Carbon steel pipes are widely used in construction, industry, and various infrastructure projects. Their strength, durability, and affordable cost make them a frequent choice for many applications.Carbon steel pipe is made from an alloy of iron and carbon. It’s a strong, durable material resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Because of its strength and ability to withstand stress, carbon steel pipe is used in a variety of heavy-duty industries.In this article, we will explore the standard dimensions of carbon steel pipes, their uses, and key factors to consider when selecting them.
Standard Carbon Steel Pipe Dimensions
Carbon steel pipe dimensions are generally specified by Nominal Diameter (DN) and wall thickness. These measurements help identify the main characteristics of the pipes, such as the outside diameter, inside diameter, and pressure resistance.
Nominal Diameter and Thickness
The nominal diameter (DN) indicates the approximate size of the inside of the pipe. On the other hand, wall thickness varies depending on the application and is classified into several categories:
SCH 10, SCH 20,
SCH 40 (standard)
SCH 80 (extra strong)
SCH 160 (reinforced)
For example, a pipe with DN 100 and SCH 40 has an outer diameter of 114.3 mm and a thickness of 6.02 mm.
Metric Equivalents
In many countries, dimensions are expressed in the metric system. For example:
DN 50 is equivalent to an outer diameter of 60.3 mm.
DN 200 translates to an outer diameter of 219.1 mm.
These measurements facilitate the selection of pipes in global projects.
Key Factors in Pipe Selection
Selecting the right pipes for a project requires evaluating several factors. These include the purpose, environmental conditions, and technical requirements.
Pressure and Flow
The choice of wall thickness directly depends on the pressure of the fluid that the pipe will transport. For example, in high-pressure systems, thicker pipes are recommended, such as SCH 80 or SCH 160.
Material and Strength
Carbon steel stands out for its resistance to impacts and mechanical loads. However, it may be necessary to apply protective coatings in corrosive or humid environments.
International Standards
It is important to ensure that the pipes comply with the established standards. Some of the most common are:
ASTM A53: Ideal for fluid transport and structural applications.
API 5L: Specific for pipes in the oil and gas industry.
DIN/EN: Used in European markets.
Common Applications of Different Dimensions
Carbon steel pipes are used in multiple sectors depending on their size and thickness. Below are some of their main applications:
Small Diameter Pipes (DN 15 – DN 50)
Used in plumbing and heating systems.
Ideal for transporting water and light fluids.
Medium Diameter Pipes (DN 65 – DN 300)
Common in industrial installations.
Suitable for gas or steam distribution systems.
Large Diameter Pipes (DN 350 and Above)
Used in infrastructure and oil transportation projects.
Resistant to high volumes and extreme pressures.
Importance of Consulting Dimension Tables
Consulting a dimension table helps ensure that the selected pipes meet the specific needs of each project. These tables include detailed information on the outer diameter, wall thickness, and allowable tolerances.
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Nominal size (NPS)
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OD
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Welded & Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe to ASME B36.10M
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All dimensions are in mm
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Pipe Schedule
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DN
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NPS
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mm
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10
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20
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30
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40
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Std
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60
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80
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XS
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100
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120
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140
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160
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XXS
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6
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1/8
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10.3
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1.24
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1.45
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1.73
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1.73
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|
2.41
|
2.41
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|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
1/4
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13.7
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1.65
|
|
1.85
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2.24
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2.24
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|
3.02
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3.02
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|
|
|
|
|
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10
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3/8
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17.1
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1.65
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|
1.85
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2.31
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2.31
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3.2
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3.2
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|
|
|
|
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15
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1/2
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21.3
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2.11
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|
2.41
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2.77
|
2.77
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|
3.73
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3.73
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|
|
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4.78
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7.47
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20
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3/4
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26.7
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2.11
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|
2.41
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2.87
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2.87
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|
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3.91
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|
|
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5.56
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7.82
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25
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1
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33.4
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2.77
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|
2.9
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3.38
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3.38
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4.55
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4.55
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|
|
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6.35
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9.09
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32
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11/4
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42.2
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2.77
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|
2.97
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3.56
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3.56
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4.85
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4.85
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|
|
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6.35
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9.7
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40
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11/2
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48.3
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2.77
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3.18
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3.68
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3.68
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5.08
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5.08
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7.14
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10.15
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50
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2
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60.3
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2.77
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3.18
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3.91
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3.91
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5.54
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5.54
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|
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8.74
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11.07
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65
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2/21
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73
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3.05
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4.78
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5.16
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5.16
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7.01
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7.01
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|
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9.53
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14.02
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80
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3
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88.9
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3.05
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4.78
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5.49
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5.49
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7.62
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7.62
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11.13
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15.24
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90
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31/2
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101.6
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3.05
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4.78
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5.74
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5.74
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8.08
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8.08
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100
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4
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114.3
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3.05
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4.78
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6.02
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6.02
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8.56
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8.56
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11.13
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13.49
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17.12
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125
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5
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141.3
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3.4
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|
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6.55
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6.55
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|
9.53
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9.53
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|
12.7
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|
15.88
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19.05
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150
|
6
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168.3
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3.4
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|
|
7.11
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7.11
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|
10.97
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10.97
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|
14.27
|
|
18.26
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21.95
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|
200
|
8
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219.1
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3.76
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6.35
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7.04
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8.18
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8.18
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10.31
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12.7
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12.7
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15.09
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18.26
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20.62
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23.01
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22.23
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250
|
10
|
273
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4.19
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6.35
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7.8
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9.27
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9.27
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12.7
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15.09
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12.7
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18.26
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21.44
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25.4
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28.58
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25.4
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300
|
12
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323.8
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4.57
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6.35
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8.38
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10.31
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9.53
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14.27
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17.48
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12.7
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21.44
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25.4
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28.58
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33.32
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25.4
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350
|
14
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355.6
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6.35
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7.92
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9.53
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11.13
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9.53
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15.09
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19.05
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12.7
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23.83
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27.79
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31.75
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35.71
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|
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400
|
16
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406.4
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6.35
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7.92
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9.53
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12.7
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9.53
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16.66
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21.44
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12.7
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26.19
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30.96
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36.53
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40.49
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|
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450
|
18
|
457
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6.35
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7.92
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11.13
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14.27
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9.53
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19.05
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23.83
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12.7
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29.36
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34.93
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39.67
|
45.24
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|
|
500
|
20
|
508
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6.35
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9.53
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12.7
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15.09
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9.53
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20.62
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26.19
|
12.7
|
32.54
|
38.1
|
44.45
|
50.01
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|
|
550
|
22
|
559
|
6.35
|
9.53
|
12.7
|
|
9.53
|
22.23
|
28.58
|
12.7
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34.93
|
41.28
|
47.63
|
53.98
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|
|
600
|
24
|
610
|
6.35
|
9.53
|
14.27
|
17.48
|
9.53
|
24.61
|
30.96
|
12.7
|
38.89
|
46.02
|
52.37
|
59.54
|
|
|
650
|
26
|
660
|
7.92
|
12.7
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
700
|
28
|
711
|
7.92
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12.7
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15.88
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
750
|
30
|
762
|
7.92
|
12.7
|
15.88
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
800
|
32
|
813
|
7.92
|
12.7
|
15.88
|
17.48
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
850
|
34
|
864
|
7.92
|
12.7
|
15.88
|
17.48
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
900
|
36
|
914
|
7.92
|
12.7
|
15.88
|
19.05
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
950
|
38
|
965
|
|
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1000
|
40
|
1016
|
|
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1050
|
42
|
1067
|
|
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1100
|
44
|
1118
|
|
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1150
|
46
|
1168
|
|
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1200
|
48
|
1219
|
|
|
|
|
9.53
|
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
|
|
|