Hourglass Tubes for Radiators is a type of irregular flat aluminum tube with a concave center that resembles an hourglass. It is mainly used as the core heat exchange element for radiators/water tanks/intercoolers in automobiles, construction machinery, new energy equipment, etc. Its core purpose is to enhance heat transfer, improve structural strength, optimize fluid distribution, and adapt to compact spaces.
1、 Core purpose (overview)
The hourglass tube achieves triple improvement in heat dissipation efficiency, pressure resistance, and fluid stability within a limited volume through innovative cross-sectional structure, making it a key material for high-performance and compact heat sinks.
2、 Specific functions and functions
1. Strengthen heat exchange (core application)
Increasing heat transfer area: With concave structures of the same width/thickness, the inner wall surface area is larger, allowing for more complete contact between the coolant and the pipe wall.
Disturb fluid and disrupt boundary layer: Narrowing in the middle accelerates water flow, enhances turbulence, breaks the stagnant layer on the pipe wall, and increases heat transfer coefficient by 15% -30%.
More significant cooling: Under the same operating conditions, the outlet temperature is lower and the heat dissipation capacity is stronger than that of round tubes and ordinary flat tubes.
2. Improve structural strength and pressure resistance
Anti deformation and anti vibration: The concave middle forms a mechanical reinforcement rib, with higher radial/axial stiffness, better pressure resistance, impact resistance, and anti vibration.
Thin walled and thick, high strength: Thinner aluminum foil (0.25-0.45mm) can be used to achieve higher pressure resistance, lightweight and weight reduction.
Reduce pipe burst and leakage: Heavy vehicles and construction machinery are more stable under long-term vibration/high pressure.
3. Optimize fluid distribution and stability
Dual/multi-channel diversion: Concave channels often divide the tube into 2-4 channels, resulting in more uniform flow distribution and less local overheating.
More reasonable pressure drop: Narrowing expansion with moderate throttling, increased flow rate, controllable resistance, and lower pump load.
Anti air resistance and anti scaling: Strong turbulence is not easy to accumulate air and scale, and long-term heat dissipation is stable.
4. Adapt to compact space and lightweight design
Ultra thin and flat (thickness 1.7-2.5mm): The core is thinner, the volume is smaller, and the cabin/equipment space is more economical.
Lightweight: Made of aluminum and thin-walled material, it is 20% -40% lighter than traditional pipes and has lower fuel/energy consumption.
3、 Main application industries and scenarios
Car radiator (water tank)
Water cooled radiator for passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, and buses, efficient heat dissipation, vibration resistance, and lightweight.
Thermal management of new energy vehicles
Battery pack water-cooled plate, motor/electric control radiator, heat pump system, high heat dissipation, high pressure, lightweight, long life.
Construction Machinery/Agricultural Machinery
Excavator, loader, bulldozer radiator, harsh working conditions, strong vibration, high dust, high reliability.
Intercooler/oil cooler
Turbocharged engine intake cooling, hydraulic oil/transmission oil cooling, high pressure, high efficiency, compact.
General industrial refrigeration/HVAC
Generator set, air compressor, cold chain, air conditioning heat exchanger, efficient heat exchange, energy saving and consumption reduction.
