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Engineering ToolBox > PVC Pipes - Expansion Loops
Temperature expansion and contraction in PVC piping systems can be compensated through
Expansion loops are made of standard pipes and elbows and can be produced on the site adapted to the actual situation.
The length of leg A can be calculated by formula
A = 0.72 (D δl)1/2
where
A = length of leg (ft)
D = nominal outside diameter (inches)
δl = thermal expansion of pipe (inches)
The length of leg B can be calculated by formula
B = 1.44 (D δl)1/2
where
B = length of leg (ft)
A length of 300 ft straight pipe of 2" diameter PVC Schedule 40 is installed at 75oF and operating at 120oF. The expansion coefficient of PVC is set to 29 10-6 in./inoF.
The expansion of the pipe can be calculated as
δl = α Lo δt = 29 10-6(in./inoF) 300 (ft) 12 (in/ft) (120 - 75)(oF) = 4.7 inches
where
δl = expansion (inch)
Lo = length of pipe (inch)
δt = temperature difference (oF)
α = linear expansion coefficient (in./in.oF)
The length of leg A can be calculated as:
A = 0.72 (D δl)1/2
= 0.72 [2.375 (in) 4.7 (in)]1/2
= 2.4 ft
The length of leg B can be calculated as:
B = 1.44 (D δl)1/2
= 1.44 [2.375 (in) 4.7 (in)]1/2
= 4.8 ft