FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Research Confirms Advantages of CuproBraze® Technology
New York — Several new technical papers about the underlying materials science governing the properties and use of CuproBraze alloys confirm the technology's revolutionary contributions to heat exchanger applications.
The papers corroborate, clarify and amplify more than a decade of intense research, which began in the early nineties and led to the introduction of a new class of copper and brass materials in radiators, charge air coolers, condensers, heaters, evaporators and other heat transfer applications.
The first key paper, by Johan Scheel and Bengt Gustafsson, lists all of the important physical properties of copper and aluminum side-by-side, making a compelling case in favor of the use of CuproBraze alloys in mobile heat exchanger technology.
For those interested in a deeper explanation of the metallurgy of CuproBraze alloys, a paper by Falkenö and Ainali describes anneal-resistant copper alloys for fins, anneal-resistant brass alloys for tubes and brazing materials for joining fins and tubes. In addition, the paper describes copper-nickel-tin-phosphorous brazing materials, which together enable the CuproBraze processes for the manufacture of heat exchangers. A companion paper by the same authors describes the differences in manufacturing processes between conventional soft-soldering process and CuproBraze.
Another investigation probes even deeper into the microstructure of CuproBraze materials, with research results on the interactions between the materials in the tubes, fins and joints. The conclusion of the research is that some alloying does occur but that the process can be controlled and optimally adjusted so this alloying does not influence the heat performance of the heat exchanger.
Lastly, Ainali and Olof Forsén, a Professor at the Laboratory of Corrosion and Materials Chemistry, Helsinki University of Technology, co-authored a paper on the external and internal corrosion resistance of CuproBraze radiators. The piece provides definitive comparisons and conclusions about this technology. Brazed aluminum radiators were included in this study of four different types of accelerated corrosion tests. The conclusion is that the corrosion resistance of CuproBraze radiators is clearly better than that of soldered copper/brass radiators and very competitive with that of brazed aluminum radiators.
SAE Papers
- (2000-01-3456) CuproBraze Mobile Heat Exchanger Technology
- (01HX-18) OCP- Materials
- (01HX-19) CuproBraze Manufacturing-Plant Design-Lock Seam Tubes
- ( 2001-01-1726) Interactions between the materials in the tube-fin-joints in brazed copper-brass heat exchangers
- (2001-01-1718) External Corrosion Resistance of CuproBraze Radiators
The SAE papers serve as a good entrance point for accessing the broader body of literature on their respective topics. Taken together, they provide an excellent foundation for a comprehensive understanding of CuproBraze materials and manufacturing processes. Reprints can be ordered (and PDF-files can be downloaded) by visiting the SAE Web site (www.sae.org) or by calling SAE customer service at 1-877-606-7323 (North America) or 1-724-776-4970 (International) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
The International Copper Association, Ltd. (ICA) is the leading organization for the promotion of the use of copper worldwide. The Association's twenty-nine members represent about 80 percent of the world's refined copper output, and its six associate members are among the world's largest copper and copper alloy fabricators. ICA is responsible for guiding policy, strategy and funding of international initiatives and promotional activities. With headquarters in New York City, ICA operates in 28 worldwide locations through a network of regional offices and copper development associations.
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