BS 2871 Material Specifications Detail
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 & 4: Seamless Heat Exchanger & Engineering Tubes
- CZ110 – Leaded brass (e.g., CuZn39Pb3)
- CZ112 – Free-cutting brass (high lead content)
- CS101 – Phosphor bronze (e.g., CuSn4, CuSn6)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary purpose of the BS 2871 standard?
A: BS 2871 is a British standard that specifies requirements for copper and copper alloy tubes, covering dimensions, materials, and testing for applications like water, gas, sanitation, and heat exchangers.
Q: Which alloy is most common for domestic plumbing and gas?
A: C106 (Phosphorus deoxidized copper) is the standard choice for water, gas, and sanitation due to its excellent welding and brazing properties.
Q: What is the difference between 'O' and 'H' temper designations?
A: 'O' stands for Annealed, which is the softest condition for easy bending. 'H' stands for Hard-drawn, providing higher mechanical strength but reduced ductility.
Q: Does BS 2871 require pressure testing?
A: Yes, hydrostatic or pressure testing is mandated by the standard, especially for tubes intended for pressure-critical applications.
Q: Are BS 2871 tubes suitable for marine environments?
A: Yes, specific alloys like CZ107 (Aluminum brass) and CN102 (Aluminum bronze) listed in Part 2 are highly resistant to corrosion and suitable for marine or condenser use.
Q: What should be included on the tube marking?
A: Every tube must be marked with the manufacturer's name or trademark, the alloy designation, temper condition, and the standard number (BS 2871).
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