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Kompulsa
13-12-2011, 05:33 PM
Hello.

I was wondering how many of you have considered stainless steel tubing as an alternative to copper? It is not that I am trying to use it, because I probably don't have the tools for it, but I am curious and want to talk about it.

I see it for a lower price than copper tubing here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-FT-STAINLESS-STEEL-TUBING-5-16-X-020-TP304-304L-NEW-/110714357886?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c717087e#ht_3013wt_907

I (http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-FT-STAINLESS-STEEL-TUBING-5-16-X-020-TP304-304L-NEW-/110714357886?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c717087e#ht_3013wt_907) guess stainless steel tubing does not leak nearly as quickly as copper?

I like the sound of it...
Quality
13-12-2011, 08:09 PM
Stainless Steel is not generally considered because it is not a standard form of installation as its harder to bend and more difficult to connect to standard Brass fittings due to electrolysis
RANGER1
13-12-2011, 08:43 PM
You can buy annealed stainless tube which is a bit harder than copper.
You can also flare it.

USE 45% silver solder to braze it, same as brass & steel.
Kompulsa
14-12-2011, 10:01 PM
Do you know if that ebay tubing I showed you is annealed? Can my 3,600 F brazing torch and MAPP gas work for stainless steel tubing?
Kompulsa
15-12-2011, 12:40 PM
Ok, I changed my mind and am seriously considering the stainless steel on Ebay now. I am trying to get the shipping weight of it from the seller. Why don't they just post that on the page.

A PDF recommended JMM Argo-braze 56 for stainless steel brazing where crevice corrosion is concerned. I need to find out what type the store sells. I need to know if the brazing alloy I usually buy from them is at least 45% silver because I am fine with using that.
mbc
15-12-2011, 04:00 PM
why you do not use steel pipe instead of copper , it is cheaper than stainless steel and also in low size of pipe you can band it , in some of our project we used it. (inside of pipes it should be cleaned ) it is very good .
RANGER1
15-12-2011, 07:38 PM
Kompulsa,
The annealed tube is usualy 6 metre lenths (not coiled up like copper).

The 45% also requires flux.

They may also ask for tube wall thickness,ppressure rating is important but probably not a problem
if its hydraulic tube.
mbc
16-12-2011, 03:44 AM
the steel pipe grade should be 40 as same as we use in NH3 systems.and it is good for large system with long length pipe works.