Copper pipes are one of the most suitable solutions for air conditioning systems. Products are durable, corrosion resistant, are resistant to various external influences and have high strength. The copper pipe has a small weight, and well withstands high pressure and various temperatures. The breadth of the range of elements for air conditioning allows you to choose the most suitable diameter.
Safety and environmental friendliness of copper pipes determine their use in air conditioning systems
The main types of copper pipes
The scope of use of copper products is quite large. They are used as a pipeline for the supply and transportation of corrosive liquids and gaseous substances. Because other types of materials are not able to compete with similar metal, that is, the air-conditioned copper pipe is the connecting link between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit when transporting the refrigerant. The substance in turn undergoes the stage of evaporation / condensation, in which there is an absorption / energy release.
There are annealed and unannealed elements. The first variant of a pipe for the conditioner is distinguished by higher technical characteristics. Annealed products are able to withstand significant pressure without deformation and have increased flexibility.
pay attention! Annealed copper pipe, which can be used for air conditioners, is issued by footage 15-50 meters, has strength 210-220 thousand. KPa and breaking elongation from 50 to 60 percent.
Unfired copper pipes for air conditioners are supplied with rods and have strength 280-300 thousand. KPa, breaking elongation from 10 to 15 percent. The required diameter is selected based on the power of the device - the larger it is, the higher the level of refrigerant. Buying copper tubes for air conditioning systems, it is important to pay attention to the presence of plastic plugs at their ends. They prevent high humidity, rubbish, dust and dirt.
Pipes in bays are annealed products, they are more flexible, than unfired
Diameter and dimensions of copper tubes for air conditioning
The main indicators for the selection of the necessary products are the diameters of copper pipes for air conditioners. The speed of circulation of refrigerant on system depends on their size. in addition, competently defined section will significantly reduce the pressure loss in the units, which cool the air.
Copper structures have a diameter of 0,6 to 26,7 centimeters. The standard is given 26 standard sizes of pipes. Elements are usually used in climatic technology 19,05; 6,35; 12,7; 9,52 and 15,88 millimeters, that corresponds 3/4,?,?, 3/8 and 5/8 in. The standard minimum value of the wall thickness of the product for climatic equipment - 0,7 mm, however, in the general case, the parameter can range from half a millimeter to 0,3 cm. Sales of copper products can be performed in segments 2 meters or in bays on 25, 15 or 50 meters .
The size and diameter of a suitable tube is determined by the design features of the climate device, pipes and fittings which require products of only certain dimensions and wall thicknesses. Most air conditioning elements are designed for cross-section 6-16 millimeters.
Features of elements in isolation
Copper tubes in some cases are placed in an additional insulating channel. This solution is used when it is necessary to completely eliminate the possibility of freezing or overheating of the liquid or gas, moving on highways.
To prevent condensation in large quantities, pipes with insulating material should be used
pay attention! During the operation of climatic equipment there is abundant condensation. The use of copper pipe in insulation for air conditioners eliminates the risk of its accumulation in critically large volumes.
The protective flap is a black tubular product approximately 2 meters, made of foam rubber (nonporous) or special polyethylene. It protects the network well when temperatures are scattered from -150 ° C to +150 ° C. For comparison: thermal conductivity of copper - 0,394 kw / (m * TO), and insulation - 36 mW / (m * TO).
The insulated pipeline allows to reduce the consumption of refrigerant and, Consequently, electricity, because unprotected thin-walled copper can lose a lot of temperature.
Advantages and installation of products
Copper elements, used in air conditioning systems, characterized by such advantages:
- increased strength properties;
- resistance to corrosion;
- light weight, which facilitates laying, transportation and installation of products;
- high flexibility and ductility of annealed tubes;
- very smooth inner surface;
- antibacterial properties;
- ability to withstand significant internal pressure, vibration loads and temperature fluctuations;
- ultraviolet resistance;
- service life - several decades;
- simple installation process.
in addition, such constructions are easily processed without possible deformations with preservation of initial indicators of sections. Tools for cutting metal elements are usually not used during installation, because shavings, which is formed by spraying, may enter the cooling system and disable the equipment. For this reason, they are applicable for fastening parts 2 basic methods:
- soldering;
- fittings.
Pipes can be connected by soldering or by means of press fittings and special pliers
Because the solder has a low melting point, then when joining copper elements you can do with a simple gas burner. However, in order to eliminate the risk of refrigerant leakage in climatic equipment, it is better to use capillary high-temperature technique. Such soldering is more reliable.
Some world manufacturers of air conditioning tubes
Among the most common manufacturers of copper elements for air conditioning systems can be identified Majdanpek, Halcor, Wieland, Sevojno, FOMA (Italy), Fridge (Austria), Hetcu and KME (Germany), CYPORI OY (Finland) and other.
Majdanpek specializes in the production of industrial and installation products, made of deoxidized high-phosphorous copper brand C12200 or Cu-DHP. Guaranteed Cu content> 99,9%; phosphorus - from 0,015 to 0,040 percent. The produced channels have an outer diameter of 5 to 75 mm with wall thickness from 0,35 to 2,5 millimeters in solid, soft and semi-hard states.
Halcor is one of the largest manufacturers of this product, which includes 8 factories and 18 companies. Product quality is certified by NSF organizations, AFNOR, GUEST, BSI, ZIK, NSAI, AENOR.
pay attention! Product, manufactured copper products are characterized by improved shape stability, low thermal expansion and chemical inertness against R407C refrigerants, R134A, R410A, R404A.
The Wieland Group is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty items. There is a cuprofrio series for air conditioning tubes. Products are made according to the EN standard 12735 and have a diameter of 6 to 104 mm. Such pipes are equipped with plugs at the ends, easily prepared for installation on site and have a very clean and dry inner surface.
Sevojno produces copper ducts for gas and water according to EN standards 1057, for air conditioners and cooling systems - according to EN 12735. Copper content more 99,9 percent, phosphorus - 0,015-0,04%.
Leading manufacturers of copper pipes guarantee the quality and compliance of their products with accepted standards
Nuances of laying and welding elements
The technology of laying copper pipes in air conditioning systems can be divided into the following stages:
- route marking indicating the location of outdoor and indoor units;
- additional work (example, grouting of walls, if necessary);
- laying the route.
Usually, the copper pipeline is placed in a special box. The drainage channel for condensate drainage must be inclined. If the original products are not pre-insulated, then their insulation is performed. There are gas and liquid highway. The first feeds gaseous substance from the compressor to the condenser and from the evaporator to the compressor, the second - feeds the liquid substance from the condenser to the evaporator. Both of these highways are tightened with plastic clamps.
The outdoor and indoor units are installed after laying and secure fixing of the route. In the next step, the pipes and blocks are connected into a single system to check the tightness of the joints.
It is recommended to make fitting connections in places with easy access for the possibility of checking the strength of the girth of the elements during operation.. Solder docking involves pre-cleaning and degreasing of pipes, liquid application- or pasty flux, even heating of the joint with a burner, solder application, cooling the joint under natural conditions and removing excess flux.
Copper tubes for air conditioners are convenient and easy not only to install, but also in operation. If necessary, annealed products can be bent at different angles without fear of formation of gaps and deformations.