Difference Between Stainless Steel Manifold And Brass Manifold

In this blog post, you’ll read:Manifolds play a vital role in residential or commercial heating systems. A manifold is a hub of the heating system. It distributes supply water from the heat source to distribution lines. It helps to flow hot water throughout the system.
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Manifolds play a vital role in residential or commercial heating systems. A manifold is a hub of the heating system. It distributes supply water from the heat source to distribution lines. It helps to flow hot water throughout the system. Manifolds are very much useful in radiant heating or snowmelt applications. Manifold adapters, end caps, and fitting assemblies can vary upon application. These items help to customize the manifold for various applications.

manifold with flowmeter
manifold with flowmeter

Advantages of Using Stainless Steel Manifold

  • Stainless steel is low-carbon steel. It carries chromium at 10% or more by weight. It provides the steel with unique stainless & corrosion-resisting properties.
  • A stainless steel manifold contains up to 50% less weight than a brass manifold. But the dimensions and features are the same.
  • Standard stainless steel features a tensile strength of 520 N/mm2. Brass features a tensile strength of 430 N/mm2. This means stainless steel has 20.93% higher mechanical power than brass.
  • Stainless steel manifolds have resistive characteristics to high and low temperatures. This feature makes heating and cooling systems more user-friendlyIt is worldwide considered and recognized that stainless steel is a premium material.
  • We can get a higher flow rate by using a stainless steel manifold. It has a 20% greater flow rate than the brass manifold.
  • Stainless Steel Manifolds have fire and heat resistance characteristics.
  • There is no oxidation with stainless steel. As a result, there is no rust. The original stainless steel should not change color for many decades. Only Stainless Iron can change the paint itself.
  • The warranty period of an original stainless steel manifold is more extended.
  • The post-processing expense of stainless steel is much higher. It’s a reason why there is duplicate stainless steel in the market. Those are “stainless iron.” It makes people feel that the quality of stainless steel manifolds is not good.
heating radiant manifold plumberstar
Heating radiant manifold plumberstar

Advantages of using Brass Manifold

  • Brass is an alloy. It contains copper with zinc. The presence of zinc causes the change of color from Red to Yellow. The reason is the presence of zinc.
  • The Brass Manifold connects the water supply/return water distribution with water collection devices. 
  • It can bear high temperatures.
  • Brass Manifold is easier to install because it has lower hardness.
  • Using brass manifold makes the floor heating products more integrated.
  • Brass Manifolds can prevent leaking water when the temperature changes.
  • Brass has a layer of nickel coating on the outside. It gives stronger corrosion resistance.
  • Brass Manifolds have design flexibility. There are various types of designs. 
  • These manifolds contain an automatic air vent and purge valve. It can make sure the air elevation from the system. 
  • Individual loops have more control over the flow rate. 
  • One brass manifold can control more zones. 
  • Brass Manifolds can add flow indicators. 
  • The manifold cabinet option provides clean installations & easy access.
  • The general warranty period of brass manifolds on the market is 2-3 years.
  • Brass is a non-ferrous metal, which is more expensive than stainless steel. So, the cost of a brass manifold is sometimes higher.
 Stainless Steel ManifoldBrass Manifold
Tensile Strength520 N/mm2430 N/mm2
Flow Rate (for 1” manifold)5m3/h4,2m3/h
Stainless steel manifold Vs.Brass manifold
Brass Manifold for heating system
Brass Manifold for heating system

The comparative scenario of 1 ¼” Stainless Steel Manifolds & 1 ¼” Brass Manifolds

1 ¼” Stainless Steel manifold is a long-term corrosion resistive. It has low levels of ferrite and magnetism. It helps to drop the possibility of contact corrosion. The manifolds are accumulated & ready to use. The supply side has an adjustable flow meter. The return side has balanced on/off valves. The adjustable flow meter permits a positive shut-off. At the same time, the manual plastic cap on the return valve can be detached to accommodate a valve actuator. The return balancing valve disc enables precise adjustments of small flows. The branch Cv value is 1.38. The return balancing valve disc enables precise adjustments of small flows.

1 ¼” Brass Manifolds are made from superior extruded brass. There are 2 to 6-loop modular sections. These three types are valved, valveless, and balancing with the flowmeter. For supply, you must use the balancing section with adjustable flow meters. You can also use the valveless section. It would be best to use the valved area with on/off valves for the return. An actuator valve adapter is also needed. The return balancing valve disc enables precise adjustments of small flows. The branch Cv value is 1.2. The manifold body allows flows up to 14 GPM.

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