Which material is commonly used for water and instrument air piping in power plants?

In power plants, copper is often used for water and instrument air piping due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity, and good mechanical strength. These properties make copper suitable for environments where both water and compressed air systems are present. Copper piping can be effectively used in systems where cleanliness and low reactivity are critical, such as in instrumentation, minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring accurate readings and operation.

While other materials like steel are strong and widely used in various applications, they are more prone to corrosion when exposed to water, which can lead to leaks and maintenance issues. PVC is a suitable material for certain applications due to its light weight and resistance to corrosion, but it is typically not used in high-pressure systems like instrument air. Lastly, while aluminum is lightweight and has good corrosion resistance, it is generally less favored for piping in power plants compared to copper because it can be more susceptible to damage from impacts and might not withstand higher temperatures and pressures as effectively as copper does.