Hydro aluminium tubes and products that can be used in mechanically expanded tube and fin heat exchanger:
As illustrated, the aluminium tubes are first inserted into a stack of fins. The tubes are pre-bended in hair-pin shape. After insertion, the tubes are expanded. The expansion secures the thermal contact between tube and fin. Afterwards, U-bends are brazed to the tubes.
Compared to a traditional HVACR copper tube/aluminium fin heat exchanger, this provides:
- A lighter heat exchanger
- Better corrosion resistance, due to a better galvanic balance of the materials
- More cost-effective heat exchanger
