Multilayer Tube Assembly for Heating Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube assemblies for sanitary, heating, and cooling systems face issues such as high thermal conductivity leading to efficiency loss, lack of flexibility, corrosion risks, and dew formation, particularly in copper tubes, while coated copper tubes have inefficiencies due to loose interfaces and increased installation time, and multi-layer aluminum tubes suffer from dimensional inaccuracies and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer tube assembly comprising a seamless copper tube with an oxide layer, an intermediate adhesive layer of LLD-PE with a metal deactivator, and an outer polymeric layer containing a flame retardant, which is produced through specific temperature-controlled processes to enhance thermal and mechanical properties, flexibility, and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If copper tubes are used for heat transfer, then thermal conductivity is improved, but heat loss to environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure with an inner copper layer for high thermal conductivity and an outer polyethylene layer for thermal insulation. This composite material approach allows the tube to maintain efficient heat transfer internally while minimizing heat loss to the environment externally, resolving the contradiction between thermal conductivity and heat loss.
2Strength
If copper tubes are used for water supply, then strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines copper (providing strength) with polyethylene (providing corrosion resistance) in a layered composite structure. The copper inner layer maintains mechanical strength and pressure resistance, while the polyethylene outer layer protects against corrosion from water and environmental factors, resolving the contradiction between strength and corrosion resistance.
3Reliability
If plastic coating is applied to copper tubes, then corrosion resistance is improved, but thermal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where the inner copper layer maintains high thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer, while the outer polyethylene layer provides corrosion protection. The layered composite design allows both materials to perform their optimal functions without compromising thermal efficiency.
4Manufacturing precision
If seamless copper tubes are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines seamless copper tubes (providing manufacturing precision and structural integrity) with polyethylene layers (providing flexibility and ease of installation). The composite structure allows the tube to maintain precise dimensions while gaining flexibility for easier handling and installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides improved handling and installation efficiency, resistance to high temperatures and pressures, and enhanced thermal conductivity, durability, and resistance to corrosion and mechanical damage, ensuring long service life and efficient heat transfer in heating and cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a seamless copper tube (1) provided on its external surface with an oxide layer (2)
Implementation Method 2
at least one intermediate adhesive layer (3) on said oxide layer (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a multilayer tube assembly and a method for producing the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a multilayer tube assembly, which may be used in sanitary and heating installations. The multilayer tube assembly according to the present invention comprises a seamless copper 1 tube provided on its external surface with an oxide layer 2 having a thickness of 0.1 µm to 1 µm; at least one intermediate 3 adhesive layer on said oxide layer 2 consisting basically of LLD-PE and containing 1 wt.-% to 2 wt.-% of an additive metal deactivator; and at least one outer polymeric layer 4 provided on said intermediate adhesive layer 3 and consisting mainly of a high-molecular polymeric material and 2 wt.-% to 4 wt.-% of an additive flame retardant. The multilayer tube assembly is produced by a method comprising the steps of : cleaning said seamless copper 1 tube with a petroleum-based agent; oxidising the external surface of said seamless copper tube 1 a) for multilayer tube assembly having an outer diameter less than 32 mm, in an atmosphere of nitrogen and air at a temperature range of 550° C to 700° C, or b) for multilayer tube assembly having an outer diameter larger than 32 mm, in atmospheric air at a temperature of 150° C to 250° C and in a flame station comprising multiple flame nozzles around the perimeter of said tube; extruding said intermediate adhesive layer 3 onto said seamless copper 1 tube at a temperature range of 200° C to 230° C; and extruding said outer polymeric layer 4 onto said intermediate adhesive layer 3 at a temperature range of 210° C to 250° C.