I would like to know the life expectancy of this tube so that I can compare it with a Copper tube used for the same purpose. Thanks a lot.
The life of any boiler tube is a function of its environment. The amount of heat flux on the exterior (assuming a water tube boiler) or even flame impingement has a big effect. The quality of the water and it treatment is the other big factor. Poor water conditioning can lead to deposits that then result in hot spots and tube failure. Lack of good water level control can also lead to failure. Without knowing what kind of boiler you are asking about it is difficult to address your copper versus steel question.
Boiler tube? Like a copper tube bundle for heat exchangers? Industry uses copper for that application instead of steel because of copper's lower corrosion qualities. Carbon steel is still a ferrous metal, and therefore subject to corrosion. So industry shies away from using metals which display a high rate of failure in commercial applications. Why wouldn't you?
