Wieland K65 tube system for high-pressure applications

The new K65 tube system from Wieland, made of the high-strength copper alloy, is ideal for high-pressure pipeline systems in CO₂ refrigeration applications. Now available in an additional size, 53,97 x 3,55 mm, the lightweight K65 can reduce the cost of refrigeration systems with operating pressures up to 120 bar. The tubes are also 40% lighter than copper tubes. The K65 system is the only TÜV certified copper based tube and fitting system available on the market.

The high strength K65 tube has been used with success in electrical engineering and the automotive industry. However, it is adapted to use with CO₂ (R744), which is gaining increasing popularity in mainly commercial refrigeration applications, as a result of the environmental and energy efficiency benefits of the natural refrigerant. K65 also has thermal conductivity properties superior to stainless steel or aluminium, making the tubes, which are also available in level-wound coils, particularly well suited for the manufacturer of fin coil heat exchangers.

Advantages of K65 tube system

Thanks to the high strength of the copper alloy, the wall thickness of the tubes is reduced, and consequently, so is the weight per metre; 40% lower than copper. The lightweight of pipelines made of K65 means easier handling, for example when mounting the tubes on ceilings, in addition to a significant saving in material.

Main features of the K65 tube system

The K65 tube system has the following key features:

High pressure resistance
Good formability
Lightweight
Excellent heat transfer
TÜV certified, conforming to the European Pressure Equipment Directive
Maximum working pressure 120 bar at operating temperature of 150°C
Dimensional tolerances EN 12735-1
Any type of silver braze solder, with a minimum content of 2% silver may be used

Newly added to the existing K65 tube range, is a new size, 53,97 x 3,55 mm, the largest dimension in the range.

Joint system guarantee for K65 tubes brazed to K65 fittings

Together, K65 tubes by Wieland and K65 fittings by Conex | Bänninger fall under a joint system guarantee that includes CO₂ applications up to 120 bar. The K65 tubes and K65 fittings can be joined using the simple and reliable brazing technology, which is already common and proven practice for copper in the refrigeration industry. The pressure design of K65 tubes is based on VdTÜV regulations and thus compliant to the European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EG.

About Wieland

The Wieland Group, with headquarters in Ulm, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of semi-finished and specialty products in copper and copper alloys. Wieland has manufacturing sites in Europe, China, Singapore, South Africa and the USA, and trading companies all over the world. The company’s global workforce is currently of approximately 6,500 people, 4,000 of which are employed in Germany.