| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4mm to 150mm |
| Copper Tube Diameters | 1/8″ to 8-1/8″ |
| Standards | ASTM B42, ASTM B88, ASTM B111,ASTM B280, JIS H3300, IS2501 |
| Manufacturing Type | Seamless, Welded |
| Grades | C10200, C11000, C12200, C21000 |
| Plumbing Types | DWV, K, L, M |
| Density | 0.32 lb/cu in at 68°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 135 Btu/(sq ft·ft·hr·°F) at 68°F |
Copper Pipe Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Sizes (mm) | 6mm – 54mm |
| Sizes (inch NB) | 1/8″ NB – 4″ NB |
| Wall Thickness | 0.3mm – 9mm |
| Seamless Pipe Schedule | SCH5 – SCH40, STD, SCH80 – SCH160 |
| Length | Double Random, Single Random, Cut Length |
| Tempers | H, HH, O, QH, Soft Annealed |
| Shapes | Rectangle, Square, Round, Hollow |
| End Finish | Beveled End, Plain End, Threaded |
| Hardness Options | 1/16 hard, 1/8 hard, 1/4 hard, 3/8 hard, 1/2 hard |
Copper Pipe Sizes – Nominal Bore to Outer Diameter
| Nominal Bore (NB) | Outer Diameter (inch OD) |
|---|---|
| 1/8" | 1/4" |
| 3/8" | 1/2" |
| 1/2" | 5/8" |
| 3/4" | 7/8" |
| 1" | 1-1/8" |
| 1-1/2" | 1-5/8" |
| 2" | 2-1/8" |
| 2-1/2" | 2-5/8" |
| 3" | 3-1/8" |
| 3-1/2" | 3-5/8" |
| 4" | 4-1/8" |
Wall Thickness by Type – K, L, M
| Nominal Bore (NB) | Outer Diameter (inch) | Type M Wall (inch) | Type L Wall (inch) | Type K Wall (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | 1/4" | - | 0.030" | 0.035" |
| 3/8" | 1/2" | 0.025" | 0.035" | 0.049" |
| 1/2" | 5/8" | 0.028" | 0.040" | 0.049" |
| 3/4" | 7/8" | 0.032" | 0.045" | 0.065" |
| 1" | 1-1/8" | 0.035" | 0.050" | 0.065" |
| 1-1/2" | 1-5/8" | 0.049" | 0.060" | 0.072" |
| 2" | 2-1/8" | 0.058" | 0.070" | 0.083" |
| 3" | 3-1/8" | 0.072" | 0.090" | 0.109" |
| 3-1/2" | 3-5/8" | 0.083" | 0.100" | 0.120" |
| 6" | 6-1/8" | 0.122" | 0.140" | 0.192" |
Pressure Ratings of Copper Pipe (Working Pressure at 150°F / 65°C)
| Tube OD (inch) | Wall Thickness (inch) | Working Pressure (psi) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | 0.028" | 2700 |
| 1/8" | 0.030" | 3000 |
| 1/4" | 0.030" | 1300 |
| 1/4" | 0.032" | 1400 |
| 1/4" | 0.065" | 3500 |
| 3/8" | 0.065" | 2200 |
| 1/2" | 0.065" | 1600 |
| 1/2" | 0.083" | 2100 |
| 5/8" | 0.083" | 1200 |
| 5/8" | 0.109" | 1600 |
| 7/8" | 0.065" | 800 |
| 7/8" | 0.083" | 1100 |
| 7/8" | 0.109" | 1500 |
| 1" | 0.065" | 700 |
| 1" | 0.083" | 900 |
| 1" | 0.109" | 1300 |
| 1" | 0.120" | 1500 |
| 1-1/8" | 0.065" | 600 |
| 1-1/8" | 0.083" | 800 |
| 1-1/8" | 0.109" | 1100 |
| 1-1/8" | 0.120" | 1300 |
Copper Tube Weight Chart
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | WT (inch) | WT (mm) | Weight (kg/ft) | Weight (kg/m) | Working Pressure at 150°F (psi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8" | 9.53 | 0.031 | 0.8 | 0.059 | 0.194 | 1742 |
| 1/2" | 12.7 | 0.031 | 0.8 | 0.081 | 0.266 | 1304 |
| 3/4" | 19.05 | 0.039 | 1.0 | 0.156 | 0.512 | 1086 |
| 7/8" | 22.22 | 0.031 | 0.8 | 0.145 | 0.476 | 744 |
| 1" | 25.4 | 0.035 | 0.88 | 0.180 | 0.590 | 716 |
| 1-1/4" | 31.75 | 0.043 | 1.1 | 0.288 | 0.945 | 716 |
| 1-3/8" | 34.93 | 0.048 | 1.21 | 0.351 | 1.151 | 716 |
| 1-5/8" | 41.28 | 0.056 | 1.43 | 0.488 | 1.601 | 716 |
| 1-3/4" | 44.45 | 0.061 | 1.55 | 0.574 | 1.883 | 720 |
Copper Tube Expansion vs. Temperature Change (Lengths in mm)
| Temperature Change | 25m | 12m | 10m | 8m | 6m | 4m | 3m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200°F | 85.0 | 40.8 | 34.0 | 27.2 | 20.4 | 13.6 | 10.2 |
| 150°F | 63.75 | 30.6 | 25.5 | 20.4 | 15.3 | 10.2 | 7.65 |
| 100°F | 43.0 | 20.4 | 17.0 | 13.6 | 10.2 | 6.8 | 5.1 |
| 80°F | 34.0 | 16.3 | 13.6 | 10.9 | 8.2 | 5.4 | 4.1 |
| 60°F | 26.0 | 12.2 | 10.2 | 8.2 | 6.1 | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| 50°F | 21.0 | 10.2 | 8.5 | 6.8 | 5.1 | 3.4 | 2.6 |
| 40°F | 17.0 | 8.2 | 6.8 | 5.4 | 4.1 | 2.7 | 2.0 |
| 30°F | 13.0 | 6.1 | 5.1 | 4.1 | 3.1 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
| 20°F | 8.5 | 4.0 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 1.0 |
| 10°F | 4.3 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
Copper Tube Bending Guide
| Nominal Size (inch) | Temper | Tube Type | Minimum Bend Radius (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | Annealed | K, L | 3/4" |
| 3/8" | Drawn | K, L, M | 1-3/4" |
| 1/2" | Annealed | K, L, M | 2-1/2" |
| 3/4" | Annealed | K, L | 3" |
| 1" | Annealed | K, L | 4" |
| 1-1/4" | Annealed | K, L | 9" |
Rigid Copper Pipe vs Soft Copper Tube
| Feature | Rigid Copper Pipe | Soft Copper Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Water lines | Refrigerant lines |
| Thickness Types | K, L, M | K |
| Flexibility | Cannot be bent | Can be bent easily |
Grades of Copper Pipe and Applications
| Grade | UNS | Standards | Key Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | C10100 | ASTM B75 | Oxygen 0.0005% |
| 102 | C10200 | ASTM B75, B68 | Oxygen 0.0010% |
| 103 | C10300 | ASTM B75, B68, B280 | Oxygen-Free Copper |
| 108 | C10800 | ASTM B280, B75, B111 | Phosphorus 0.012% |
| 110 | C11000 | SAE J461, AMS 4500 | Oxygen 0.002% |
| 122 | C12200 | SAE J461 | Phosphorus 0.002% |
Chemical Composition (Cu Welded Pipe)
| Element | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Copper | 99.85% Min |
| Phosphorus | 0.013% – 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | 0.06% Max |
Mechanical Properties by Standard
| Standard | Grade | Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Grain Size (mm) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM B88 | C11000 | O50 | 200 | 0.025 | - |
| ASTM B88 | C11000 | O60 | 200 | 0.040 | - |
| ASTM B88 | C12200 | H58 | 250 | - | - |
| ASTM B75 | C11000 | O50 | 205 | 0.040 | - |
| ASTM B75 | C12200 | H58 | 250 | - | - |
| ASTM B75 | C12200 | H80 | 310 | - | - |
| EN 1057 | - | R220 | 220 | - | 40 |
| EN 1057 | - | R250 | 250 | - | 30 |
| EN 1057 | - | R290 | 290 | - | 3 |
| JIS H3300 | C1220 | H | 255 | - | - |
| JIS H3300 | C1220 | OL | 205 | 0.040 | 40 |
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between Type K, Type L, and Type M copper pipe?
A: Type K has the thickest wall (e.g., 1/2″: 0.049″), used for underground and high-pressure. Type L has medium wall (1/2″: 0.040″), standard for residential/commercial plumbing. Type M has thinnest wall (1/2″: 0.028″), for low-pressure residential only where codes permit. Type K costs about 30% more than Type L.
Q2: What is the difference between rigid copper pipe and soft copper tube?
A: Rigid copper pipe (tempers H, HH) cannot be bent and is used for straight water lines. Soft copper tube (annealed temper) can be easily bent by hand and is used for refrigerant lines and tight spaces. Soft tube is typically supplied in coils; rigid pipe in straight lengths. Both are available in C12200 material.
Q3: What is the working pressure of 1/2″ Type L copper pipe at 150°F?
A: For 1/2″ Type L copper pipe (0.040″ wall thickness), the working pressure at 150°F is approximately 1304 psi (from weight chart) to 1600 psi (from pressure table). Typical residential water pressure is 40-80 psi, well within safe limits. For hot water at higher temperatures, pressure ratings decrease.
Q4: How much does 1/2″ copper pipe expand with a 100°F temperature change?
A: For a 10-meter length of 1/2″ copper pipe, a 100°F temperature increase causes expansion of approximately 17mm (0.67 inches). For a 25-meter run, expansion is 43mm (1.7 inches). This is why long runs of copper pipe require expansion loops or slip joints to prevent stress and buckling.
Q5: What is the minimum bend radius for 3/4″ annealed copper tube?
A: For 3/4″ annealed copper tube (Type K or L), the minimum bend radius is 3 inches. For 1/2″ annealed tube, the minimum bend radius is 2-1/2 inches. For hard drawn (drawn temper) tube, bending is not recommended without annealing first – it will crack.
Q6: What is the difference between C12200 and C11000 copper pipe?
A: C12200 copper pipe contains 0.015-0.040% phosphorus for deoxidation, making it weldable and brazeable without hydrogen embrittlement. C11000 contains oxygen and cannot be brazed in reducing atmospheres. For plumbing and HVAC where brazing is required, C12200 is the standard. C11000 is used for high-conductivity electrical applications.
Q7: What is the difference between C10200 and C12200 copper pipe?
A: C10200 is oxygen-free copper (99.95% Cu, 0.001% O max) with 100% IACS conductivity. C12200 contains phosphorus and has 85% IACS conductivity. C10200 is used for high-vacuum and critical electronic applications. C12200 is the standard for plumbing and HVAC. C10200 costs significantly more.
Q8: What testing is performed on copper pipes?
A: Standard tests include: flattening test (checks ductility), hardness test (verifies temper), PMI testing (verifies alloy composition), and IGC test (intergranular corrosion). For seamless tubes, eddy current or hydrostatic testing is also performed to detect leaks and hidden defects.
Q9: What are the standard lengths for copper pipe?
A: Copper pipe is available in single random (typically 16-20 feet), double random (32-40 feet), or cut-to-length. Soft copper tube is supplied in coils of 50, 100, or more feet. GNEE can supply any length upon request. Custom cutting is available.
Q10: What is the difference between ASTM B88 and ASTM B280 copper pipe?
A: ASTM B88 covers seamless copper tube for plumbing and water service (Types K, L, M). ASTM B280 covers seamless copper tube for air conditioning and refrigeration field service. The material is the same C12200, but B280 requires the tube to be cleaned, capped, and dehydrated. B88 tubes may have residual manufacturing oils.
Q11: What is the thermal conductivity of copper pipe?
A: Copper pipe has a thermal conductivity of approximately 135 Btu/(sq ft·ft·hr·°F) at 68°F (equivalent to 339 W/m·K). This is much higher than steel (45 Btu) or plastic (1.5 Btu). High thermal conductivity means copper pipes lose heat faster, requiring insulation for hot water lines.
Q12: What are the color codes for Type K, L, and M copper pipe?
A: Type K is marked with green color code. Type L is marked with blue color code. Type M is marked with red color code. These stripes are printed along the length of the pipe for easy identification. DWV (drain-waste-vent) pipe is marked with yellow.
How Do We Package Copper Heat Exchanger Tubes for Global Delivery?
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:
| Packaging Stage | Material / Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Tube Protection | Anti-rust VCI paper + plastic end caps | Prevents moisture, dust, and scratches on copper tube heat exchanger inner surfaces. |
| Bundling | Nylon straps + wooden spacers | Keeps copper heat exchanger tube OD 19mm, 1 inch, or 5/8 inch sizes organized and vibration-free. |
| Moisture Barrier | Thick PE film wrap (heat-shrunk) | Blocks humidity during long sea voyages to copper heat exchanger tube Germany or Saudi Arabia. |
| Outer Packing | Export-grade plywood cases or steel-banded wooden crates | Withstands stacking and rough handling. Each crate labeled with PO number, alloy (e.g., SB111 C70600), and quantity. |
| Documentation | Packing list + Mill Test Certificate (MTC) attached outside | Customs clearance support for copper heat exchanger tube stockist and distributor partners. |
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.
Our Factory & Equipment
| Equipment Type | Specification / Capability | Quality Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Continuous Casting Line | 10-ton capacity | Produces homogeneous copper alloy tube for heat exchanger billets with zero porosity. |
| Three-Roll Piercing Mill | Up to 60mm OD | Precision wall thickness control for heat exchanger tube wall thickness as low as 0.5mm. |
| Cold Drawing Bench | 5 draws in sequence | Achieves tight tolerances on copper heat exchanger tube length and heat exchanger pipe diameter. |
| Straightening & Cutting Line | CNC servo-controlled | Burr-free cutting for copper heat exchanger tube 3/4 inch and 1 inch to exact project lengths. |
| U-Bending Machine | CNC mandrel type | Produces u tube condenser and U tube bundle heat exchanger without kinking or ovality. |
| Eddy Current Tester | NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) | 100% inspection of C70600 tube and C71500 tube for pinholes or cracks per ASTM B111 pdf standards. |
| Hydrostatic Tester | Up to 200 bar | Validates heat exchanger tube expansion and tube rolling integrity. |
| Spectrometer | Optical emission (OES) | Confirms chemical composition of ASME SB111, EN 12451, and JIS H3300 grades on every batch. |
Our Certifications & Compliance:
ASTM B111 pdf and ASME SB111 pdf full traceability.
ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
Third-party inspection accepted: SGS, BV, Lloyds, or TUV.
Copper heat exchanger tube life expectancy testing reports available upon request.
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