boiler

[josepharnold]

I have found a 6" piece of aluminum pipe. It is 2 1/2" o.d. with a 1/8" wall. It looks to be seamless. What do you think about using aluminum for a boiler. Opinions would be appreciated. Thank you. Tom

[Shawki Shlemon]

first what do you intend to fit it in and secondly where do you intend to operate this boiler ?
I haven't heard of aluminum boilers but I stand corrected .

[ejparrott]

Its certainly not mentioned in the green book, so cannot be tested under the code in the UK I would think.

[isc]

I think some of the little steam powered gen sets used during WW2 had cast aluminium boilers. isc

[alanstepney]

One (at least) did. It was basically an aluminium pressure cooker.
However, the pressure was low, and they werent expected to last long.

They were specifically designed for work in the SE Asian theatre, and I would guess that, had one exploded, it would have been of trivial concern compared to all the other hazards at the time.


We want our boilers to withstand fairly high pressure, and to last
Stick to the conventional materials.

[fostergp6nhp]

Mar 24, 2013 12:30:28 GMT alanstepney said:

They were specifically designed for work in the SE Asian theatre, and I would guess that, had one exploded, it would have been of trivial concern compared to all the other hazards at the time.

Yup it would be a minor hazzard compared to a small person who wants to behead you, beyonet you or just shoot you.

[Deleted]

Mar 23, 2013 1:44:54 GMT josepharnold said:

I have found a 6" piece of aluminum pipe. It is 2 1/2" o.d. with a 1/8" wall. It looks to be seamless. What do you think about using aluminum for a boiler. Opinions would be appreciated. Thank you. Tom

------------------------------------you really need to give some relevant tech. details as to it's intended use such that an informed reply can be given... If you want to make a "Steam generator" in the style of a Mamod or Wilesco running at say 5 psi then it's probably ok (But how will you secure the end plates to it ?? Tig weld ?? = ££££££.. Are you sure it's extruded (ie seamless) However, if you have in mind anything bigger / high pressures then it's going to be more trouble than its' worth, I would say..........plus as per the other posts on here........