Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service

B280-13: Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service

For engineers and designers working within the critical HVAC and refrigeration sectors, ensuring the integrity and performance of fluid transport systems is paramount. The ASTM B280-13 standard provides the definitive benchmark for seamless copper tubing used in these demanding applications, offering a proven foundation for reliable installations and repairs.

What is B280-13?

ASTM B280-13 is an authoritative industry standard that specifies the requirements for seamless copper tubing intended for field service in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that the copper tubing meets stringent material, dimensional, and cleanliness criteria essential for the safe and efficient operation of refrigeration circuits.

Scope & Purpose

The scope of B280-13 encompasses the manufacturing and quality control of seamless copper tubes designed for the connection, repair, or alteration of air conditioning and refrigeration units in the field. It defines acceptable copper alloys, specifies dimensional tolerances for diameter and wall thickness, and outlines critical cleanliness requirements to prevent contamination of refrigerant systems. Notably, this standard focuses on the tubing itself and does not cover fittings, solders, or fluxes, which are addressed by separate complementary standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, HVAC Technicians, Refrigeration Mechanics, Manufacturing Engineers, and Procurement Specialists.
• • Industries affected: HVAC Manufacturing, Refrigeration Manufacturing, Copper Tube Manufacturing, and Industrial Equipment.
• • Compliance nature: While often voluntarily adopted by manufacturers, compliance with B280-13 is typically a contractual requirement for procurement and installation, making it effectively mandatory for many projects.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is primarily ensured through quality assurance programs by manufacturers, inspections by end-users or their representatives, and audits by regulatory bodies where applicable.

Key Requirements Overview

The comprehensive B280-13 standard mandates several core requirements for seamless copper tubing:

• • Material Composition: The standard specifies acceptable copper alloys, including Oxygen-Free (OF) and Phosphorus-Deoxidized (DLP, DHP) coppers, ensuring suitability for refrigeration applications.
• • Dimensional Accuracy: Professionals must ensure that the tubing adheres to strict tolerances for outside diameter and wall thickness, critical for proper fitting and pressure containment.
• • Internal Cleanliness: A vital provision requires the tubing to meet specific internal cleanness standards to prevent system contamination and ensure optimal refrigerant flow.
• • Mechanical Properties: The standard may require certain mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and expansion capabilities, verified through specified test methods.
• • Temper and Condition: It defines acceptable tempers and conditions, such as drawn or soft temper, and requirements for bright annealing if specified.

Related Standards & References

To ensure a complete system design and installation, B280-13 is often integrated with other essential ASTM and ASME standards:

• • ASME B16.22: This standard covers wrought copper and copper alloy solder joint pressure fittings, complementing B280-13 by specifying compatible joining components.
• • ASTM B32: This standard defines solder metals used for joining copper tubing, ensuring appropriate material selection for brazed or soldered