Analysis of the Core Functions of Copper Tubes in Heat Exchangers and the Advantages of Brass

Copper Alloy Tubes For Heat Exchangers PDF

1. Outstanding Heat Transfer Efficiency

Copper's thermal conductivity reaches 401 W/(m·K), far exceeding that of metals like stainless steel. In plate and shell-and-tube heat exchangers, copper tubes enable rapid heat exchange between media, increasing heat transfer per unit time by over 30%.

2. Excellent Environmental Adaptability

The dense oxide film formed on the copper tube surface resists corrosion in media with a pH of 6-8. Brass tubes with zinc additions (such as H68 and H70) exhibit pitting corrosion resistance 2-3 times greater than pure copper in chloride-containing environments.

3. Manufacturing Process Advantages

Copper tubes have an elongation exceeding 50% and can be cold-formed into heat-enhancing structures such as spiral grooves and internal threads. During brazing, the wetting angle between the copper tube and silver-based solder is less than 15°, significantly reducing process complexity.

1. Adjustable Alloy Properties

By adjusting the zinc content (30-40%), a series of brasses with tensile strengths of 380-500 MPa can be achieved. Admiralty brass (CuZn20Al2) combines seawater corrosion resistance with high strength.

2. Lifecycle Cost

Compared to titanium alloys, brass procurement costs are 60% lower, and the scrap recycling rate exceeds 90%. Over a 10-year lifecycle, maintenance costs are only one-third of those of stainless steel systems.

3. Matched Mechanical Properties

Typical brass tubes (such as H62) have a fatigue strength of 150 MPa and can withstand pulsating pressures of 0.8-1.5 MPa, fully meeting the operating requirements of equipment such as refrigeration units.

For high temperatures (>200°C) or strong acid environments, new copper-nickel alloys (B10 and B30) are gradually replacing traditional brass. Their corrosion resistance is five times greater while maintaining 85% thermal conductivity, representing the future direction of technological development.

 

 

GNEE METAL

GNEE is a leading company specializing in the export of copper tubes. We specialize in producing high-quality copper tubes for heat exchangers. Our main grades include C11000, C12200, C44300, C68700, and C70600. Our products are widely used in the refrigeration, HVAC, and power industries.

We are equipped with advanced automated equipment, including continuous casting units, precision rolling mills, and internal thread forming machines, to ensure product accuracy and consistency. We utilize testing equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers and eddy current flaw detectors to maintain strict quality control, ensuring our products meet international standards such as ASTM and JIS.

Contact us today for a quotation：sales@gneesteel.com