Re-using copper tubing - yay or nay?

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Thad Swarfburn III

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Tearing apart some equipment at work and have pulled out ten 1 metre sections of 1/8 copper line. I'd like to scavenge this for future steam use but it's been used as indicator line in a hydraulic power pack (to the pressure gauge) and consequently has hydraulic oil in it.

What are the thoughts on reusing this?
 
Hi,

May end up being more work in the end than what the tubing is worth ? May need annealed if it's been " worked " much during the original install.
 
A few years ago I made a small boiler using some 10mm diameter salvaged tubing from a central heating system.

After the boiler was made and when pressure tested one of the boiler tubes split along it's length, rendering the boiler useless.

Since then I have always used new tubing.

If you have a local car brake specialist in your area, they should be able to order in (or have in stock) small sizes of annealed copper tube for very realistic prices. I would buy it in 5 or 10 metre coils.

John
 
Well, at least in the USA, copper tube for hydraulic brake lines has been illegal. At least it has since I started automotive school in 1971.

There's no need to throw the tube away, it'll be handy for something. It might be okay for misc plumbing. Like blog said avoid heartbreak, best start with new tubes!

TC
 
Here in Western Australia we're allowed to use copper for hydraulic brake lines, at least on trailers, but have to have it securely fastened at least every 600mm (2') from memory.
 
What you have to take into account is the amount of work it has done before you get your claws into it. It only has to have so many pressure ons and offs before it becomes weakened. For a certain amount of time after installation it will get stronger as the pipe work hardens, then it is just a matter of time before it fails. Sometimes soon, a lot of times never. I prefer not to take the chance.

For those in the UK

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Copper-Pi...hash=item19ec8c5086:m:md4BEkYpbq1IQkwKmMlNZYQ

It can be bought cheaper than this if you do an extended online search.

John
 
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