What are installed in a pipe run to provide extra flexibility between anchors and accommodate thermal growth and contraction?

Expansion loops are specifically designed to provide extra flexibility in a pipe run, accommodating the thermal growth and contraction that occurs due to temperature changes. When a pipe heats up, it expands, and when it cools down, it contracts. This movement can lead to stress on the pipe and associated fittings if not properly managed.

By incorporating expansion loops in the system, the design allows for movement without causing damage to the piping system or connections. The loops create a bend in the pipe, which can absorb the linear expansion and contraction, effectively reducing the strain on the anchors and other supporting structures. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the piping system and ensuring efficient operation, especially in systems that experience variable temperatures, such as heating and cooling systems.

The other options—trapeze hangers, heat exchangers, and steam traps—serve different purposes. Trapeze hangers are used for supporting pipe runs rather than accommodating movement, heat exchangers facilitate heat transfer between fluids, and steam traps control the release of condensate in steam systems. None of these fulfill the role of managing thermal expansion and contraction like expansion loops do.