BS 2871 – Copper and Copper Alloy Tubes

 1. Scope  

BS 2871 specifies the requirements for seamless and welded tubes made from copper and copper alloys, intended for various industrial applications, including plumbing, heat exchangers, and general engineering.

 2. 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)  

 3. 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  

 4. 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).  

 5. 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)  

 6. Tolerances  

- Diameter and wall thickness tolerances are specified based on tube type and size.  

- Length tolerances for straight and coiled tubes.  

 7. 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).  

 8. 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  

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).  

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