A brief introduction
Ever since the first man discovered copper, we have been inseparable from this metal. From copper tool as early as 9000 BC to today's various applications of copper products including HVAC-R
What are some of the copper products in the HVAC-R industry?
1. Copper Tube
Most commonly used for heating systems and refrigerant line in the HVAC-R. There are 2 basic type:
a) Soft copper- Most common choice of copper tube use for refrigerant line in split system AC and heat pumps
b) Rigid copper- Also known as copper pipe. Usually joined by elbow fittings to go around the corners and obstacles as they cannot be bend. Read on (2) for common types of copper pipe.
2. Copper Pipe
Commonly used in the construction industry for water line and refrigerant line in the HVAC-R, there are 3 types of most commonly used copper pipe:
a) Type K- The thickest among the 3 types of copper pipe and with that reason suitable for underground and main water line installation. Applications include HVAC-R, oil, water distribution and fire protection. However it is not recommended for natural gas application.
b) Type L- The most common type among K, L and M due to the intermediate thickness among the three. Suitable for various common applications and most commonly use on interior plumbing. Can be use for both indoor and outdoor applications.
c) Type M- The thinnest of them all and thus relatively lower in price, making it usually the first choice for residential usage. However, there are certain restriction so be sure to check with the local building authority before going for this choice.
Other than the above 3 types, in some very old house, you may find another type of copper pipe which is
d) Type DWV- Distinguished from Type M pipe by yellow marking, it has mostly been replaced by PVC or ABS plastic pipe for modern construction. DWV pipe can only be use for above-ground applications as they have low pressure ratings.
3. Copper Coil
There are 2 types of copper coil, differentiate merely by the location of the coil:
a) Condenser Coil- Outdoor coil. This copper coil carries the hot and high pressurized refrigerant gas from the compressor and releases heat into outdoor air.
b) Evaporator Coil- Indoor coil. This copper coil extract indoor heat and adding to the refrigerant. It is located near the air handler where the cool air comes from.
4. Copper Fittings
There are various types and designs for copper fittings in the HVAC-R system which main applications is to join and connects copper tubes. They can be used in the system such as condenser, evaporator and fan coils. Common fittings are such as:
a) Copper U Bend
b) Copper Cross Over Bend
c) Copper Tee
d) Copper Tripod
e) Copper Y Connector
f) Etc...
Fiable copper fittings come in all kinds of dimensions depending on the diameter and wall thickness of the copper tube used. Brazing ring is optional and design can be customize too.
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