Select the appropriate clamp
For sanitary and air conditioning installations

Source: Celofixings.es
In the installation of piping systems, thermal expansion is a key factor that can affect both the performance and durability of the infrastructure. As pipes expand and contract with temperature changes, stresses are generated that, if not controlled, can lead to deformation, damage to connections or system failure.
Therefore, it is essential to take this phenomenon into account during design and installation to ensure that the infrastructure functions optimally over time.
What is thermal expansion?
Thermal expansion refers to the increase in length of a material when heated. they contract.
This phenomenon can generate significant stresses in structures if not adequately anticipated.
How to calculate thermal expansion
To calculate the expansion or contraction of a pipe, the following formula is used:
Δ𝐿 = 𝐿 ⋅ Δ𝑇 ⋅ 𝛼
Where:
Δ𝐿 is the length variation (in mm)
𝐿 is the length of the pipe (in meters)
Δ𝑇 is the difference between the installation and maximum/minimum temperature to which the pipe is exposed
𝛼 is the coefficient of linear expansion, which depends on the pipe material
Expansion coefficients according to the type of material
Each material has a different coefficient of thermal expansion, which means that not all materials expand in the same way when exposed to a change in temperature.
The following table summarizes the coefficients of some common materials in pipe construction:
PVC
0,0700
PE
0,2000
PP
0,1800
COPPER
0,0115
CAST IRON
0,0050
STAINLESS STEEL
0,0100
STEEL
0,0120
Practical example
- Material: Steel
- Length: 20 meters
- Installation temperature: 15 ºC
- Maximum temperature: 55 ºC
- Temperature difference: + 40 ºC
Applying the thermal expansion formula:
Δ𝐿 = 20.0 ⋅ 40 ⋅ 0,0120 = 96 mm
This means that, under a (maximum) temperature change of + 40 ºC, the steel pipe will expand by 96 mm.
Key factors to consider when choosing the type of clamp

Temperature
Pipe expansion varies with flow temperature, requiring clamps to operate effectively within a standard temperature range.
This range generally ranges from -30 to +120°C, ensuring that clamps can accommodate pipe expansions and contractions under varying thermal conditions.

Maximum load
Clamps are designed to withstand specific loads, determined through rigorous safe load testing. Knowing the maximum allowable loads is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the installation, as exceeding these limits can compromise the stability of the system.
This information allows you to select the appropriate type and size of clamp for each application, ensuring efficient clamping and extending the useful life of the piping system. Without this knowledge, the installation could fail under operational demands, resulting in costly repairs and possible service interruptions.

Pipe material
Different pipe materials react differently to temperature changes. Pipes made of PE, PVC, PP, steel, copper and cast iron, among others, have different thermal and chemical resistances, which influences the selection of the right clamp.
For example, CEL’s M6 metal clamps, available in zinc-plated and bichromated, are ideal for applications where additional strength is required, while the Multiclip MC plastic clamps are perfect for plastic pipes, offering quick and easy installation thanks to their side-joint design.

Size
The size of the clamp must match the outside diameter of the pipe to ensure a firm and stable hold. This is crucial to avoid unwanted movement of the pipe, which could lead to disconnections, leaks or structural damage.
In addition, a clamp that does not properly fit the pipe diameter can cause uneven stresses in the material, which could reduce the service life of both the pipe and the clamp itself. Therefore, it is essential to select a clamp that is specifically designed for the size of pipe in use, thus ensuring a safe and durable installation.

Environment
The installation location, whether indoor or outdoor, and the environmental conditions significantly influence the choice of clamp. In coastal environments or environments exposed to inclement weather, it is essential to use clamps with corrosion-resistant coatings to ensure greater durability and protection against the elements.

Special requirements
Specific projects often require additional features, such as sound insulation or quick installation. Some clamps are designed with certified levels of sound insulation to reduce noise transmission and mechanisms that allow for efficient installation, thus facilitating assembly and better adapting to the particular needs of the project.
Conclusion
Calculating thermal expansion is essential to ensure the safety and proper functioning of piping systems. By choosing the right materials, using clamps that allow controlled movement, and applying calculation formulas correctly, problems arising from thermal expansion or contraction can be avoided, increasing the useful life of the installations and reducing maintenance costs.
Source: Celofixings.es