1. Overview
Thermal expansion is the tendency of materials to change dimensions in response to temperature changes. In pipeline and process systems, unaccommodated thermal expansion causes equipment damage, flange leaks, and pipe buckling.
Pipelines
Expansion Loops
Above-ground and buried lines require expansion accommodation to prevent overstress.
Storage Tanks
Freeboard
API 650 requires freeboard to prevent overfill from liquid expansion.
Piping Systems
Flexibility Analysis
ASME B31.3 requires thermal stress analysis for process piping.
Equipment
Thermal Relief
Blocked-in equipment requires PSV sizing for thermal expansion.
Key Definitions
- Linear expansion coefficient (α): Length change per unit length per degree (in/in/°F)
- Volumetric expansion coefficient (β): Volume change per unit volume per degree (β ≈ 3α for solids)
- Thermal strain: ε = α × ΔT (dimensionless)
- Thermal stress: σ = E × α × ΔT (stress when expansion is restrained)
Why it matters: A 1000-ft carbon steel pipeline exposed to 100°F temperature change expands 7.8 inches. Without proper accommodation, this generates ~165 tons of force at anchors, enough to damage equipment or cause pipe buckling.
2. Linear Expansion
Linear thermal expansion describes length change with temperature. This is the primary concern for pipeline design and piping flexibility.
Linear Expansion Equation:
ΔL = α × L₀ × ΔT
Where:
ΔL = Change in length (inches)
α = Linear expansion coefficient (in/in/°F)
L₀ = Original length at reference temperature (inches)
ΔT = Temperature change (°F)
Final length: L = L₀ × (1 + α × ΔT)
Calculation Example
Calculate expansion of 500-ft carbon steel pipeline with 150°F temperature increase:
Given:
L₀ = 500 ft = 6,000 inches
α = 6.5×10⁻⁶ in/in/°F
ΔT = 150°F
Solution:
ΔL = 6.5×10⁻⁶ × 6,000 × 150
ΔL = 5.85 inches
Rule of thumb check:
0.78 in/100ft/100°F × (500/100) × (150/100) = 5.85 in ✓
3. Expansion Coefficients
Expansion coefficients vary by material and temperature. Use mean coefficient over the operating temperature range for accurate calculations.
Common Piping Materials
| Material | α (×10⁻⁶ /°F) | Expansion per 100 ft per 100°F | E (×10⁶ psi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (A106) | 6.5 | 0.78 in | 29.0 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 9.6 | 1.15 in | 28.3 |
| Stainless Steel 316 | 9.0 | 1.08 in | 28.0 |
| 9% Nickel (A353) | 7.0 | 0.84 in | 28.5 |
| Aluminum 6061 | 13.0 | 1.56 in | 10.0 |
| Copper | 9.8 | 1.18 in | 17.0 |
| PVC | 30.0 | 3.60 in | 0.4 |
| HDPE | 80.0 | 9.60 in | 0.11 |
Temperature-Dependent Coefficients (Carbon Steel)
For wide temperature ranges, use mean coefficient from ASME B31.3 Appendix C:
| Temperature Range (°F) | Mean α (×10⁻⁶ /°F) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| -20 to 200 | 6.3 | Typical gas pipelines |
| 70 to 300 | 6.5 | Standard process piping |
| 70 to 500 | 6.7 | Heated oil lines |
| 70 to 700 | 7.0 | High-temp process |
| 70 to 900 | 7.3 | Furnace piping, flares |
4. Thermal Stress Analysis
When thermal expansion is restrained, stresses develop. ASME B31 piping codes require flexibility analysis to ensure thermal stresses remain within allowable limits.
Thermal Stress (Fully Restrained):
σ = E × α × ΔT
For carbon steel:
σ = 29×10⁶ × 6.5×10⁻⁶ × ΔT
σ = 188.5 × ΔT (psi per °F)
Example: ΔT = 200°F
σ = 188.5 × 200 = 37,700 psi
This exceeds yield strength of most steels!
Piping must be designed for flexibility.
Allowable Stress Range (ASME B31.3)
Expansion Stress Range:
S_A = f × (1.25 S_c + 0.25 S_h)
Where:
S_A = Allowable stress range (psi)
S_c = Cold allowable stress
S_h = Hot allowable stress
f = Stress range factor (1.0 for N ≤ 7,000 cycles)
For carbon steel (S_c = S_h = 20,000 psi):
S_A = 1.0 × (1.25 × 20,000 + 0.25 × 20,000)
S_A = 30,000 psi (for limited cycles)
Expansion stress is self-limiting—yields locally
and redistributes ("shakes down" to elastic behavior).
Anchor Force Calculation
Anchor Force (Fully Restrained):
F = E × A × α × ΔT
Where:
F = Anchor force (lbs)
A = Pipe wall cross-sectional area (in²)
Example: 12" Sch Std pipe, ΔT = 120°F
A = 14.58 in² (pipe wall area)
F = 29×10⁶ × 14.58 × 6.5×10⁻⁶ × 120
F = 330,000 lbs (165 tons!)
Anchors must be designed for these massive forces.
5. Expansion Loops & Flexibility
Expansion must be accommodated through piping flexibility, expansion loops, or mechanical expansion joints.
Expansion Loop Sizing
U-Loop Leg Height (Approximate):
H ≈ √(D × ΔL / 6)
Where:
H = Loop leg height (ft)
D = Pipe OD (inches)
ΔL = Expansion to absorb (inches)
Example: 12" pipe, ΔL = 6 inches
H = √(12.75 × 6 / 6) = √12.75 = 3.6 ft
Use minimum 4 ft for practical construction.
For accurate design, use CAESAR II or AutoPIPE.
Expansion Accommodation Methods
| Method | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Natural flexibility (elbows) | No additional equipment; lowest cost | Requires sufficient routing flexibility |
| Expansion loops (U/Z shape) | Reliable; no moving parts; no maintenance | Requires space; adds pressure drop |
| Bellows expansion joints | Compact; high movement capacity | Requires anchors; limited life; maintenance |
| Ball joints | Handles large angular rotation | Expensive; limited pressure rating |
Support Types
| Support Type | Function | Thermal Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor | Prevents all movement | Absorbs full thermal force—must be designed for high loads |
| Guide | Allows axial movement | Clearance must accommodate full expansion |
| Slide support | Allows lateral movement | Friction force = μ × Weight (μ ≈ 0.3 for PTFE) |
| Spring hanger | Supports weight with movement | Select spring range for thermal displacement |
Installation tip: Install above-ground pipelines at mid-range temperature when possible. If operating range is 20-120°F, install at 70°F to minimize anchor loads in both directions.
6. Volumetric Expansion
Volumetric expansion is critical for liquid storage tanks, custody transfer calculations, and thermal relief valve sizing.
Volumetric Expansion:
ΔV = β × V₀ × ΔT
Where:
ΔV = Volume change (gallons)
β = Volumetric coefficient (1/°F)
V₀ = Original volume (gallons)
ΔT = Temperature change (°F)
For solids: β ≈ 3α
For liquids: β measured experimentally (varies with temperature)
Liquid Expansion Coefficients
| Fluid | β (×10⁻⁴ /°F) | Volume Change per 10°F |
|---|---|---|
| Water (60°F) | 1.1 | 0.11% |
| Crude oil (API 30) | 4.0 | 0.40% |
| Gasoline | 6.8 | 0.68% |
| Diesel fuel | 5.0 | 0.50% |
| Propane (liquid) | 9.8 | 0.98% |
Tank Freeboard Calculation
API 650 Freeboard:
Required freeboard = ΔV / A_tank + safety margin
Example: 80-ft diameter tank, 30-ft liquid level, crude oil
Tank area: A = π × (40)² = 5,027 ft²
Volume: V = 5,027 × 30 = 150,810 ft³
β = 4.0×10⁻⁴ /°F, ΔT = 40°F (summer heating)
ΔV = 150,810 × 4.0×10⁻⁴ × 40 = 2,413 ft³
Height rise = 2,413 / 5,027 = 0.48 ft = 5.8 in
With 18" safety margin:
Required freeboard = 5.8 + 18 = 24 inches minimum
Custody Transfer Impact
Volume measurement errors from temperature have significant financial impact:
Example: 50,000 bbl/day crude, $70/bbl
Temperature error: 5°F
β ≈ 4.0×10⁻⁴ /°F
Volume error = 50,000 × 4.0×10⁻⁴ × 5 = 100 bbl/day
Revenue error = 100 × $70 = $7,000/day
Annual impact = $2.55 million/year
ASTM D1250 requires ±0.5°F accuracy for custody transfer.
API volume correction: Petroleum products are measured at actual temperature but reported at standard 60°F using ASTM D1250 correction tables. Hot product occupies more volume but corrects to smaller volume at 60°F.
Ready to use the calculator?
→ Launch Calculator