Regarding copper heat exchange tubes
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If there is a leak in the copper heat exchange tubes, can only copper plugs be used? Are stainless steel or carbon steel alternatives acceptable?
Using a copper plug is definitely the best option, but carbon steel or stainless steel plugs can also be used if those materials have no adverse effect on the medium; however, it is necessary to consider whether they can provide a proper seal
What do you mean by whether it can be sealed? Could you explain in more detail?
Yes, copper itself has a lower hardness compared to the other two materials. To seal a pipe, a conical copper plug is inserted into the heat exchange tube, similar to the principle used in tube expansion. The copper tube actually undergoes elastic deformation; if the plug is too hard, it causes excessive deformation of the copper tube, and plastic deformation makes it difficult to achieve a proper seal. Of course, this depends on how well one controls the degree of deformation when sealing the pipe. Normally, the plug is simply inserted by knocking it in
Are there any pictures of copper plugs? What size is appropriate for large and small heads?
It’s actually conical in shape; it depends on the inner diameter of the tube, as long as not too much of it sticks out from the tube