From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Use of copper versus brass tubes for radiators and issues with American-supplied tubes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149a\3\ scan0038 | |
| Date | 1st August 1920 | |
| Contd. -2- Hal/LG12. 8.20. ---------- should obtain tubes which were to our specifications and drawings. We have lately had two memos. from CY. trying to push copper tubes for radiators. Mr. Royce does not agree to copper tubes, Derby do not agree to copper tubes for radiators. The arguments from America in favour of copper tubes are unconvincing. They argue that it is impossible to use brass tubes because of the alkaline water attacking the zinc. Attached herewith are reports from Mr. Hall (Laboratory) which do not confirm this. We cannot believe their statement especially as they have no direct proofs. All the information as regards the failure of brass tubes, they have, appears to have come from the makers of copper tubes, and after trying to prove that our brass tubes are a failure, they say they cannot make them. (This is what we anticipated from the start). We think it is a pity that Springfield should have wasted so much time before they let us know they could not obtain tubes similar to what we use. SUMMARY. (1) The tubes sent from America were in no way like the tubes specified on our drawings. (2) The tubes were sent over here in direct opposition to instructions cabled from Derby. (3) No tests have been carried out on these tubes and no tests are contemplated. (4) The tubes were shown to Mr. Royce and were not approved of. (5) We do not agree to the arguments put forward by the makers of copper tubes as regards the brass tubes being unsatisfactory. Contd. | ||