Dr_Deathweed
Well-Known Member
I see that most of the CFC DIY use 25' 3/8" copper tubing. What about using 1/4" tubing? I am in a hot environment, and tap water doesn't get much below 80F in the summer, so my thoughts were smaller diameter tubing to increase the surface area to volume ratio, and use this for 50'
Besides, its $35 for 50' of 1/4" and $75 for 3/8"... I'm cheap....
My fluid dynamics is a little rusty, but I know the decreased diameter and increased length will decrease flow rate due to increased resistance, and the decreased diameter and flow will in turn lower the Reynolds number, leading to laminar flow. I know turbulent flow is desired, but I guess my questions are:
1. Am I missing something stupid and should stop thinking cheap
2. will the decrease in flow/increased surface area counteract the heat transfer limitations with laminar flow
3. if flow is a huge deal, what about running two 25' sections in parallel through the same hose
4. With a good filter in the boil pot, plugging shouldn't be an issue with a smaller diameter tubing. Right?
Besides, its $35 for 50' of 1/4" and $75 for 3/8"... I'm cheap....
My fluid dynamics is a little rusty, but I know the decreased diameter and increased length will decrease flow rate due to increased resistance, and the decreased diameter and flow will in turn lower the Reynolds number, leading to laminar flow. I know turbulent flow is desired, but I guess my questions are:
1. Am I missing something stupid and should stop thinking cheap
2. will the decrease in flow/increased surface area counteract the heat transfer limitations with laminar flow
3. if flow is a huge deal, what about running two 25' sections in parallel through the same hose
4. With a good filter in the boil pot, plugging shouldn't be an issue with a smaller diameter tubing. Right?