Comparison of pipe materials for cooling systems
Nygård, Markus (2022)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202201201517
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202201201517
Tiivistelmä
The risk of corrosion is higher in cooling systems than in heating systems because cold water binds oxygen and gases more easily than warm water. There is also an increased risk of corrosion on the outside surface of the pipe due to the brine in the pipes are colder than the surroundings, so the pipes may need both surface treatment and diffusion tight insulation to prevent condensation.
The thesis examines the properties of pipe materials that are often used on the secondary side in water-borne cooling systems. The materials examined are black steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, and composite. In addition to the materials, the brines normally used in the cooling systems are also compared. These coolants are water mixtures with ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, and saline. The thesis also presents a hypothetical cost comparison between the different pipe materials, where both material and installation costs are compared.
The goal of the thesis is to give the reader, who does not have broad prior knowledge in the field, a broader view of the costs and risks of the various pipe materials. The causes of corrosion are investigated so you get an overview of what to think about when planning and building a cooling system. The thesis’ method is to investigate written sources from industry specific companies, as well as have supportive discussions with pipe manufacturers and professionals in the plumbing industry. The thesis shows that it is advantageous to vary the choice of pipe material within a closed cooling system if the installation is performed correctly.
The thesis examines the properties of pipe materials that are often used on the secondary side in water-borne cooling systems. The materials examined are black steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, and composite. In addition to the materials, the brines normally used in the cooling systems are also compared. These coolants are water mixtures with ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, and saline. The thesis also presents a hypothetical cost comparison between the different pipe materials, where both material and installation costs are compared.
The goal of the thesis is to give the reader, who does not have broad prior knowledge in the field, a broader view of the costs and risks of the various pipe materials. The causes of corrosion are investigated so you get an overview of what to think about when planning and building a cooling system. The thesis’ method is to investigate written sources from industry specific companies, as well as have supportive discussions with pipe manufacturers and professionals in the plumbing industry. The thesis shows that it is advantageous to vary the choice of pipe material within a closed cooling system if the installation is performed correctly.