[labnetwork] CDA and copper piping

[John Boyle]

Copper type K, silver soldered with argon purge by experienced mechanical
piping contractor. This is durable and meets all piping codes. I usually use
a tubing that is cleaned for oxygen service. It is ab it more expensive but
takes some uncertainty out of the installation.

 

CDA should be dried (-100 F dew point) and filtered. One "trick" to use if
particulates are an issue---after tubing is installed run the line and vent
it to a safe location.while air is flowing tap the tubing with a length of
PVC pipe (2-3 ft.) staring at the compressor and following it down the line.
This will help remove any particulate in the line and is low cost and easy
to do. Install filters after purging out the line.

 

DO NOT use PVC for compressed air. It can burst or explode. PVC in air is
specifically forbidden by ASME Piping codes. Using PVC is a safety issue and
a liability. It can also present insurance issues with your insurer.

 

 

John Boyle

John Boyle Consulting, LLC

4848 Canterbury Drive

Emmaus, PA 18049

484-432-7596 Cell

610-965-3208 Office

 

 

 

From: labnetwork [mailto:labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu] On Behalf Of
Paolini, Steven
Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2022 11:07 AM
To: Denis, Kevin L. (GSFC-5530); labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
Subject: Re: [labnetwork] CDA and copper piping

 

Kevin,

  Copper is OK for CDA use but I would recommend having the joints brazed
while a purge gas (argon) is flowing. Traditional soldering leaves flux
residue that could migrate downstream. The new style "Propress" fittings are
quite good and very clean as well.

In any event, do NOT use PVC!!!!! When PVC is overpressurized, it explodes
in shards!

  Equipment Dood.

 

Steve Paolini

Principal Equipment Engineer

Harvard University Center for Nanoscale Systems

11 Oxford St.

Cambridge, MA 02138

617- 496- 9816

spaolini at cns.fas.harvard.edu

www.cns.fas.harvard.edu

 

From: labnetwork <labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu> On Behalf Of Denis, Kevin
L. (GSFC-5530)
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2022 4:46 PM
To: labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
Subject: [labnetwork] CDA and copper piping

 

Hello All,

Has anyone used copper piping for clean dry air lines.  If not what kind of
problems would one run into if going this route?  Thanks for any insight
that can be provided.

 

 

Regards,
Kevin

 

 

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