Copper boiler testing

Hi, I'm about to start building a copper boiler for a 2" traction engine.

I've spoken to the local boiler inspector who said to make sure I get certificates of conformity. Which shouldn't be an issue. Is it normal to ask for these? Also how in-depth would it need to be as in for every single piece or would it on a per order basis? (Hopefully you catch my drift)

Lastly would it all need to be c106 grade?

Thanks for you help in advance

Has your inspector seen sight of the plans for your boiler?

Might give him an insight to what he is expected to certify

Certificates of conformity of what?

You could ask your supplier for certificates for the copper materials....

Ask your boiler inspector what grade of copper is acceptable for the boiler to be fabricated from ( if not shown in the plans) and how expects it to be assembled....silver solder/tig weld/spit/ chewing gum

Certs for copper are not normally required at club testing level and you might find it difficult to get them for cut lengths. If you buy your materials from a good UK vendor then your receipt of purchase should stand to verify chain of custody. It doesnt say you have to have them in the rule book, only 'where apropriate'. You need themfor steel but ive never heard of anyone insisting on them for copper. The grade is debatable unless you intend totig weld it! Good luck.

Hi yes he did look at the drawing. He is quite happy with the drawings.

The certificates of conformity are for the material. He said any good supplier can produce them for me. From that I can only assume that he wants them for every bit of material that goes into the boiler 

Edited By Dorset Phil on 16/02/2019 20:54:53

Has your boiler inspector ever actually built a boiler.....and in doing so tried to get paperwork? Me thinks not. Put it to the test and ask him who he used when he obtained his certs so that you can do the same. Im not saying you cant get them but I am saying that for a published design using silver solder they are not required in the UK for home built items. At the end of the day its his decision and it cant be overruled.

Yes I do suspect that your correct there I don't mind jumping through hoops to an extent but having to get all the CoC' s sounds over the top to me.

He did give me a phone number to ring of a company who will but I won't find out until I call them on Monday.

Ask your man where it says in the SFED/NFED testing procedure that Certs of Conformity are needed. I think he will struggle. C106 is the normal material for copper tube. The only issue to me is for the bronze bushes, you need to know that you are using a grade of bronze that is suitable for silver soldering, definitely not brass. Most of our suppliers seem to supply PB102, SAE 660 or Colphos.

Despite being 7% lead SAE 660 is reckoned by this website sae660 and this one SAe660 again to be good for brazing, PB102 has hardly any lead and Colphos is 4% so both OK. PB102 is a pig to drill holes in.

Edited By duncan webster on 16/02/2019 22:35:35