Hot Products
- Carbon & Carbon Alloy Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Copper & Nickel Alloy
- Heat Efficiency Tubes
- Pipe Fittings
- Pipe Flanges
- Gasket, Stud Bolt &Nut
- Industrial Valves
0102030405
Copper and Copper Alloy Tubes - BS 2871 Standards from China Suppliers and Factory for Industrial Applications
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, including:
- 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
- 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:
- 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 list of the material codes (alloy designations) specified in the latest editions of BS 2871 (as per historical revisions; verify with the current BSI standard for updates).
BS 2871 Material Codes (Copper & Copper Alloy Tubes)
Part 1: Copper Tubes for Water, Gas, and Sanitation
- 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.)
- 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
- CZ110 – Leaded brass (e.g., CuZn39Pb3)
- CZ112 – Free-cutting brass (high lead content)
- CS101 – Phosphor bronze (e.g., CuSn4, CuSn6)
📌 Notes
1. Temper Designations:
• O (Annealed) – Soft condition
• H (Hard-drawn) – Higher strength, less ductility
• HR (Half-hard) – Intermediate temper
• O (Annealed) – Soft condition
• H (Hard-drawn) – Higher strength, less ductility
• HR (Half-hard) – Intermediate temper
2. 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).
• C106/C107 – Plumbing, heating, refrigeration (common for brazing/welding).
• CZ101/CZ102 – General engineering, decorative applications.
• CZ107/CN102 – Corrosion-resistant uses (e.g., marine, condensers).
🚀 Want to order the same? Contact us Now to send your request!
❓ 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. It is divided into multiple parts covering tubes for water, gas, sanitation, heat exchangers, and general engineering applications, with material codes such as C106, CZ101, and CS101.
What is the difference between C106 and C107 in BS 2871?
Both C106 and C107 are phosphorus deoxidized copper grades (Cu-DHP). The primary difference lies in the residual phosphorus content — C107 has a higher phosphorus content than C106, making it slightly more suitable for applications requiring improved resistance to hydrogen embrittlement.
What temper conditions are available for BS 2871 copper tubes?
BS 2871 copper tubes are available in three main temper conditions: O (Annealed/Soft) for maximum ductility, HR (Half-hard) for intermediate strength and flexibility, and H (Hard-drawn) for maximum strength and rigidity.
What testing is required under BS 2871?
BS 2871 mandates dimensional checks, visual inspections, mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, flaring, flattening), hydrostatic or pressure testing for pressure-rated applications, and non-destructive testing (NDT) where specified by the customer or application.
Which BS 2871 alloy is best for marine or condenser applications?
For marine and condenser applications, CZ107 (Aluminum brass) and CN102 (Aluminum bronze) are the most commonly recommended alloys under BS 2871 due to their excellent corrosion resistance in seawater and aggressive environments.
Do BS 2871 tubes require mill test certificates?
Yes, mill test certificates (MTCs) may be required to confirm compliance with BS 2871. Each tube or batch must be marked with the manufacturer's trademark, alloy designation, temper condition, and the BS 2871 standard number. MTCs provide full traceability of chemical and mechanical properties.