What Is Copper Alloy 122?
Copper Alloy 122 (UNS C12200) is a phosphorus-deoxidized copper alloy containing a minimum of 99.90% copper with a small addition of phosphorus ranging from 0.015% to 0.040%. The phosphorus removes residual oxygen during the melting process, resulting in improved welding performance and eliminating the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
Chemical Composition of Copper Alloy 122
The chemical composition of Copper Alloy 122 is specified by ASTM and other international standards to ensure consistent mechanical properties and manufacturing performance.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu + Ag) | 99.90% Min |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.015%–0.040% |
| Oxygen | Very Low (Deoxidized) |
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1,083°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | Approx. 85% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | Approx. 330 W/(m·K) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 17 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
| Elastic Modulus | 110 GPa |
Mechanical Properties of Copper Alloy 122
| Property | Annealed (Soft) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 220–260 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 70 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | 45–65 HV |
International Standards & Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | C12200 | Deoxidized High Phosphorus Copper |
| ASTM | C12200 | Used in ASTM B75, B88, B280, B111 and other specifications |
| EN | CW024A | Phosphorus-deoxidized copper |
| EN | Cu-DHP | European material designation |
| ISO | Cu-DHP | International designation |
| JIS | C1220 | Japanese Industrial Standard |
| GB/T (China) | TP2 | Phosphorus-deoxidized copper tube grade |
Common ASTM Standards for C12200
| ASTM Standard | Product | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM B88 | Seamless Copper Water Tube | Potable water and plumbing systems |
| ASTM B75 | Seamless Copper Tube | General engineering and industrial use |
| ASTM B280 | ACR Copper Tube | Air conditioning and refrigeration |
| ASTM B111 | Seamless Condenser Tube | Heat exchangers and condensers |
| ASTM B251 | General Copper Tube | Industrial piping |
| ASTM B152 | Copper Sheet & Plate | Fabrication and equipment manufacturing |
Copper Alloy 122 Available Forms
| Product Form | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Copper Tube | Plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration |
| Copper Pipe | Water supply and industrial pipelines |
| Copper Coil | Air conditioning and refrigeration |
| Copper Rod | Electrical and machining components |
| Copper Bar | Busbars and mechanical parts |
| Copper Plate | Pressure vessels and fabrication |
| Copper Sheet | Industrial equipment |
| Copper Strip | Electrical connectors and transformers |
| Copper Wire | Electrical applications |
| Copper Fittings | Plumbing and piping systems |
Manufacturing Process
Typical Applications of Copper Alloy 122
HVAC & Refrigeration
Copper Alloy 122 is widely used for air conditioning tubing, refrigeration lines, evaporators, condensers, and heat pump systems where efficient heat transfer is essential.
Typical Products: ASTM B280 Copper Tube, Copper Coil
Heat Exchangers & Condensers
High thermal conductivity makes Copper Alloy 122 an ideal material for shell-and-tube heat exchangers, condensers, and industrial cooling equipment.
Typical Products: ASTM B111 Copper Tube
Industrial Process Piping
Chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, and processing equipment use C12200 piping to transport water, compressed air, and non-aggressive process fluids.
Typical Products: ASTM B75 Copper Tube
Medical Gas Systems
Copper Alloy 122 is widely specified for oxygen, nitrogen, and medical gas distribution systems because of its cleanliness, corrosion resistance, and reliable brazed joints.
Typical Products: Medical Grade Copper Tube
Marine & Offshore Equipment
In controlled marine environments, Copper Alloy 122 is used in freshwater piping, cooling systems, and auxiliary equipment where corrosion resistance is important.
Typical Products: Copper Pipe and Copper Tube
Copper Alloy 122 vs Other Copper Grades
C12200 vs C11000 Copper
| Property | C12200 | C11000 |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Content | ≥99.90% | ≥99.90% |
| Phosphorus | 0.015–0.040% | None |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~85% IACS | ~100% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weldability | Excellent | Fair |
| Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Typical Applications | Plumbing, HVAC, Heat Exchangers | Electrical Conductors, Busbars |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose C12200 if your application involves brazing, welding, water systems, refrigeration, or heat transfer.
Choose C11000 if maximum electrical conductivity is the primary requirement.
C12200 vs C12000 Copper
Both C12200 and C12000 belong to the phosphorus-deoxidized copper family, but they contain different phosphorus levels and are intended for slightly different applications.
| Property | C12200 | C12000 |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Content | ≥99.90% | ≥99.90% |
| Phosphorus Content | Higher | Lower |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good |
| Thermal Conductivity | Excellent | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Pressure Piping | Excellent | Good |
| Typical Applications | Copper Tube, Pipe, Heat Exchanger | Electrical Components, General Engineering |
For plumbing systems, HVAC equipment, refrigeration tubing, and industrial pipelines, C12200 is generally the preferred material because of its superior welding reliability.
Common Specifications of C12200 Copper Tubes
| Standard | Product Type | Main Application |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM B88 | Seamless Water Tube | Potable Water Systems |
| ASTM B75 | General Seamless Tube | Industrial Applications |
| ASTM B280 | ACR Copper Tube | Air Conditioning & Refrigeration |
| ASTM B111 | Condenser Tube | Heat Exchangers & Condensers |
| EN 12735 | Refrigeration Tube | HVAC Systems |
| JIS H3300 | Copper Tube | General Industrial Use |
Typical Supply Range
| Item | Available Range |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | 3 mm–219 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.3 mm–15 mm |
| Length | Up to 12 m or Custom |
| Temper | Soft (O), Half-Hard (H58), Hard |
| Surface Finish | Bright Annealed, Mill Finish, Polished |
| Manufacturing Method | Seamless / Drawn |
Inspection & Quality Control
Dimensional Inspection
Eddy Current Testing System
Hardness Test
Mechanical Property Testing
Chemical Composition Analysis
Each heat is analyzed using a direct-reading spectrometer to verify copper purity and phosphorus content, ensuring compliance with applicable material standards.
Mechanical Property Testing
Tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and hardness are tested to confirm that the material meets the specified temper and mechanical requirements.
Dimensional Inspection
Outside diameter, wall thickness, straightness, length, and ovality are inspected using calibrated measuring instruments to ensure precise dimensional tolerances.
Eddy Current Testing
Non-destructive eddy current testing is performed on seamless copper tubes to detect surface and subsurface defects without damaging the product.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Pressure tubes can be hydrostatically tested to verify their ability to withstand the specified working pressure without leakage.
Visual Surface Inspection
Each tube is visually inspected for dents, scratches, cracks, oxidation, and other surface imperfections before shipment.
Material Traceability
Every production batch is assigned a unique identification number, allowing complete traceability from raw material to finished product.
Packaging & Shipping
Depending on the product type and customer requirements, Copper Alloy 122 products can be supplied with:
Plastic end caps for tube protection
PE film wrapping to prevent surface scratches
Waterproof kraft paper packaging
Bubble film for additional impact protection
Bundles secured with steel or plastic straps
Fumigation-free plywood cases
Wooden export crates for heavy products
Palletized packaging for container loading
FAQ
1. What is Copper Alloy 122?
Copper Alloy 122, also known as UNS C12200 or DHP (Deoxidized High Phosphorus) Copper, is a high-purity copper alloy containing a small amount of phosphorus. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and thermal conductivity, making it one of the most widely used materials for plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and heat exchanger applications.
2. What is the difference between C12200 and C11000 copper?
The main difference is the oxygen content. C11000 is an oxygen-bearing copper with higher electrical conductivity, while C12200 is phosphorus-deoxidized copper that provides superior weldability and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. For piping, heat exchangers, and refrigeration systems, C12200 is generally the preferred choice.
3. Is Copper Alloy 122 suitable for drinking water systems?
Yes. Copper Alloy 122 is widely used in potable water systems because of its excellent corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and long service life. It is commonly manufactured according to ASTM B88 for residential, commercial, and municipal plumbing applications.
4. Can Copper Alloy 122 be welded or brazed?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of Copper Alloy 122 is its excellent weldability and brazability. The phosphorus added during production eliminates the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, allowing reliable welded and brazed joints in piping and refrigeration systems.
5. What standards are available for Copper Alloy 122 products?
Copper Alloy 122 can be manufactured to several international standards, including:
ASTM B88
ASTM B75
ASTM B280
ASTM B111
EN 12735
JIS H3300
The appropriate standard depends on the intended application and product type.
6. What products can be manufactured from Copper Alloy 122?
Copper Alloy 122 is available in a wide variety of forms, including:
Copper Tubes
Copper Pipes
Copper Coils
Copper Rods
Copper Bars
Copper Sheets
Copper Plates
Copper Strips
Copper Wires
Copper Fittings
Custom dimensions and OEM manufacturing are also available.
7. What industries commonly use Copper Alloy 122?
Copper Alloy 122 is widely used in:
Plumbing and potable water systems
HVAC and refrigeration
Heat exchangers and condensers
Medical gas pipelines
Industrial process piping
Marine auxiliary systems
Solar thermal equipment
General engineering and fabrication
8. What sizes of Copper Alloy 122 tubes are available?
Standard supply ranges typically include:
Outside Diameter: 3 mm–219 mm
Wall Thickness: 0.3 mm–15 mm
Length: Standard or custom cut-to-length
Custom sizes can be manufactured according to customer drawings or project specifications.
9. Do you provide Mill Test Certificates?
Yes. All Copper Alloy 122 products can be supplied with EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates. Additional documentation such as SGS inspection reports, PMI reports, and third-party inspection certificates can also be provided upon request.
