Copper Pipes Water Velocities

Reference data and engineering information about copper pipes water velocities for material properties applications.

copperpipeswatervelocities

Overview

Engineering reference data for Copper Pipes Water Velocities in material science and properties.

Key Formulas

Stress

$\sigma = \frac{F}{A}$

Force per unit area.

Strain

$\varepsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L_0}$

Change in length per original length.

Hooke's Law

$\sigma = E \varepsilon$

Stress proportional to strain in elastic region.

Thermal Expansion

$\Delta L = \alpha L_0 \Delta T$

Length change due to temperature.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$\sigma$	Stress	Pa
$\varepsilon$	Strain	—
$E$	Young's modulus	Pa
$\alpha$	Thermal expansion coefficient	1/°C
$\Delta T$	Temperature change	°C

Recommended maximum water velocities in copper tubes
System Type	Max Velocity(ft/s)	Max Velocity(m/s)
Cold water systems	8	2.4
Hot water (< 140°F / 60°C)	5	1.5
Hot water (≥ 140°F / 60°C)	2	0.6

The velocities listed above are for straight pipe runs. Be aware that local velocities in small tubes，at bends，and other similar obstructions may significantly exceed these values and should be evaluated separately.

Copper Pipes Water Velocities

Overview

Key Formulas

Stress

Strain

Hooke's Law

Thermal Expansion

Variables

Recommended Velocity Limits

Important Note

Interactive Charts

ASTM B88 - Seamless Copper Water Tubes - Dimensions

References