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hot water heater

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  1. #1
    GeorgeB started this thread.
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    hot water heater

    Can anyone tell me what the coil is in the middle hot water heater, in the diagram? Is it copper, or brass?



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    Yes look at other post.

    Edit to add;
    That coil is a heat exchanger. I would assume they are aluminum as it transfers heat much more efficiently then copper. So being the lowest value of metal,
    according to you, it is a waste of time trying to get it out.
    Last edited by injunjoe; 10-17-2011 at 09:01 AM.
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  3. #3
    GeorgeB started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by injunjoe View Post
    Yes look at other post.

    It is a heat exchanger.
    Thanks for the info on what the coil is. Ignore the rest of this post. I didn't realize you replied in the other thread.
    Last edited by GeorgeB; 10-17-2011 at 09:05 AM.

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    Brass is used because it is durable. So the connections would be brass but like I added above aluminum is much better for heat transfer.
    Trane Corp. uses aluminum coils on evap. coils for efficiently transferring heat. Other companies are jumping on the bandwagon to meet SEER ratings.

    Even if it was copper, it would take you half a day getting to it! Without the proper tools it would be like a monkey on a football!

  5. #5
    GeorgeB started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by injunjoe View Post
    Brass is used because it is durable. So the connections would be brass but like I added above aluminum is much better for heat transfer.
    Trane Corp. uses aluminum coils on evap. coils for efficiently transferring heat. Other companies are jumping on the bandwagon to meet SEER ratings.

    Even if it was copper, it would take you half a day getting to it! Without the proper tools it would be like a monkey on a football!
    What do you consider to be the proper tool joe? I have a vast selection between my father in law and myself.

    I figured it would be either copper or aluminum, since those are the 2 that are most commonly used. Brass is normally for fittings, but never know. People change things around all the time.

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    Hmm, looks like 3 to 4 hrs work, just to rescue 3 lb of Al...?
    "roaming the streets, looking for treats"


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    GeorgeB started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Torker Man View Post
    Hmm, looks like 3 to 4 hrs work, just to rescue 3 lb of Al...?
    You could be right. I think I will try it on the next one, just to see.

    If it doesn't take to much time, I might do it continuously, but if it takes the time your thinking, then forget it.

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    The thermal resistance of copper is lower than aluminum as is its electrical resistance. This is the case with all precious metals. From lowest to best conductivity of heat and electricity; aluminum, copper, silver, gold, platinum. That is the scale of the precious industrial metals excluding high noble metal processes and alloys.

    However Alum = cheaper than copper. People already pay 200-400 for a new heater. They dont want to make the price 400-600.

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    Quote Originally Posted by GeorgeB View Post
    What do you consider to be the proper tool joe? I have a vast selection between my father in law and myself.

    I figured it would be either copper or aluminum, since those are the 2 that are most commonly used. Brass is normally for fittings, but never know. People change things around all the time.
    It's just a waste of time as mentioned.

    I doubt you will see any of these anyway! They are used in special applications, like solar and such. Don't be confused with one of these and just a tank with a drain!

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    Most water heaters don't have those. I sell mine whole to a rebuilder in Mexico for $15 each.

  11. #11
    Dawsey is offline Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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    I am only posting because I posted the other thread but I don't know sorry. I know more about the ones used for central heating and for hot water basically that are on walls.

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    Quote Originally Posted by drozenski View Post
    The thermal resistance of copper is lower than aluminum as is its electrical resistance. This is the case with all precious metals. From lowest to best conductivity of heat and electricity; aluminum, copper, silver, gold, platinum. That is the scale of the precious industrial metals excluding high noble metal processes and alloys.

    However Alum = cheaper than copper. People already pay 200-400 for a new heater. They dont want to make the price 400-600.
    lowest to best is as follows: Thermal Conductivity - k - (Btu/(hr oF ft))

    Platinum 42
    Aluminium 118
    gold 182
    copper 223
    silver 235

    As you can see, platinum is abysmal

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  14. #13
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    In heat transfer, the thermal conductivity of a substance, k, is an intensive property that indicates its ability to conduct heat.

    Higher is better

    http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu...les/thrcn.html

    Material Thermal conductivity
    [W/(m·K)]
    Air 0.025
    Wood 0.04 - 0.4
    Hollow Fill Fibre Insulation 0.042
    Rubber 0.16
    Water (liquid) 0.6
    Glass 1.1
    Soil 1.5
    Concrete, stone 1.7
    Stainless steel 12.11 ~ 45.0
    Lead 35.3
    Aluminium 237 (pure) ~ 120—180 (alloys)
    Gold 318
    Copper 401
    Silver 429
    Diamond 900 - 2320
    Graphene (4840±440) - (5300±480)

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