clear (transparent) pipe on CH circuits

[hometech]

Is there a clear (transparent) pipe (15/22mm) that I can insert small lengths into the CH system to be able to physically see the water flow. I.e can withstand temperatures around 60 degrees C?

 

[SJB060685]

This is something I have always wondered myself and am curious if someone can clarify.
Just out of curiosity, why are you keen to see the flow of water?

 

[hometech]

This is something I have always wondered myself and am curious if someone can clarify.
Just out of curiosity, why are you keen to see the flow of water?

if you can see it you can measure it.....flow rates/condition/contamination etc. I also want to use it for precise balancing of the rads on different floors without the need (or perhaps proving the need) for a water brake

 

[Chuck]

Is there a clear (transparent) pipe (15/22mm) that I can insert small lengths into the CH system to be able to physically see the water flow. I.e can withstand temperatures around 60 degrees C?

You don't usually have them on domestic systems but what you want is called a 'sight glass' or 'sight & flow indicator'. For example

Sight & Flow Indicators - Johnson Valves

Sight & Flow Indicators

www.johnsonvalves.co.uk

 

[Ric2013]

Interesting. Does anyone know where one might obtain some kind of trasparent (literally) pipe that could be connected to standard copper tube? I don't want to see the flow, just the presence of air - for the same reasons as hometech, largely.

 

[SJB060685]

Interesting. Does anyone know where one might obtain some kind of trasparent (literally) pipe that could be connected to standard copper tube? I don't want to see the flow, just the presence of air - for the same reasons as hometech, largely.

As Chuck pointed out above you can get inline flow sight gauges. Would serve your purpose.

 

[Ric2013]

As Chuck pointed out above you can get inline flow sight gauges. Would serve your purpose.

Afraid the Johnson items shown wouldn't really serve my purpose, but thanks anyway.

 

[Ric2013]

What about this?:

3/4" PYREX TUBING GAUGE SIGHT GLASS HEAVY 19MM OUTSIDE DIAMETER - $2.49 PER INCH​

See ebay.com Sadly the pipe wall is obviously thicker than copper so this comes up at 1/2" bore, so a little less than the 13.6mm of 15mm OD copper. Couldn't find anything quite as large as the ID of 22mm tube sadly. Not sure how you'd joint it, but I suppose something could be cobbled if it's only for temporary installation?

 

[Murdoch]

Would you actually see the flow? I don’t think so

 

[Ric2013]

I wouldn't. I'd just see if there was any visible air. But as I'm not sure exactly what hometech wants to do, I'm offering the closest match to what he has specifically asked for.

 

[hometech]

Would you actually see the flow? I don’t think so

Do you know this through personal experience or is it just an opinion without any basis? If the former then I'll bin the idea, if the latter I'll continue with making it happen

 

[SJB060685]

You should see the flow. It would give you an indication of how laminar it is or turbulent, you should also see any trapped gases or solids.

 

[exedon2]

Maybe look at solar thermal flow meter available in 22mm compression gives you sight glass flow meter and adjusting valve if required in one unit

 

[Last Plumber]

Is there a clear (transparent) pipe (15/22mm) that I can insert small lengths into the CH system to be able to physically see the water flow. I.e can withstand temperatures around 60 degrees C?

Why?
For what reason, is it just your own curiosity or for the purpose of some kind of fault finding process?