Steam Expansion Loop
Several omega-shaped piping expansion loops are apart of this insulated steam line in order to compensate for thermal expansion expected with service temperatures at about 400 degrees F. These omega- style loops are unusual to see in modern units because it is much more common now for them to be fabricated from straight pipe and elbows into a ‘U’ shape. This particular loop exists in an area of the plant that was first erected in the 1920s-30s.
You can select the width and depth of the 'U' that makes up the expansion joint to suit the expected growth. Regular steel expands at a rate of about 6.3 x 10E-6 inches per inch length and per degree F. So if a pipe 100 feet long heats up from 70F up to 450F it would grow almost 3" in length. In the field, those loops might be spaced about 150 to 200 feet apart on the average.
Steam Expansion Loop
Several omega-shaped piping expansion loops are apart of this insulated steam line in order to compensate for thermal expansion expected with service temperatures at about 400 degrees F. These omega- style loops are unusual to see in modern units because it is much more common now for them to be fabricated from straight pipe and elbows into a ‘U’ shape. This particular loop exists in an area of the plant that was first erected in the 1920s-30s.
You can select the width and depth of the 'U' that makes up the expansion joint to suit the expected growth. Regular steel expands at a rate of about 6.3 x 10E-6 inches per inch length and per degree F. So if a pipe 100 feet long heats up from 70F up to 450F it would grow almost 3" in length. In the field, those loops might be spaced about 150 to 200 feet apart on the average.