Copper Plumbing?????

[RRamsey]

I am wanting to plumb my new cone tank's and I was wondering if I could use copper plumbing instead of PVC or Iron.

 

[JGK]

Cone tank for what? I'm going to make an assumption here and guess its for processing biodiesel. In that case, according to a materials compatibility document I have at hand, "Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc may accelerate the oxidation process of biodiesel creating fuel insolubles or gels and salts. Lead solders and zinc linings should be avoided, as should copper pipes, brass regulators, and copper fittings. Affected equipment should be replaced with stainless steel, carbon steel, or aluminum. "



I'd stay away from copper. Stick with iron, steel, or compatible plastic. They are cheaper, too. However, I have to admit, I do use brass ball valves on my set up. Everything else is iron, steel or PVC. All my soft lines, which have been vinyl and have to be replaced from time to time, are about to be replaced with ether-based polyurethane tubing.



-Jay

 

[cj hall]

it dependes on what you plan to do with the tank



if you are making biodiesel then I would say no it reacts with the chemicals used in making the biodiesel. makes the fuel green

if blending then I would say it might be a small problem as the chemicals (ie gasoline) reacts with the copper, the unions I get have copper seats in them and they are fine.



and for some reason if you use copper tube in a steel tank for running heat in the tank it causes a reaction and will rust the tank faster than just the combo of air and oil



the best piping for this would be stainless steel then black pipe after that would be brass pipe / bronze valves are ok then the rest of the ones galv/copper/pvc/abs ect ect.



hope this helps



silicone hose is great for used oil and new but once you blend in the chemicals then you have issues again its the gasoline if blending.



cj hall