Hourglass Tubes for Radiators, has the core function of enhancing heat transfer, improving structural strength, optimizing assembly and welding, and improving fluid flow. It is widely used in heat exchange cores such as automotive warm air tanks, radiators, and heat exchangers.
1、 Structural characteristics
The cross-section is in the shape of an hourglass (waist drum) with a narrowing in the middle and slightly wider at both ends, and the pipe body has concave/convex grooves/ribs along the length direction.
The material is mostly aluminum/aluminum alloy, formed by high-frequency welding, and the inner wall can be coated with a brazing material layer.
2、 Core role
1. Strengthen heat transfer (most crucial)
Increase heat transfer area: The grooves/ribs significantly increase the surface area inside and outside the tube, improving the heat transfer efficiency with the coolant/air.
Disturbing fluid: Narrowing the cross-section and grooves causes turbulence in the fluid, disrupting the boundary layer and significantly increasing the heat transfer coefficient.
Improve heat exchange efficiency: Under the same volume, the heat exchange capacity is 20% -40% higher than that of a light tube.
2. Improve structural strength and deformation resistance
Mechanical enhancement: hourglass shaped and reinforced structure, with stronger bending, torsion, and compression resistance, less prone to flattening or deformation.
Pressure impact resistance: able to withstand higher water/air pressure, reducing the risk of core leakage and bulging.
Extend lifespan: Reduce fatigue damage caused by vibration and thermal expansion and contraction.
3. Optimize assembly and welding processes
Positioning and fixation: The hourglass contour facilitates precise assembly and automatic positioning with heat dissipation belts/fins, reducing misalignment.
Improve welding reliability:
A solder storage tank is formed at the groove, which allows for more thorough and uniform filling of solder during welding.
Increasing the contact area with the fins results in higher welding strength and better air tightness.
Suitable for nitrogen protected brazing, with high yield and good consistency.
4. Improve fluid flow
Flow diversion and stabilization: The narrowing expansion structure makes the fluid velocity more uniform, reducing local eddies and pressure losses.
Anti clogging: Reduce impurity deposition and lower the probability of core blockage.
3、 Typical application scenarios
Car heating water tank (heater core): The core of the heating system, which quickly heats up the coolant and transfers heat.
Car radiator/intercooler: improves heat dissipation efficiency and is suitable for high-power engines.
Engineering machinery and air conditioning heat exchangers: require efficient, compact, and durable heat exchange scenarios.
