Armacell has launched DuoSplit Alu, an aluminium product variation in its range of system solutions for split air-conditioners. It is cost-effective, energy efficient, easy to install and durable, and is suitable for the connection of indoor and outdoor single and multi-split air conditioning systems. The pre-insulated pipes ensure fast installation and reliably provide not only substantial cost benefits, but also outstanding technical properties for long-term reliability.

Aluminium is light, corrosion resistant, inexpensive and recyclable. Due to its particular material properties, it has a longer service life than other metals when used appropriately, and it is much more resistant to corrosion than steel or copper. The DuoSplit Alu products are made of an aluminium alloy which has been specially developed for refrigeration and air-conditioning applications.

Aluminium also offers further benefits including a similar burst pressure to copper, while also being 65% lighter on average. The material can be bent easily without kinking, making the installation process both faster and cheaper. Apart from a few minor differences, the material is handled in the same way as copper. The same tools are needed for the connection methods which are already well established in the industry.

The cost benefits are described as outstanding, with the price for standard copper piping having increased by around 140% since 2002, including fluctuations throughout the year. Comparable aluminium piping however is available for only a third of the cost and the price is much more stable.

Far more energy is required to provide and maintain cold conditions than is required to generate heat. To ensure that the expensively-produced cold arrives where it is needed, the pipes must be protected against unnecessary energy losses. On cold pipes only closed-cell insulation materials can reliably prevent condensation and thus increase the energy efficiency of the equipment in the long term. The pre-insulated DuoSplit Alu pipes provide the reliable solution for connecting the components of Split and DuoSplit air-conditioners, guaranteeing energy savings and condensation control as well as providing a longer service life. The successful prevention of condensation processes also effectively supports corrosion protection, while the low thermal conductivity of the insulation material also provides good structure-borne noise abatement properties.

DuoSplit Alu products are compatible with the use of refrigerant gases R410A and R407C. They also fulfil the European Pressure Equipment Directive and the polyolefin-copolymer covering is UV-resistant. The special advantage of the twin-pipes is that the patented join-split fastening technology allows them to be split and joined without the need for special tooling.

To ensure fast and wastage-free installation, Tubolit DuoSplit Alu is available on 25 and 50m continuous-length rolls in both metric and imperial pipe diameter sizes.

For more information contact Armacell UK Ltd, tel 0161 287 7015, email info.uk@armacell.com or visit the website at www.armacell.com/uk