THE COPPER TUBE HANDBOOK

CDA
Copper Development Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................................6

UNDERSTANDING COPPER TUBE

I. STANDARD TUBES ...........................................................................................................................................8 Types of Copper Tube ...........................................................................................................................................8 Properties................................................................................................................................................................8 Identification of Copper Tube ...............................................................................................................................8 SELECTING THE RIGHT TUBE FOR THE JOB ..........................................................................................9
Advantages of Copper Tube ..................................................................................................................................9 Recommendations for Various Applications ........................................................................................................9

II.

III.

DESIGN AND INSTALLATION DATA ..........................................................................................................10

Pressure System Sizing........................................................................................................................................10 Pressure Ratings and Burst Strength ...................................................................................................................12 Drainage Plumbing Systems................................................................................................................................12 Copper Tube for Heating Systems ......................................................................................................................13 Ground Source Heat Pumps ................................................................................................................................14 Nonflammable Medical Gas Piping Systems .....................................................................................................14 Snow-Melting Systems........................................................................................................................................15 Irrigation and Agricultural Sprinkler Systems ....................................................................................................15 Solar Energy Systems ..........................................................................................................................................15 General Considerations........................................................................................................................................16

TECHNICAL DATA
TABLES: TABLE 1. Copper Tube: Types, Standards, Applications, Tempers, Lengths..................................................20
TABLE 2. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: 2a: Type K..........................................................................................................................................21 2b: Type L..........................................................................................................................................21 2c: Type M.........................................................................................................................................22 2d: DWV............................................................................................................................................22 2e: ACR Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service.............................................23 2f: Medical Gas, K and L ..................................................................................................................24

TABLE 3. Rated Internal Working Pressure for Copper Tube: 3a. Type K..........................................................................................................................................25 3b. Type L..........................................................................................................................................25 3c. Type M.........................................................................................................................................26 3d. DWV............................................................................................................................................26 3e. ACR..............................................................................................................................................27 TABLE 4. Pressure-Temperature Ratings for Copper Tube Joints ...................................................................28 TABLE 5. Actual Burst Pressures, Type K, L and M Copper Water Tube, psi at Room Temperature ..........29 TABLE 6. Pressure Loss Due to Friction in Type M Copper Tube ..................................................................30 TABLE 7. Pressure Loss in Fittings and Valves Expressed as Equivalent Lengths of Tube...........................32 TABLE 8. Radii of Coiled Expansion Loops and Developed Lengths of Expansion Offsets .........................35 TABLE 9. Dimensions of Solder Joint Ends for Wrought and Cast Fittings....................................................37 TABLE 10. Solder Requirements for Solder-Joint Pressure Fittings ................................................................39 TABLE 11. Typical Brazing Filler Metal Consumption....................................................................................40 TABLE 12. Filler Metals for Brazing .................................................................................................................40

FIGURES: FIGURE 1. Arrangement for Anchoring DWV Stack Passing through a Concrete Floor ...............................13
FIGURE 2. Collapsing Pressures of Copper Tube, Types K, L and M.............................................................33 FIGURE 3. Expansion vs. Temperature Change for Copper Tube ...................................................................34 FIGURE 4 a,b,c. Coiled Expansion Loops and Expansion Offsets...................................................................35 FIGURE 5. Selected Pressure Fittings ................................................................................................................36 FIGURE 6. Dimensions of Solder Joint Fitting Ends ........................................................................................37 FIGURE 7. Melting Temperature Ranges for Copper and Copper Alloys, Brazing Filler Metals, Flux and Solders ................................................................................................................38 FIGURE 8. Brazing Flux Recommendations .....................................................................................................39

WORKING WITH COPPER TUBE

IV. BENDING............................................................................................................................................................42
TABLE: TABLE 13. Bending Guide for Copper Tube ....................................................................................................42 FIGURE: FIGURE 9. Bending Using a Lever-Type Hand Bender ...................................................................................42

V.

JOINING .............................................................................................................................................................43 Fittings..................................................................................................................................................................43 Solders ..................................................................................................................................................................43 Fluxes ...................................................................................................................................................................44

TABLE OF CONTENTS\continued

VI.

SOLDERED JOINTS ........................................................................................................................................45 Measuring and Cutting.........................................................................................................................................45 Reaming................................................................................................................................................................45 Cleaning................................................................................................................................................................46 Applying Flux ......................................................................................................................................................46 Assembly and Support.........................................................................................................................................47 Heating .................................................................................................................................................................47 Applying Solder ...................................................................................................................................................48 Cooling and Cleaning ..........................................................................................................................................48 Testing ..................................................................................................................................................................48 FIGURES: FIGURE 10. Measuring.......................................................................................................................................45 FIGURE 11. Cutting ............................................................................................................................................45 FIGURE 12. Reaming: File.................................................................................................................................45 FIGURE 13. Reaming: Pocket Knife..................................................................................................................46 FIGURE 14. Reaming: Deburring Tool..............................................................................................................46 FIGURE 15. Cleaning: Sand Cloth.....................................................................................................................46 FIGURE 16. Cleaning: Abrasive Pad .................................................................................................................46 FIGURE 17. Cleaning: Fitting Brush..................................................................................................................46 FIGURE 18. Fluxing: Tube.................................................................................................................................46 FIGURE 19. Fluxing: Fitting...............................................................................................................................47 FIGURE 20. Assembly........................................................................................................................................47 FIGURE 21. Removing Excess Flux ..................................................................................................................47 FIGURE 22. Pre-Heating Tube ...........................................................................................................................47 FIGURE 23. Pre-Heating Fitting.........................................................................................................................47 FIGURE 24. Electric Resistance Hand Tool ......................................................................................................48 FIGURE 25. Soldering ........................................................................................................................................48 FIGURE 26. Cleaning .........................................................................................................................................48 FIGURE 27. Schematic of Solder Joint ..............................................................................................................48

VII.

BRAZED JOINTS ..............................................................................................................................................49 Brazing Filler Metals ...........................................................................................................................................49 Fluxes ...................................................................................................................................................................49 Assembling ..........................................................................................................................................................49 Applying Heat and Brazing .................................................................................................................................50 Horizontal and Vertical Joints .............................................................................................................................50 Removing Residue...............................................................................................................................................50 General Hints and Suggestions............................................................................................................................50 Testing ..................................................................................................................................................................50 FLARED JOINTS ..............................................................................................................................................51
FIGURE 29. Completed Flared Joint .................................................................................................................51 FIGURE 30. Reaming Prior to Flaring the Tube End .......................................................................................51 FIGURE 31. Lowering the Flaring Cone into the Tube End .............................................................................52 FIGURE 32. Completed Flared Tube End .........................................................................................................52

VIII.

FIGURES: FIGURE 28. Flare Fitting/Flared Joint During Assembly .................................................................................51

IX.

ADDITIONAL JOINING METHODS .............................................................................................................53

FIGURE 34. Mechanical Coupling System........................................................................................................53

FIGURES: FIGURE 33. Tee-Pulling Tool ............................................................................................................................53

APPENDIX
X. ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................54

NOTICE: This Handbook has been prepared for the use of journeymen plumbers, pipefitters, refrigeration fitters, sprinkler fitters, plumbing and heating contractors, engineers, and others involved in the design or installation of plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and other related systems. It has been compiled from information sources Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA) believes to be competent. However, recognizing that each system must be designed and installed to meet the particular circumstances, CDA assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind in connection with this Handbook or its use by any person or organization and makes no representations or warranties of any kind hereby.

Published 2004 by Copper Development Association Inc., 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016

INTRODUCTION

Since primitive man first discovered copper, the red metal has constantly served the advancement of civilization. Archaeologists probing ancient ruins have discovered that this enduring metal was a great boon to many peoples. Tools for handicraft and agriculture, weapons for hunting, and articles for decorative and household uses were wrought from copper by early civilizations. The craftsmen who built the great pyramid for the Egyptian Pharaoh Cheops fashioned copper pipe to convey water to the royal bath. A remnant of this pipe was unearthed some years ago still in usable condition, a testimonial to coppers durability and resistance to corrosion.

Modern technology, recognizing that no material is superior to copper for conveying water, has reconfirmed it as the prime material for such purposes. Years of trouble-free service in installations here and abroad have built a new reputation for copper piping in its modern formlight, strong, corrosion resistant tube. It serves all kinds of buildings: single-family homes, highrise apartments and industrial, commerical and office buildings. Today, copper tube for the plumbing, heating and air-conditioning industries is available in drawn and annealed tempers (referred to in the trades as hard and soft) and in a wide range of diameters and wall

thicknesses. Readily available fittings serve every design application. Joints are simple, reliable and economical to makeadditional reasons for selecting copper tube. Today, nearly 5,000 years after Cheops, copper developments continue as the industry pioneers broader uses for copper tube in engineered plumbing systems for new and retrofitted residential, industrial and commerical installations.

UNDERSTANDING COPPER TUBE

I. STANDARD TUBES

I. STANDARD TUBES

Long lasting copper tube is a favorite choice for plumbing, heating, cooling and other systems. In the United States, it is manufactured to meet the requirements of specifications established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). All tube supplied to these ASTM standards is a minimum of 99.9 percent pure copper. The copper customarily used for tube supplied to these specifications is deoxidized with phosphorus and referred to as C12200 (Copper No. 122) or DHP1 Copper. Other coppers may also be used.

Types of Copper Tube

Table 1, page 20, identifies the six standard types of copper tube and their most common applications.2 The table also shows the ASTM Standard appropriate to the use of each type along with a listing of its commercially available lengths, sizes and tempers. Types K, L, M, DWV and Medical Gas tube are designated by ASTM standard sizes, with the actual outside diameter always 1/8-inch larger than the standard size designation. Each type represents a series of sizes with different wall thicknesses. Type K tube

has thicker walls than Type L tube, and Type L walls are thicker than Type M, for any given diameter. All inside diameters depend on tube size and wall thickness. Copper tube for air-conditioning and refrigeration field service (ACR) is designated by actual outside diameter. Temper describes the strength and hardness of the tube. In the piping trades, drawn temper tube is often referred to as hard tube and annealed as soft tube. Tube in the hard temper condition is usually joined by soldering or brazing, using capillary fittings or by welding. Tube in the soft temper can be joined by the same techniques and is also commonly joined by the use of flare-type and compression fittings. It is also possible to expand the end of one tube so that it can be joined to another by soldering or brazing without a capillary fittinga procedure that can be efficient and economical in many installations. Tube in both the hard and soft tempers can also be joined by a variety of mechanical joints that can be assembled without the use of the heat source required for soldering and brazing.

Properties
The dimensions and other physical characteristics of Types K, L, M and DWV tube are given in Tables 2a, b, c and d, pages 21-22. All four types are used for both pressure and non-pressure applications within the range of their respective safe working pressures as described in Tables 3a, b, c and d on pages 25-26. The dimensions and physical characteristics of ACR tube and Medical Gas tube are given in Tables 2e and f, pages 23-24.

Identification of Copper Tube

Copper tube, Types K, L, M, DWV and Medical Gas, must be permanently marked (incised) in accordance with its governing specifications to show tube type, the name or trademark of the manufacturer, and the country of origin. In addition to incised markings, hard tube will have this information printed on it in a color which distinguishes its tube type (See Table 1). Soft ACR tube may not carry any incised or color markings. Hard ACR tube is color marked only.

1 2

Phosphorous-Deoxidized, High Residual Phosphorous Copper There are many other copper and copper alloy tubes and pipes available for specialized applications. For more information on these products contact the Copper Development Association Inc.

II. SELECTING THE RIGHT TUBE FOR THE JOB

II. SELECTING TUBE

Advantages of Copper Tube

Strong, corrosion resistant, copper tube is the leading choice of modern contractors for plumbing, heating and cooling installations in all kinds of residential and commercial buildings. There are seven primary reasons for this: 1. Copper is economical. The combination of easy handling, forming and joining permits savings in installation time, material and overall costs. Longterm performance and reliability mean fewer callbacks, and that makes copper the ideal cost-effective tubing material. 2. Copper is lightweight. Copper tube does not require the heavy thickness of ferrous or threaded pipe of the same internal diameter. This means copper costs less to transport, handles more easily and, when installed, takes less space. 3. Copper is formable. Because copper tube can be bent and formed, it is frequently possible to eliminate elbows and joints. Smooth bends permit the tube to follow contours and corners of almost any angle. With soft temper tube, particularly when used for renovation or modernization projects, much less wall and ceiling space is needed. 4. Copper is easy to join. Copper tube can be joined with capillary fittings. These fittings save material and make smooth, neat, strong and leak-proof joints. No extra thickness or weight is necessary to compensate for material removed by threading. 5. Copper is safe. Copper tube will not burn or support combustion and decompose to toxic gases. Therefore, it will not carry fire through floors, walls and ceilings. Volatile organic compounds are not required for installation. 6. Copper is dependable. Copper tube is manufactured to well-defined

composition standards and marked with permanent identification so you know exactly what it is and who made it. It is accepted by virtually every plumbing code. 7. Copper resists corrosion. Excellent resistance to corrosion and scaling assures long, trouble-free service, which means satisfied customers.

Minimum Recommendations for Various Applications

It is up to the designer to select the type of copper tube for use in a particular application. Strength, formability and other mechanical factors often determine the choice. Plumbing and mechanical codes govern what types may be used. When a choice can be made, it is helpful to know which type of copper tube has and can serve successfully and economically in the following applications: Underground Water Services Use Type M hard for straight lengths joined with fittings, and Type L soft where coils are more convenient. Water Distribution Systems Use Type M for above and below ground. Chilled Water MainsUse Type M for all sizes. Drainage and Vent Systems Use Type DWV for above- and belowground waste, soil and vent lines, roof and building drains and sewers. HeatingFor radiant panel and hydronic heating and for snow melting systems, use Type L soft temper where coils are formed in place or prefabricated, Type M where straight lengths are used. For water heating and low-pressure steam, use Type M for all sizes. For condensate return lines, Type L is successfully used. Solar HeatingSee Heating section above. For information on solar installation and on solar collectors, write CDA. (See also page 15.)

Fuel Oil, L.P. and Natural Gas ServicesUse Type L or Type ACR tube with flared joints in accessible locations and brazed joints made using AWS A5.8 BAg series brazing filler metals in concealed locations. Nonflammable Medical Gas SystemsUse Medical Gas tube Types K or L, suitably cleaned for oxygen service per NFPA Standard No. 99, Health Care Facilities. Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration SystemsCopper is the preferred material for use with most refrigerants. Use Types L, ACR or as specified. Ground Source Heat Pump SystemsUse Types L or ACR where the ground coils are formed in place or prefabricated, or as specified. Fire Sprinkler SystemsUse Type M hard. Where bending is required, Types K or L are recommended. Types K, L and M are all accepted by NFPA. Low Temperature Applications Use copper tube of Type determined by rated internal working pressures at room temperature as shown in Table 3. Copper tube retains excellent ductility at low temperatures to 452F and yield strength and tensile strength increase as temperature is reduced to this point. This plus its excellent thermal conductivity makes an unusual combination of properties for heat exchangers, piping, and other components in cryogenic plants and other low temperature applications. Compressed AirUse copper tube of Types K, L or M determined by the rated internal working pressures as shown in Table 3. Brazed joints are recommended.

III. DESIGN AND INSTALLATION DATA

Pressure System Sizing

Designing a copper tube water supply system is a matter of determining the minimum tube size for each part of the total system by balancing the interrelationships of six primary design considerations: 1. Available main pressure; 2. Pressure required at individual fixtures; 3. Static pressure losses due to height; 4. Water demand (gallons per minute) in the total system and in each of its parts; 5. Pressure losses due to the friction of water flow in the system; 6. Velocity limitations based on noise and erosion. Design and sizing must always conform to applicable codes. But in the final analysis, design must also reflect judgment and results of engineering calculations. Many codes, especially the model codes, include design data and guidelines for sizing water distribution systems and also include examples showing how the data and guidelines are applied. Small SystemsDistribution systems for single-family houses usually can be sized easily on the basis of experience and applicable code requirements, as can other similar small installations. Detailed study of the six design considerations above is not necessary in such cases. In general, the mains that serve fixture branches can be sized as follows: 3 Up to three /8 -inch branches 1 can be served by a /2 -inch main. 1 Up to three /2 -inch branches

can be served by a 3/4 -inch main. 3 Up to three /4 -inch branches can be served by a 1-inch main. The sizing of more complex distribution systems requires detailed analysis of each of the sizing design considerations listed above. Pressure ConsiderationsAt each fixture in the distribution system, a minimum pressure of 8 psi should be available for it to function properly except that some fixtures require a higher minimum pressure for proper function, for example: Flush valve for blow-out and syphon-jet closets ....................25 psi Flush valves for water closets and urinals................................15 psi Sill cocks, hose bibbs and wall hydrants....................................10 psi. Local codes and practices may be somewhat different from the above and should always be consulted for minimum pressure requirements. The maximum water pressure available to supply each fixture depends on the water service pressure at the point where the building distribution system (or a segment or zone of it) begins. This pressure depends either on local main pressure, limits set by local codes, pressure desired by the system designer, or on a combination of these. In any case, it should not be higher than about 80 psi (pounds per square inch). However, the entire water service pressure is not available at each fixture due to pressure losses inherent to the system. The pressure losses include losses in flow through the water meter, static losses in lifting water to higher

elevations in the system, and friction losses encountered in flow through piping, fittings, valves and equipment. Some of the service pressure is lost immediately in flow through the water meter, if there is one. The amount of loss depends on the relationship between flow rate and tube size. Design curves and table showing these relationships appear in most model codes and are available from meter manufacturers. Some of the main pressure will also be lost in lifting the water to the highest fixture in the system. The height difference is measured starting at the meter, or at whatever other point represents the start of the system (or the segment or zone) being considered. To account for this, multiply the elevation of the highest fixture, in feet, by the factor 0.434, the pressure exerted by a 1-foot column of water. This will give the pressure in psi needed to raise the water to that level. For example, a difference in height of 30 feet reduces the available pressure by 13 psi (30 x 0.434 = 13.02). Friction losses in the system, like losses through the water meter, are mainly dependent on the flow rate of the water through the system and the size of the piping. To determine these losses, water demand (and thus, flow rate) of the system must first be determined. Water demandEach fixture in the system represents a certain demand for water. Some examples of approximate water demand in gallons per minute (gpm) of flow, are: Drinking fountain.......... 0.75

III. DESIGN DATA

10

Lavatory faucet.............. 2.0 Lavatory faucet, self closing................... 2.5 Sink faucet, WC tank ball cock....................... 3.0 Bathtub faucet, shower head, laundry tub faucet........ 4.0 Sill cock, hose bibb, wall hydrant................. 5.0 Flush valve (depending on design...................... 3.5 Shower head .................. 2.2 Adding up numbers like these to cover all the fixtures in an entire building distribution system would give the total demand for water usage in gpm, if all of the fixtures were operating and flowing at the same timewhich of course does not happen. A reasonable estimate of demand is one based on the extent to which various fixtures in the building might actually be used simultaneously. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology studied this question some years ago. They applied probability theory and field observations to the real-life problem of simultaneous usage of plumbing fixtures. The result was a system for estimating total water demand which is based on reasonable assumptions about the likelihood of simultaneous usage of fixtures. Out of this study came the concept of fixture units. Each type of fixture is assigned a fixture unit value which reflects (1) its demand for water, that is, the flow rate into the fixture when it is used, (2) the average time duration of flow when the fixture is used, and (3) the frequency with which the fixture is likely to be used. Assigned fixture unit values vary by jurisdiction. Consult local plumbing codes for values used in your area. Totaling the fixture unit values for all the fixtures in a system, or for any part of the distribution system, gives a measure of the load combined fixtures impose on the plumbing distribution and supply system. This fixture unit total may be translated into expected maximum water demand following the procedure prescribed by your local code.

Keep in mind the demand calculations just described apply to fixtures that are used intermittently. To this must be added the actual demand in gpm for any fixtures which are designed to run continuously when they are in use; for example, air-conditioning systems, lawn sprinkler systems and hose bibbs. Pressure Losses Due to FrictionThe pressure available to move the water through the distribution system (or a part of it) is the main pressure minus: (1) the pressure loss in the meter, (2) the pressure needed to lift water to the highest fixture (static pressure loss), and (3) the pressure needed at the fixtures themselves. The remaining available pressure must be adequate to overcome the pressure losses due to friction encountered by the flow of the total demand (intermittent plus continuous fixtures) through the distribution system and its various parts. The final operation then is to select tube sizes in accordance with the pressure losses due to friction. In actual practice, the design operation may involve repeating the steps in the design process to readjust pressure, velocity and size to achieve the best balance of main pressure, tube size, velocity and available pressure at the fixtures for the design flow required in the various parts of the system. Table 6, page 30, shows the relationship among flow, pressure drop due to friction, velocity and tube size for Types K, L and M copper water tube. These are the data required to complete the sizing calculation. NOTE: Values are not given for flow rates that exceed the maximum recommendation for copper tube. For the tube sizes above about 11/4 inch, there is virtually no difference among the three types of tube in terms of pressure loss. This is because the differences in cross sectional area of these types become insignificant as tube size increases. In fact, for this reason, the value for Type M tube given in Table 6 can be used for DWV tube as well.

Pressure loss values in Table 6 are given per linear foot of tube. In measuring the length of a system or of any of its parts, the total length of tube must be measured, and for close estimates, an additional amount must be added on as an allowance for the extra friction losses that occur as a result of valves and fittings in the line. Table 7, page 32, shows these allowances for various sizes and types of valves and fittings. Water Velocity Limitations To avoid excessive system noise and the possibility of erosion-corrosion, the designer should not exceed flow velocities of 8 feet per second for cold water and 5 feet per second in hot water up to approximately 140F. In systems where water temperatures routinely exceed 140F, lower flow velocities such as 2 to 3 feet per second should not be exceeded. In addition, where 1/2-inch and smaller tube sizes are used, to guard against localized high velocity turbulence due to possibly faulty workmanship (e.g. burrs at tube ends which were not properly reamed/deburred) or unusually numerous, abrupt changes in flow direction, lower velocities should be considered. Locally aggressive water conditions can combine with these two considerations to cause erosioncorrosion if system velocities are too high. Due to constant circulation and elevated water temperatures, particular attention should be paid to water velocities in circulating hot water systems. Both the supply and return piping should be sized such that the maximum velocity does not exceed the above recommendations. Care should be taken to ensure that the circulating pump is not oversized, and that the return piping is not undersized, both common occurrences in installed piping systems. Table 6 applies to copper tube only, and should not be used for other plumbing materials. Other materials require additional allowances for corrosion, scaling and caking which are not necessary for copper. This is because copper normally maintains its smooth bore throughout its service life.

11

III. DESIGN DATA

Pressure Ratings and Burst Strength

As for all materials, the allowable internal pressure for any copper tube in service is based on the formula used in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code for Pressure Piping (ASME B31): 2S(tmin C) P = max D 0.8 (tmin C) where: P = allowable pressure, psi S = maximum allowable stress in tension, psi tmin = wall thickness (min.), in. Dmax = outside diameter (max.), in. C = a constant For copper tube, because of coppers superior corrosion resistance, the B31 code permits the factor C to be zero. Thus the formula becomes: 2Stmin P = max D 0.8 tmin The value of S in the formula is the maximum allowable stress (ASME B31) for continuous long-term service of the tube material. It is only a small fraction of coppers ultimate tensile strength or of the burst strength of copper tube and has been confirmed to be safe by years of service experience and testing. The allowable stress value depends on the service temperature and on the temper of the tube, drawn or annealed. In Tables 3a, b, c and d, pages 25-26, the rated internal working pressures are shown for both annealed (soft) and drawn (hard) Types K, L, M and DWV copper tube for service temperatures from 100 F to 400 F. The ratings for drawn tube can be used for soldered systems and systems using properly designed mechanical joints. Fittings manufacturers can provide information about the strength of their various types and sizes of fittings. When welding or brazing is used to join tubes, the annealed ratings must be used, since the heating involved in these joining processes will anneal (soften) the hard tube. This is the reason that annealed ratings are shown in Tables 3c for Type M and 3d for DWV

tube, although they are not furnished in the annealed temper. Table 3e, page 27, lists allowable internal working pressures forACR tube. In designing a system, joint ratings must also be considered, because the lower of the two ratings (tube or joint) will govern the installation. Most tubing systems are joined by soldering or brazing. Rated internal working pressures for such joints are shown in Table 4, page 28. These ratings are for all types of tube with standard solder joint pressure fittings and DWV fittings. In soldered tubing systems, the rated strength of the joint often governs design. When brazing, use the ratings for annealed tube found in Tables 3a-3e as brazing softens (anneals) the tube near the joints (the heat affected zone). Joint ratings at saturated steam temperatures are shown in Table 4. The pressures at which copper tube will actually burst are many times the rated working pressures. Compare the actual values in Table 5, page 29, with the rated working pressures found in Tables 3a-3c, pages 25-26. The very conservative working pressure ratings give added assurance that pressurized systems will operate successfully for long periods of time. The much higher burst pressures measured in tests indicate that tubes are well able to withstand unpredictable pressure surges that may occur during the long service life of the system. Similar conservative principles were applied in arriving at the working pressures for brazed and soldered joints. The allowable stresses for the soldered joints assure joint integrity under full rated load for extended periods of time. Short-term strength and burst pressures for soldered joints are many times higher. In addition, safety margins were factored into calculating the joint strengths.

Drainage Plumbing Systems

The design and installation of drainage systems range from simple to complex, depending on the type of building, the local code and the occupancy requirements. The local plumbing code will include

requirements for acceptable materials, installation and inspection, and these must be followed as the first requirement of an acceptable job. There are usually differences sometimes minor, sometimes quite importantamong plumbing codes. Among the features which differ from code to code may be minimum tube sizes, permissible connected fixture loads, fittings and connections, methods of venting, supports and testing. Few codes are completely specific about installation details and leave the responsibility of proper and suitable installation to the designer and the contractor. In large and multistory buildings, the design will generally require the services of a mechanical engineer and a plumbing designer. The plumbing designer has the responsibility for coordinating the drainage system design within the overall building construction requirements. A good drainage design must accommodate the problems of installation space, building movement, support, expansion and contraction, pipe sleeves, offsets and provisions for necessary maintenance. In residential buildings and small one- and two-story commercial buildings, the drainage piping is usually straightforward in design and simple in installation. Type DWV copper tube, installed with good workmanship by an experienced plumber, will provide many years of trouble-free service. The smaller diameter of DWV tube and fittings makes it possible to install copper drainage systems where other competing piping materials would be impossible, difficult or more costly. For example, a 3-inch copper stack has only a 33/8 -inch outside diameter at the fitting and can be installed in a 31/2 -inch cavity wall. PrefabricationConsiderable savings can be effected by prefabricating copper DWV subassemblies. Prefabrication permits work even when adverse weather prohibits activity on the job site. Simple, inexpensive jigs can be made to position the tube and fittings during assembly and help eliminate costly dimensional errors. Freedom of movement

III. DESIGN DATA

12

at the bench permits joints to be made more readily than at the point of installation, where working space may be limited. Soldered joints are strong and rigid. Subassemblies can be handled without fear of damage. The lightweight features of copper DWV tube and fittings make it possible to handle fairly large assemblies. Other dependable drainage plumbing materials may weigh three to four times as much. Subassemblies require a minimum of support when connected to a previously installed section of a drainage system. Copper DWV tube has been used successfully for years in all parts of drainage plumbing systems for high-rise buildingsfor soil and vent stacks and for soil, waste and vent branches. Copper tubes light weight and the ease with which it can be prefabricated have been especially important in high-rise drainage systems. Expansion of DWV SystemsIn high-rise buildings, expansion and contraction of the stack should be considered in the design. Possible movement of a copper tube stack as the temperature of the stack changes is about 0.001 inch per degree F per 10-foot floor. (See Figure 3, page 34.) This is slightly more than for iron and steel pipe and considerably less than for plastic. Since length, temperature changes and piping design itself are all involved in expansion, the designer must determine the best way to take care of expansion in any particular installation. One simple procedure for controlling thermal movement is to anchor the stack. Anchoring at every eighth floor will take care of an anticipated maximum temperature rise of 50F; anchoring every four floors will take care of a 100F maximum temperature rise. Care should be taken to avoid excessive stresses in the stack anchors or structure caused by thermal growth of the stack. Perhaps the simplest effective anchor, when the stack passes through concrete floors, is to use pipe clamps and soldered fittings as shown in Figure 1. The pipe clamps can be placed above and below the floor, backed up by

sliding the fittings tight against the clamps and soldering them in place. At all floors between anchors, sleeves in the concrete floors should be used to prevent lateral movement of the tube.

Copper Tube for Heating Systems

Copper tube is popular for heating systems in both new and remodeled buildings. Contractors have learned through experience that, all factors considered, copper tube remains superior to any substitute material. The advantages of light weight, choice of tempers, long-term reliability, and ease of joining, bending and handling are of major importance. For example, where rigidity and appearance are factors, drawn tube is recommended. Annealed tube is particularly suitable for panel heating, snow melting, and short runs to radiators, convectors and the like. With annealed tube the need for fittings is reduced to a minimum, saving substantial installation labor and material. Forced circulation hot water heating systems provide uniform heating and quick response to changes in heating load, require little maintenance and can be easily zoned to provide different temperature levels throughout the buildings. These systems use the smallest and most economical tube sizes with soldered joints and require little space for the installation. Also, in combination with the heating system and where permitted by code, domestic hot water can be heated directly eliminating the need for a separate water heater. Design and installation data for heating systems are given in The Heating and Air-Conditioning Guide, published by the American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), as well as in literature published by manufacturers of boilers and other heating devices. Those publications should be consulted for detailed design. Steam-Heating Return Lines For steam-heating systems, especially return lines, the outstanding corrosion resistance and non-rusting characteristics of copper tube assure trouble-free service and maintenance of traps, valves and other devices. On condensate and hot water return lines, it is recommended that the last two feet before the heating medium should be double the size of the rest of the line.

FIGURE 1: Arrangement for Anchoring DWV Stack Passing Through a Concrete Floor.

Hydrostatic Testing of DWV SystemsWhile a copper drainage system is not ordinarily operated under pressure conditions, it must withstand the pressure of a hydrostatic test. The allowable pressures for copper DWV tube and soldered joints are given in Table 3d, page 26, and in Table 4, page 28, respectively. To determine the vertical height that can be statically pressure tested (with water) in one segment, take the lowest applicable figure from Table 3d and Table 4 and multiply by 2.3. (A 2.3foot column of water creates a pressure of 1 psi.) For example, if 50-50 tin-lead solder is used and the largest tube size is 4-inch at a service temperature of 100F, multiply 80 (the lower of the solder joint rating of 80 in Table 4 and the tube rating of 257 in Table 3d) by 2.3; the result is 184. Thus, a 184-foot vertical segment of stack could be tested at once. If 95-5 tin-antimony solder is the joining material, the lower of the corresponding rating for 4-inch tube from the tables, 257 (the tube governs) is multiplied by 2.3, equaling 591. Thus, theoretically, 591 feet (59 ten-foot stories) could be tested at once. If the joint is brazed, the value from Table 3d for annealed tube (150) governs. This value multiplied by 2.3 equals 345 feet, or only 34 stories at once. The actual vertical segment height tested is usually much less and depends on practical considerations on the job.

13

III. DESIGN DATA

For example, if the return line is 1-inch tube, enlarge it to 2-inch. Radiant Panel HeatingA modern application of an ancient principle, radiant panel heating, can be used successfully in nearly all types of structures. In panel systems, lowtemperature hot water, circulating through coils or grids of copper tube embedded in a concrete floor or plaster ceiling, warms the surfaces and the air. Panel systems offer uniform heating and comfort, an invisible heat source, complete use of the floor area, cleanliness and the elimination of dustcarrying drafts. Copper tube is the ideal piping material for floor and ceiling panels because of its excellent heat transfer characteristics, light weight, long lengths, corrosion resistance and ease of bending, joining and handling. Soft temper tube in coils is commonly used for sinuous (curved pattern) heating layouts, since it is easily bent and joints are reduced to a minimum. Hard temper tube is used for mains, risers, heaters and grid-type heating coils. Location of the heating panel is relatively unimportant for the comfort of room occupants, but it does depend on the architectural and thermal characteristics of the room. Floor installations have the advantage of low initial cost and are particularly suitable for garages, schools and churches. They are generally designed to operate at a maximum surface temperature of 85F. Above this temperature, occupants become uncomfortable. Ceiling panels can be operated at higher surface temperatures and heat output levels than floor panels. Heating panels respond quickly to changes in heating load, have low thermal storage and require only a simple control system. The tube sizes of heating coils chiefly affect the hydraulics of the heating system and are relatively unimportant from the standpoint of heat output of the panel. For sinuous floor coils 3/8 -inch, 1/2 -inch and 3/4 -inch soft temper tube are generally used with a 9-inch or 12-inch center-to-center

spacing. For ceiling panel installations the sinuous coils are formed of 3/8 -inch soft temper tube with a tube spacing of 4 inches or 6 inches. Soldered joints are commonly used.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps have been used for residential and commercial heating and cooling for many years. Such units rely on airto-air heat exchange through evaporator units similar to those used for air conditioners. More recent heat pump technology relies on circulating a refrigerant through buried copper tubing for heat exchange. These units rely on the constancy of the ground temperature below the frost level (about 55F) for heat transfer and are considerably more efficient than their air-source counterparts. They are known variously by such terms as ground source, earth-coupled, direct exchange or geothermal. The most efficient ground source heat pumps use ACR, Type L or special-size copper tubing buried in the ground to transfer heat to or from the conditioned space. The flexible copper tube (typically 1/4 -inch to 5/8 -inch) can be buried in deep vertical holes, horizontally in a relatively shallow grid pattern, in a vertical fence-like arrangement in medium-depth trenches, or as custom configurations suited to the installation. The number of manufacturers which can supply commerical and residential ground source units is constantly growing. Contact the Copper Development Association Inc. to obtain the current listing.

Nonflammable Medical Gas Piping Systems

Safety standards for oxygen and other positive-pressure medical gases require the use of Type K or L copper tube (see ASTM B 819). Special cleanliness requirements are called for because oxygen under pressure may cause the spontaneous combustion of

some organic oils (the residual of lubricating oil used during manufacture) and for the safety of patients receiving medical gases. Copper tube for medical gas lines is furnished by the manufacturers suitably cleaned and capped or plugged. Care must be taken to prevent contamination of the system when the caps or plugs are removed and tube is installed. The installer must satisfy himself and the inspection department that the cleanliness requirements of the code have been met. The following requirements are based on those found in NFPA Standard No. 99, Health Care Facilities, Chapter 4, Gas and Vacuum Systems. Installation and Testing of Medical Gas Piping Systems 1. All piping, valves, fittings and other components for use in all nonflammable medical gas systems must be thoroughly cleaned by the manufacturer to remove oil, grease and other readily oxidizable materials as if they were being prepared for oxygen service. Use particular care in storage and handling. Such material must be capped or plugged to prevent recontamination before final assembly. Just prior to final assembly, the material must be examined internally for contamination. Cleaning must be done in accordance with the provisions of CGA Pamphlet G-4.1, Cleaning Equipment for Oxygen Service. 2. All brazed joints in the piping shall be made up using brazing filler metals that bond with the base metals being brazed and that comply with Specification for Brazing Filler Metal, ANSI/AWS A5.8. Copper-to-copper joints shall be made using a copper-phosphorus brazing filler metal (BCuP series) without flux. Dissimilar metals such as copper and brass shall be joined using an appropriate flux with either a copperphosphorus (BCuP series) or a silver (BAg series) brazing filler metal. Apply flux sparingly to the clean tube only and in a manner to avoid leaving any excess inside of completed joints.

III. DESIGN DATA

14

(NOTE: Ensure proper ventilation. Some BAg series filler metals contain cadmium, which, when heated during brazing, can produce toxic fumes.) During brazing, the system shall be continuously purged with oil-free dry nitrogen to prevent the formation of scale within the tubing. The purge shall be maintained until the joint is cool to the touch. The outside of all tubes, joints and fittings shall be cleaned by washing with hot water after assembly to remove any excess flux and provide for clear visual inspection of brazed connections. A visual inspection of each brazed joint shall be made to assure that the alloy has flowed completely around the joint at the tube-fitting interface. Where flux has been used, assure that solidified flux residue has not formed a temporary seal that could hold test pressure. 3. Threaded joints in piping systems shall be tinned or made up with polytetrafluoroethylene (such as Teflon) tape or other thread sealants suitable for oxygen services. Sealants shall be applied to the male threads only.

Snow-Melting Systems
Snow-melting systems, installed in walks, driveways, loading platforms and other paved areas, are an efficient, economical means of snow, sleet and ice removal. To warm the surface, a 50-50 solution of water and antifreeze is circulated through copper tube embedded in the concrete or blacktop. Considerable savings can be realized at industrial plant installations where waste heat sources can be utilized. In general, installation of snow melting coils is similar to that of floor panel heating coils. Selection of a sinuous or a grid pattern for a snowmelting system depends largely on the shape, size and installation conditions. Grids are good for square and rectangular areas; sinuous coils are usually preferred for irregular areas. The lower pressure loss with a grid configuration permits the use of smaller diameter tube saving material costs. Maximum economy is often realized

with a combination of sinuous and grid-type coils. Soft temper copper tube is suitable for both sinous and grid-type coils; hard temper is better for larger grid coils and for mains. Soft tube facilitates the installation of sinuous coils because of its long lengths and ease of bending which reduce the number of joints to a minimum. The solution temperature entering the snow melting coils should be 120F to 130F. To obtain a heating effect for snow melting of 100 BTU per hour per square foot with copper tube spaced on 12-inch centers in concrete (or 9-inch centers in blacktop), a maximum of 140 feet of 1/2 -inch tube or 280 feet of 3 /4 -inch tube may be used. To obtain a heat input of 200 BTU per hour per square foot of snow area, a maximum of 60 feet of 1/2 -inch tube or 150 feet of 3/4 -inch tube may be used. Tube in concrete should be located about 11/4 to 11/2 inches below the surface. The concrete should be reinforced with wire mesh. In blacktop, 11/2 inches minimum of compacted thickness of blacktop should cover the tube. The tube should be laid with care on compacted gravel, crushed stone or a concrete base. Allowances should be made for lateral movement where the tube enters and leaves the concrete or blacktop. The same types of heaters and circulating pumps available for radiant heating installations are suitable for snow-melting panels. The panels also may be hooked up to a buildings space heating system, if the system has sufficient capacity for the additional load and satisfactory precautions against freezing can be made.

With the aid of pressure loss and velocity relationships shown in Table 6, page 30, and the instruction contained in the literature of pump and sprinkler manufacturers, plumbers can lay out a copper tube watering system to service lawns, crops or golf courses. System lines should be laid deep enough to avoid mechanical damage by tools and they should be pitched to drain freely. Where freezing can be expected, the system should be installed below the frost line. Expansion and contraction should not be a problem as long as lines are not rigidly anchored.

Solar Energy Systems

The energy crises in the 1970s provided an economic impetus and a national commitment to use solar energy for heating. Solar energy systems to heat domestic water and for space heating are based on adding a collector to the heating system to capture energy from the sun. In general, this simply involves extending the heating/plumbing system to the roof of the house, where a solar collector is incorporated into it. CDA published a design handbook for solar energy systems which includes an easy-to-use method for properly sizing a solar heating system to achieve desired solar contributions. For a copy of the handbook, please write Copper Development Association Inc. Copper is the logical material for solar energy systems because: It has the best thermal conductivity of all engineering metals; It is highly resistant to both atmospheric and aqueous corrosion; It is easy to fabricate and to join by soldering or brazing; It has been used both for plumbing and for roofs since metals were first employed in those applications. Coppers thermal advantages mean thinner copper sheet can collect the same heat as much thicker gages of aluminum or steel sheet, and copper collector tubes can be more widely spaced.

Irrigation and Agricultural Sprinkler Systems

Irrigation systems are necessities in arid agricultural areas, and sprinkling systems for maintaining landscaped areas are being used increasingly. Regardless of type or size of system, many successful installations testify that copper is the ideal tube material for the lines.

15

III. DESIGN DATA

Coppers resistance to atmospheric corrosion is well demonstrated by its service in roofing and flashing. Unless attacked by the sulfur or nitrogen oxide exhausts from utilities or process industries, copper has withstood decadeseven centuriesof weathering. Copper resists hot water corrosion equally well. Properly sized to keep flow rates below those recommended on page 11, and properly installed, copper hot water systems are, for all practical purposes, completely resistant to corrosion. The ease with which copper plumbing systems are joined by soldering needs no special emphasis. Sheet copper fabrication is equally recognized for its ease and simplicity.

Calculation for expansion and contraction should be based on the average coefficient of expansion of copper which is 0.0000094 inch per inch per degree F, between 70F and 212F. For example, the expansion of each 100 feet of length of any size tube heated from room temperature (70F) to 170F (a 100F rise) is 1.128 inches. 100F x 100 ft x 12 in./ft. x 0.0000094 in./in./F =1.128 in. Figure 3, page 34, shows the change in length per 100 feet of copper tube, with temperature. The previous example is shown by the dotted line. Table 8, page 35, gives the radii necessary for coiled expansion loops, described in Figure 4, page 35. Expansion offset lengths may be estimated from Table 8. Alternatively, the necessary length of tube in an expansion loop or offset can be calculated using the formula: L = 1 3E / (d oe)/ 12 P
1 1 2

General Considerations
It is not possible in a handbook of this type to cover all the variables a plumbing system designer may have to consider. However, in addition to the foregoing discussion, the following information may also prove helpful when preparing job specifications. Expansion LoopsCopper tube, like all piping materials, expands and contracts with temperature changes. Therefore, in a copper tube system subjected to excessive temperature changes, a long line tends to buckle or bend when it expands unless compensation is built into the system. Severe stresses on the joints may also occur. Such stresses, buckles or bends are prevented by the use of expansion joints or by installing offsets, U bends, coil loops or similar arrangements in the tube assembly. These specially shaped tube segments take up expansion and contraction without excessive stress. The expansion of a length of copper tube may be calculated from the formula: Temperature Rise (degrees F) x Length (feet) x 12 (inches per foot) x Expansion Coefficient (inches per inch per degree F) = Expansion (inches)

( )

where: L = developed length, in feet, in the expansion loop or offset as shown in Figure 4. E= modulus of elasticity of copper, in psi. P = design allowable fiber stress of material in flexure, in psi. do = outside diameter of pipe, in inches. e = amount of expansion to be absorbed, in inches. For annealed copper tube: E = 17,000,000 psi P = 6,000 psi Thus, the developed length L is simply: 1 L = 7.68 (doe) /2 Tube SupportsDrawn temper tube, because of its rigidity, is preferred for exposed piping. Unless otherwise stated in plumbing codes, drawn temper tube requires support for horizontal lines at about 8-foot intervals for sizes of 1-inch and smaller, and at about 10-foot intervals for larger sizes.

Vertical lines are usually supported at every story or at about 10-foot intervals, but for long lines where there are the usual provisions for expansion and contraction, anchors may be several stories apart, provided there are sleeves or similar devices at all intermediate floors to restrain lateral movement, see Figure 1, page 13, Annealed temper tube in coils permits long runs without intermediate joints. Vertical lines of annealed temper tube should be supported at least every 10 feet. Horizontal lines should be supported at least every 8 feet. Resistance to CrushingTests made by placing a 3/4 -inch round steel bar at right angles across a 1-inch annealed copper tube and then exerting pressure downward revealed that, even with this severe point-contact loading, 700 pounds were required to crush the tube to 75 percent of its original diameter. Two-inch sizes, because of their greater wall thicknesses, resisted even more weight before crushing. Plumbing codes and good piping practice require that all excavations shall be completely backfilled as soon after inspection as practical. Trenches should first be backfilled with 12 inches of tamped, clean earth which should not contain stones, cinders or other materials which would damage the tube or cause corrosion. Equipment such as bulldozers and graders may be used to complete backfilling. Suitable precautions should be taken to ensure permanent stability for tube laid in fresh ground fill. Water HammerWater hammer is the term used to describe the destructive forces, pounding noises and vibrations which develop in a water system when the flowing liquid is stopped abruptly by a closing valve. When water hammer occurs, a high-pressure shock wave reverberates within the piping system until the energy has been spent in frictional losses. The noise of such excessive pressure surges may be prevented by adding a capped air chamber or surge arresting device to the system. Arresting devices are available

III. DESIGN DATA

16

commercially to provide permanent protection against shock from water hammer. They are designed so the water in the system will not contact the air cushion in the arrester and, once installed, they require no further maintenance. On single-fixture branch lines, the arrester should be placed immediately upstream from the fixture valve. On multiple-fixture branch lines, the preferred location for the arrester is on the branch line supplying the fixture group between the last two fixture supply pipes. Collapse Pressure of Copper TubeThe constantly increasing use of copper and copper alloy tube in condensers, water heaters and other heat transfer devices for water, gas and fluid lines, and many other engineering applications where a pressure differential exists on opposite sides of the tube wall, makes accurate data necessary regarding collapse pressures. See Figure 2, page 33. FreezingAnnealed temper tube can withstand the expansion of freezing water several times before bursting. Under test, the water filling a 1/2-inch soft tube has been frozen as many as six times, and a 2-inch size, eleven times. This is a vital safety factor favoring soft tube for underground water services. However, it does not mean that copper water tube lines should be subjected to freezing. CorrosionCopper water tube is corrosion resistant. It is very infrequent that waters or special conditions are encountered which can be corrosive to copper tube. When they are encountered, they should be recognized and dealt with. Since World War II, over 18 billion pounds of copper plumbing tube has been produced in the United States, 80% of which has been installed in water distribution systems. This translates into more than 7 million miles of copper tube. The rare problems of corrosion by aggressive water, possibly aggravated by faulty design or workmanship, should be viewed in the context of this total record of

outstanding service performance. In general, widespread use of copper plumbing tube in a locality can be taken as good evidence that the water there is not agressive to copper. When corrosion problems do occur they usually stem from one of the following causes: (1) aggressive, hard well waters that cause pitting; (2) soft, acidic waters that do not allow a protective film to form inside the copper tube; (3) system design or installation which results in excessive water flow velocity or turbulence in the tube; (4) unacceptable workmanship; (5) excessive or aggressive flux; (6) aggressive soil conditions. Aggressive pitting waters can be identified by chemical analysis and treated to bring their composition within acceptable limits. Characteristically they have high total dissolved solids (t.d.s.) including sulfates and chlorides, a pH in the range of 7.2 to 7.8, a high content of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) gas (over 10 parts per million, ppm), and the presence of dissolved oxygen (D.O.) gas. A qualified water treatment professional can specify a treatment for any aggressive water to make it nonaggressive to plumbing materials. In general, this involves raising the pH and combining or eliminating the CO2 gas. Sometimes simple aeration of the water, e.g., spraying in the open air, is treatment enough. Pitting can also be caused or intensified by faulty workmanship which leaves excessive amounts of residual aggressive flux inside the tube after installation. If the joints have been overheated during installation and the excess residual flux has polymerized, the pitting problem can worsen. Soft acidic waters can cause the annoying problem of green staining of fixtures or green water. Raising the pH of such waters to a value of about 7.2 or more usually solves the problem, but a qualified water treatment professional should be consulted. A typical treatment for an individual well water supply is to have the water flow through a bed of

marble or limestone chips. Excessive water velocity causes erosion-corrosion or impingement attack in plumbing systems. As explained in the discussion of pressure system sizing beginning on page 10, to avoid erosion-corrosion (and noise) problems, the water velocity in a plumbing system should not exceed 5 to 8 feet per secondthe lower limit applying to smaller tube sizes. Velocity effects can be aggravated if the water is chemically aggressive due to pH or gas content as outlined above, or if solids (silt) are entrained in the flow. The combination of a velocity that is otherwise acceptable and a water chemistry that is somewhat aggressive can sometimes cause trouble that would not result from either factor by itself. Erosion-corrosion can also be aggravated by faulty workmanship. For example, burrs left at cut tube ends can upset smooth water flow, cause localized turbulence and high flow velocities, resulting in erosion-corrosion. Any metal pipe laid in cinders is subject to attack by the acid generated when sulfur compounds in the cinders combine with water. Under such circumstances, the tube should be isolated from the cinders with an inert moisture barrier, a wrapping of insulating tape, a coating of an asphaltum paint, or with some other approved material. With rare exception, natural soils do not attack copper. Copper drainage tube rarely corrodes, except when misused or when errors have been made in designing or installing the drainage system. An improper horizontal slope can create a situation where corrosive solutions could lie in the tube and attack it. If hydrogen sulfide gas in large volume is allowed to vent back into the house drainage system, it can attack the tube. VibrationCopper tube can withstand the effects of vibration when careful consideration is given to the system design. Care should be taken when installing systems subject to vibration

17

III. DESIGN DATA

to assure that they are free from residual stresses due to bending or misalignment. Residual stresses coupled with vibration can cause fatigue at bends and connections where such residual stresses have been built into the system. DurabilityUnder normal conditions, a correctly designed and properly installed copper water tube assembly will easily last the life of the building. And, throughout its existence, the assembly should function as well as it did when originally installed. NSF CertificationThe U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act (1996) and the Lead and Copper Rule (1991) require public water suppliers to provide noncorrosive drinking water to customers. Typically, this is accomplished through the use of pH adjustment (pH 6.5 to 8.5) and through the addition of corrosion inhibitors such as ortho- and

polyphosphates. The resultant tap water concentrations of lead and copper must be below the action levels of 15g/L and 1300g/L, respectively. NSF International has certified several copper tube and fittings manufacturers to ANSI/NSF Standard 61. All have the limitations of being certified for use in non-corrosive aqueous environments. Specifically, the pH must not be below 6.5. Otherwise, resultant copper concentrations in tap water may exceed the action level established by the EPA. ANSI/NSF Standard 61 requires products evaluated to conditions other than those specified in the standard (such as pH 5 and 10 exposure water) to be labeled with a limitation statement, as follows: Copper tube (Alloy C12200) is Certified by NSF to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for public water supplies

meeting or in the process of meeting the EPA Lead and Copper Rule (56FR 26460, June 7, 1991). Water supplies with pH less than 6.5 may require corrosion control to limit copper solubility in drinking water. NSF Certified copper tube must bear the NSF Certification mark and the limitation statement. The length of the limitation statement makes it difficult to place on the tube itself. Additionally, current inking technology results in smearing and low legibility. For these reasons, NSF certification policies allow copper tube manufacturers to place the limitation statement on a tag attached to bundles of copper tube, or on the boxes of coiled copper tube. Placing NSF on the tube itself is still required.

III. DESIGN DATA

18

TECHNICAL DATA

TABLE 1. Copper Tube: Types, Standards, Applications, Tempers, Lengths

Color Tube Type Code Commercially Available Lengths Nominal or Standard Sizes Drawn
STRAIGHT LENGTHS: 1 /4-inch to 8-inch 10-inch 12-inch COILS:
1

Standard

Application1
Domestic Water Service and Distribution, Fire Protection, Solar, Fuel/Fuel Oil, HVAC, Snow Melting, Compressed Air, Natural Gas, Liquified Petroleum (LP) Gas, Vacuum Domestic Water Service and Distribution, Fire Protection, Solar, Fuel/Fuel Oil, Natural Gas, Liquified Petroleum (LP) Gas, HVAC, Snow Melting, Compressed Air, Vacuum Domestic Water Service and Distribution, Fire Protection, Solar, Fuel/Fuel Oil, HVAC, Snow Melting, Vacuum Drain, Waste, Vent, HVAC, Solar Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Natural Gas, Liquified Petroleum (LP) Gas, Compressed Air

Annealed
20 ft 18 ft 12 ft 60 ft 100 ft 60 ft 40 ft 45 ft 20 ft 18 ft 60 ft 100 ft 60 ft 40 ft 45 ft

20 ft 18 ft 12 ft 20 ft 18 ft

TYPE K

Green

ASTM B 883

/4-inch to 1-inch

11/4 inch and 11/2-inch 2-inch STRAIGHT LENGTHS: 1 /4-inch to 10-inch 12-inch COILS:
1

TYPE L

Blue

ASTM B 88

/4-inch to 1-inch

11/4 inch and 11/2-inch 2-inch STRAIGHT LENGTHS:

TYPE M

Red

ASTM B 88

/4-inch to 12-inch

20 ft

N/A

STRAIGHT LENGTHS: 11/4-inch to 8-inch STRAIGHT LENGTHS:

3 /8-inch to 41/8-inch COILS: 1

DWV

Yellow

ASTM B 306

20 ft

N/A

ACR

Blue

ASTM B 280

20 ft

/8-inch to 15/8-inch

50 ft

OXY, MED, OXY/MED, (K)Green ASTM B 819 OXY/ACR, (L)Blue ACR/MED

STRAIGHT LENGTHS: Medical Gas Compressed Medical Air, Vacuum

1

/4-inch to 8-inch

20 ft

N/A

1.

There are many other copper and copper alloy tubes and pipes available for specialized applications. For information on these products, contact the Copper Development Association Inc. Individual manufacturers may have commercially available lengths in addition to those shown in this table. Tube made to other ASTM standards is also intended for plumbing applications, although ASTM B 88 is by far the most widely used. ASTM Standard Classification B 698 lists six plumbing tube standards including B 88. Available as special order only.

2. 3.

4.

20

TABLE 2a. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: TYPE K

Nominal Dimensions, inches Nominal or Standard Size, inches /4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12
1 3

Outside Diameter .375 .500 .625 .750 .875 1.125 1.375 1.625 2.125 2.625 3.125 3.625 4.125 5.125 6.125 8.125 10.125 12.125

Inside Diameter .305 .402 .527 .652 .745 .995 1.245 1.481 1.959 2.435 2.907 3.385 3.857 4.805 5.741 7.583 9.449 11.315

Wall Thickness .035 .049 .049 .049 .065 .065 .065 .072 .083 .095 .109 .120 .134 .160 .192 .271 .338 .405

Calculated Values (based on nominal dimensions) Weight Weight Contents of Tube Cross Sectional Only, of Tube & Water, per linear ft Area of Bore, of Tube pounds pounds sq inches Cu ft Gal per linear ft per linear ft .073 .127 .218 .334 .436 .778 1.22 1.72 3.01 4.66 6.64 9.00 11.7 18.1 25.9 45.2 70.1 101 .145 .269 .344 .418 .641 .839 1.04 1.36 2.06 2.93 4.00 5.12 6.51 9.67 13.9 25.9 40.3 57.8 .177 .324 .438 .562 .829 1.18 1.57 2.10 3.36 4.94 6.87 9.01 11.6 17.5 25.1 45.4 70.6 101 .00051 .00088 .00151 .00232 .00303 .00540 .00847 .0119 .0209 .0324 .0461 .0625 .0813 .126 .180 .314 .487 .701 .00379 .00660 .0113 .0174 .0227 .0404 .0634 .0894 .156 .242 .345 .468 .608 .940 1.35 2.35 3.64 5.25

TABLE 2b. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: TYPE L

Nominal Dimensions, inches Nominal or Standard Size, inches /4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12
1 3

Outside Diameter .375 .500 .625 .750 .875 1.125 1.375 1.625 2.125 2.625 3.125 3.625 4.125 5.125 6.125 8.125 10.125 12.125

Inside Diameter .315 .430 .545 .666 .785 1.025 1.265 1.505 1.985 2.465 2.945 3.425 3.905 4.875 5.845 7.725 9.625 11.565

Wall Thickness .030 .035 .040 .042 .045 .050 .055 .060 .070 .080 .090 .100 .110 .125 .140 .200 .250 .280

Calculated Values (based on nominal dimensions) Weight Weight Contents of Tube Cross Sectional of Tube Only, of Tube & Water, per linear ft Area of Bore, pounds pounds sq inches Cu ft Gal per linear ft per linear ft .078 .145 .233 .348 .484 .825 1.26 1.78 3.09 4.77 6.81 9.21 12.0 18.7 26.8 46.9 72.8 105 .126 .198 .285 .362 .455 .655 .884 1.14 1.75 2.48 3.33 4.29 5.38 7.61 10.2 19.3 30.1 40.4 .160 .261 .386 .506 .664 1.01 1.43 1.91 3.09 4.54 6.27 8.27 10.1 15.7 21.8 39.6 61.6 85.8 .00054 .00101 .00162 .00232 .00336 .00573 .00875 .0124 .0215 .0331 .0473 .0640 .0764 .130 .186 .326 .506 .729 .00405 .00753 .0121 .0174 .0251 .0429 .0655 .0925 .161 .248 .354 .478 .571 .971 1.39 2.44 3.78 5.45

21

TABLE 2c. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: TYPE M

Nominal Dimensions, inches Nominal or Standard Size, inches /8 /2 3 /4
3 1

Outside Diameter .500 .625 .875 1.125 1.375 1.625 2.125 2.625 3.125 3.625 4.125 5.125 6.125 8.125 10.125 12.125

Inside Diameter .450 .569 .811 1.055 1.291 1.527 2.009 2.495 2.981 3.459 3.935 4.907 5.881 7.785 9.701 11.617

Wall Thickness .025 .028 .032 .035 .042 .049 .058 .065 .072 .083 .095 .109 .122 .170 .212 .254

1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12

Cross Sectional Area of Bore, sq inches .159 .254 .517 .874 1.31 1.83 3.17 4.89 6.98 9.40 12.2 18.9 27.2 47.6 73.9 106

Calculated Values (based on nominal dimensions) Weight Weight Contents of Tube of Tube Only, of Tube & Water, per linear ft pounds pounds Cu ft Gal per linear ft per linear ft .145 .214 .00110 .00826 .204 .314 .00176 .0132 .328 .551 .00359 .0269 .465 .843 .00607 .0454 .682 1.25 .00910 .0681 .940 1.73 .0127 .0951 1.46 2.83 .0220 .165 2.03 4.14 .0340 .254 2.68 5.70 .0485 .363 3.58 7.64 .0653 .488 4.66 9.83 .0847 .634 6.66 14.8 .131 .982 8.92 20.7 .189 1.41 16.5 37.1 .331 2.47 25.6 57.5 .513 3.84 36.7 82.5 .736 5.51

TABLE 2d. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: DWV (Drain, Waste and Vent)
Nominal Dimensions, inches Nominal or Standard Size, inches 11/4 11/2 2 3 4 5 6 8 Outside Diameter 1.375 1.625 2.125 3.125 4.125 5.125 6.125 8.125 Inside Diameter 1.295 1.541 2.041 3.030 4.009 4.981 5.959 7.907 Wall Thickness .040 .042 .042 .045 .058 .072 .083 .109 Cross Sectional Area of Bore, sq inches 1.32 1.87 3.27 7.21 11.6 19.5 27.9 49.1 Calculated Values (based on nominal dimensions) Weight Weight Contents of Tube of Tube Only, of Tube & Water, per linear ft pounds pounds Cu ft Gal per linear ft per linear ft .650 .809 1.07 1.69 2.87 4.43 6.10 10.6 1.22 1.62 2.48 4.81 7.88 12.9 18.2 31.8 .00917 .0130 .0227 .0501 .0806 .135 .194 .341 .0686 .0971 .170 .375 .603 1.01 1.45 2.55

22

TABLE 2e. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: ACR (Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service) (A= Annealed Temper, D=Drawn Temper)
Nominal or Standard Size, inches /8 /16 1 /4 5 /16
1 3 3

Nominal Dimensions, inches Outside Diameter .125 .187 .250 .312 .375 .375 .500 .500 .625 .625 .750 .750 .750 .875 .875 1.125 1.125 1.375 1.375 1.625 1.625 2.125 2.625 3.125 3.625 4.125 Inside Diameter .065 .128 .190 .248 .311 .315 .436 .430 .555 .545 .680 .666 .666 .785 .785 1.025 1.025 1.265 1.265 1.505 1.505 1.985 2.465 2.945 3.425 3.905 Wall Thickness .030 .030 .030 .032 .032 .030 .032 .035 .035 .040 .035 .042 .042 .045 .045 .050 .050 .055 .055 .060 .060 .070 .080 .090 .100 .110 Cross Sectional Area of Bore, sq inches .00332 .0129 .0284 .0483 .076 .078 .149 .145 .242 .233 .363 .348 .348 .484 .484 .825 .825 1.26 1.26 1.78 1.78 3.09 4.77 6.81 9.21 12.0

/8 /2 /8 /4 /8

11/8 13/8 15/8 21/8 25/8 31/8 35/8 41/8

A A A A A D A D A D A A D A D A D A D A D D D D D D

Calculated Values (based on nominal dimensions) External Weight Contents Internal Surface, of Tube Only, of Tube, Surface, sq ft pounds cu ft sq ft per linear ft per linear ft per linear ft per linear ft .0327 .0170 .0347 .00002 .0492 .0335 .0575 .00009 .0655 .0497 .0804 .00020 .0817 .0649 .109 .00034 .0982 .0814 .134 .00053 .0982 .0821 .126 .00054 .131 .114 .182 .00103 .131 .113 .198 .00101 .164 .145 .251 .00168 .164 .143 .285 .00162 .196 .178 .305 .00252 .196 .174 .362 .00242 .196 .174 .362 .00242 .229 .206 .455 .00336 .229 .206 .455 .00336 .294 .268 .655 .00573 .294 .268 .655 .00573 .360 .331 .884 .00875 .360 .331 .884 .00875 .425 .394 1.14 .0124 .425 .394 1.14 .0124 .556 .520 1.75 .0215 .687 .645 2.48 .0331 .818 .771 3.33 .0473 .949 .897 4.29 .0640 1.08 1.02 5.38 .0833

23

TABLE 2f. Dimensions and Physical Characteristics of Copper Tube: Medical Gas, K and L
Nominal or Standard Size, inches
1

Nominal Dimensions, inches Outside Diameter .375 .375 .500 .500 .625 .625 .750 .750 .875 .875 1.125 1.125 1.375 1.375 1.625 1.625 2.125 2.125 2.625 2.625 3.125 3.125 3.625 3.625 4.125 4.125 5.125 5.125 6.125 6.125 8.125 8.125 Inside Diameter .305 .315 .402 .430 .527 .545 .652 .666 .745 .785 .995 1.025 1.245 1.265 1.481 1.505 1.959 1.985 2.435 2.465 2.907 2.945 3.385 3.425 3.857 3.905 4.805 4.875 5.741 5.854 7.583 7.725 Wall Thickness .035 .030 .049 .035 .049 .040 .049 .042 .065 .045 .065 .050 .065 .055 .072 .060 .083 .070 .095 .080 .109 .090 .120 .100 .134 .110 .160 .125 .192 .140 .271 .200

/4 /8 /2 /8 /4

1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8

K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L

Calculated Values (based on nominal dimensions) Cross Contents Weight Internal of Tube, Sectional of Tube Only, surface, cu feet Area of Bore, pounds sq feet per linear ft per linear ft per linear ft sq inches .073 .0789 .145 .00051 .078 .0825 .126 .00054 .127 .105 .269 .00088 .145 .113 .198 .00101 .218 .130 .344 .00151 .233 .143 .285 .00162 .334 .171 .418 .00232 .348 .174 .362 .00242 .436 .195 .641 .00303 .484 .206 .455 .00336 .778 .261 .839 .00540 .825 .268 .655 .00573 1.222 .326 1.04 .00845 1.26 .331 .884 .00873 1.72 .388 1.36 .0120 1.78 .394 1.14 .0124 3.01 .522 2.06 .0209 3.09 .520 1.75 .0215 4.66 .638 2.93 .0323 4.77 .645 2.48 .0331 6.64 .761 4.00 .0461 6.81 .761 3.33 .0473 9.00 .886 5.12 .0625 9.21 .897 4.29 .0640 11.7 1.01 6.51 .0811 12.0 1.02 5.38 .0832 18.1 1.26 9.67 .126 18.7 1.28 7.61 .130 25.9 1.50 13.9 .180 26.8 1.53 10.2 .186 45.2 1.99 25.9 .314 46.9 2.02 19.3 .325

24

TABLE 3a. Rated Internal Working Pressures for Copper Tube: TYPE K*
Annealed
Nominal Size, in S= 6000 psi 100 F S= 5100 psi 150 F S= 4900 psi 200 F S= 4800 psi 250 F S= 4700 psi 300 F S= 4000 psi 350 F S= 3000 psi 400 F

Drawn**
S= S= S= S= S= 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,000 psi 100 F 150 F 200 F 250 F 300 F S= 9,700 psi 350 F S= 9,400 psi 400 F

/4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12

1 3

1074 1130 891 736 852 655 532 494 435 398 385 366 360 345 346 369 369 370

913 960 758 626 724 557 452 420 370 338 328 311 306 293 295 314 314 314

877 923 728 601 696 535 434 404 355 325 315 299 294 281 283 301 301 302

860 904 713 589 682 524 425 396 348 319 308 293 288 276 277 295 295 296

842 885 698 577 668 513 416 387 341 312 302 286 282 270 271 289 289 290

716 753 594 491 568 437 354 330 290 265 257 244 240 230 231 246 246 247

537 565 446 368 426 327 266 247 217 199 193 183 180 172 173 184 184 185

1850 1946 1534 1266 1466 1126 914 850 747 684 662 628 618 592 595 634 634 635

1850 1946 1534 1266 1466 1126 914 850 747 684 662 628 618 592 595 634 634 635

1850 1946 1534 1266 1466 1126 914 850 747 684 662 628 618 592 595 634 634 635

1850 1946 1534 1266 1466 1126 914 850 747 684 662 628 618 592 595 634 634 635

1796 1889 1490 1229 1424 1093 888 825 726 664 643 610 600 575 578 615 615 617

1742 1833 1445 1193 1381 1061 861 801 704 644 624 592 582 557 560 597 597 598

1688 1776 1400 1156 1338 1028 834 776 682 624 604 573 564 540 543 578 578 580

TABLE 3b. Rated Internal Working Pressure for Copper Tube: TYPE L*
Annealed
Nominal Size, in S= 6000 psi 100 F S= 5100 psi 150 F S= 4900 psi 200 F S= 4800 psi 250 F S= 4700 psi 300 F S= 4000 psi 350 F S= 3000 psi 400 F

Drawn**
S= S= S= S= S= 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,000 psi 100 F 150 F 200 F 250 F 300 F S= 9,700 psi 350 F S= 9,400 psi 400 F

/4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12

1 3

912 779 722 631 582 494 439 408 364 336 317 304 293 269 251 270 271 253

775 662 613 537 495 420 373 347 309 285 270 258 249 229 213 230 231 215

745 636 589 516 475 404 358 334 297 274 259 248 240 220 205 221 222 207

729 623 577 505 466 395 351 327 291 269 254 243 235 215 201 216 217 203

714 610 565 495 456 387 344 320 285 263 248 238 230 211 196 212 212 199

608 519 481 421 388 330 293 272 242 224 211 202 196 179 167 180 181 169

456 389 361 316 291 247 219 204 182 168 159 152 147 135 125 135 136 127

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504 462 431 464 466 435

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504 462 431 464 466 435

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504 462 431 464 466 435

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504 462 431 464 466 435

1524 1302 1206 1055 972 825 733 682 607 560 529 506 489 449 418 451 452 423

1478 1263 1169 1023 943 801 711 661 589 544 513 491 474 435 406 437 439 410

1432 1224 1133 991 914 776 689 641 570 527 497 476 460 422 393 424 425 397

NOTE: *Based on maximum allowable stress in tension (psi) for the indicated temperatures (F), see page 12. **When brazing or welding is used to join drawn tube, the corresponding annealed rating must be used, see page 12.

25

TABLE 3c. Rated Internal Working Pressure for Copper Tube: TYPE M*
Annealed***
Nominal Size, in S= 6000 psi 100 F S= 5100 psi 150 F S= 4900 psi 200 F S= 4800 psi 250 F S= 4700 psi 300 F S= 4000 psi 350 F S= 3000 psi 400 F

Drawn**
S= S= S= S= S= 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,000 psi 100 F 150 F 200 F 250 F 300 F S= 9,700 psi 350 F S= 9,400 psi 400 F

/4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4
1 3

1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12

570 494 407 337 338 331 299 274 253 252 251 233 218 229 230 230

485 420 346 286 287 282 254 233 215 214 213 198 186 195 195 195

466 403 332 275 276 270 244 224 207 206 205 190 178 187 188 188

456 395 326 270 271 265 239 219 203 202 201 186 175 183 184 184

447 387 319 264 265 259 234 215 199 197 197 182 171 180 180 180

380 329 271 225 225 221 199 183 169 168 167 155 146 153 153 153

285 247 204 169 169 166 149 137 127 126 126 116 109 115 115 115

982 850 701 580 582 569 514 471 435 433 431 400 375 394 394 395

982 850 701 580 582 569 514 471 435 433 431 400 375 394 394 395

982 850 701 580 582 569 514 471 435 433 431 400 375 394 394 395

982 850 701 580 582 569 514 471 435 433 431 400 375 394 394 395

953 825 680 563 565 553 499 457 423 421 419 388 364 382 383 383

925 800 660 546 548 536 484 444 410 408 406 377 353 371 371 372

896 776 639 529 531 520 469 430 397 395 394 365 342 359 360 360

TABLE 3d. Rated Internal Working Pressure for Copper Tube: DWV*
Annealed***
Nominal Size, in S= 6000 psi 100 F S= 5100 psi 150 F S= 4900 psi 200 F S= 4800 psi 250 F S= 4700 psi 300 F S= 4000 psi 350 F S= 3000 psi 400 F

Drawn**
S= S= S= S= S= 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,000 psi 100 F 150 F 200 F 250 F 300 F S= 9,700 psi 350 F S= 9,400 psi 400 F

11/4 11/2 2 3 4 5 6 8

330 293 217 159 150 151 148 146

280 249 185 135 127 129 126 124

269 240 178 130 122 124 121 119

264 235 174 127 120 121 119 117

258 230 170 125 117 119 116 114

220 196 145 106 100 101 99 97

165 147 109 80 75 76 74 73

566 503 373 273 257 260 255 251

566 503 373 273 257 260 255 251

566 503 373 273 257 260 255 251

566 503 373 273 257 260 255 251

549 489 362 265 250 252 247 244

533 474 352 257 242 245 240 236

516 459 341 249 235 237 232 229

NOTE: *Based on maximum allowable stress in tension (psi) for the indicated temperatures (F), see page 12. **When brazing or welding is used to join drawn tube, the corresponding annealed rating must be used, see page 12. ***Types M and DWV are not normally available in the annealed temper. Shaded values are provided for guidance when drawn temper tube is brazed or welded, see page 12.

26

TABLE 3e. Rated Internal Working Pressure for Copper Tube: ACR* (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service)
Annealed COILS
Tube S= Size (OD), 6000 psi in 100 F S= 5100 psi 150 F S= 4900 psi 200 F S= 4800 psi 250 F S= 4700 psi 300 F S= 4000 psi 350 F S= 3000 psi 400 F S= S= S= S= S= 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,000 psi 100 F 150 F 200 F 250 F 300 F S= 9,700 psi 350 F S= 9.400 psi 400 F

Drawn**

/8 /16 1 /4 5 /16 3 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 3 /4 7 /8 11/8 13/8 15/8

1 3

3074 1935 1406 1197 984 727 618 511 631 582 494 439 408
S= 6000 psi 100 F

2613 1645 1195 1017 836 618 525 435 537 495 420 373 347
S= 5100 psi 150 F

2510 1581 1148 977 803 594 504 417 516 475 404 358 334
S= 4900 psi 200 F

2459 1548 1125 957 787 581 494 409 505 466 395 351 327
S= 4800 psi 250 F

2408 1516 1102 937 770 569 484 400 495 456 387 344 320
S= 4700 psi 300 F

2049 1537 1290 968 938 703 798 598 656 492 485 363 412 309 341 256 421 316 388 291 330 247 293 219 272 204 STRAIGHT LENGTHS
S= 4000 psi 350 F S= 3000 psi 400 F

NO

A TM

TUR C A UF

ED

S= 9.400 psi 400 F

S= S= S= S= S= 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,300 psi 10,000 psi 100 F 150 F 200 F 250 F 300 F

S= 9,700 psi 350 F

/8 /2 5 /8 3 /4 7 /8 11/8 13/8 15/8 21/8 25/8 31/8 35/8 41/8

3 1

914 781 723 633 583 495 440 409 364 336 317 304 293

777 664 615 538 496 421 374 348 309 286 270 258 249

747 638 591 517 477 404 359 334 297 275 259 248 240

731 625 579 506 467 396 352 327 291 269 254 243 235

716 612 567 496 457 388 344 320 285 263 249 238 230

609 521 482 422 389 330 293 273 243 224 212 203 196

457 391 362 316 292 248 220 205 182 168 159 152 147

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504

1569 1341 1242 1086 1002 850 755 702 625 577 545 522 504

1524 1302 1206 1055 972 825 733 682 607 560 529 506 489

1478 1263 1169 1023 943 801 711 661 589 544 513 491 474

1432 1224 1133 991 914 776 689 641 570 527 497 476 460

NOTE: *Based on maximum allowable stress in tension (psi) for the indicated temperatures (F), see page 12. **When brazing or welding is used to join drawn tube, the corresponding annealed rating must be used, see page 12.

27

TABLE 4. Pressure-Temperature Ratings of Soldered and Brazed Joints

Joining Material(4) Service Temperature, O F 100 Maximum Working Gage Pressure (psi), for Standard Water Tube Sizes (1) Fitting Type
1

Nominal of Standard Size, inches /8 through 1 200 150 100 85 15 1090 625 505 270 15 710 475 375 320 15 1035 710 440 430 15 1 /4 through 2 175 95 125 70 90 50 75 15 850 390 485 225 395 180 210 95 15 555 255 370 170 290 135 250 115 15 805 370 555 255 345 155 335 155 15
1

21/2 through 4 150 80 100 55 75 40 50 15 705 325 405 185 325 150 175 80 15 460 210 305 140 240 110 205 95 15 670 310 460 210 285 130 275 125 15

5 through 8 135 70 90 45 70 35 45 15 660 330 375 190 305 155 165 80 15 430 215 285 140 225 115 195 95 15 625 315 430 215 265 135 260 130 15

10 through 12 100 70 50 40 15 500 285 230 125 15 325 215 170 145 15 475 325 200 195 15

Alloy Sn50 50-50 Tin-Lead Solder(5)

Alloy Sb5 95-5 Tin-Antimony Solder

Pressure DWV (3) Pressure(2) 150 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 200 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 250 DWV (3) Saturated Steam Pressure Pressure(2) 100 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 150 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 200 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 250 DWV (3) Saturated Steam Pressure
(2)

Alloy E

Alloy HB

Pressure(2) DWV (3) Pressure(2) 150 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 200 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 250 DWV (3) Saturated Steam Pressure Pressure(2) 100 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 150 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 200 DWV (3) Pressure(2) 250 DWV (3) Saturated Steam Pressure 100

Joining materials melting at or above 1100 F(6)

Pressure-temperature ratings consistent with the materials and procedures employed (see Table 3, Annealed). Saturated Steam Pressure 120 120 120 120 120

NOTE: For extremely low working temperatures in the 0F to minus 200F range, it is recommended that a joint material melting at or above 1100F be employed (see Note (6)). (1) Standard water tube sizes per ASTM B 88. (2) Ratings up to 8 inches in size are those given in ASME B16.22 Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings and ASME B16.18 Cast Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Fittings. Rating for 10- to 12-inch sizes are those given in ASME B16.18 Cast Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings. (3) Using ASME B16.29 Wrought Copper and Wrought Copper Alloy Solder Joint Drainage Fittings DWV, and ASME B16.23 Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Drainage Fittings DWV. (4) Alloy designations are per ASTM B 32. (5) The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendment of 1986 prohibits the use in potable water systems of any solder having a lead content in excess of 0.2%. (6) These joining materials are defined as brazing alloys by the American Welding Society.

28

TABLE 5. Actual Burst Pressures,1 Types K, L, and M Copper Water Tube, psi at Room Temperature
1.

Nominal or Standard Size, inches

1

Actual Outside Diameter, in

5

K Drawn 9840 9300 7200 5525 5000 3915 3575 3450 3415 3585 3425 3635 Annealed 4535 4200 3415 2800 2600 2235

L2

Drawn Annealed Drawn Annealed 7765 5900 5115 4550 4100 3365 3215 2865 2865 2985 2690 2650 3885 2935 2650 2400 2200 1910 6135 4715 3865 3875 3550 2935 2800 2665 2215 2490 2000 2285

/2 /4

/8 /8

1 1 /4 11/2 2 21/2 3 4 5 6 8
1

11/8 1 /8 15/8 2 /8 25/8 3 /8 41/8 5 /8 61/8 8 /8

1 1 1 1 3

The figures shown are averages of three certified tests performed on each type and size of water tube. In each case, wall thickness was at or near the minimum prescribed for each tube type. No burst pressure in any test deviated from the average by more than 5 percent. 2. These burst pressures can be used for ACR tube of equivalent actual O.D. and wall thickness.

29

TABLE 6. Pressure Loss of Water Due to Friction in Types K, L and M Copper Tube (psi per linear foot of tube)
NOMINAL OR STANDARD SIZE, INCHES FLOW, GPM
K 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 140 160 180 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 760 1000 2000
1

/4
M K

/8
M K

/2
M K

/4
M K

1
L M K

1 1/4
L M K

1 1/2
L M K L

2
M

0.138 0.118 N/A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

0.036 0.023 0.021 0.010 0.008 0.007 0.002 0.001 0.001

0.130 0.084 0.075 0.035 0.030 0.024 0.006 0.005 0.004 0.275 0.177 0.159 0.074 0.062 0.051 0.014 0.011 0.009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.125 0.106 0.086 0.023 0.018 0.015 0.189 0.161 0.130 0.035 0.027 0.023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.126 0.098 0.084 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.001 0.003 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.006 0.005 0.004 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.009 0.007 0.006 0.003 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.031 0.027 0.023 0.010 0.010 0.009 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.001
0.065 0.057 0.049 0.022 0.020 0.018 0.009 0.009 0.008 0.002 0.002 0.002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.096 0.084 0.037 0.035 0.031 0.016 0.015 0.014 0.004 0.004 0.004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.057 0.052 0.047 0.024 0.022 0.021 0.006 0.006 0.005 0.079 0.073 0.066 0.034 0.031 0.029 0.009 0.008 0.008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.045 0.042 0.039 0.012 0.011 0.010 0.058 0.054 0.050 0.015 0.014 0.013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.062 0.018 0.017 0.016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.022 0.021 0.020 0.031 0.029 0.028 0.042 0.039 0.037 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NOTES: 1. Fluid velocities in excess of 5-8 feet per second are not recommended. 2. Friction loss values shown are for the flow rates that do not exceed a velocity of 8 feet per second. 3. Highlighted and italicized friction loss values indicate flow rates that are between 5 feet and 8 feet per second.

30

NOMINAL OR STANDARD SIZE, INCHES FLOW, GPM

K 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 140 160 180 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 760 1000 2000

2 /2
L M K

3
L M K

4
L M K

5
L M K

6
L M K

8
L M K

10
L M K

12
L M

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.003 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.008 0.007 0.007 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.011 0.010 0.010 0.005 0.004 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.014 0.014 0.013 0.006 0.006 0.005 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000
0.019 0.017 0.016 0.008 0.007 0.007 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.023 0.022 0.020 0.010 0.009 0.009 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.028 0.026 0.025 0.012 0.011 0.010 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.035 0.017 0.016 0.015 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.022 0.021 0.019 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.028 0.026 0.025 0.007 0.007 0.006 0.002 0.002 0.002 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.007 0.006 0.006 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.009 0.009 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 . . . . . 0.013 0.012 0.004 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 . . . . N/A N/A N/A N/A

0.009 0.008 0.008 0.003 0.003 0.003

0.011 0.010 0.010 0.004 0.003 0.003 0.016 0.015 0.015 0.006 0.005 0.005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.021 0.008 0.007 0.007 . . . . . . . . . . . 0.010 0.010 0.009 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.017 0.015 0.015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.004 0.004 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001

0.005 0.004 0.004 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.008 0.007 0.007 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 . . . . . . 0.004 0.004 0.004

NOTES: 4. Table 6 is based on the Hazen-Williams formula:

31

TABLE 7. Pressure Loss in Fittings and Valves Expressed as Equivalent Length of Tube, feet
Nominal or Standard Size, in
3 1 5 3

Fittings Standard Ell 90

.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 5.5 7 9 9 12.5 16 19 29 1 1 1.5 2 2.5 3.5 3.5 5 6 7 11

Valves

45
.5 .5 .5

90 Tee Coupling Side Straight Branch Run Ball

1.5 2 2 3 4.5 5.5 7 9 12 15 14 21 27 34 50 1 1 1 1.5 2 3 .5 .5 .5 .5 1 1 1 1.5 2 3 .5 .5 .5 .5 .5 .5 .5 .5

Gate
.5 1 1.5 2 2 3 3.5 5

Btfly
7.5 10 15.5 16 11.5 13.5 12. 5

Check
1.5 2 2.5 3 4.5 5.5 6.5 9 11.5 14.5 12.5 18.5 23.5 26.5 39

/8 /2 /8 /
4

1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8

NOTES: Allowances are for streamlined soldered fittings and recessed threaded fittings. For threaded fittings, double the allowances shown in the table. The equivalent lengths presented above are based upon a C factor of 150 in the Hazen-Williams friction loss formula. The lengths shown are rounded to the nearest half foot.

32

FIGURE 2. Collapse Pressure of Copper Tube, Types K, L and M

Drawn Copper Tube

Hydrostatic Pressure, psi

Annealed Copper Tube

Nominal or Standard Size, inches

33

FIGURE 3. Expansion vs. Temperature Change for Copper Tube

4.5

Expansion (or Contraction) per 100 Feet, inches

4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350

Temperature Change, F

34

TABLE 8. Radii of Coiled Expansion Loops and Developed Lengths of Expansion Offsets (See Figure 5)
Expected Expansion, inches
1

Radius R, inches, for Nominal or Standard Tube Sizes Shown Length L, inches, for Nominal or Standard Tube Sizes Shown
/4 6 38 9 54 11 66 12 77 14 86 15 94 16 102 17 109
3

/8 7

/2 8

/4 9

1 11 67 15 94 18 115 21 133 24 149 26 163 28 176 30 188

11/4 12 74 17 104 20 127 23 147 26 165 29 180 31 195 33 208

11/2 13 80 18 113 22 138 25 160 29 179 31 196 34 212 36 226

2 15 91 21 129 25 158 29 183 33 205 36 224 39 242 41 259

21/2 16 102 23 144 28 176 32 203 36 227 40 249 43 269 46 288

3 18 111 25 157 30 191 35 222 40 248 43 272 47 293 50 314

31/2 19 120 27 169 33 206 38 239 43 267 47 293 50 316 54 338

4 20 128 29 180 35 220 41 255 45 285 50 312 54 337 57 361

5 23 142 32 201 39 245 45 284 51 318 55 348 60 376 64 402

/2

R L R L R L R L R L R L R L R L

44 10 63 12 77 14 89 16 99 17 109 19 117 20 126

50 11 70 14 86 16 99 18 111 19 122 21 131 22 140

59 13 83 16 101 19 117 21 131 23 143 25 155 26 166

11/2

21/2

31/2

FIGURE 4 a, b, c. Coiled Expansion Loops and Offsets

35

FIGURE 5. Selected Pressure Fittings ADAPTERS

ELBOWS

COUPLINGS

GENERAL NOTES: (a) Fittings are designated by size in the order: 1x2x3 (b) Fitting designs and drawings are for illustration only.

36

FIGURE 6. Dimensions of Solder Joint Fitting Ends

Drawings and designs of fittings are for illustration only.

TABLE 9. Dimensions of Solder Joint Ends for Wrought (W) and Cast (C) Pressure Fittings, inches
Nominal or Standard Fittings Size,In. 1 /8 1 /4 3 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12 Male End Outside Diameter A Type W C W C W C W W C W C W C W C W C W C W C W C W C W C W C W C W C C Min. .248 .373 .497 .622 .747 .872 1.122 1.372 1.621 2.121 2.621 3.121 3.621 4.121 5.121 6.121 8.119 10.119 12.119 Max. .251 .376 .501 .626 .751 .876 1.127 1.377 1.627 2.127 2.627 3.127 3.627 4.127 5.127 6.127 8.127 10.127 12.127 Length K Min. .38 .38 .44 .56 .81 .81 .97 1.03 1.16 1.41 1.53 1.72 1.97 2.22 2.72 3.22 4.09 4.12 4.62 Female End Inside Diameter F Min. .252 .377 .502 .627 .752 .877 1.128 1.378 1.628 2.128 2.628 3.128 3.628 4.128 5.128 6.128 8.128 10.128 12.128 Max. .256 .381 .506 .631 .756 .881 1.132 1.382 1.633 2.133 2.633 3.133 3.633 4.133 5.133 6.133 8.133 10.133 12.133 Depth G Min. .31 .31 .38 .50 .75 .75 .91 .97 1.09 1.34 1.47 1.66 1.91 2.16 2.66 3.09 3.97 4.00 4.50 under ASTM B 88 * /4 3 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12
1

For use with tube size under ASTM B 280 /4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 7 /8 11/8 13/8 15/8 21/8 25/8 31/8 35/8 41/8 * * * * *
1 3

under ASTM B 819 * /4 3 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 * *

1

under ASTM B 837 /4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 7 /8 11/8 * * * * * * * * * * * *

1 3

* Copper tube under this standard is not commercially available.

37

FIGURE 7. Melting Temperature Ranges for Copper and Copper Alloys, Brazing Filler Metals, Brazing Flux and Solders A B

38

TABLE 10. Solder Requirements for Solder Joint Pressure Fittings, length in inches1
Nominal or Standard Size, inches
1 3

O.D. of Tube, inches .375 .500 .625 .750 .875 1.125 1.375 1.625 2.125 2.625 3.125 3.625 4.125 5.125 6.125 8.125 10.125 12.125

Cup Depth of Fitting, inches .310 .380 .500 .620 .750 .910 .970 1.090 1.340 1.470 1.660 1.910 2.160 2.660 3.090 3.970 4.000 4.500

Joint Clearance, inches 0.001 .030 .049 .080 .119 .168 .262 .341 .454 .729 .988 1.328 1.773 2.281 3.490 4.846 8.259 10.370 13.970 0.002 .060 .097 .160 .238 .336 .524 .683 .907 1.458 1.976 2.656 3.546 4.563 6.981 9.692 16.518 20.739 27.940 0.003 .089 .146 .240 .357 .504 .786 1.024 1.361 2.187 2.964 3.985 5.318 6.844 10.471 14.538 24.777 31.109 41.910 0.004 .119 .195 .320 .476 .672 1.048 1.366 1.814 2.916 3.952 5.313 7.091 9.125 13.962 19.383 33.035 41.478 55.881 0.005 .149 .243 .400 .595 .840 1.311 1.707 2.268 3.645 4.940 6.641 8.864 11.407 17.452 24.229 41.294 51.848 69.851 Average Actual Consumption2 0.006 .179 .292 .480 .714 1.008 1.573 2.049 2.721 4.374 5.928 7.969 10.637 13.688 20.943 29.075 49.553 62.218 83.821 0.007 .208 .341 .560 .833 1.176 1.835 2.390 3.175 5.103 6.916 9.297 12.409 15.969 24.433 33.921 57.812 72.587 97.791 0.008 .238 .389 .640 .952 1.344 2.097 2.732 3.628 5.833 7.904 10.626 14.182 18.250 27.924 38.767 66.071 82.957 111.761 0.009 .268 .438 .720 1.072 1.512 2.359 3.073 4.082 6.562 8.892 11.954 15.955 20.532 31.414 43.613 74.330 93.326 125.731 0.010 .298 .486 .800 1.191 1.680 2.621 3.415 4.535 7.291 9.880 13.282 17.728 22.813 34.905 48.459 82.589 103.696 139.701

Wt. in lbs at .010 clearance per 100 joints .097 .159 .261 .389 .548 .856 1.115 1.480 2.380 3.225 4.335 5.786 7.446 11.392 15.815 26.955 33.845 45.596

/4 /8 1 /2 5 /8 3 /4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 5 6 8 10 12

1.

Using 1/8-inch diameter (No. 9) Wire Solder (1 inch length = .01227 cubic inches). 2. Actual consumption depends on workmanship. 3. Includes an allowance of 100% to cover wastage and loss. NOTE: Flux requirements are usually 2 oz per lb of solder.

For Estimating Purposes3

FIGURE 8. Brazing Flux Recommendations

COPPER

BRASS

WROUGHT

BCuP

COPPER

WROUGHT BRASS

BCuP

CAST

BCuP COPPER

CAST

BCuP BRASS BRASS WROUGHT BAg CAST WROUGHT BAg

CAST COPPER

BAg

BAg

Triangles, denoting when to use flux, are surrounded by tube type, fitting type and brazing filler type. NOTE: When joining copper tube to a wrought fitting using BCup filler, no flux is required.

39

TABLE 11. Typical Brazing Filler Metal Consumption

Tube Nominal or Standard Size, inches
1

Filler Metal Length, inches

1

/16-inch Wire
1

/8-in x .050-in Rod

1

/32-inch Wire
1

/8-inch Wire
1

Average Weight per 100 Joints, pounds1 .04 .06 .10 .15 .21 .32 .42 .56 .90 1.22 1.64 2.18 2.81 4.30 5.97 10.20 12.77 17.20

/4 /8 /2 /8 /4

/2 /8

/4 /8 /8 /8

/4 /8 /2 /8

/8 /4 /8 /2 /8 /8

1 /8
1

15/8 21/4 3 /2
1

11/8 1 /4
3

1 1 /8
5

1 1 /4
1

4 /2
1

2 /4
1

2 2 /8
5

1 /4
1

1 /2
1

3 43/4 61/2 8 /8
5

1 /2
1

2 21/2 3 3 /2
1

43/8 57/8 7 /8
7

21/2 33/8 4 /2
1

11 /2
1

10 /2
1

5 /8
7

4 5 6 8 10 12
1.

14 /8
7

13 /2
1

7 /8
5

22 /8
5

20 /2
1

11 /8
5

311/2 531/2 67 /4
1

281/2 481/2 61 82

16 273/8 34 /4
1

90 /2
1

46 /8
1

The amount of filler metal indicated is based on an average two-thirds penetration of the cup and with no provision for a fillet. For estimating purposes, actual consumption may be two to three times the amounts indicated in this table, depending on the size of joints, method of application and level of workmanship.

NOTE: 1090 inches of 1/16-inch wire = 1 pound 534 inches of 1/8-inch x .050-inch rod = 1 pound 484 inches of 3/32-inch wire = 1 pound 268 inches of 1/8-inch wire = 1 pound

TABLE 12. Filler Metals for Brazing

AWS Classification1 Silver(Ag) BCup-2 BCup-3 BCup-4 BCup-5 BAg-12 BAg-2 BAg-5 BAg-7
1. 2.

Principal Elements, percent Phosphorus(P) 7.00-7.5 5.8-6.2 7.0-7.5 4.8-5.2 Zinc(Zn) 14-18 19-23 23-27 15-19 Cadmium(Cd) 23-252 17-192 Tin(Sn) 4.5-5.5 Copper(Cu) Remainder Remainder Remainder Remainder 14-16 25-27 29-31 21-23

Temperature F Solidus 1310 1190 1190 1190 1125 1125 1225 1145 Liquidus 1460 1495 1325 1475 1145 1295 1370 1205

4.8-5.2 5.8-6.2 14.5-15.5 44-46 34-36 44-46 55-57

ANSI/AWS A5.8 Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing WARNING: BAg-1 and BAg-2 contain cadmium. Heating when brazing can produce highly toxic fumes. Avoid breathing fumes. Use adequate ventilation. Refer to ANSI/ASC Z49 1 Safety in Welding and Cutting.

40

WORKING WITH COPPER TUBE

IV. BENDING

Because of its exceptional formability, copper can be formed as desired at the job site. Copper tube, properly bent, will not collapse on the outside of the bend and will not buckle on the inside of the bend. Tests demonstrate that the bursting strength of a bent copper tube can actually be greater than it was before bending. Because copper is readily formed, expansion loops and other bends necessary in an assembly are quickly and simply made if the proper method and equipment are used. Simple hand tools employing mandrels, dies, forms and fillers, or power-operated bending machines can be used. Both annealed tube and hard drawn tube can be bent with the appropriate hand benders. The proper size of bender for each size tube must be used. For a guide to typical bend radii, see Table 13. The procedure for bending copper tube with a lever-type hand bender is illustrated in Figure 9.
TABLE 13: Bending Guide for Copper Tube
TABLE 13. Bending Guide for Copper Tube
Nominal, Standard Size, in
1

(A) With the handles at 180 and the tube-holding clip raised out of the way, insert the tube in the formingwheel groove. (B) Place the tube-holding clip over the tube and bring the handle into an approximately right angle position, engaging the forming shoe over the tube. The zero mark on the forming wheel should then be even with the front edge of the forming shoe. (C) Bend by pulling the handles toward each other in a smooth,

continuous motion. The desired angle of the bend will be indicated by the calibrations on the forming wheel. (D) Remove the bent tube by pivoting the handle to a right angle with the tube, disengaging the forming shoe. Then release the tube-holding clip. The tool illustrated is just one of many available to the industry. Of course, if the manufacturer of the tube bender has special instructions regarding his product, such instructions should be followed.

IV. BENDING

Tube Type K, L K, L K, L, M K, L K, L, M K, L K, L K, L K, L

Temper Annealed Annealed Drawn Annealed Drawn Annealed Drawn Annealed Annealed

Minimum Bend Radius1, in

3 /4 11/2 13/4 21/4 21/2 3 3 4 9

/4 /8 /2 /4

1 11/4
1

The radii stated are the minimums for mechanical bending equipment only.

FIGURE 9: Bending Using a Lever-Type Hand Bender

42

V. JOINING

Soldered joints, with capillary fittings, are used in plumbing for water lines and for sanitary drainage. Brazed joints, with capillary fittings, are used where greater joint strength is required or where service temperatures are as high as 350F. Brazing is preferred, and often required, for joints in refrigeration piping. Mechanical joints are used frequently for underground tubing, for joints where the use of heat is impractical and for joints that may have to be disconnected from time to time. Copper tube may also be joined by butt-welding without the use of fittings. Care must be taken to use proper welding procedures.

Fittings
Fittings for copper water tube used in plumbing and heating are made to the following standards: Cast Copper Alloy Threaded Fittings (ASME B16.15); Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings (ASME B16.18); Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings (ASME B16.22); Wrought Copper LW Solder Joint Pressure Fittings (MSS SP104); Welded Fabricated Copper Solder Joint Pressure Fittings (MSS SP109); Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Drainage Fittings DWV (ASME B16.23); Bronze Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings (ASME B16.24); Cast Copper Alloy Fittings for Flared Copper Tubes (ASME B16.26); Wrought Copper and Wrought Copper-Alloy Solder Joint Drainage Fittings DWV (ASME B16.29), and Wrought Copper and

Solders
Soldered joints depend on capillary action drawing free-flowing molten solder into the gap between the fitting and the tube. Flux acts as a cleaning and wetting agent and, when properly applied, permits uniform spreading of the molten solder over the surfaces to the joined.

43

V. JOINING

Copper Alloy Braze-Joint Pressure Fittings (ASME B16.50). Examples of solder joint end dimensions are shown in Figure 6, page 37. Cast alloy pressure fittings are available in all standard tube sizes and in a limited variety of types to cover needs for plumbing and mechanical systems. They can be either soldered or brazed, although brazing cast fittings requires care. Wrought copper pressure fittings are available over a wide range of sizes and types. These, too, can be joined by either soldering or brazing; wrought fittings are preferred where brazing is the joining method. Otherwise, the choice between cast and wrought fittings is largely a matter of the user's preference and availability. Flared-tube fittings provide metal-to-metal contact similar to ground joint unions; both can be easily taken apart and reassembled. They are especially useful where residual water cannot be removed from the tube and soldering is difficult. Flared joints may be required where a fire hazard exists and the use of a torch to make soldered or brazed joints is not allowed. Also, soldering under wet conditions can be very difficult; flared joints are preferred under such circumstances.

The selection of a solder depends primarily on the operating pressure and temperature of the system. Consideration should also be given to the stresses on joints caused by thermal expansion and contraction. However, stresses due to temperature changes should not be significant in two commonly encountered cases: when tube lengths are short, or when expansion loops are used in long tube runs. Rated internal working pressures for solder joints made with copper tube using 50-50 tin-lead solder (ASTM B 32 Alloy Sn50), 95-5 tin-antimony solder (ASTM B 32 Alloy Sb5), and several lead-free solders (ASTM B 32 Alloy E and Alloy HB) are listed in Table 4, page 28. The 50-50 tin-lead solder is suitable for moderate pressures and temperatures. For higher pressures, or where greater joint strength is required, 95-5 tin-antimony solder and alloys E and HB can be used. For continuous operation at temperatures exceeding 250F, or where the highest joint strength is required, brazing filler metals should be used. Most solders referenced in ASTM B 32, Standard Specification for Solder Metal, can be used to join copper tube and fittings in potable water systems. Solders containing lead at concentrations of greater than 0.2% are banned for potable water systems by the 1986 amendment to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The 50-50 tin-lead solders may be used in some HVAC, drainage and other piping systems in some jurisdictions.

Solder is generally used in wire form, but solder-flux pastes are also available. These are finely granulated solders in suspension in a paste flux. When using a solder-flux paste, adding additional wire solder to the joint is required. Use the same type solder (e.g., 50-50 or 95-5) as that used in the paste.

Fluxes
The functions of soldering flux are to remove residual traces of oxides, to promote wetting and to protect the surfaces to be soldered from oxidation

during heating. The flux should be applied to clean surfaces and only enough should be used to lightly coat the areas to be joined. An oxide film may re-form quickly on copper after it has been cleaned. Therefore, the flux should be applied as soon as possible after cleaning. The fluxes best suited for soldering copper and copper alloy tube should meet the requirements of ASTM B 813, Standard Specification for Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering

Applications of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube (see page 44). Some fluxes identified by their manufacturers as "self-cleaning" present a risk in their use. There is no doubt that a strong, corrosive flux can remove some oxides and dirt films. However, when highly corrosive fluxes are used this way, there is always uncertainty whether uniform cleaning has been achieved and whether corrosive action from flux residue continues after the soldering has been completed.

V. JOINING
44

VI. SOLDERED JOINTS

The American Welding Society defines soldering as a group of joining processes that produce coalescence of materials by heating them to a soldering temperature and by using a filler metal (solder) having a liquidus not exceeding 840F and below the solidus of the base metals. In actual practice, most soldering is done at temperatures from about 350 F to 600 F. To consistently make satisfactory joints, the following sequence of joint preparation and operations, based on ASTM Standard Practice B 828, should be followed: measuring and cutting reaming cleaning fluxing assembly and support heating applying the solder cooling and cleaning The techniques described produce leak-tight soldered joints between copper and copper alloy tube and fittings, either in shop operations or in the field. Skill and knowledge are required to produce a satisfactorily soldered joint.

Cut the tube to the measured lengths. Cutting can be accomplished in a number of different ways to produce a satisfactory squared end. The tube can be cut with a disc-type tube cutter (Figure 11), a hacksaw, an abrasive wheel, or with a stationary or portable bandsaw. Care must be taken that the tube is not deformed while being cut. Regardless of method, the cut must be square to the run of the tube so that the tube will seat properly in the fitting cup.

Reaming
Ream all cut tube ends to the full inside diameter of the tube to remove the small burr created by the cutting operation. If this rough, inside edge is not removed by reaming, erosioncorrosion may occur due to local turbulence and increased local flow velocity in the tube. A properly reamed piece of tube provides a smooth surface for better flow. Remove any burrs on the outside of the tube ends, created by the cutting operation, to ensure proper entrance of the tube into the fitting cup. Tools used to ream tube ends include the reaming blade on the tube cutter, half-round or round files (Figure 12), a pocket knife (Figure 13), and a suitable deburring tool (Figure 14). With soft tube, care must be taken not to deform the tube end by applying too much pressure. Soft temper tube, if deformed, can be brought back to roundness with a sizing tool. This tool consists of a plug and sizing ring.

FIGURE 10: Measuring

Measuring and Cutting

Accurately measure the length of each tube segment (Figure 10). Inaccuracy can compromise joint quality. If the tube is too short, it will not reach all the way into the cup of the fitting and a proper joint cannot be made. If the tube segment is too long, system strain may be introduced which could affect service life.
FIGURE 11: Cutting FIGURE 12: Reaming: File

45

VI. SOLDERED JOINTS

VI. SOLDERED JOINTS

FIGURE 13: Reaming: Pocket Knife FIGURE 14: Reaming: Deburring Tool

the tube end or fitting cup, a loose fit may result in a poor joint. Chemical cleaning may be used if the tube ends and fittings are thoroughly rinsed after cleaning according to the procedure furnished by the cleaner manufacturer. Do not touch the cleaned surface with bare hands or oily gloves. Skin oils, lubricating oils and grease impair the soldering operation.

FIGURE 17: Cleaning: Fitting Brush

Applying Flux
Use a flux that will dissolve and remove traces of oxide from the cleaned surfaces to be joined, protect the cleaned surfaces from reoxidation during heating, and promote wetting of the surfaces by the solder metal, as recommended in the general requirements of ASTM B 813. Apply a thin even coating of flux with a brush to both tube and fitting as soon as possible after cleaning (Figures 18 and 19). WARNING: Do not apply with fingers. Chemicals in the flux can be harmful if carried to the eyes, mouth or open cuts. Use care in applying flux. Careless workmanship can cause problems long after the system has been installed. If excessive amounts of flux are used, the flux residue can cause corrosion. In extreme cases, such flux corrosion could perforate the wall of the tube, fitting or both.

FIGURE 15: Cleaning: Sand Cloth

Cleaning
The removal of all oxides and surface soil from the tube ends and fitting cups is crucial to proper flow of solder metal into the joint. Failure to remove them can interfere with capillary action and may lessen the strength of the joint and cause failure. Lightly abrade (clean) the tube ends using sand cloth (Figure 15) or nylon abrasive pads (Figure 16) for a distance slightly more than the depth of the fitting cups. Clean the fitting cups by using abrasive cloth, abrasive pads or a properly sized fitting brush (Figure 17). The capillary space between tube and fitting is approximately 0.004 in. Solder metal fills this gap by capillary action. This spacing is critical for the solder metal to flow into the gap and form a strong joint. Copper is a relatively soft metal. If too much material is removed from

FIGURE 16: Cleaning: Abrasive Pad

FIGURE 18: Fluxing: Tube

46

FIGURE 19: Fluxing: Fitting

FIGURE 21: Removing Excess Flux

FIGURE 22: Pre-Heating Tube

Assembly and Support

Insert the tube end into fitting cup, making sure that the tube is seated against the base of the fitting cup (Figure 20). A slight twisting motion ensures even coverage by the flux. Remove excess flux from the exterior of the joint with a cotton rag (Figure 21). Support the tube and fitting assembly to ensure a uniform capillary space around the entire circumference of the joint. Uniformity of capillary space will ensure good capillary flow (Figure 27, page 48), of the moltensolder metal. Excessive joint clearance can lead to solder metal cracking under conditions of stress or vibration. The joint is now ready for soldering. Joints prepared and ready for soldering must be completed the same day and not left unfinished overnight.

Heating
WARNING: When dealing with an open flame, high temperatures and flammable gases, safety precautions must be observed as described in ANSI/ASC Z49.1. Begin heating with the flame perpendicular to the tube (Figure 27, position 1 and Figure 22). The copper tube conducts the initial heat into the fitting cup for even distribution of heat in the joint area. The extent of this preheating depends upon the size of the joint. Preheating of the assembly should include the entire circumference of the tube in order to bring the entire assembly up to a suitable preheat condition. However, for joints in the horizontal position, avoid directly preheating the top of the joint to avoid burning the soldering flux. The natural tendency for heat to rise will ensure adequate preheat of the top of the assembly. Experience will indicate the amount of heat and the time needed. Next, move the flame onto the fitting cup (Figure 27, position 2 and Figure 23). Sweep the flame alternately between the fitting cup and the tube a distance equal to the depth of the fitting cup (Figure 27, position 3). Again, preheating the circumference of the assembly as described above, with the torch at the base of the fitting cup (Figure 27, postion 4), touch the solder to the joint. If the solder does not melt, remove it and continue heating. CAUTION: Do not overheat the joint or direct the flame into the face of the fitting cup. Overheating could burn the flux, which will

FIGURE 23: Pre-Heating Fitting

destroy its effectiveness and the solder will not enter the joint properly. When the solder melts, apply heat to the base of the cup to aid capillary action in drawing the molten solder into the cup towards the heat source. The heat is generally applied using an air-fuel torch. Such torches use acetylene or an LP gas. Electric resistance soldering tools can also be used (Figure 24, page 48). They employ heating electrodes and should be considered when an open flame is a concern.

Applying Solder
For joints in the horizontal position, start applying the solder metal slightly offcenter at the bottom of the joint (Figure 27, position a, and Figure 25). When the solder begins to melt from the heat of the tube and fitting, push the solder straight into the joint while keeping the torch at

FIGURE 20: Assembly

47

VI. SOLDERED JOINTS

VI. SOLDERED JOINTS

FIGURE 24: Electric Resistance Hand Tool

the base of the fitting and slightly ahead of the point of application of the solder. Continue this technique across the bottom of the fitting and up one side to the top of the fitting (Figure 27, postion b). The now-solidified solder at the bottom of the joint has created an effective dam that will prevent the solder from running out of the joint as the side and top of the joint are being filled. Return to the point of beginning, overlapping slightly (Figure 27, position c), and proceed up the uncompleted side to the top, again, overlapping slightly (Figure 27, position d). While soldering, small drops may appear behind the point of solder application, indicating the joint is full to that point and will take no more solder. Throughout this process you are using all three physical states of the solder: solid, pasty and liquid. For joints in the vertical postion, make a similar sequence of overlapping passes starting wherever is convenient. Solder joints depend on capillary action drawing free-flowing molten solder into the narrow clearance between the fitting and the tube. Molten solder metal is drawn into the joint by capillary action regardless of whether the solder flow is upward, downward or horizontal. Capillary action is most effective when the space between surfaces to be joined is between 0.002 inch and 0.005 inch. A certain amount of looseness of fit can be tolerated, but too loose a fit can cause difficulties with larger size fittings. For joining copper tube to soldercup valves, follow the manufacturers

FIGURE 25: Soldering

FIGURE 26: Cleaning

FIGURE 27: Schematic of Solder Joint

instructions. The valve should be in a partially open position before applying heat, and the heat should be applied primarily to the tube. Commercially available heat-sink materials can also be used for protection of temperaturesensitive components during the joining operation. The amount of solder consumed when adequately filling the capillary space between the tube and either wrought or cast fittings may be estimated from Table 10, page 39. The flux requirement is usually 2 ounces per pound of solder.

remaining flux residue with a wet rag (Figure 26). Whenever possible, based on end use, completed systems should be flushed to remove excess flux and debris.

Testing
Test all completed assemblies for joint integrity. Follow the testing procedure prescribed by applicable codes governing the intended service.

Cooling and Cleaning

Allow the completed joint to cool naturally. Shock cooling with water may stress the joint. When cool, clean off any

48

Strong, leak-tight brazed connections for copper tube may be made by brazing with filler metals which melt at temperatures in the range between 1100 F and 1500 F, as listed in Table 12, page 40. Brazing filler metals are sometimes referred to as hard solders or silver solders. These confusing terms should be avoided. The temperature at which a filler metal starts to melt on heating is the solidus temperature; the liquidus temperature is the higher temperature at which the filler metal is completely melted. The liquidus temperature is the minimum temperature at which brazing will take place. The difference between solidus and liquidus is the melting range and may be of importance when selecting a filler metal. It indicates the width of the working range for the filler metal and the speed with which the filler metal will become fully solid after brazing. Filler metals with narrow ranges, with or without silver, solidify more quickly and, therefore, require careful application of heat. The melting ranges of common brazing metals are shown in Figure 8a.

Brazing Filler Metals

Brazing filler metals suitable for joining copper tube are of two classes: (1) the BCuP series alloys containing phosphorus and (2) the BAg series alloys containing a high silver content. The two classes differ in their melting, fluxing and flowing characteristics and this should be considered in selection of a filler metal. (See Table 12.) While any of the listed filler metals may be used, those most commonly

used in plumbing, HVAC refrigeration and fire sprinkler systems are BCuP-2 (for closer tolerances), BCuP-3, 4 or 5 (where close tolerances cannot be held) adn BAg-1, BAg-5 and BAg-7. The BCuP series filler metals are more economical than the BAg series, and are better suited for general piping applications. BAg series filler metals should be used when joining dissimilar metals, or the specific characteristics of the BAg series filler metals are required. For joining copper tube, any of these filler metals will provide the necessary strength when used with standard solder-type fittings or commercially available short-cup brazing fittings. According to the American Welding Society (AWS), the strength of the brazed joint will meet or exceed that of the tube and fitting being joined when the joint overlap and the depth of the filler metal penetration is a minimum of three times the thickness of the thinner base metal (tube or fitting), and a well-developed fillet is present. The strength of a brazed copper tube joint does not vary much with the different filler metals but depends mainly on maintaining the proper clearance between the outside of the tube and the cup of the fitting. Copper tube and solder-type fittings are accurately made for each other, and the tolerances permitted for each assure the capillary space will be within the limits necessary for a joint of satisfactory strength. The rated internal working pressures of brazed copper tube systems at service temperatures up to

350F (the temperature of saturated steam at 120 psi) are shown in Table 4, page 28. These pressure ratings should be used only when the correct capillary space has been maintained.

Fluxes
The fluxes used for brazing copper joints are different in composition from soldering fluxes. The two types cannot be used interchangeably. Unlike soldering fluxes, brazing fluxes are water based. Similar to soldering fluxes, brazing fluxes dissolve and remove residual oxides from the metal surface, protect the metal from reoxidation during heating and promote wetting of the surfaces to be joined by the brazing filler metal. Brazing fluxes also provide the craftsman with an indication of temperature (Figure 7b). If the outside of the fitting and the heat-affected area of the tube are covered with flux (in addition to the end of the tube and the cup), oxidation will be minimized and the appearance of the joint will be greatly improved. The fluxes best suited for brazing copper and copper alloy tube should meet AWS Standard A5.31, Type FB3A or FB3-C. Figure 8, page 39, illustrates the need for brazing flux with different types of copper and copper-alloy tube, fittings and filler metals when brazing.

Assembly
Assemble the joint by inserting the tube into the socket hard against the stop and turn if possible. The assembly should be firmly supported so that it

49

VII. BRAZED JOINTS

VII. BRAZED JOINTS

will remain in alignment during the brazing operation.

Applying Heat and Brazing

Apply heat to the parts to be joined, preferably with an oxy-fuel torch with a neutral flame. Air-fuel is sometimes used on smaller sizes. Heat the tube first, beginning about one inch from the edge of the fitting, sweeping the flame around the tube in short strokes at right angles to the axis of the tube (Figure 27, position 1). It is very important that the flame be in motion and not remain on any one point long enough to damage the tube. The flux may be used as a guide as to how long to heat the tube. The behavior of flux during the brazing cycle is described in Figure 7. Switch the flame to the fitting at the base of the cup (Figure 27, position 2). Heat uniformly, sweeping the flame from the fitting to the tube until the flux on the fitting becomes quiet. Avoid excessive heating of cast fittings, due to the possibility of cracking. When the flux appears liquid and transparent, start sweeping the flame back and forth along the axis of the joint to maintain heat on the parts to be joined, especially toward the base of the cup of the fitting (Figure 27, position 3). The flame must be kept moving to avoid melting the tube or fitting. For 1-inch tube and larger, it may be difficult to bring the whole joint up to temperature at one time. It frequently will be found desirable to use an oxyfuel, multiple-orifice heating tip to maintain a more uniform temperature over large areas. A mild preheating of the entire fitting is recommended for larger sizes, and the use of a second torch to retain a uniform preheating of the entire fitting assembly may be necessary in larger diameters. Heating can then proceed as outlined in the steps above.

Apply the brazing filler metal at a point where the tube enters the socket of the fitting. When the proper temperature is reached, the filler metal will flow readily into the space between the tube and fitting socket, drawn in by the natural force of capillary action. Keep the flame away from the filler metal itself as it is fed into the joint. The temperature of the tube and fitting at the joint should be high enough to melt the filler metal. Keep both the fitting and tube heated by moving the flame back and forth from one to the other as the filler metal is drawn into the joint. When the joint is properly made, filler metal will be drawn into the fitting socket by capillary action, and a continuous fillet of filler metal will be visible completely around the joint. To aid in the development of this fillet during brazing, the flame should be kept slightly ahead of the point of filler metal application.

Removing Residue
After the brazed joint has cooled the flux residue should be removed with a clean cloth, brush or swab using warm water. Remove all flux residue to avoid the risk of the hardened flux temporarily retaining pressure and masking an imperfectly brazed joint. Wrought fittings may be cooled more readily than cast fittings, but all fittings should be allowed to cool naturally before wetting.

VII. BRAZED JOINTS

General Hints and Suggestions

If the filler metal fails to flow or has a tendency to ball up, it indicates oxidation on the metal surfaces or insufficient heat on the parts to be joined. If tube or fitting start to oxidize during heating there is too little flux. If the filler metal does not enter the joint and tends to flow over the outside of either member of the joint, it indicates that one member is overheated or the other is underheated.

Horizontal and Vertical Joints

When brazing horizontal joints, it is preferable to first apply the filler metal slightly off-center at the bottom of the joint, proceeding across the bottom of the joint and continuing up the side to the top of the joint.. Then, return to the beginning point, overlapping slightly, and proceed up the uncompleted side to the top, again, overlapping slightly. This procedure is identical to that used for soldering. Also, similar to the soldering process, make sure the operations overlap. On vertical joints it is immaterial where the start is made. If the opening of the socket is pointing down, care should be taken to avoid overheating the tube, as this may cause the brazing filler metal to run down the outside of the tube.

Testing
Test all completed assemblies for joint integrity. Follow the testing procedure prescribed by applicable codes governing the intended service.

Purging
Some installations, such as medical gas, high-purity gas and ACR systems, require the use of an inert gas during the brazing process. The purge gas displaces oxygen from the interior of the system while it is being subjected to the high temperatures of brazing and therefore eliminates the possibility of oxide formation on the interior tube surface. Purge gas flow rates and methods of application should be included in the Brazing Procedure Specifications of these applications.

50

VIII. FLARED JOINTS

While copper tube is usually joined by soldering or brazing, there are times when a mechanical joint may be required or preferred. Flared fittings (Figures 28 and 29) are an alternative

FIGURE 28: Flare Fitting/Flared Joint During Assembly

FIGURE 29: Completed Flared Joint

when the use of an open flame is either not desired or impractical. Water service applications generally use a flare to iron pipe connection when connecting the copper tube to the main and/or the meter. In addition, copper

tube used for Fuel Gas (Liquefied Petroleum (LP), Propane Gas or Natural Gas may be joined utilizing flared brass fittings of single 45-flare type, according to NFPA 54/ANSI. Z223.1 National Fuel Gas Code. All National Model Codes permit the use of flare joints, but it is important to check with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine acceptance for a specific application in any particular jurisdiction. A flare joint should be made with an appropriate tool such as those supplied by a number of tubing/piping tool manufacturers. Make sure to use a tool that matches the outside diameter of the tube being flared and that has the appropriate flare angle, commonly 45 (the physical characteristics of which should be in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE J533 Standard Flares for Tubing). The tool usually consists of flaring bars with openings for various tube sizes and a yoke that contains the flaring cone and a clamp to grip the flaring bars. When flaring Types L or Type K copper tube, annealed or soft temper tube should be used. It is possible to flare Types K, L or M rigid or hard temper tube, though prior to flaring it is usually necessary to anneal the end of the tube to be flared. The copper tube must be cut square using an appropriate tubing cutter. After cutting, the tube

must be reamed to the full inside diameter leaving no inside burr (Figure 30). Tube that is out of round prior to flaring should be resized back to round.

FIGURE 30: Reaming Prior to Flaring the Tube End

Failure to complete either of these steps can, lead to an inadequate seal of the flared joint and, ultimately, to joint failure. Dirt, debris and foreign substances should be removed from the tube end to be flared by mechanical cleaning. This can be accomplished with the use of an abrasive cloth (screen cloth, sand cloth, emery cloth or nylon abrasive cloth). Now, place a flare nut over the end of the tube with the threads closest to the end being flared. Insert the tube between the flaring bars of the flaring tool in the appropriate opening for the diameter of the tube being flared. Adjust the height of the tube in the opening in accordance with the tool manufacturers instructions, to achieve

51

VIII. FLARED JOINTS

sufficient length of the flare. Position the yoke with the flaring cone over the tube end and clamp the yoke in place. Turn the handle of the yoke clockwise (Figure 31). This lowers the flaring

FIGURE 31: Lowering the Flaring Cone into the Tube End

cone and forces the lip of the tube against the base of the flaring bar to create an angled flare that will mate securely with a corresponding flare-type fitting. Care should be taken not to over-tighten the cone and cause cracking or deformation of the tube and/or the tool. Some tools also provide a setting for ironing or burnishing the flare, as a final step to achieve a more consistent flare. The final flared tube end should have a smooth, even, round flare of sufficient length to fully engage the mating surface of the flare nut without protruding into the threads (Figure 32).

No material (e.g., pipe joint compound) should be applied to the mating surfaces of the flare fitting and the flared tube end before attaching the flare nut to the fitting body.

FIGURE 32: Completed Flared Tube End

VIII. FLARED JOINTS

52

IX. ADDITIONAL JOINING METHODS

Soldering and brazing are fast and efficient methods of joining with standard torches and a variety of gases, facilitating high productivity on the job site. There are also electric resistance soldering hand tools which employ heating electrodes for joining tube and fittings (Figure 24, page 48). The tools are lightweight and should be considered when an open flame is a concern. Another joining technology involves a hand tool designed to

quickly pull tee connections and outlets from the run of the tube, thus reducing the number of tee fittings and brazed joints (Figure 33). It allows branches to be formed faster and usually results in a lower installed system cost. A new mechanical joining system for copper tube offers a practical alternative to soldering and brazing large diameter tube. Groovedend piping has been familiar to pipe fitters and sprinkler system contractors for many years. Since 1925, this

method of joining pipe has been used reliably on steel and iron pipe in HVAC, fire protection, process piping and related applications. Now this method of mechanical joining is available in a system for copper tube in sizes from 2 through 6 inches (Figure 34). Included are couplings, grooved copper 45- and 90-degree elbows, and straight tees and grooved flange adapters.

FIGURE 33: Tee-Pulling Tool

FIGURE 34: Mechanical Coupling

53

IX. JOINING METHODS

APPENDIX ORGANIZATIONS

AFSA - American Fire Sprinkler Association 9696 Skillman, Suite 300 Lock Box 37 Dallas, TX 75243 (214) 349-5965 www.sprinklernet.org AGA - American Gas Association 400 Capital Street Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 824-7000 www.aga.org ANSI - American National Standards Institute 1819 L Street Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 293-8020 www.ansi.org APFA - American Pipe Fittings Association 111 Park Place Falls Church, VA 22046-4513 (703) 538-1786 www.apfa.com ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & AirConditioning Engineers, Inc. 1791 Tullie Circle, NE Atlanta, GA 30329-2305 (404) 636-8400 www.ashrae.org ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers 3 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016 (212) 591-7000 www.asme.org ASPE - American Society of Plumbing Engineers 3617 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 210 Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 495-7120 www.aspe.org

ASNT - American Society for Nondestructive Testing P.O. Box 28518 4153 Arlingate Plaza Columbus, OH 43228-0518 (800) 222-2768 www.asnt.org ASSE - American Society of Sanitary Engineers 901 Canteberry, Suite A Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 835-3040 www.asse-plumbing.org ASTM - American Society for Testing & Materials 100 Barr Harbor Drive West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 (610) 832-9585 www.astm.org AWS - American Welding Society 550 NW LeJeune Road Miami, FL 33126-0440 (305) 443-9353 www.aws.org AWWA - American Water Works Association 6666 W. Quincy Avenue Denver, CO 80235 (303) 794-7711 www.awwa.org BOCA - Building Officials and Code Administrators International 4051 Flossmoor Road Country Club Hills, IL 60478 (708) 799-2300 www.bocai.org CDA - Copper Developement Association Inc. 260 Madison Avenue (16th floor) New York, NY 10016 (212) 251-7200 www.copper.org

CGA- Compressed Gas Association, Inc. 4221 Walney Road, (5th floor) Chantilly, VA 20151-2923 (703) 788-2700 www.cganet.com CIPH - Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Suite 330, 295 The West Mall Toronto, Ontario, M9C 4Z4 (416) 695-0447 www.ciph.com CCBDA - Canadia Copper and Brass Development Association 49 The Donway West (Suite 415) North York, Ontario, M3C 3M9 (416) 391-5591 www.coppercanada.ca GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 525-7060 www.gamanet.org IAPMO - International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 20001 Walnut Drive, South Walnut, CA 91789 (909) 595-8449 www.iapmo.org ICBO - International Conference of Building Officials 5360 S. Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 90601-2298 (562) 699-0541 www.icbo.org ICC - International Code Council 5203 Leesburg Pike (Suite 600) Falls Church, VA 22041 (703) 931-4533 www.intlcode.org

IX. APPENDIX

54

MCAA - Mechanical Contractors Association of America 1385 Picard Drive Rockville, MD 20832-4340 (301) 869-5800 www.mcaa.org NACE - National Association of Corrosion Engineers 1440 South Creek Drive Houston, TX 77084-4906 (281) 228-6200 www.nace.org NFPA - National Fire Protection Association One Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269-9703 (800) 344-3555 www.nfpa.org NFSA - National Fire Sprinkler Association P.O. Box 1000 40 John Barrett Road Patterson, NJ 12563 (914) 878-4200 www.nfsa.org

NSF - National Sanitation Foundation 789 West Dixboro Road Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140 (734) 796-8010 www.nsf.org PPFA - Plastic Pipe and Fitting Association 800 Roosevelt Road, Bldg. C, Suite 20 Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 858-6540 www.ppfahome.org SBCCI - Southern Building Code Congress International 900 Montclair Road Birmingham, AL 35213 (205) 591-1853 www.sbcci.org

SMACNA - Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association 4201 Lafayette Center Drive Chantilly, VA 20151-1209 (703) 803-2980 www.smacna.org UA - United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada 901 Massachusettes Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 268-5823 (Training Dept.) www.ua.org

55

IX. APPENDIX

Application Handbooks

Water Supply and Distribution

Fuel Gas Distribution

Guide Specifications

Product Sources

How Tube is Made

Visit www.copper.org
Soldering & Brazing Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Fire Protection

Builder Satisfaction Program

Medical Gas Properties 50-Year Warranty

CDA
Copper Development Association
A4015-02/05

260 MADISON AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10016