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China Suppliers Factory for BS 2871 Copper and Copper Alloy Tubes - Seamless and Welded Solutions
Ordering Information
When ordering tubes conforming to BS 2871, the following details should be specified:
- Standard designation (e.g., BS 2871)
- Alloy code/number (e.g., C106, C122)
- Temper/condition (e.g., annealed, half-hard, hard)
- Dimensions (outer diameter, wall thickness, length)
- Type of tube (seamless or welded)
- Special requirements (e.g., pressure testing, surface finish)
Material Codes & Alloys
BS 2871 classifies copper and copper alloy tubes under different parts:
- Part 1: Copper tubes for water, gas, and sanitation (e.g., C106 – Phosphorus deoxidized copper)
- Part 2: Copper alloy tubes (e.g., brass, aluminum bronze)
- Part 3: Seamless copper tubes for heat exchangers
Common Material Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| C101 | High-conductivity copper |
| C106/C107 | Phosphorus deoxidized copper (suitable for welding) |
| C122 | Phosphorus deoxidized copper with higher phosphorus content |
Mechanical & Chemical Properties
- Tensile strength, elongation, and hardness vary based on temper (annealed, hard-drawn, etc.).
- Chemical composition limits for copper purity and alloying elements (e.g., phosphorus, zinc, lead).
Inspection & Testing Requirements
BS 2871 mandates several inspection and testing procedures, including:
- Dimensional checks (outer diameter, wall thickness, straightness)
- Visual inspection (surface defects, cracks, dents)
- Mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, flaring, flattening tests)
- Hydrostatic/pressure testing (for pressure applications)
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) (if specified)
Tolerances
- Diameter and wall thickness tolerances are specified based on tube type and size.
- Length tolerances for straight and coiled tubes.
Marking & Certification
Tubes must be marked with the following information:
- Manufacturer's name/trademark
- Alloy designation
- Temper condition
- Standard number (BS 2871)
- Certification – Mill test certificates may be required for compliance.
Packaging & Storage
- Tubes should be protected from mechanical damage and corrosion.
- Packaging methods (bundling, boxing, or crating) depend on customer requirements.
The BS 2871 standard covers various copper and copper alloy tubes, divided into different parts. Below is a comprehensive list of the material codes (alloy designations) specified in BS 2871.
Part 1: Copper Tubes for Water, Gas, and Sanitation
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| C101 | High-conductivity copper (≥ 99.90% Cu) |
| C103 | Oxygen-free copper (OFHC, ≥ 99.95% Cu) |
| C106 | Phosphorus deoxidized copper (Cu-DHP, low residual phosphorus) |
| C107 | Phosphorus deoxidized copper (Cu-DHP, higher phosphorus than C106) |
| C108 | Silver-bearing copper (for high-strength applications) |
| C110 | Electrolytic tough pitch copper (ETP, ≥ 99.90% Cu) |
Part 2: Copper Alloy Tubes (Brass, Bronze, etc.)
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| CZ101 | 70/30 Brass (70% Cu, 30% Zn) |
| CZ102 | 60/40 Brass (60% Cu, 40% Zn) |
| CZ103 | Admiralty brass (70% Cu, 29% Zn, 1% Sn, arsenic-bearing) |
| CZ107 | Aluminum brass (76% Cu, 22% Zn, 2% Al, 0.04% As) |
| CZ108 | Naval brass (62% Cu, 36.75% Zn, 1.25% Sn) |
| CN102 | Aluminum bronze (e.g., CuAl10Fe5Ni5) |
| CN107 | Nickel silver (Cu-Ni-Zn alloy) |
Part 3: Seamless Copper Tubes for Heat Exchangers
- C101, C106, C107 – Same as Part 1, but with stricter tolerances for heat transfer applications.
Part 4: Copper Alloy Tubes for General Engineering
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| CZ110 | Leaded brass (e.g., CuZn39Pb3) |
| CZ112 | Free-cutting brass (high lead content) |
| CS101 | Phosphor bronze (e.g., CuSn4, CuSn6) |
Temper Designations
O – Annealed
Soft condition, maximum ductility
H – Hard-drawn
Higher strength, less ductility
HR – Half-hard
Intermediate temper condition
Applications
- C106/C107 – Plumbing, heating, refrigeration (common for brazing/welding).
- CZ101/CZ102 – General engineering, decorative applications.
- CZ107/CN102 – Corrosion-resistant uses (e.g., marine, condensers).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is BS 2871 and what does it cover?
BS 2871 is a British Standard that specifies requirements for copper and copper alloy tubes used in applications such as water supply, gas, sanitation, heat exchangers, and general engineering. It is divided into multiple parts covering different alloy types and applications.
What is the difference between C106 and C107 copper tubes?
Both C106 and C107 are phosphorus deoxidized copper (Cu-DHP) grades. The primary difference is the phosphorus content — C107 contains a higher phosphorus level than C106. Both are commonly used for plumbing, heating, refrigeration, and brazing/welding applications.
What temper conditions are available for BS 2871 copper tubes?
BS 2871 tubes are available in three main temper conditions: O (Annealed) for maximum ductility and softness, HR (Half-hard) for an intermediate balance of strength and flexibility, and H (Hard-drawn) for higher strength with reduced ductility.
What information must be specified when ordering BS 2871 tubes?
When placing an order, you should specify the standard designation (BS 2871), alloy code (e.g., C106, CZ101), temper/condition, dimensions (outer diameter, wall thickness, length), tube type (seamless or welded), and any special requirements such as pressure testing or surface finish.
What testing and inspection does BS 2871 require?
BS 2871 mandates dimensional checks, visual surface inspection, mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, flaring, and flattening tests), hydrostatic/pressure testing for pressure-rated applications, and non-destructive testing (NDT) where specified by the customer.
Which BS 2871 alloy is best for marine or corrosion-resistant applications?
For marine and corrosion-resistant environments, CZ107 (Aluminum brass) and CN102 (Aluminum bronze) are the recommended choices. These alloys offer excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and are widely used in condensers, heat exchangers, and offshore applications.