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Thermal Expansion and Contraction HandOut

The document explains thermal expansion and contraction in plumbing systems, detailing how temperature changes affect pipe lengths. It provides a key formula for calculating changes in length based on material properties and temperature variations, along with specific coefficients for common pipe materials. Example calculations and practice questions are included to illustrate the application of these concepts.

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plumbinstructor
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18 views2 pages

Thermal Expansion and Contraction HandOut

The document explains thermal expansion and contraction in plumbing systems, detailing how temperature changes affect pipe lengths. It provides a key formula for calculating changes in length based on material properties and temperature variations, along with specific coefficients for common pipe materials. Example calculations and practice questions are included to illustrate the application of these concepts.

Uploaded by

plumbinstructor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Thermal Expansion and Contraction in Pipework

Assemblies
Introduction

Thermal expansion and contraction is a fundamental concept in plumbing engineering. As


materials are subjected to temperature changes, they expand or contract. In plumbing
systems, this can lead to significant movement, especially in long pipe runs. This handout
will guide you through the calculations involved in determining thermal expansion and
contraction in pipework assemblies.

Key Formula

The linear expansion or contraction of a material can be calculated using the following
formula:

ΔL = α * L₀ * ΔT

Where:

 ΔL = Change in length (mm or in)


 α = Coefficient of linear expansion (per °C or °F)
 L₀ = Original length of the material (mm or in)
 ΔT = Change in temperature (°C or °F)

Coefficients of Linear Expansion for Common Pipe Materials

Material Coefficient of Linear Expansion (per °C)


Copper 16.5 x 10−6
Steel 12 x 10−6
PVC 60-100 x 10−6
Cast Iron 10-12 x 10−6
Export to Sheets

Example Calculation 1

Problem: A 50-foot copper pipe is subjected to a temperature change from 70°F to 170°F.
Calculate the change in length of the pipe.

Solution:

1. Convert units: 50 feet = 15240 mm, ΔT = 170°F - 70°F = 100°F = 55.56°C


2. Calculate ΔL: ΔL = (16.5 x 10^-6) * 15240 mm * 55.56°C ΔL ≈ 14.1 mm

Therefore, the pipe will expand by approximately 14.1 mm.

Example Calculation 2
Problem: A 30-meter steel pipe is heated from 20°C to 80°C. What is the final length of the
pipe?

Solution:

1. Calculate ΔL: ΔL = (12 x 10^-6) * 30000 mm * (80°C - 20°C) ΔL = 21.6 mm


2. Calculate final length: Final length = Initial length + ΔL = 30000 mm + 21.6 mm =
30021.6 mm

Therefore, the final length of the pipe is 30.0216 meters.

Practice Questions

1. A 100-foot PVC pipe is cooled from 100°F to 40°F. How much will it contract?
2. A copper pipe is 20 meters long at 25°C. What will its length be at 75°C?
3. A steel pipe is 50 feet long. If it expands by 0.5 inches, what is the temperature
change?
4. A PVC pipe is 15 meters long. If it contracts by 2 mm, what is the temperature
change?
5. A cast iron pipe is 40 meters long. What is the change in length if the temperature
increases by 30°C?

Detailed Answer Key

1. Given: L₀ = 100 ft = 30480 mm, ΔT = 40°F - 100°F = -60°F = -33.33°C, α (PVC) =


60 x 10^-6 /°C Calculation: ΔL = (60 x 10^-6 /°C) * 30480 mm * (-33.33°C) ≈ -61
mm Answer: The pipe will contract by approximately 61 mm.
2. Given: L₀ = 20 m = 20000 mm, ΔT = 75°C - 25°C = 50°C, α (Copper) = 16.5 x 10^-
6 /°C Calculation: ΔL = (16.5 x 10^-6 /°C) * 20000 mm * 50°C ≈ 16.5 mm Final
length: 20000 mm + 16.5 mm = 20016.5 mm ≈ 20.0165 m Answer: The final length
of the pipe will be approximately 20.0165 meters.
3. Given: L₀ = 50 ft = 15240 mm, ΔL = 0.5 in = 12.7 mm, α (Steel) = 12 x 10^-6 /°C
Calculation: ΔT = ΔL / (α * L₀) = 12.7 mm / ((12 x 10^-6 /°C) * 15240 mm) ≈ 70°C
Answer: The temperature change is approximately 70°C.
4. Given: L₀ = 15 m = 15000 mm, ΔL = -2 mm, α (PVC) = 60 x 10^-6 /°C Calculation:
ΔT = ΔL / (α * L₀) = -2 mm / ((60 x 10^-6 /°C) * 15000 mm) ≈ -2.2°C Answer: The
temperature change is approximately -2.2°C.
5. Given: L₀ = 40 m = 40000 mm, ΔT = 30°C, α (Cast Iron) = 11 x 10^-6 /°C
Calculation: ΔL = (11 x 10^-6 /°C) * 40000 mm * 30°C ≈ 13.2 mm Answer: The
pipe will expand by approximately 13.2 mm.

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