Applications of Clad Metals in Brazed Heat Exchangers

Design, fabricability, thermal, mechanical, physical and durability properties are all important to the successful application of materials systems to heat exchangers. In recent years, use of clad metals for furnace brazing of heat exchangers has increased significantly. These brazing materials have proven to be cost effective and reliable and the properties of the materials can be tailored to the heat exchanging application. The primary materials used in these applications range from copper clad steel to copper clad stainless steel. Selection of the component metals determines the properties of the materials system and therefore provides the properties desired in the heat exchanger.

This paper discusses the process used to fabricate copper clad self brazing material and for brazing heat exchangers. Factors important in the selection of a particular materials systems are described and data is provided on the properties of these materials in heat exchangers.