For years, copper tubes have been used for domestic water supply, sanitary drainage, medical gas, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, solar and fire sprinkler systems etc., and are known for excellent performance in all environment.

Until recently threaded steel pipe has been used in fuel gas distribution systems in residential applications. But now still pipes are being replaced by copper tubes for the distribution of natural and liquefied petroleum (LP) gas ranging from single-family attached and detached to multi-story buildings etc. These copper gas distribution lines have also been installed for many years in commercial buildings such as strip malls, hotels and motels.

Key advantages of using copper for fuel gas distribution systems:

• Cost-effective for both low and high pressure systems
• Lowest overall installed system cost for fuel gas applications
• Easiest system to install
• Lowest cost material amongst flexible materials
• Material certified to an ASTM standard
• Large labor savings over black steel pipe
• Approved by national and international codes - National Fuel Gas Code, and International Mechanical Code and International Plumbing Code
• Ideally also suited for retro-fit and remodeling applications
• No special tools or manufacturer-specific training needed - can be installed with the tools and skills the installer already has
• Backed by technical and field support by the CDA throughout the country
• Semi-rigid material
• Lighter than black steel pipe

Various kinds of gas equipment and appliances are used in modern households. Efficient heating may be achieved by central heating systems and room heaters. The central systems usually do have provisions for cooling as well. Mehta Tubes offers Gas-fired water heaters that are noted for their quick recovery rates. Our other items includes cooking ranges, ovens, decorative lighting, clothes, fireplaces, dryers and gas barbecues.

As copper is flexible, resistant to corrosion, easy to join and can be availed in different length as per requirements, these tubes are beneficial for for homeowners, housing developers, builders, installation contractors and gas companies, when used for gas distribution system.

Easier to clean, these tubes require less time for installation and are cost effective as well and hence are perfect for single-family dwellings. For multistory residences, copper gas distribution systems reduces the cost of installation cost when compared with that of electricity for heating, laundry and cooking applications.

Copper is the most preferred option for hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems due to the following unique properties of copper :

Superior Flow Characteristics

• Copper Prevents Capacity Loss and Maximizes System Life: Copper's resistance to corrosion reduces scaling of tubing's inner surface. Oversizing of piping is not required to compensate for diminished flow capacity, as is required in steel pipe systems in which corrosion buildup restricts flow as systems age
• Copper has another advantage as the measurement of a tube's internal diameter remains constant throughout its life span. The oxide film, which naturally forms on the tubes inner surface does not flake off, instead acts as a protective barrier. In copper sprinkler clogging of components heads and small-diameter branch lines due to flaking is non-existent. Hence there is a reduction in periodic maintenance flushing operations.

With copper's superior flow characteristics, system designers can incorporate several economies that help keep costs down:

• A reduction in cross and feed main sizing, in many hydraulically-calculated systems
• An increase in the permitted number of sprinklers for copper lines of two-inch and larger, in pipe schedule systems
• The NFPA 13-approved use of ¾-inch copper tube in applications in which the minimum size requirement for steel is 1

Installation Ease and Versatility
Copper is extremely easy to install, is cost effective and has more designing options. From initial delivery to installation, entire work can be done within a short span of time. With copper, there are no such problems of storing, delivery, handling etc., when compared with other material.

Copper's properties of ease of handling avails more options for designing and either shop or field fabrication. With the use of portable hand tools, bending, cutting and joining of copper can be accomplished in limited-space areas.

With modern tools and machinery installation cost of tee connections and outlets in copper facilitates shop or field assembly is reduced by 25%.

Copper is rigid and light weight and hence fewer hangers and supports are required when compared with other piping systems. Copper requires no special hold-downs to maintain alignment under pressure.

Innovative Possibilities
Copper Permits Combining Hydronic Systems: A single copper piping loop can supply water to both sprinkler system and heat pumps. And thus saves per square foot in building costs for a combined system. Using a water-source heat pump with a sprinkler is more efficient way to obtain better fire protection at lower cost than having separate systems for heating, cooling and fire protection.

Heating products by Mehta Tubes Ltd. are supplied in 3 or 6 meter straight length in the half hard condition. It is a perfect temper for cold bending, max forming and can also easily bend on an appropriate bending machine for 6 to 22mm O.D. sizes, with a bending spring. Their easy to manipulate property and light weight give them the ability to withstand high internal pressure, which makes them perfect for hot and cold water, central heating and gas services installations. Used for drinking water, central heating, sanitation, hot and cold water, and various engineering applications.

Certified as per BS EN 1057 - R220 (Previous Designation BS 2871 : Part 1: Table Y) these pipes are supplied in either 6m long half or annealed 25m or 23 m long coils. They come with a wall thickness of approximately 1.5 times thicker than Max. Ideal for underground application, the extra wall thickness allows them to be used on certain pressurized stem installations with maximum working temperature of 205o C.

Sizes mm	6	8	10	12	15	22	28	35	42	54	66.7	76.1	108	133	159
Max Mean O.D mm	6.04	8.04	10.04	12.04	15.04	22.05	28.05	35.06	42.06	54.06	66.77	76.17	108.17	133.20	159.20
Min Mead O.D. mm	5.96	7.96	9.96	11.96	14.96	21.95	27.95	34.94	41.94	53.94	66.63	76.03	107.9	132.80	158.80
W.T. mm	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.9	0.9	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.5	1.5	1.5	2.0
Max W.P. (65C) Bar	133	97	77	63	58	51	40	42	35	27	20	24	17	14	15

8 Good reasons to choose and use copper for heating systems

• Tried and Tested
• Good value for money
• Versatile
• Recyclable
• Long Lasting
• Resist heat, corrosion, pressure and fire
• Healthy and safe
• Non-permeable