316 SS or Black Schedule 40

[Dunes33]

I want cut down on the maintenance of my main steam header (50psi) guage line. Right now it is type k copper tubing but it has gotten 2 pin hole leaks in the last year. I was thinking about replacing it with black schedule 40 or maybe 316 SS for longer life? The length of the pipe is about 60 ft. I thought about 316 SS because of less rust and clogging of the gauge and pressure switches at the end of the line. Or should I stick with the copper?

 

[racookpe1978]

Is this a 60 ft steam "pipe" or a 60 foot (1/4") gauge line from a larger steam pipe?

I know of few times when a copper instrument tubing would be permitted even at that low a pressure?

 

[Dunes33]

60ft of 1/2" gauge line. Copper is permitted. So should I just cut the leaking section out and sauter a new piece of copper in its place?

 

[DRWeig]

Sounds like something in the steam is condensing and corroding your copper -- if it were my project, I'd change to steel (not necessarily stainless).

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

 

[mufasa1]

For instrumentation tubings and tubing connections I would recommend stainless steel material for better sealing at the threads within time.