FAQ

What is the difference between inner-grooved and smooth copper tubes?

Inner-grooved copper tubes feature spiral grooves on the inner wall that increase the internal surface area by 30%-50% compared to smooth tubes and create turbulent flow in the refrigerant, significantly enhancing heat transfer efficiency. Smooth tubes have a polished inner surface with mature manufacturing processes and lower cost. Selection recommendation: choose inner-grooved tubes when high energy efficiency is required or space is limited; choose smooth tubes for cost-sensitive applications with lower heat transfer demands.

How to select heat exchange tubes for flooded evaporators?

Selection of heat exchange tubes for flooded evaporators should consider: 1) Surface structure — TE/LE series for refrigerant-side boiling, LF series for water/glycol secondary coolants; 2) Tube diameter — commonly Φ19.05, Φ25.4, Φ31.8mm; 3) Material — copper for refrigerant side, copper-nickel or stainless steel for corrosive media; 4) Heat transfer area — calculated based on thermal load. We recommend contacting our team for professional selection support.

Which is better — stainless steel or copper heat exchange tubes?

Each has its own advantages. Copper has a thermal conductivity of approximately 400 W/m·K, far higher than stainless steel's 15 W/m·K, making it ideal for applications requiring high heat transfer efficiency. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly against chloride ions, making it suitable for chemical, seawater, food processing, and pharmaceutical applications where corrosive media are present. Selection principle: choose copper for non-corrosive media and stainless steel for corrosive environments.

How to determine when heat exchange tubes need replacement?

Replacement is recommended when: 1) Wall corrosion thinning exceeds 30% of the original wall thickness; 2) Significant scaling inside the tube and heat transfer efficiency remains below standard after cleaning; 3) Cracks or leaks appear on the tube wall; 4) Heat transfer efficiency drops by more than 20%. Regular eddy current inspection and wall thickness measurement are recommended to detect issues early and plan timely replacement.

What equipment is the TC Series high-efficiency condenser tube suitable for?

The TC Series high-efficiency condenser tubes are specifically designed for shell-and-tube condensers and are suitable for: 1) Centrifugal and screw chiller condensers; 2) Large industrial heat pump condensers; 3) Waste heat recovery system condensers; 4) Marine cooling system condensers. The TC Series features an external fin structure that enhances the condensation heat transfer coefficient by 40%-60% compared to smooth tubes.

Are the tubes used in dry evaporators and flooded evaporators the same?

No, they are different. Dry evaporators use inner-grooved straight tubes where refrigerant evaporates inside the tube, emphasizing enhanced heat transfer on the inner surface. Flooded evaporators use enhanced boiling tubes (porous layer or knurled surface) where the tubes are completely submerged in refrigerant, emphasizing enhanced boiling heat transfer on the outer surface. The structural designs and enhancement principles differ significantly, and they are not interchangeable.