Question
copper and copper alloy piping and tubing is not used in power plants when
a. pressure is a prime factor
b.temperature is a prime factor
c. instrumentation systems require tubing
d. steam becomes corrosive
3. chemicals are used in the applicable system
a. pressure is a prime factor
b.temperature is a prime factor
c. instrumentation systems require tubing
d. steam becomes corrosive
3. chemicals are used in the applicable system
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Copper and copper alloy piping and tubing is generally not used in power plants primarily under the following conditions:
**d. steam becomes corrosive**
Copper is susceptible to corrosion in environments where steam contains contaminants, like chlorides or other aggressive compounds. In such conditions, copper can degrade more quickly compared to other materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, making it less suitable for high-pressure or corrosive environments often found in power plants.
In regard to the other options:
- **a. pressure is a prime factor**: While copper can handle certain pressures, it is not favored in high-pressure applications compared to other materials.
- **b. temperature is a prime factor**: Copper can perform well at certain temperatures, but it is generally limited at very high temperatures typical in power generation.
- **c. instrumentation systems require tubing**: Copper is used in some instrumentation applications, but other materials are often preferred for robust or corrosive environments.
- **e. chemicals are used in the applicable system**: Copper should be avoided in systems with certain chemicals that can cause corrosion or degradation of the material.
Overall, the presence of corrosive steam is a significant reason to avoid copper and its alloys in power plant environments.
**d. steam becomes corrosive**
Copper is susceptible to corrosion in environments where steam contains contaminants, like chlorides or other aggressive compounds. In such conditions, copper can degrade more quickly compared to other materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, making it less suitable for high-pressure or corrosive environments often found in power plants.
In regard to the other options:
- **a. pressure is a prime factor**: While copper can handle certain pressures, it is not favored in high-pressure applications compared to other materials.
- **b. temperature is a prime factor**: Copper can perform well at certain temperatures, but it is generally limited at very high temperatures typical in power generation.
- **c. instrumentation systems require tubing**: Copper is used in some instrumentation applications, but other materials are often preferred for robust or corrosive environments.
- **e. chemicals are used in the applicable system**: Copper should be avoided in systems with certain chemicals that can cause corrosion or degradation of the material.
Overall, the presence of corrosive steam is a significant reason to avoid copper and its alloys in power plant environments.