C12200 Copper (DHP Copper)

C12200 copper, also known as Alloy 122 Deoxidized High-Phosphorus (DHP) copper, is one of the many nonferrous metal options we offer here at GNEE.

As the name suggests, this commercially pure copper has undergone phosphorus deoxidation to enhance its material properties. Specifically, the residual phosphorus left behind makes C12200 ideal for heavy-forming applications, lending it increased corrosion resistance and compatibility with welding and brazing processes. Also, the material is not very electrically conductive (compared to pure copper) and is not prone to hydrogen embrittlement.

These advantages aren't found in alternatives like 110 copper, despite the similarities between their mechanical properties. C12200 copper is a popular choice for many applications throughout residential and industrial projects, as well as plumbing and underground systems.

Residential Applications

Industrial Applications

Q1: What is the difference between C12200 DHP copper and C11000 copper?
A: C12200 contains 0.015-0.040% phosphorus for deoxidation, making it ideal for heavy-forming applications with superior weldability and brazing capability. C11000 contains oxygen and cannot be brazed in reducing atmospheres. Despite similar mechanical properties, C12200 offers better corrosion resistance and is not prone to hydrogen embrittlement. C11000 has higher electrical conductivity.

Q2: What does DHP stand for in C12200 copper?
A: DHP stands for "Deoxidized High Phosphorus." It refers to the 0.015-0.040% phosphorus added to remove oxygen from the copper melt. This process gives C12200 its characteristic properties: excellent weldability, brazing capability, corrosion resistance, and immunity to hydrogen embrittlement. DHP is the common name for C12200 in many markets.

Q3: Why is C12200 ideal for heavy-forming applications?
A: The phosphorus deoxidation process gives C12200 excellent ductility and workability. It can be easily hot and cold formed without cracking. Unlike 110 copper, C12200 work-hardens more slowly, allowing more deformation before annealing is required. This makes it suitable for progressive drawing, deep drawing, bending, and other heavy-forming operations.

Q4: Is C12200 resistant to hydrogen embrittlement?
A: Yes, C12200 is not prone to hydrogen embrittlement. The phosphorus added during deoxidation removes oxygen from the copper matrix. Without oxygen, there is no reaction with hydrogen during brazing or welding to form steam (which causes embrittlement). This is why C12200 is the standard material for applications requiring brazing or welding.

Q5: What is the electrical conductivity of C12200?
A: C12200 is not very electrically conductive compared to pure copper. It has approximately 85% IACS conductivity (vs 100% for C11000). The phosphorus added for deoxidation scatters conduction electrons, reducing conductivity. For plumbing, HVAC, and heat exchanger applications, this is acceptable. For high-conductivity electrical applications, use C11000 or C10200.

Q6: What are the mechanical properties of C12200?
A: C12200 has ultimate tensile strength of 49,300 psi (340 MPa), yield tensile strength of 45,000 psi (310 MPa), density of 0.323 lb/in³ (8.94 g/cc), shear modulus of 6,380 ksi (44 GPa), modulus of elasticity of 17,400 ksi (120 GPa), and melting point of 1,880-1,980°F (1,030-1,080°C).

Q7: What are the typical residential applications for C12200?
A: Residential applications include: air conditioning systems, refrigerators, plumbing tubes, oil burner tubing, gas lines, and heat liners. C12200 is also used for drinking water supply systems because of its high corrosion resistance to water and soil, heat transfer capabilities, and smooth interior surface that won't restrict water flow.

Q8: What are the typical industrial applications for C12200?
A: Industrial applications include: gasoline supply systems, hydraulic system lines, oil lines, steam lines, water supply lines, evaporator tubing, heat exchanger tubing, dairy/brewery/distiller tubing, and condensers. C12200's corrosion resistance and weldability make it suitable for these demanding environments.

Q9: What standard does GNEE's C12200 tube comply with?
A: GNEE's C12200 DHP copper tube complies with ASTM B75, the standard specification for seamless copper tube for general engineering applications. Available sizes include outer diameters of 2.75″ or 3″, length of 72″, and wall thickness of 0.0625″. Other sizes and standards are available upon request.

Q10: Can C12200 be used for underground systems?
A: Yes, C12200 is a popular choice for underground plumbing and water systems. It has high resistance to corrosion from soil and water. Unlike steel, it does not rust. For aggressive soils (acidic or high chloride), additional protection (wrapping or sleeving) is recommended. C12200's durability makes it suitable for buried applications.

Q11: Why choose C12200 over other copper alloys for heat exchangers?
A: C12200 offers high thermal conductivity (340 W/m·K), excellent corrosion resistance to water, and superior weldability/brazability for tube-to-tubesheet joints. It is the standard material for evaporator tubing, heat exchanger tubing, and condensers. Its combination of heat transfer efficiency and fabricability makes it ideal for thermal equipment.

Q12: What is the difference between C12200 and C10200?
A: C10200 is oxygen-free copper (99.95% Cu, 0.001% O max) with 100% IACS conductivity. C12200 contains phosphorus and has approximately 85% IACS conductivity. C10200 is used for high-vacuum and critical electronic applications. C12200 is the standard for plumbing, HVAC, heat exchangers, and general engineering. C12200 is more cost-effective for most applications.

Poor packaging destroys even the best copper heat exchanger tube. As a professional copper heat exchanger tube factory serving copper heat exchanger tube USA, Europe, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India, we follow military-grade export packaging standards to ensure zero damage during sea or air freight.

Our Standard Packaging Process:

For U-Bundle Orders: U tube heat exchanger and U tube bundle heat exchanger are placed in dedicated steel jigs inside the crate to prevent bending radius distortion.

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ASTM B111 pdf and ASME SB111 pdf full traceability.

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Third-party inspection accepted: SGS, BV, Lloyds, or TUV.

Copper heat exchanger tube life expectancy testing reports available upon request.

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