VFT boiler pipe source

A special section just for steam engines and boilers, as without these you may as well fit a sail.
Post Reply
1hand
Just Starting Out
Just Starting Out
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 7:13 pm
Boat Name: No Boat Yet

VFT boiler pipe source

Post by 1hand »

As I'm getting my plan together for boat, engine and boiler looking into all options. Wondering where a person could source boiler acceptable steel pipe in the 18" to 24" range?

Thanks,
Matt
1hand
Just Starting Out
Just Starting Out
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 7:13 pm
Boat Name: No Boat Yet

Re: VFT boiler pipe source

Post by 1hand »

I guess I should add, in the USA, and internet ordering preferably.
S. Weaver
Full Steam Ahead
Full Steam Ahead
Posts: 356
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:23 pm
Boat Name: SL Iona

Re: VFT boiler pipe source

Post by S. Weaver »

Matt, any of the major pipe suppliers. How are you planning to do this? Code or non-code? It makes a difference in how you place your order. And Fred, you might want to weigh in here - but my own comfort level with this is even though I'm a code welder, I still ran my design and proposed material selections by the experts. There are very many factors (and materials) out there. Spending this kind of money and time, I didn't want to mess up on the essentials (some will say I already messed up on the design, but that's another topic ...)
Steve
User avatar
fredrosse
Full Steam Ahead
Full Steam Ahead
Posts: 1925
Joined: Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:34 am
Boat Name: Margaret S.
Location: Phila PA USA
Contact:

Re: VFT boiler pipe source

Post by fredrosse »

In the USA there are many pipe supply houses that will provide this material. You should get certified material, with certification paperwork. I used ASTM A-106 Grade B Seamless steel pipe for the boiler shell on the Margaret S., purchased from BBL Pipe Co. ASTM A-53 pipe is also acceptable, but with various additional limitations, and if you buy welded pipe (not seamless) you might have to radiograph the longitudinal weld seam on the pipe if you are following ASME rules. As I recall the boiler shell (16 inch OD x 3/8 wall x 18 inches long) was $280 in A-106, which is always seamless, or about $80 in A-53 welded pipe. Several other specifications for ordinary water pipe are not acceptable per the ASME Code for boilers.

Boiler tubes for our steamboats should generally be ASTM A-178 Grade A material, I purchased from Anderson Tube Co, although there are many suppliers.
steamdon-jr
Full Steam Ahead
Full Steam Ahead
Posts: 143
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:54 pm
Boat Name: SL Phoebe Snow
Location: Quakertown, PA
Contact:

Re: VFT boiler pipe source

Post by steamdon-jr »

Anderson Tube in Hatfield, PA offers a wide range of boiler tube. http://www.atube.com/

oops I see fred already mentioned them.
Post Reply