 2.0 psi range... margin of safety next to nil... warping pipes guaranteed... if not breaking outright....
Copper expands.... more readily than iron... expands a lot but not so strong.. steam is a gas... expands much more than water... lot of stress on the copper... also galvanic corrrosion where it meets iron or steel..... leaky joints... will last longer than PVC though.....
worried about heat loss in iron mains.......? insulate the mains.... less loss, less heat-up time, strong, last decades if well maintained... win-win....