Gnee Steel (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

ASTM B111 C12200 Copper for Heat Exchangers

Apr 13, 2026

Grade Designation

Standard Designation
UNS Number C12200
Common Name Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper (DHP Copper)
EN Symbol Cu-DHP
GNEE Supply Form Tube, Sheet, Strip, Bar, Wire

 

Applicable Standards (Including ASTM B111)

Standard Scope
ASTM B111 Seamless copper and copper-alloy heat exchanger tubes (condensers, evaporators)
ASTM B152/B152M Copper sheet, strip, plate, and rolled bar
ASTM B88 Seamless copper water tube (Types K, L, M)
ASTM B75 Seamless copper tube for general applications
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Drinking water system safety certification
GB/T 1176-1987 Cast copper alloys (reference only)

For heat exchanger applications, ASTM B111 is the primary standard. GNEE supplies C12200 tubes fully certified to ASTM B111.

C12200 copper tube

Product Features

Feature Description
High Purity & Conductivity Copper content ≥99.85%, conductivity up to 79% IACS
Excellent Workability Good cold and hot workability, no hydrogen embrittlement – suitable for drawing, welding, and brazing
Corrosion Resistance Performs well in reducing atmospheres; not recommended for high-temperature oxidizing environments (>200°C)
Superior Thermal Conductivity ~339-340 W/m·K – ideal for heat exchangers, condenser tubes, and thermal equipment
Eco-Friendly Complies with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Appendix G – suitable for potable water systems (pH ≥6.5)

 

Chemical Composition

Element Cu P Fe Pb Total Impurities
Content (%) ≥99.85 0.015 – 0.040 ≤0.05 ≤0.005 ≤0.15

 

Physical Properties

Property Value
Density 8.94 g/cm³
Melting Point 1083°C (1981°F)
Electrical Conductivity 79% IACS
Thermal Conductivity ~340 W/m·K (corrected from source error)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 17.6 × 10⁻⁶/K
Elastic Modulus 132 GPa

 

ASTM B111 Compliance for Heat Exchanger Tubes

For C12200 tubes used in heat exchangers, condensers, and evaporators, ASTM B111 requires:

Parameter ASTM B111 Requirement for C12200
Chemical Composition Cu ≥ 99.85%, P 0.015–0.040%
Tensile Strength (O61 temper) 30–45 ksi (205–310 MPa)
Yield Strength (O61, 0.5% ext.) 10–15 ksi (69–103 MPa)
Elongation (in 2″ or 50mm) ≥ 35%
Flattening Test No cracks after flattening
Expansion Test No cracks after 30% expansion
Hydrostatic Test Leak-free at specified pressure

GNEE provides traceable mill test reports (MTR) for all C12200 tubing supplied to ASTM B111.

 

Available Forms & Dimensions (GNEE Supply)

Form Thickness / Diameter Range Width / Length Typical Applications
Sheet / Strip 0.3 – 50 mm Max width 2000 mm Heat exchangers, architectural components
Bar Ø15 – 150 mm Custom lengths Mechanical parts, connectors
Tube (ASTM B111) OD: 1/8″ – 2″ (3.2mm – 50.8mm) Custom lengths Heat exchangers, condensers, HVAC
Tube (ASTM B88) OD: 1/4″ – 8″ (K/L/M/DW types) Custom lengths Potable water, medical gas lines
Wire Ø0.5 – 12 mm Custom lengths Electrical wiring, springs

 

Key Advantages of GNEE's C12200

Advantage Description
High Reliability Oxygen-free copper matrix reduces oxidation risk, extending service life
Processing Flexibility Supports cold/hot rolling, welding, brazing, and bending
Eco-Compliance NSF-certified for potable water and medical gas delivery
Cost-Effectiveness More economical than oxygen-free copper while maintaining balanced performance
Full ASTM B111 Certification Certified for heat exchanger and condenser service with MTR available

 

Applications

Industry Specific Uses
Heat Exchange Systems Condensers, evaporators, shell-and-tube heat exchangers (ASTM B111)
Electrical & Electronics Wires, connectors, switch components, bus bars
Plumbing & Water Systems Potable water lines (ASTM B88, NSF-certified), medical gas pipelines
HVAC & Refrigeration Air conditioning coils, refrigeration lines, HVAC tubing
Industrial Manufacturing Hydraulic components, precision springs, wear-resistant parts
Construction & Transportation Gas pipelines, railway parts, marine equipment

 

Processing Guidelines for C12200

Process Recommendation
Welding Inert gas shielding (TIG/MIG) recommended to prevent high-temperature oxidation
Brazing Excellent for tube-to-tube sheet joints (standard for heat exchangers)
Cold Working Periodic annealing (500–600°C) required to restore ductility
Surface Treatment Use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid chemical corrosion
Environmental Limits Avoid prolonged use in oxidizing atmospheres or high temperatures >200°C (for continuous service)

 

FAQ

1. What is the difference between C12200 under ASTM B111 vs ASTM B88?
ASTM B111 C12200 is for seamless heat exchanger tubes with stringent flattening, expansion, and hydrostatic tests. ASTM B88 C12200 is for plumbing water tubes (Types K, L, M) with different dimensional tolerances. For condensers and heat exchangers, ASTM B111 is required.

 

2. Does C12200 comply with ASTM B111 for use in shell-and-tube heat exchangers?
Yes, C12200 is listed in ASTM B111 as an approved alloy. It requires ≥99.85% Cu, 0.015–0.040% P, ≥35% elongation, and must pass flattening/expansion tests in the O61 (annealed) temper.

 

3. What is the correct thermal conductivity of C12200?
The correct value is ~339-340 W/m·K (not 3.0 W/m·K as found in some erroneous sources). This makes C12200 one of the best thermal conductors among engineering alloys, ideal for heat exchangers.

 

4. What is the difference between C12200 and C11000 (ETP copper)?
C12200 (DHP) contains 0.015-0.040% phosphorus for deoxidation, making it weldable and brazeable. C11000 (ETP) has higher electrical conductivity (100% IACS vs 79% IACS) but cannot be welded due to hydrogen embrittlement risk.

 

5. What temper of C12200 is required under ASTM B111 for U-bend condensers?
O61 (annealed) is the only temper permitted. Annealed tubes can be bent to 1.5x-2x OD and expanded into tube sheets without cracking. Hard drawn (H80) is not allowed under ASTM B111.

 

6. What is the equivalent European standard for C12200 under EN 12451?
Cu-DHP (EN CW024A) under EN 12451 is the direct European equivalent to ASTM B111 C12200. Both cover seamless heat exchanger tubes with nearly identical requirements.

 

7. Is C12200 certified for potable water systems?
Yes, C12200 complies with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 Appendix G for drinking water systems, provided water pH is ≥6.5. GNEE can supply ASTM B88 C12200 tubes with NSF certification upon request.

 

8. What is the maximum operating temperature for C12200 in ASTM B111 service?
C12200 can be used continuously up to ~200-300°C (392-572°F) in heat exchanger service. Above 300°C, creep and oxidation accelerate. For higher temperatures, consider C70600 (copper-nickel).

 

9. What is the difference between C12200 and C14200 for heat exchanger applications?
C12200 (Cu-DHP) contains 0.015-0.040% phosphorus – standard for most heat exchangers. C14200 (arsenical copper) contains 0.15-0.50% arsenic for improved corrosion resistance in ammoniacal environments. For most water and steam applications, C12200 is sufficient.

 

10. What is the yield strength requirement for C12200 under ASTM B111?
ASTM B111 specifies a yield strength of 10–15 ksi (69–103 MPa) for C12200 in the O61 temper (0.5% extension under load). This ensures the tube can be expanded into tube sheets without cracking.

 

11. How can I get a certified mill test report for C12200 to ASTM B111 from GNEE?
GNEE provides traceable mill test reports (MTR) for all C12200 tubing supplied to ASTM B111. The report includes: chemical analysis, tensile results (yield/ultimate/elongation), flattening/expansion test results, hydrostatic test pressure, and heat number. Contact GNEE sales with your size, temper (O61), and quantity requirements.

 

Our copper product packaging

C12200 seamless copper tubing

Our copper products are carefully packed using strong wooden cases, moisture-proof paper, plastic caps for tube/pipe ends, and steel strapping to ensure protection during long-distance sea or air freight.
Each layer is separated with foam or plastic spacers to prevent scratching and deformation, while standard export seaworthy packaging meets ISPM-15 requirements. Clear product labels (grade, size, quantity, heat number) are attached to each bundle or coil, and additional anti-tarnish paper is added for high-humidity destinations to guarantee that the copper tubes, sheets, rods, wires, and strips arrive in perfect condition at your warehouse.

 

Factory Description – Production Lines & Testing Equipment

Key Equipment for Copper Tube Line
For C12200 copper tubes, we operate advanced piercing mills, plug mills, draw benches, and coil winding machines, capable of producing both straight lengths and pancake coils with smooth inner surfaces and tight tolerances.

Testing & Inspection Equipment
Our in-house quality control center is equipped with:

Optical emission spectrometer – for chemical composition analysis

Universal tensile testing machine – for tensile strength and elongation

Hardness tester (Rockwell & Vickers) – for material hardness verification

Eddy current flaw detector – for surface and subsurface defect inspection

Metallographic microscope – for grain structure and microstructure analysis

Leakage tester (air under water) – for tube airtightness testing

Micrometer and laser diameter gauge – for precise outer diameter measurement

C12200 copper tube for air conditioning

 

 

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