Copper pipes (copper tubes) are hollow cylindrical products manufactured from high-purity copper or high-copper alloys, designed for fluid, gas, and heat-transfer applications. They are widely used due to their excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity, mechanical reliability, and long service life.
Common copper grades used for pipes include:
ETP Copper (C11000) – general plumbing
DHP Copper (C12200) – plumbing and HVAC (most common)
Oxygen-Free Copper (C10200) – high-purity specialty applications
Typical Chemical Composition (DHP Copper – C12200)
| Element | Typical % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 99.9 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.015 – 0.04 |
| Oxygen | Nil |
| Other Impurities | Trace |
Important Note:
Compared to ETP copper, DHP and oxygen-free copper pipes offer superior ductility
and reliability at elevated temperatures.
They do not suffer hydrogen embrittlement, making them ideal for brazing,
welding, and long-term hot-water service.
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1085°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~385 – 395 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 80 – 100% IACS (grade dependent) |
| Coefficient of Expansion | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Magnetic | Non-magnetic |
Key Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200 – 450 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 70 – 350 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 45% |
| Hardness | 40 – 120 HB |
| Fatigue Resistance | Good |
| Creep Resistance | Good at service temperatures |
Condition Matters:
Annealed pipes are flexible and easy to bend,
while hard-drawn pipes provide higher strength and straight-line stability.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ Single-phase FCC copper microstructure
✔ Strengthening by cold working (drawing and sizing)
✔ No precipitation or heat hardening
✔ Annealing at 300–600°C restores ductility
✔ Excellent resistance to thermal cycling
Refining & Processing Properties
✔ Electrolytic refining produces high-purity copper cathodes
✔ Controlled phosphorus addition for DHP copper
✔ Continuous casting → hot extrusion → cold drawing
✔ Excellent brazing and soldering performance
✔ Leak-free, durable joints
✔ Fully recyclable without property loss
Available Forms
Straight copper pipes (hard drawn)
Coiled copper pipes (annealed)
Seamless copper tubes
Capillary tubes
Inner-grooved HVAC tubes
Standard Forms:
ASTM Type K, L, M
EN CW024A / CW004A
Diameter range: 6 mm to 300+ mm
Wall thickness: 0.5 mm to 5+ mm
Key Characteristics
✔ Excellent corrosion resistance
✔ High thermal efficiency
✔ Leak-free brazed joints
✔ Long service life (50+ years)
✔ Resistant to UV and temperature extremes
✔ Antimicrobial inner surface
✔ Fire-safe and non-combustible
Applications of Copper Pipes
Plumbing & Water Systems
Hot and cold water supply
Potable water systems
Solar water heaters
HVAC & Refrigeration
Air-conditioning lines
Refrigerant transport
Heat pump systems
Industrial & Energy
Heat exchangers
Gas pipelines
Compressed air lines
Oil and fuel lines
Medical & Specialty
Medical gas systems
Oxygen pipelines
Clean-room installations
Advantages of Copper Pipes
✔ Superior corrosion resistance compared to steel
✔ Higher thermal conductivity than plastic pipes
✔ Zero gas permeability
✔ Withstands high pressure and temperature
✔ Easy repair and modification
✔ Fully recyclable and environmentally sustainable
Why Choose Copper Pipes?
Choose Copper Pipes when your application demands long-term reliability, high heat-transfer efficiency, safe potable water transport, resistance to corrosion and bacteria, strong leak-free joints, and compliance with global standards.
Engineering Rule:
For critical fluid, gas, and heat-transfer systems,
copper pipes deliver the best lifecycle cost and reliability.
Comparison with Other Piping Materials
| Material | Durability | Heat Resistance | Corrosion Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Pipes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PEX / Plastic | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Galvanized Steel | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Stainless Steel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |