Copper multi-port tubes

[desA]

Multi-port copper tubes have been developed over the past few years.

These can come in a number of variants:
1. Formed-then-finished all-in-one construction;
2. Composite construction - internal insert fitted inside tube & joined.

The type2 construction has pressure capability typically of up to around 38bar(g) & can be constructed from copper & its alloys (brass). The typical joining method for the internal insert is generally brazing.

The type1 construction has been tested to 320 bar(g), where the test pump failed. These tubes can be used in CO2 applications, with ease, due the typically small grain size of copper & its alloys. Examples of shapes vary from a series of tubes joined side-by-side, to a flat 16x1.5mm 4-port multiport tube, to junctions of tubes of different diameters.

I'm very interested in getting these type2 tubes moving in the RHVAC industry & would like to brainstorm uses for these tubes in the current RHVAC industry. I'd really value comments & suggestions, wish-lists. Wherever an aluminium multiport tube enters the RHVAC industry, it can be out-performed by these new copper-based tubes. I understand copper to be the natural material of choice for the RHVAC industry.

An application for the use of a flat multiport tube could be in condensers, or evaporators, for example.