Why copper-iron for heat transfer solutions?

Excellent processing properties

Through the addition of iron, the material becomes slightly magnetic but can nevertheless be formed and processed almost as easily as Cu-DHP.

The copper-iron alloy exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in natural atmosphere, including sea air, and in industrial atmosphere. Furthermore K65 is insensitive to stress corrosion cracking.

Use in high-pressure applications

The reduction of wall thickness to reduce costs plays an important role for all components containing a high amount of copper tubes. Preferred applications of K65 are pressure vessels and piping using high-pessure refrigerants such as R 410A or R744 (CO₂), e.g. condensers/gas coolers and evaporators in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. The use of CO₂ as refrigerant requires much thicker wall thicknesses for all pressurised components.

Reduced material use

At the same pressure level, K65 enables a considerably reduced wall thickness and with it a much lower material need compared to Cu-DHP. Besides the outstanding processing properties, the high thermal conductivity of K65 ensures optimum heat transfer. Of course, K65 is approved for the use in pressure vessels and piping according to the Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC.