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Use of aluminium alloys in wet central heating circuit

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tonyowens

Mechanical
Jan 18, 2008
2
Has anyone any strong knowledge about use of extruded aluminium tanks in 'indirect' wet-type domestic central heating systems?

An arrangement is proposed which uses an extruded and 'mill-finish' aluminium alloy section as a hot water manifold. Probably 6061 T6 or similar. Internal flow velocities thru the manifold are under 1 m/sec. Pressure can be up to 4 bar. External surfaces are domestic ambient air. The pipework departures from this manifold will be plumbed using steel 'gunbarrel' tapered pipe fittings, either directly into ports tapped into the wall of the vessel or into threaded bushings installed in the tank wall.

While either zinc-rich anti-seize compound or an thread retaining compound or Teflon pipe tape could be applied to all mating threads, I have little confidence in this as a solution. Use of a fibre-reinforced thermoset pultrusion is being considered in place of an aluminium section but naturally the application is cost-sensitive.

Shared experience, links to design guides or ideas would be appreciated.
 
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