Compression fittings are not considered to be safe to use on high pressure steam although lower pressure steam pipes the compression fittings can be used on.
Brass fittings as well as brass pipes can be used for steam.
Steel pipe and steel fittings and copper fittings and copper pipe can also be used for steam.
CPVC can be used for hot water but not for steam since CPVC begins to melt at temperatures of 217 F and becomes soft at 200 F.
For steam you have to use brass pipe, steel pipe or copper pipe.
Copper tubing is used for a variety of things such as crafts and even plumbing.
Copper Tubing can be used for plumbing of water lines, for refrigerant line sin air conditioners, central air conditions, window air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and anything else that uses refrigerant.
Copper Tubing is also sometimes used for propane lines such as in RVs and motorhomes, campers and even for home use.
Copper tubing is most often used for heating systems and as a refrigerant line in HVAC systems.
Copper tubing is slowly being replaced by PEX tubing in hot and cold water applications.
There are two basic types of copper tubing, soft copper and rigid copper.
Tubing is usually more expensive than pipe due to tighter manufacturing tolerances.
Interestingly, while the stated and measured OD's of tubing are almost exact in most cases, copper tubing generally has a measured OD that is 1/8” larger than stated OD.
As such, maybe it should be called copper pipe.
While other types of metal pipes such as lead, iron, and galvanized steel have faded out, copper plumbing pipes have stood the test of time because they don't release dangerous materials into water.
In addition, copper pipes are recyclable and are able to be installed outside.
Although it is a durable metal (capable of withstanding 1,000 psi of pressure), copper is also lightweight, which makes it easier to work with (saving on labor costs) and also easier to extend over long stretches without supports.
It's also less expensive than steel and lead-free.
Today, over 80 percent of new homes are constructed with copper piping, making it the industry standard for residential plumbing.
Capable of withstanding 1,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, copper is resistant to internal deterioration including rusting and corrosion that trigger leaks and pipe ruptures.