Market Survey on Copper - Indian Bureau of Mines

a) Heat Exchangers and Condensers
Copper being tough, ductile and malleable makes it extremely
suitable for tube forming, wire drawing, spinning and deep drawing. It is
non magnetic, corrosion resistant and high thermal conductor. Hence,
copper and copper alloys are included amongst the various alternative
materials which are suitable for use in condensers and heat exchangers
in all types of environments including marine environment and where
inland water is seriously polluted.
Heat exchangers and condensers have a wide range of applications
in industrial plants of many types. Copper alloys, generally with nickel,
compete with aluminium, titanium and stainless steel. Substantial
quantities of material may be required in individual application. Copper
alloys are acknowledged to be superior to plastics and ferrous metals but
facing increasing competition from titanium.
b) Valves, Pumps, Pipes and Vessels
Copper and copper alloys are widely used for industrial
process plants which are exposed to non- oxidising acids, such as,
sulphuric, hydrochloric, phosphoric and acetic acids. Some
copper alloys are also suitable for use in solutions of nitrates,
sulphates and chlorides of sodium and potassium.
Valves and pumps controlling the flow of liquids and gases
in industrial processes are often made of brass or bronze or other
copper alloys. In addition to corrosion resistance, copper alloys
also provide good physical strength.
An additional advantage provided by copper and copper
alloys in process plants is the resistance to bio-fouling. This helps
to prevent the build-up of bacteria in the equipment and avoid the
need for other treatment. It is, similarly, an advantage in heat
exchangers and in any other equipment which handles sea water as
it helps to prevent the build-up of marine organisms on the surface
of the equipment. Such a build-up reduces the flow and the
efficiency of the equipments or may require the installation of
large diameter pipes or large capacity pumps.
2.1.6 Building and Construction
Copper and brass are the materials of choice for plumbing, taps, valves
and fittings for their aesthetic appeals. Large quantities of copper used in the
industrialised countries in the construction of buildings are consumed in the
form of copper tubing, taps, valves, tanks, connections and fittings used in
conjunction with it. Copper tube systems are used for domestic water supply
systems both hot and cold and for central heating systems. Copper tube may be
used in buildings for piping gas between the intake and appliances in which gas
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