A copper-aluminum heat exchanger is a device that is used to regulate the air temperature (increase or decrease depending on the type of heat carrier). They are lamellar structures consisting of copper tubes and aluminum fins – plates of corrugated foil with a thickness of 0.12–0.25 mm.
Why is it worth paying attention to the copper-aluminum heat exchanger? Everything is very simple, it has such qualities as:
Excellent thermal conductivity
2. Resistant to corrosion
3. Low weight, small dimensions
4. Long period of use
5. Low cost.
Copper-aluminum heat exchangers are divided into several categories depending on the length of the period of use of the structure, structure, installation and field of application.
Water heat exchangers
Water heat exchangers are used when replacing old or obsolete ventilation systems, as well as creating systems and designing the latest ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Use water heat exchangers for 4 groups:
One – aluminum lamellas are spaced 1.8 mm apart. This type is used to increase the air temperature if it is below -10 degrees, and also act as a closer in ventilation systems.
Two rows – aluminum lamellas are spaced 1.8 or 2.2 mm. This type of use for the ventilation system
Three rows – aluminum lamellas are spaced 1.8mm apart. This type of product is used for the use of air when using a counter-flow water starting circuit.
Four rows – aluminum lamellas are spaced 2.5 mm apart. This type of product is used to reduce the air temperature in the ventilation system.
Heat exchangers for central air conditioners
They are used in a huge number of areas, from replacing an air heater in ventilation systems, ending with repairing air conditioners that are out of order. It is worth noting that these models require detailed elaboration for a specific case, and therefore are made to order, satisfying all needs.
Duct air heaters
Designed for use with duct type air ducts. In turn, they are subdivided according to the composition and number of copper tubes, the distance between aluminum lamellas and shapes:
It has two rows of copper tubes, the distance between the aluminum lamellas is 2.2 mm. Rectangular shape, used to increase the air temperature in ventilation systems.
It has three copper tubes, the distance between the aluminum lamellas is 1.8 mm. Rectangular shape, wide range of applications – can serve as a replacement for the heat exchange element of the “air curtain” system, as well as used to increase the air temperature in the ventilation system.
Special heat exchangers
The number of copper tubes is from 1 to 16, depending on the specific case, and the aluminum lamellas are at a distance of 1.8 to 8 mm.
This type of heat exchanger is huge in volume than in this type of heat exchanger. It is used both in ventilation and air conditioning systems, and in any technological installations.
Also, copper-aluminum heat exchangers are classified according to different needs and methods of operation. Simply put, for each consumer request, there is a separate type of heat exchanger designed for specific purposes, which closes this very request.
Water heaters
Water heaters are copper-aluminum heat exchangers of the liquid-to-air type, which are designed to increase the air temperature due to the very tight contact of copper tubes and aluminum fins.
The principle of operation is quite simple: copper tubes are in contact with aluminum fins, which increases the heat transfer area. This type of device allows to increase productivity, as well as to obtain suitable aerodynamic conditions in a seemingly small device. Also, in water heaters, it is not fundamental in the choice of a collector, that the edge to the user has more freedom in choosing a material, according to their pricing policy (copper or steel).
It is important to clarify that the assembly of this device allows you to completely dispose of the number of coolant circulation circuits, independently adjusting their number. Thus, you can easily select a water heater for personal operating conditions and adjust the indicators of the liquid and air components of the device.
Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of a water heater:
– The length and height of the device is completely individual, which allows you to choose a device of any size for any conditions
– Thickness of aluminum lamellas ranges from 0.10 to 0.15mm
– The distance between the aluminum lamellas (lamella PITCH) is from 1.5 to 4 mm.
– The maximum number of rows of copper tubes is 24
– The diameter of the copper tubes is 9.52 mm.
– The thickness of the copper tubes is presented in three versions: 0.28mm; 0.35mm; 0.81mm.
– The material of the collector can be either steel or copper,
depending on your price range
– The manifold is connected in two ways: standard – threaded and flanged – at the request of the client
– Water heaters for a set of heat carriers, such as: steam, freon, water, antifreeze liquids (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc.)
As you can see, water heaters are universal and can be adjusted to any needs and requirements of the client, therefore they are used in all types of exchange devices, such as: air handling units, heaters, rooftop packs, chillers, air-condensing units, air-heating units, dry coolers, compressor – condensing units, air heating units, dry coolers, fan coil units, recuperators and many other special devices.
It should also be noted that the components of water heaters have a huge number of qualities.
The copper tube used in copper-aluminum heat exchangers prevents micro-cracks from occurring on the surface of the tubes, as well as ensures perfect interaction between the tube itself and the aluminum fins. Not to mention, depending on the request, the wall thickness and other parameters of the copper tube can be adjusted.
The aluminum fins are made of high quality aluminum. The most optimal thickness of the foil of which the lamellas are composed is 0.15 mm, since at lower parameters they will simply be jammed during transportation or washing. To prevent this, you should use hard, well-shaped lamellas.
Backing the tubes – it is worth paying attention to the fact that the process of backing the tubes takes place before the device goes into operation, since this directly depends on the density of contact between the tubes and lamellas, which in turn affects the heat exchange process of the water heater.
The body of the water heater must be rigid in order to preserve the device during transportation and further operation. For these purposes, zinc or stainless steel is ideal, depending on financial capabilities.
It is also worth noting that water heaters and water coolers have a very similar design and construction, but they are used for different purposes.
Water coolers
Water coolers have exactly the same design and parameters as water heaters, however, unlike them, they are designed to cool the air rather than heat it.
The principle of operation is the same as in water heaters: copper tubes contact the lamellas, increase the heat transfer area, etc. (see the detailed principle of operation above in the section “Water heaters”)
The difference between these devices lies in the water temperature used: air heaters use water with a temperature of 70 to 95 degrees Celsius, while air coolers use water from 7 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Condensers and evaporators
A freon evaporator is a heat exchange device used to reduce the supply air temperature in ventilation systems. For its work, freon is used – a gas that is very often used in the operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Evaporator performance is very similar to water heaters and water coolers (see Water Heaters above), however there are some differences:
– The collector is made of copper
– Connecting the collector – for soldering
– The coolant used for the operation of the device is freon.
There are also additional features.
The droplet separator, usually made of galvanized or stainless steel, prevents moisture from entering the ventilation systems and the unit itself. It works as follows: plastic blades effectively “catch” and separate flying water droplets in a strong stream, while showing minimal resistance to the flow itself, which does not affect the operation of the device in any way.
A pan made from an internal installation, designed to collect condensate from the drip catcher and cooler and further transport it to the drainage system. It is worth noting that the pallet can be made both according to a standard sample and individually for a personal case.
As you can see from the above, copper-aluminum heat exchangers are the perfect choice for your application. They combine high-quality materials, conducive and effective, a wide range of changes in characteristics for individual cases, the ability to customize your personal device, starting from the price range and dimensions, completely by the scope of application.
If you are still thinking about which heat exchanger is right for you, we recommend paying attention to the copper-aluminum models!