Buying Guide

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91
AHEAD OF THE FLOW
®
Revised 4/26/2019
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Where:
∆L = Dimensional change due to thermal expansion
or contraction (in.)
Y = Expansion coefficient (in/10°F/100ft) (See Table
on previous page)
(T1-T2) = Temperature differential between the installation
temperature and the maximum and minimum
system temperature, which ever provides the
greatest differential (°F)
L = Length of pipe run between changes in direction
(ft)
Example 2:
How much expansion can be expected in a 200 foot straight run
of nominal size 3 PVC Pipe that will be installed at 75°F when
the piping system will be operated at a maximum of 120°F and
a minimum of 40°?
∆L = .360 x 4.5 x 2.0 = 3.24 inches
Stresses and forces that result from thermal expansion and
contraction can be reduced or eliminated by providing for
flexibility in the piping system through frequent changes in
direction or introduction of loops as graphically depicted in the
figures below.
Normally, piping systems are designed with sufficient direc-
tional changes which provide inherent flexibility to compensate
for expansion and contraction. However, when this is not the
case or when there is reasonable doubt as to the adequate
flexibility of the system, expansion loops or expansion joints
should be designed into the system. If an expansion loop
(which is fabricated with 90° elbows and straight pipe as
depicted in Fig. 1) is to be used, the leg length (R) should be
determined by using the following formula to insure that it is
of sufficient length to absorb expansion and contraction move-
ment without damage.
R = 1.44
√D∆L
Where:
R = Expansion loop leg length (ft)
D = Nominal outside diameter of pipe (in)
∆L = Dimensional change due to thermal expansion or
contraction (in)
0.360(120 - 75) 200
10 100
∆L = x
Expansion and Contraction of Plastic Pipe (Continued)
Example 3:
How long should the expansion loop legs be in order to com-
pensate for the expansion in Example 2?
R = 1.44
√D∆L
Flexibility, through the introduction of flexural off-sets, must
be inserted into a piping system design in situations where
straight runs of pipe are long or the ends of a straight run are
restricted from movement and also in situations where the sys-
tem is restrained. Several examples of methods for inserting
flexibility in these situations are graphically presented below.
In each case, rigid supports or restraints should not be placed
within the leg length of an expansion loop, off-set, or bend.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4