Condensate Drain: Copper
Condensate is the water that forms on the exterior of a cooling coil and drips down to be...
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Copper is a long lasting, corrosion resistant, lightweight and strong material that involves...
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Benefit of Material to Systems Application
Copper is not the preferred material for condensate draining of a cooling coil. This is primarily due to the fact that condensate tends to be slightly acidic in nature and proves corrosive to the copper in some instances. In addition, the price of copper is also a deterrent. PVC, being 4 to 6 times less expensive than copper, is the preferred material for condensate drains. Some local codes may prevent PVC from being used and copper is then a likely substitute but, all three mechanical codes of the U.S. permit PVC.
Copper is sometimes used in the rare event the condensate is run from a rooftop or group of roof top units to a centralized drain area. Generally condensate is allowed to drain onto the roof of a facility and evaporate into the atmosphere. When draining a coil inside, the condensate is typically drained to a floor drain in the mechanical room or pumped to a drain using a condensate pump.
System Application and Material Usage
When used for condensate drains, copper is connected using copper fittings and solder, similar to domestic water applications using copper tubing. No special tools are required. Internal pressure is not an issue as condensate drains merely route water that has been condensed on the cooling coils to a drain. The condensate drain is open to the atmosphere at both ends. Only gravity to generate flow when a building drain is located below the cooling coil. Otherwise, small condensate pumps are used to lift the condensate to the nearest building drain.
Because of the low internal pressure, lightweight copper drainage tube can be used for condensate drainage systems
Manufacturers and Suppliers Participating in OPUS
Cerro Flow Products LLC
- Cerro Flow Products is a manufacturer of world-class grade copper tube for the plumbing, HVAC,......
(click for details) Embassy Group LTD
- Embassy Group Ltd. is a 100 percent member-owned, 3.2 billion dollar corporation consisting of......
(click for details) F.W. Webb Company
- F.W. Webb Company is a multi-faceted distributor of Plumbing and Heating, HVAC and Controls,......
(click for details) Ferguson
- Ferguson specializes in plumbing and heating, industrial pipe, valves, fittings, underground......
(click for details) Mueller Industries, Inc.
- Mueller Industries is the leading U.S. manufacturer of copper tube, copper fittings, and plastic......
(click for details) NIBCO INC.
- Founded in Elkhart, Indiana in 1904, NIBCO INC. is a leading provider of a diverse range of flow......
(click for details) Tyco/GRINNELL Mechanical Products
- Tyco Fire & Building Products manufactures the Grinnell® line of grooved products......
(click for details) Victaulic
- Victaulic is the world's leading manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining products. For over 80......
(click for details) Viega LLC
- Founded in 1899, Viega is the only manufacturer to offer press fitting solutions in multiple......
(click for details) Weldbend Corporation
- Weldbend Corporation is a manufacturer of carbon steel welding fittings and forged steel......
(click for details) WinWholesale, Inc.
- WinWholesale is comprised of over 550 wholesale distribution locations that sell high-quality......
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