Jan 07, 2026 Leave a message

Guidelines for Selecting Copper Tubes in Large Water-Cooled Chiller Units

Common Copper Tube Models Used in Large Water-Cooled Chiller Units

There are various types of copper tubes commonly used in large water-cooled chiller units. The following are some typical examples:

Condenser Copper Tubes: Diameters of 6 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, and 16 mm.

Evaporator Copper Tubes: Diameters of 7.94 mm, 9.52 mm, 12.7 mm, and 15.88 mm.

Header/Pipe Copper Tubes: Diameters of 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/8 inch, and 1-3/8 inch.

 

Characteristics of Copper Tubes and Selection Recommendations

Diameter Size
The diameter determines the heat transfer capacity of the copper tube. Generally, a larger diameter provides stronger heat transfer capability. However, excessively large diameters may lead to increased hydraulic resistance. Therefore, the selection should be based on practical conditions.

 

Wall Thickness
The wall thickness directly affects the strength and corrosion resistance of the copper tube. Generally, thicker walls make the tube more robust and durable but also increase costs. When selecting copper tubes, factors such as the operating environment of the unit and budget constraints should be considered.

 

Material
Copper tube materials include C12200, C12000, C10200, C44300, C68700, among others. Among these, C12200 and C12000 are commonly used.

C12200 offers good thermal conductivity and machinability, making it suitable for copper tubes used as heat transfer media in units.

C12000 provides excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, making it suitable for headers, condenser tubes, and other locations requiring pressure and corrosion resistance.

 

Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of copper tubes significantly impacts their performance and quality. Typically, the inner walls of copper tubes undergo processes such as annealing and cleaning to ensure smoothness, prevent scaling, and enhance heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, when selecting copper tubes, it is crucial to evaluate the supplier's manufacturing processes and quality assurance measures.

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Our product range

Product Category Key Product Forms Common Standards (Examples) Typical Applications / Features
Copper Rods & Bars Round Rods, Square Bars, Hexagonal Bars ASTM B187, C11000, C10200; EN 12163-66; JIS H3250 Electrical conductors, machined parts, connectors, hardware. Available in various tempers (soft, hard).
Copper Tubes & Pipes Seamless Tubes, Straight Lengths, Coils (for flexible tubes) ASTM B75, B280, B88; EN 12735; JIS H3300 Plumbing, HVAC/R, heat exchangers, medical gas lines, hydraulic systems.
Copper Plates & Sheets Plates (>6mm thickness), Sheets (<6mm thickness) ASTM B152, C11000; EN 1652; JIS H3100 Architectural cladding, industrial fabrication, grounding plates, chemical processing.
Copper Strips & Foils Strips, Rolls, Precision Foils ASTM B272, C11000; EN 1652; JIS H3100 Electrical contacts, transformers, shielding, gaskets, decorative inlays.
Copper Wires Bare Copper Wire, Stranded Wire, Busbars ASTM B1, B3, B187; EN 13601; JIS H3260 Windings, cables, busbars, fasteners, welding electrodes.

 

Our factory

We are a specialized manufacturer of premium copper products, including rods, tubes, plates, bars, wires, and strips. Our factory strictly adheres to international standards such as ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB, ensuring material compliance for global markets. Equipped with modern production lines-including continuous casting for rods, cold drawing machines for tubes, and precision rolling mills for strips-we maintain tight control over dimensions and tolerances. Every batch undergoes rigorous in-house testing using spectrometers for chemical composition, tensile testers for mechanical properties, and eddy current testers for defect detection. Our dedicated quality lab guarantees traceable, reliable products for electrical, automotive, and engineering applications worldwide. 

Annealed Copper Tube

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