Section ECONOMY
TOPIC

HALCOR SA
Comprehensive services: New Inner Grooved Tubes (IGT) thermal performance testing lab

The purpose of the lab is:

  • To measure/ evaluate the different thermal performance rates of different IGT tubes with different geometry of internal groove.
  • To provide technical support to manufacturers of heat exchangers (air-conditioning units).
  • To research and develop IGT designs for tailor-made applications depending on the specific needs and specifications of each and every customer.

Current or future/ possible/ new customers.

The platform installation was completed in 2014 and the first projects were implemented throughout 2015.

To provide as comprehensive a range of services to customers as possible and to make continuous improvements and developments in what it does, Halcor has set up a new innovative lab to test the thermal performance of Inner Grooved Tubes (IGTs). The thermal performance testing lab is being installed in Halcor’s plant in Oinofyta Viotia where inter grooved tubes TALOSâ and TALOSâ ACR tubes are produced, according with the international standards as well as the specific needs of customers.

The IGT thermal efficiency laboratory allows Halcor to incorporate test results in an integrated technical support framework for heat exchanger manufacturers, for the optimisation of the exchangers’ design by improving any of the following:

  • Better performance
  • More capacity
  • Reduced use of raw materials
  • Compact size of heat exchangers
  • Reduced use of coolant.

The purpose of the lab is:

  • To measure/ evaluate the different thermal performance rates of different IGT tubes with different geometry of internal groove.
  • To provide technical support to manufacturers of heat exchangers (air-conditioning units).
  • To research and develop IGT designs for tailor-made applications depending on the specific needs and specifications of each and every customer.

Based on data from the thermal efficiency laboratory for inner grooved tubes, we are able to recommend the optimal inner grooved tube from the range of products available by the Company. The project works may include:

  • development of a new inner grooved tube
  • evaluation of the inner grooved tube performance in the final product
  • study of the discharge performance in the tube
  • design of new types of inner grooved tubes for specific applications.

In addition to projects carried out exclusively on the basis of customer requirements, the laboratory work includes:

  • the categorisation of the range of tubes: Evaluation of the thermal behavior of each profile based on the application
  • developing new profiles to keep pace with market needs.

No cooperation with other associations.

Employee’s participation was limited to those who are assigned with the platform’s operation.

Oinofyta Viotia – Halcor’s copper tube plant

The installation of this platform begun in 2013 and was finished in 2014. The first projects were completed throughout 2015, therefore the results will be available in 2016.

Indicatively, under a new project held in 2015, the cooperation aimed at the optimisation of the profiles used by the customer and the development of an IGT profile tube, specifically adjusted for the relevant application. Specifically, the project implemented, included the following:

  • Development of a new inner grooved tube
  • Comparative study on the replacement of the profile by a higher efficiency profile
  • Evaluation of the inner grooved tube performance in the final product
  • Cooperation with the corresponding customer's laboratory for further use of results.

Through this laboratory, Halcor will now be able to:

  • Understand precisely the basic principles that govern the behavior of heat exchangers according to the different geometry of the internal grooved tubes
  • Correlate operating conditions of heat exchangers with the respective laboratory
  • Adapt the design of the internal groove of the tube, so as to achieve the desired performance objectives set by each manufacturer to heat exchanger design.

The benefits of having this facility are particularly important for Halcor and its customers, given the new range of services that can now be offered. With this new platform, the tests conducted, have resulted in the optimisation of energy efficiency tubes, with very positive effect on the environment. The use of energy efficient pipes has resulted in an overall improvement in energy efficiency of new heat exchangers, having reduced energy consumption and therefore fewer air pollutants into the atmosphere as an ultimate benefit. It is also worth noting that the research carried out in the context of projects with our customers is in line with the relevant European “green” legislation (F Gas regulation).