Capillary tubes play a critical, albeit inconspicuous, role in refrigeration technology. Acting as a microscopic flow regulator, this thin tube is fundamental to achieving efficient cooling.
Definition and Key Characteristics
A capillary tube is fundamentally a tube with a very small inner diameter. Typical inner diameters range from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and can be as fine as 0.1 mm in specialized applications. This minute bore gives it several defining features:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Significant Flow Restriction | The small diameter creates high fluid resistance, producing a pronounced throttling (pressure drop) effect crucial for regulating refrigerant flow. |
| Simple & Reliable Structure | Having no moving mechanical parts, it offers high reliability, stability, and low maintenance. |
| Cost-Effective | Its simple design leads to low manufacturing costs, enabling widespread use. |
| Strong Adaptability | It can be adapted for use with various refrigerants and across a range of operating conditions. |
Primary Function in Refrigeration Systems
In refrigeration systems, the capillary tube serves primarily as a fixed-area throttling (or expansion) device. Its core functions are:
Throttling and Pressure Reduction: It causes a significant pressure drop in the refrigerant, lowering its temperature before it enters the evaporator.
Flow Regulation: It meters and controls the rate of refrigerant flow into the evaporator based on system conditions.
System Pressure Equalization: After the compressor stops, it allows high-side and low-side pressures to equalize, reducing starting load for the next cycle.
Common Types and Selection
Capillary tubes come in different configurations for various applications:
Straight Capillary Tube: Constant inner diameter. Used in simple, single-evaporator systems with stable operating conditions.
Coiled Capillary Tube: Wound into a spiral. Saves space and is common in compact appliances like household refrigerators.
Multi-Port Capillary Tube: Features multiple outlets along its length. Designed for systems with multiple evaporators or complex circuits.
Selection factors include refrigerant type, system operating conditions (condensing and evaporating temperatures), required cooling capacity, and installation space constraints.
In summary, the capillary tube is a master of microscopic control within refrigeration systems. Through its simple yet effective design, it provides reliable throttling, precise flow regulation, and contributes significantly to the system's overall efficiency and stability.
Our product range
| Product Category | Product Name | Common Standard Grades | Key Specifications (Typical) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes / Pipes | • Straight & Coiled Tubes • Refrigeration Tubes • Capillary Tubes • Heat Exchanger Tubes |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C12200 (DHP Phosphorous Copper) C12000 (DLP Phosphorous Copper) EN 12735-1: CU-DHP JIS H3300: C1220, C1100 |
Standards: ASTM B75, B88, B280, EN 12735 OD: 3mm - 300mm Wall Thickness: 0.3mm - 10mm Condition: Annealed (O), Hard (H) |
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| Copper Sheets / Plates | • Hot Rolled Plates • Cold Rolled Sheets • Cut-to-Size Blanks |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper) C26000 (Cartridge Brass) C70600 (90-10 CuNi) |
Standards: ASTM B152, B465 Thickness: 0.5mm - 50mm (Plates: >3mm) Width: up to 1500mm Length: up to 4000mm or custom Condition: Rolled, annealed, mill finish |
|
| Copper Rods / Bars | • Round, Square, Hexagonal Rods • Copper Alloy Rods • Precision Ground Bars |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass) C26000 (Cartridge Brass) C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper) C17200 (Beryllium Copper) |
Standards: ASTM B187, B301, EN 12163, 12164 Diameter: 2mm - 200mm Length: Straight bars up to 6m, coils available Condition: Drawn, extruded, annealed |
|
| Copper Wires | • Bare Copper Wire (Hard/Soft) • Enamelled (Magnet) Wire • Stranded & Bunched Wires • Braided Wires & Flexibles |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper) C10100 (C-OF Copper) Grade: 1/2 Hard, 1/4 Hard, Soft |
Standards: ASTM B1, B2, B3, IEC 60228 Diameter: 0.05mm - 12mm (bare) Conductivity: 100% IACS min. Packaging: Spools, coils, drums |
|
| Copper Foils | • Rolled Strips (in Coils) • Thin Foils • Connector Alloy Strips |
C11000 (ETP Copper) C26000 (Cartridge Brass) C19210 (Phosphor Bronze, 1.0%) C26800 (Yellow Brass) |
Standards: ASTM B152, B465, EN 1652 Thickness: 0.05mm - 3.0mm (Strips), <0.05mm (Foil) Width: 10mm - 600mm (typical coil width) Condition: Hard (H), 1/2 Hard, Soft (O), rolled temper |
Our factory
We are a specialized manufacturing factory with integrated production capabilities for copper and copper alloy products, including tubes, rods, bars, plates, sheets, strips, and wires. Our facility is equipped with modern production lines featuring extrusion presses, continuous casting machines, precision rolling mills, drawing benches, and controlled annealing furnaces, enabling us to control the entire process from raw material to finished product. Supported by an in-house laboratory for quality assurance and compliant with international standards (ASTM, EN, JIS), we provide customized solutions, reliable packaging, and efficient export logistics to serve global clients in HVAC&R, electrical, automotive, and industrial sectors.
copper product packaging
We take great care in packaging to ensure our copper products arrive in perfect condition. Standard packaging includes moisture-resistant materials, sturdy wooden crates or pallets, and protective corner guards to prevent damage during transit. For products requiring enhanced protection against oxidation, such as high-purity copper tubes or finely finished surfaces, we also offer optional nitrogen-purged (inert gas) packaging upon request. This service effectively minimizes surface oxidation during long-distance shipping or storage, ensuring your products maintain their optimal quality upon arrival.
