The expansion process is a key design elements in mechanically expanded tube and fin heat exchangers. At Hydro Aluminium Precision Tubing, we are aware of this and therefore provide our knowledge and experience to bring success.
- Expansion of copper vs. aluminium tubes
The different tensile strength of copper compared to aluminium dictates the aluminium drop-in solution to have an increased wall thickness compared to the copper tube it replaces, in order to maintain a certain burst pressure. In spite of the increased wall thickness, Hydro’s precision aluminium tubes provide excellent expansion properties both in grooved and smooth versions.
- Expansion of hairpins in all aluminium heat exchangers
|
|
| Hygroove before and after expansion (Aluminium alloy HA9134). |
Mechanical assembling of copper hairpins in exchangers has been a standard process in the HVACR industry for decades. For a long time, the same technology has also been frequently used on aluminium hairpins used in all-aluminium heat exchangers. The process takes place by expanding the hairpins by means of a bullet of suitable size. The hairpin then connects tightly with the aluminium fin collars and ensures the thermal conductivity between tube and fin.
- Hygroove - grooved aluminium tubes for the HVACR industry
Following up on years of successful use of smooth aluminium tubes in the HVACR industry, Hydro has developed grooved aluminium tubes in order to satisfy the demands of HVACR customers who desire an aluminium drop-in solution for grooved copper tubes. After continuous research in the field of groove deformation behavior during expansion, Hydro has developed a portfolio of Hygroove tubes that offers the HVACR industry an aluminium drop-in solution for copper tubes.
