Expansion Loop Sizing: copper
Pipe thermal expansion loop sizing — U-bend loop width, height, and offset leg dimensions by pipe material, NPS, and temperature differential. Based on Engineering ToolBox formula W=0.015*(dl_mm*OD_mm)^0.5 per ASME B31.3 Appendix D flexibility principles and Kellogg/Spielvogel methods. Covers carbon steel (NPS 2–12, dT 100–300°F), stainless steel 304/316 (NPS 2–8, dT 100–300°F), and copper (NPS 2–4, dT 50–100°F). Also includes L-bend offset leg records for carbon steel. Thermal expansion per ASME B31.3 Appendix C.
| pipe material | record id | anchor force multiplier (dimensionless) | cte in per 100ft per deltaT (in/100ft/F) | guide spacing from loop ft (ft) | loop height ft (ft) | loop width ft (ft) | notes | nps in (in) | od in (in) | od mm (mm) | offset leg ft (ft) | temp delta C (delta_C) | temp delta F (delta_F) | thermal expansion in per 100ft (in/100ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| copper | cu_2_dt100 | 1.3 | 0.00095 | 11 | 7.4 | 3.7 | NPS 2 Cu Type L; dT=100F | 2 | 2.125 | 54 | 18.5 | 55.6 | 100 | 0.95 |
| copper | cu_2_dt50 | 1.3 | 0.00095 | 8 | 5.2 | 2.6 | NPS 2 Cu Type L; dT=50F; CTE=9.3e-6/F; typical hydronic range | 2 | 2.125 | 54 | 13.1 | 27.8 | 50 | 0.48 |
| copper | cu_4_dt100 | 1.3 | 0.00095 | 15 | 10.2 | 5.1 | NPS 4 Cu Type L; dT=100F | 4 | 4.125 | 104.8 | 25.7 | 55.6 | 100 | 0.95 |
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