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Copper finned pipe cleanup

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    SuperDave started this thread.
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    Copper finned pipe cleanup

    Just recently scrapped a pool heater. There were 9 copper ribbed pipes inside. Each weighs 3.10 lbs.
    I just love that beautiful green color(corroded copper), but was wondering how easy to clean that green powder out of between the copper ribs. Anybody have any tricks?
    Just worried it would go for number 2 instead of 1.



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    I found dipping it in vinegar will take off the tarnish. If you do this though you will need to dry it off right away. If not it will oxidize once again. If it just a little amount it may not be worth the time and trouble. Good luck.

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    SuperDave started this thread.
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    well its almost 30 lbs total so I will try thanks
    I'll try to post some pics

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    They are 15 lbs of copper in each pool heater.
    Some have cast iron header ends, some have dirty stainless headers, but the best is the ones with Brass headers.
    We do two or three pool heaters a day for the month of May and June.
    I will post pictures this evenings of complete breakdown. They are very easy to do with a 5/16 bit on a drill. The hard part is getting the headers off.
    I use my chop saw but can be done a hammer or sludge. Another easier way is sawsall or axe and hammer.
    Betty and Scott

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    divapickers's Avatar
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    Don't try any ways of cleaning the green off because the fins are soldered on and will still number 2 copper.
    Just like RSComputer said water and vinigar works great. You just have to rinse in water and dry right after.
    My .02

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    SuperDave started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by divapickers View Post
    They are 15 lbs of copper in each pool heater.
    Some have cast iron header ends, some have dirty stainless headers, but the best is the ones with Brass headers.
    Betty and Scott
    Thanks for the input. This pool heater is propane, 399000 btu. I cut along the headers(or manifolds) with a hacksaw, this one is cast iron.
    Amount of copper depends on btu rating. This one has 27.9lbs of copper.

    Didn't see any soldering of any kind either but I'll also post some pics.
    Last edited by SuperDave; 06-09-2012 at 09:30 AM.


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