Materials Selection Project

Department of
Metallurgical and
Materials
Engineering

Name: Balogun Toluwani Adetola

Matric No: 210406076
Department: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Course: MME 211 Project
Date: 8th January, 2024
Title: Optimizing Materials Selection for Optimized Performance and Durability in Water Tube Systems
Attribution:
 Balogun Toluwani Adetola
 University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Abstract/Project Scope:
 The motivation/aim behind this is to identify the most suitable material for water tube systems.
 The selection process involves a comprehensive evaluation of material properties, including corrosion
resistance testing, thermal conductivity analysis, mechanical strength assessments, cost, and availability
amongst others.
 The key results highlight the identification of Metals and Polymers as materials with superior thermal
conductivity, mechanical integrity, and corrosion resistance, contributing to increased efficiency and
prolonged operational lifespan of water tubes.
Keywords: Water tube, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), HVAC systems.
Background on Design:
 Water tubes require a meticulous consideration of factors such as thermal conductivity, mechanical
strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness to ensure optimal efficiency and long-term
reliability in diverse industrial applications.
 The discussion centers on the implications of the selected material, addressing its advantages,
limitations, and potential applications in water tube systems, while considering properties and
performance characteristics.
Materials Selection Process:
 Function: The primary function of water tubes varies depending on the specific application, but they are
commonly used for heat exchange, temperature control, and fluid transportation in a wide range of
industrial, residential, and commercial settings.
 Objective/Aim: The objective is to identify and choose materials for water tubes that exhibit optimal
thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term reliability and
efficiency in water exchange processes.

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Materials to be considered:
Possible Materials:
It can be seen below that Metals and Polymers are the most suitable categories for water tube application in
some of the possible materials listed below and why they were considered;
1. Copper: Often used for residential water tubes due to its corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.
However, it can be more expensive than other materials.
2. Stainless Steel: Provides good corrosion resistance and strength. Suitable for applications where
corrosion is a concern.
3. Carbon Steel: Widely used in industrial applications due to its affordability and strength. However, it
may be susceptible to corrosion, so protective coatings or treatments might be necessary.
4. Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum tubes are often used in applications where
weight is a critical factor.
5. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Commonly used in residential plumbing due to its low cost, lightweight,
and ease of installation. However, it may not be suitable for high-temperature applications.
6. PEX: One of the newer types of pipes available and it is becoming increasingly popular. It is highly
flexible and can be bent around corners easily, making installation simpler. PEX is also highly durable
and resistant to corrosion.
 After careful and thorough analysis/factors, we considered and concluded that Metals and Polymers are
the most suitable category for water tube application. Which 4 materials stood out as promising and best
optimum materials from this category namely:
1. Copper
2. Stainless Steel
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
4. PEX
Performance Analysis/Discussion on Materials:
1. Copper: Copper is a highly suitable material for water tubes due to its excellent corrosion resistance,
efficient heat conduction, malleability, and ductility. Its ease of installation, long lifespan, antimicrobial
properties, recyclability, and resistance to UV radiation make it a durable and sustainable choice. Copper's
aesthetic appeal further contributes to its popularity, though cost considerations and specific environmental
conditions should be taken into account when selecting it for water tube applications. In summary, Copper
pipes are the most traditional type of pipe for water supply which can handle high water pressure and are
tolerant of both hot and cold water temperatures. They are highly durable and resistant to corrosion,

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 making them a great choice for many applications. However, copper is expensive and difficult to work
with, so it’s not always the best option but a very suitable material to use if affordable. An image of the
Copper Water Tube is shown below

2.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a highly suitable material for water tubes owing to its outstanding corrosion
resistance, durability, and longevity. It excels in various environments, offering reliable performance and
requiring minimal maintenance or constant coating. With excellent heat resistance, great aesthetic appeal
(commonly used in home bathroom and shower systems), and a longer lifespan compared to many
alternatives, stainless steel like its brother Copper falling in the Metal category stands as a robust and

reliable choice for water tube applications, although its

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 higher initial cost may be a factor to consider in decision- making. An image of a Stainless-Steel Water
tube is shown above.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a suitable material for water tubes due to its
affordability, lightweight nature, and ease of installation. Falling in the category of a Polymer, it is
commonly used in residential plumbing. PVC is corrosion-resistant and suitable for transporting water at
moderate temperatures. While it may not be ideal for high-temperature applications and may lack the
strength of some metallic options, PVC is a cost-effective and practical choice for various water
distribution systems and even sewage/drainage systems, particularly in scenarios where these limitations
are not critical. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a popular choice for many home water supply lines. It is very
affordable and easy to install, but it is not as durable as some other materials like Copper and Stainless
steel, as it is known for regular busting due to exposure to land erosion which is a great worry to consumers
and water distribution companies. Although PVC still stands out as a promising and suitable material for
water tube systems and a very great choice when the cost is a great factor for the buyer/consumer. An
image of a PVC water tube is shown below

4. PEX: Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a highly suitable material for water tubes falling in the category
of Polymers and offering flexibility, durability, and ease of installation. PEX pipes are corrosion-resistant
like PVC mentioned earlier and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them suitable for both hot and
cold-water applications. Their flexibility allows for simplified installations, reducing the need for complex
joints and fittings. PEX is also known for its resistance to scale and chlorine, contributing to long-term
reliability in plumbing systems. While cost-effective, PEX may not be suitable for outdoor or UV-exposed
applications like Copper water tubes, and also adherence to local codes is crucial for ensuring proper
installation. Overall, PEX is also a versatile and efficient choice for various water distribution systems. An
image of the PEX Water Tube is shown

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 Furthermore, a detailed tabular summary comparing PEX, PVC, Copper, and Stainless Steel as materials
suitable for water tubes based on some highlighted properties, parameters, and factors:
Property/Aspect PEX PVC Copper Stainless Steel
Corrosion
Resistance Excellent Good Excellent Excellent
Moderate-
Cost Moderate Low High High
Moderately
Flexibility Highly Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Easy (Flexible,
Ease of Installation Fewer Joints) Easy Easy Moderate
Good for Hot and Moderate (Not Ideal
Heat Resistance Cold Water for High Temps) Excellent Excellent
Very Long
Longevity Long Lifespan Moderate Lifespan Long Lifespan Lifespan
Maintenance
Requirements Low Low Low Low
Aesthetic Appeal Limited Aesthetics Limited Aesthetics Attractive Attractive
Flexible (may not
be ideal for all
Material Strength applications) Moderate Strong Strong
Limited Good
UV Resistance Limited Resistance Sensitive to UV Light Resistance Resistance
Residential,
Commercial Residential Plumbing, Plumbing, Plumbing,
Applications Plumbing Drainage HVAC HVAC
PVC production can Recyclable,
Environmental have an Recyclable, Moderate
Impact Generally Low environmental impact Low Impact Impact

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 Property/Aspect PEX PVC Copper Stainless Steel
Common for
Common for Common for Common for Plumbing,
Common Usage Plumbing Drainage Plumbing HVAC

The table above shows the overall suitability of the water tube materials listed. We can draw a further
conclusion that the choice of the best material for water tubes depends on various factors, and there isn't a one-
size-fits-all answer. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, and the most suitable option depends on
specific project requirements and considerations. Here are some general guidelines:
PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene):
Best for: Residential and commercial plumbing where flexibility and ease of installation are essential.
Considerations: May not be suitable for outdoor or UV-exposed applications.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
Best for: Residential plumbing and drainage systems where cost-effectiveness is a priority.
Considerations: Not ideal for high-temperature applications and may have limitations in certain environments.
Copper:
Best for: Plumbing and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems requiring excellent
corrosion resistance and durability.
Considerations: Higher initial cost, but offers a long lifespan and is suitable for various applications.
Stainless Steel:
Best for: Plumbing and HVAC systems where corrosion resistance, durability, and longevity are critical.
Considerations: Higher initial cost, but provides exceptional strength and is suitable for a wide range of
applications.
The "best" material depends on the specific needs of your project, including factors such as budget, intended
application, environmental conditions, and local building codes. It's common to see a combination of materials
used in a plumbing system based on the requirements of different sections of the network. Consulting with
professionals and considering the specific demands of the application will help determine the most appropriate
material for water tubes for a specified project.

Summary/Conclusion: In conclusion, the material selection for water tubes emphasizes the paramount
importance of balancing thermal performance (Heat Resistance), mechanical durability, and corrosion
resistance, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness and longevity of water-based exchange systems. The
material selection process in this project yields materials such as (Copper, Stainless Steel, Polyvinyl chloride
and PEX) stood out as the best optimum materials that meet the desired criteria, confirming their suitability for

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water tube applications and providing a foundation for improved heat exchanger performance, reduced
maintenance requirements, and increased water system longevity.
It's important to note that the suitability of each material depends on specific project requirements, local codes,
and environmental conditions. Consideration of factors such as cost, application, and durability is crucial in
selecting the most appropriate/optimum material for water tube systems.

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