BS 2871 – Copper and Copper Alloy Tubes

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)

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

- 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).

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)

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

- Length tolerances for straight and coiled tubes.

- 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).

- 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).