Copper Alliance HSDG Australia

Annealing
Tube that is to be sold in the soft condition,
generally as coils (Figure 3.8), is next passed
through a continuous annealing furnace
operating at about 600°C.
The furnace is essentially a long heated box
filled with a protective atmosphere to prevent the
copper from oxidizing.
In all cases, however, samples of the finished
tube are taken at regular intervals to ensure that
it meets all requirements of size, wall thickness
and quality as required by the applicable
standards (Figure 3.9).
In plants that are not equipped with continuous
annealing furnaces, annealing is done in
batches in what are aptly called bell furnaces.
These furnaces look similar to large cylindrical
church bells, the open bottoms of which can
be sealed to keep air out. Coils of tube to be
annealed are stacked under the bells and
heated in a protective atmosphere.
Annealed tube can be visually distinguished from
hard-drawn tube by its matte surface finish. Aside
from their appearance and stiffness, however,
annealed and hard-drawn tubes have the same
qualities and, in general, act identically when in
contact with properly treated drinking water.
Figure 3.9
Sample of Finished Tube
Copper tube is identified with continuous
identification on the outer surface that
nominates the type of tube, size and
standard of manufacture.
Distribution
In Australia copper tube and plumbing
products are sold through retail outlets in all
cities and most major regional towns.
A large variety of product is available at
short notice from these outlets and larger
project lots can be delivered from the
Australian manufacturers at short notice.
Figure 3.8
Finished Tube
Final steps
The tube is now almost ready for shipping.
It may be cleaned to remove any traces of
drawing lubricants or other contaminants.
This is particularly important for special-use
products; such as tube that is intended to
carry medical gases and refrigerants for
cooling applications.
Some of these outlets are;
Reece
www.reece.com.au
Tradelink
www.tradelink.com.au
Hydraulic Services Design Guide - 5 th Edition March 2022
Chapter Three
20
www.copper.com.au