The facts about type K, L, M, and DWV copper tubing

You need a tube manipulation service that is both professional and reliable. We are the business you can depend on for it. For years, we have been offering high quality services to all sorts of clients. This includes ones from industries like manufacturing, transport, and energy. We can help to create objects like furniture, barriers, heating, and railings, so we are the go to expert for any needs.

Copper tubing is popular for gas lines. It is also common in water supply lines and refrigerant lines in HVAC systems. The tubes could be rendered as strong or soft copper. These are ones with excellent corrosion resistance and stable connections. Type M, L, and K are the three most common forms in industrial and residential structures. Certain older houses could also use an extra plumbing tube called DWV. This is for drain-waste-venting. What we will be doing is talking about these individual variants here in this post.

Copper tube sizing

Tube manipulationTo begin with, we will discuss the sizes of the copper tubing. The rigid style outer diameter (OD) is typically 1/8 inch more than the nominal dimension. Alternatively, it is known as the shaft. For instance, a copper 1/2 inch tube possesses a 5/8 inch OD. This is the case with all three contemporary tube forms.

We calculate the inner diameter of the tubing using its wall thickness. This is going to vary according to the type. The copper tube variant you need for every application may be defined by the exterior and interior fluid demand. You should also use the operating conditions and the system design.

Type K tubes

This tube is available in versatile and stable form. Furthermore, you can use it with fittings for compression. That is the preference for tunnel systems and main water lines. The reason is that the thickness enables it to withstand the strain in trenches coming from backfilled soil.

Type K tubing does not have approval for use in natural gas applications though. This is because the gas substratum is going to influence the tube joints.

Of all the traditional variations, type K has the thickest walls. You can use it for defence against coal and flames. Let us know if you need the UK’s top tube manipulation services.

Type L tubes

This option comes in fluid and rigid forms. You can use these tubes with a sweat, friction, and flare configuration.

Type L has the distinction of being the most common type of copper tubing. That is because it is viable for many more applications. Flexible ones are popular for altering or repairing old water systems. Saying this, the rigid variant is stronger. It is also possible to use type L outside your house.

Type M tubes

These come in versatile and solid designs. Furthermore, they are usually used for home vacuum systems and water supplies. Due to the relatively low costs, people favour type M tubing for residential jobs. A thinner wall leads to less metal and a smaller price as a result.

DWV tubing

In a multitude of older properties, copper tubes, plumbing sinks, and vents were common. In new buildings many were substituted for ABS or PVC plastic tube. DWV tubing is mainly for above-ground set ups. It offers a minimum pressure range of 10 to 15 pounds per square inch. This is a lot higher than the water pressure in most municipal water storage installations. Usually, these tubes also come with yellow marks to separate them from type M tubing.

We can meet all sorts of requirements with tube manipulation

At Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd, our services are appropriate for a collection of metals. We can work with copper, several types of steel, brass, aluminium, titanium, and more. This makes us one of the most versatile tubing companies in operation today. Whatever your needs are, we use our bespoke service to meet them.

So, if there is anything we can help you with when it comes to tube manipulation, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our skills are extensive to cater for all kinds of applications.