Difference between Stainless Steel vs. Copper Piping

Before you determine the best material for your needs it is important to consider the pros and cons of industrial pipes. Many piping materials can be used for industrial purposes, but the most common are stainless steel, steel, and copper.

Stainless steel and copper are generally both ideal for indoor and outdoor applications and both hold up well over time. There are different types of piping systems used in industries today, the most common ones being process piping and service piping. Process piping is responsible for transporting fluids between processing units and storage tanks within an industrial facility. In addition, service piping carries water, air, steam, and other fluids for processing. Copper and stainless steel are both high-end metals. They are corrosion-resistant and will not chip, peel, or crack, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Additionally, they are both recyclable, making them a great option for a wide variety of uses. However, they are both costly.

Stainless Steel Pipe Features and Benefits

Another main difference between copper and stainless steel is the resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel is better at resisting corrosion because it has a passive chromium oxide layer that forms on the surface and renews itself rapidly in the case of any surface damage. Copper has a higher melting point than stainless steel, making it more expensive to manufacture.

Stainless steel is 2.5 times stronger than copper and performs better in stress and strain tests. Stainless steel pipe has a tensile force of 570 – 620Mpa. Stainless steel is approximately three times as strong as copper and can withstand high temperatures and pressures without any issues.

Copper is a malleable metal that is easier to bend and cut but unsuitable for high-pressure applications or high temperatures. Stainless steel’s strength and rigidity make it ideal for long-term installations. Often, stainless steel requires less support than copper. Because stainless steel can have a thinner wall than copper tubes, it may be easier to install.

Stainless steel can be recycled and reused many times. Stainless steel is low in carbon because of the absence of chemical toxins.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Pipes

Durability: 904L Stainless steel Pipe is more durable than copper and can withstand harsh conditions.
Appearance: Maintains reliable shading throughout the lifetime of the item.
Lightweight: Making it simple to introduce.
High consumption opposition: Also profoundly impervious to rusting.
Tensile strength: Recognized as a superior metal for very good quality applications.

Application of Stainless Steel Pipes

Water piping: Stainless steel pipes can carry both cold and hot water.
Oil and gas piping: There is great demand for stainless steel in this industry—especially offshore oil, where greater pressure is put on stainless steel pipes installed in harsh corrosive environments.
Condensation lines: Resistance to corrosion and the inherent capacity of stainless steel to handle high temperatures and pressure make it a perfect fit for condensation lines.
Wastewater piping: Stainless steel is strong, corrosive resistant, and maintains pressure during its operation. These properties ensure successful wastewater conveyance.
Piping for fire sprinkler systems: Steel piping has noncorrosive, hydraulic, and cost advantages. Therefore, it has become one of the most commonly used piping materials for both retrofits and new build projects.

Copper Pipes Features and Benefits

Copper pipes are extremely durable but expensive. Care should be taken when cleaning and drying. Copper is susceptible to corroding if it is not cleaned properly. Also, using other cleaning methods can change its colour and cause the copper to become brittle. Also, copper pipes can release toxins if it is not lined properly.

Copper pipes can have remarkable thermal conductivity, which transfers heat evenly and allows for greater temperature control. It also takes less time to heat and cool.

One big benefit of copper is its ability to resist rust better than stainless steel. Copper is also a natural antimicrobial. Within two hours, it can repel 99.9% of bacteria. Additionally, copper is among the highest thermal conductivity among engineering materials. As a result, it can be used in a variety of applications.

Another important benefit of copper is its cost. Copper is significantly cheaper than stainless steel, and it is generally preferred when heat exchangers are concerned. The downside of copper, however, is that it does not last as long. Copper is cheaper upfront, but it is less durable and will need to be replaced more frequently. Stainless steel is more expensive, but it will be more efficient for a long time.

Advantages of Copper Pipes

Minimal maintenance: Applications known to last for decades.
Easy to mould: Being a more malleable metal, it is easier to bend and mould to fit different applications.
Fire-resistant: Able to withstand extreme heat.
Almost impossible to rust: Great for domestic applications where users don’t need to worry about rust issues.
Thermal conductivity: A106 Carbon Stee GR.B Round Pipes have the highest thermal conductivity of any engineering material, hence their everyday use in heat exchangers.
Unique aesthetics: Depending on the aesthetic taste, the natural discolouration of copper gives it a unique look the metal, suitable for applications needing a vintage appeal.

Application of Copper Pipes

Heat exchanger tubing: The amazingly higher heat transfer coefficients of copper piping make it possible to produce cost-effective, and resource-efficient heat exchangers for the HVAC industry.
Water distribution systems: The high tensile strength of copper makes it possible to have thin piping walls and still withstand the pressure of the water flowing through. Copper pipes can also be bent with ease into different shapes as desired.
Medical gas and vacuum suction pipelines: Here, copper is cleaned and degreased, and the tubes are joined firmly using capillary fittings.
Electrical components and power generators: The electrical conductivity of copper easily lends it to integration in electrical components.
Motor vehicle radiators: The thermal conductivity of copper makes it a go-to material for vehicle radiators.
Drain, waste, and vent (DMV) systems: Seamless copper tubes are acceptable by most plumbing codes and therefore popular for DMV installations.

Both copper and stainless steel both have advantages as well as disadvantages. In addition, in a few applications, stainless steel is employed in all the applications in which copper is employed and in various situations where copper cannot be employed. Stainless steel is an extremely long-lasting and durable solution that is more resistant to corrosion and strength, as well as ease of installation.