Heat conductive putty 1

[DesignerMike]

I'm planning on running steam through a coil of copper tubing to heat a small SS hopper. I will have insulation on the outside, but I'm sure I will get poor heat transfer without some type of heat conducting putty. Mcmaster carr offers one type, but it claims it gets very hard when cured. I would prefer something that stays flexible to allow for expansion.

Does anyone have other suggestions for products that you have used? Max temp will be about 280 deg F. (but will most likely be more like 250 deg in reality.

Thanks for the help.

 

[EdStainless]

The traditional method is to solder the tubing to the stainless. (Cu plate the SS first)
You could use a metal loaded synthetic grease that is used for improving the heat transfer of electircal systems, but they will flow over time.
A thermaly conductive epoxy is probably your best option.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[DesignerMike]

Thanks for the reply.

Sounds like the epoxy will be the simplest.

 

[bchoate]

bchoate
Thermon has manufactured heat transfer compounds for years.

http://www.thermon.com

 

[TD2K]

And to add to bchoate's comment, thermon makes compounds that with either cure hard or remain flexible. I believe the flexible compounds are rated to a lower temperature but they would be able to supply you with more information.

 

[DesignerMike]

Good link bchoate!

Lots of good design information along with the product that I need. More stuff for the library.