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| Building
Products -> Gas
Distribution |
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-> Copper Fuel Gas Distribution System
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| Copper Fuel Gas Distribution System |
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Introduction
For decades, the excellent performance of copper tube has been well
established in a variety of environments. Installations of domestic
water, sanitary drainage, medical gas, heating, refrigeration, air
conditioning, solar and fire sprinkler systems are some well-known
applications. Until recently, nearly all interior fuel gas distribution
systems in residential applications used threaded steel pipe. Some
areas of the United States, however, have extensive experience using
copper tube for distribution of natural and liquefied petroleum (LP)
gas, ranging from single-family attached and detached to multi-story,
multi-family dwellings. In addition, copper gas distribution lines
have been installed for many years in commercial buildings such as
strip malls, hotels and motels.
Codes
Based on tests carried out by the Gas Research Institute (USA), and
with more than 30 years of successful use of copper by certain gas
companies in the United States, major code bodies in the USA and Canada
have approved copper tube for fuel gas systems. In 1989 in the U.S.,
provisions for the use of copper tube and copper alloy fittings for
interior distribution systems were incorporated in the National Fuel
Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54). Similar provision is made in the Canadian
document CAN/CGA-B149.1, Natural Gas Installation Code. Since then,
there has been an increasing demand for information on this application.
The National Fuel Gas Code also provides for the use of copper tube
and copper alloy fittings for underground service lines from the main
to the meter. ASTM B 837 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper
Tube for Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas Fuel Distribution
Systems identifies the requirements for copper tube (Type Gas) made
specifically for fuel gas distribution systems.
Information
This publication is intended for the information and guidance of professionals
dealing with the design and installation of copper tube in natural
and LP gas distribution systems. Many local regulatory authorities
have adopted the National Fuel Gas Code, some with additional requirements
for use within their jurisdictions. Designers and installers of systems
should check with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and with
the company supplying the gas, to find the exact regulations in force.
Advantages Of Copper Gas Tubing
• Lowest overall system cost for fuel gas applications
• Lowest cost material
• Easiest system to install
• Large labor savings over black steel pipe
• Ideally also suited for retro-fit and remodeling applications
• Cost-effective for both low and high pressure systems
• Material certified to an ASTM standard
• Approved by national and international codes - National Fuel
Gas Code, and International Mechanical Code and International Plumbing
Code
• No special tools or manufacturer-specific training needed -
can be installed with the tools and skills the installer already has
• Backed by technical and field support by the CDA throughout
the country
• Semi-rigid material
• Universal availability throughout North America
• Lighter than black steel pipe
Modern residential units use many kinds of gas equipment and appliances.
Clean, efficient heating may be achieved by a central furnace or individual
room heaters. Central systems frequently have provision for air conditioning.
Gas-fired water heaters, noted for their quick recovery rates, are
available. Other items could include cooking ranges, ovens, clothes
dryers, gas fireplaces, gas barbecues and decorative lighting.
Homeowners, housing developers, builders, installation contractors
and gas companies all benefit when copper tube is chosen for the fuel
gas distribution system. Copper's main advantages are flexibility
(particularly in confined spaces), resistance to corrosion, easy joining
and its availability in long lengths. Lengths of up to 100 feet (30
meters) are standard, with longer lengths available on request.
These factors lead to an easier, cleaner, less time-consuming installation
and lower costs. For single-family dwellings, copper is often the
least expensive installation. In multistory residences, the use of
copper gas distribution systems can make the installation cost of
natural gas service competitive with that of electricity for heating,
laundry and cooking applications.
Owners of condominium units and tenants of rental apartments are often
responsible for payment for their individual utility services. Copper
tube readily makes vertical subdivision more cost effective because
it allows the gas utility to group individual meters without the cost
and typical problems associated with piping in such compact configurations.
With careful planning and using long lengths of copper tube, all the
joints usually contained in walls, floors and ceilings may be eliminated.
And, fewer joints mean improved safety. Long lengths, compact dimensions
and ease of joining are particularly important advantages of copper
for retrofit systems. For present gas consumers, copper tube offers
maximum ease of installation when they wish to add gas equipment and
appliances. For example, fuel gas can be supplied to fireplaces located
virtually anywhere in a home quickly and economically without the
difficulties associated with threaded pipe. When direct venting or
induced draft techniques are used, gas fireplace installation in single-family
and multistory units is simplified further because a conventional
chimney is not required. |
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