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0102030405
China Suppliers Factory for EN12451 Copper and Copper Alloy Seamless Tubes for Heat Exchangers and Condensers
Normative References
- References related standards such as EN 1173 for material codes and EN ISO 6892-1 for tensile testing.
Material Codes & Ordering Information
🔖 Material Designations
- Copper: CW024A (OF-Cu), CW020A (Cu-DHP)
- Copper Alloys: CW704R (CuZn30), CW712R (CuNi10Fe1Mn), etc.
📋 Ordering Requirements
Buyers must specify all of the following when placing an order:
- Standard number — EN 12451
- Material code (e.g., CW024A)
- Dimensions — outer diameter, wall thickness, length
- Delivery condition — annealed, hard-drawn, etc.
- Any additional testing — e.g., hydrostatic pressure, eddy current
Manufacturing & Chemical Composition
- Tubes must be seamless, produced by extrusion, drawing, or pilgering.
- Chemical composition must comply with EN 1173.
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength, Elongation, and Hardness requirements vary by material and temper (annealed vs. hard-drawn).
Example
CW024A (annealed) — Tensile strength ≥ 200 MPa, Elongation ≥ 40%
Dimensional Tolerances
- Specifies tolerances for the following parameters:
- Outer diameter: ±0.1 mm to ±1%, depending on size
- Wall thickness: ±10% typically
- Straightness: max deviation per meter length
Inspection & Testing Requirements
✅ Mandatory Tests
- Dimensional inspection
- Visual examination — surface defects, cracks
- Tensile test — one per batch
- Flattening test or expansion test — material-dependent
🔍 Optional Tests (if specified in order)
- Hydrostatic pressure test
- Eddy current testing for defects
- Grain size assessment — for annealed tubes
Surface Condition & Defects
- Tubes must be free of scale, cracks, and inclusions.
- Minor surface imperfections allowed if within dimensional tolerances.
Marking & Certification
🏷️ Each tube or bundle must be marked with:
- Manufacturer's name / logo
- Material code
- Dimensions
- Heat number
Certificate
Inspection Certificate 3.1 (EN 10204) provided upon request.
Packaging
- Tubes typically supplied in straight lengths or coils, protected against corrosion and damage.
Main Material Codes in EN 12451
🔶 1. Pure Copper (Cu)
- CW004A (Cu-ETP) – Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper — common for general heat exchangers
- CW008A (Cu-OF) – Oxygen-Free Copper — high conductivity, reduced embrittlement risk
- CW020A (Cu-DHP) – Phosphorus-Deoxidized Copper — good weldability, corrosion resistance
- CW021A (Cu-DLP) – Low-Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper
- CW022A (Cu-DHP, variant with tighter impurity control)
- CW023A (Cu-OF, ultra-high purity)
- CW024A (Cu-OF, for high vacuum / electronics applications)
🔷 2. Copper Alloys
- CW307G (CuZn30, 70/30 brass) – Good corrosion resistance in water
- CW500L (CuZn20Al2As) – Arsenical aluminum brass for condenser tubes
- CW702R (CuNi10Fe1Mn) – 90/10 Cupronickel — seawater resistance
- CW704R (CuNi30Mn1Fe) – 70/30 Cupronickel — superior corrosion/erosion resistance
- CW712R (CuNi30Fe2Mn2) – High-strength cupronickel variant
📌 Notes on Material Selection
CW004A (Cu-ETP) is widely used but may suffer from hydrogen embrittlement in high-temperature reducing atmospheres.
CW020A (Cu-DHP) is preferred for welded heat exchangers due to phosphorus deoxidation.
Cupronickels (CW702R, CW704R) are ideal for seawater and brine applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What is EN 12451 and what products does it cover?
EN 12451 is a European standard that specifies requirements for seamless round copper and copper alloy tubes used in heat exchangers. It covers material codes, mechanical properties, dimensional tolerances, inspection methods, marking, and packaging requirements.
Q
What material codes are available under EN 12451?
EN 12451 includes a range of pure copper grades such as CW004A (Cu-ETP), CW008A (Cu-OF), CW020A (Cu-DHP), and CW024A, as well as copper alloys including CW307G (CuZn30 brass), CW702R (90/10 Cupronickel), CW704R (70/30 Cupronickel), and CW712R. Each material is selected based on the specific application and environment.
Q
What information do I need to provide when ordering EN 12451 tubes?
When placing an order, buyers must specify the standard number (EN 12451), material code (e.g., CW024A), required dimensions (outer diameter, wall thickness, and length), delivery condition (such as annealed or hard-drawn), and any additional testing requirements like hydrostatic pressure or eddy current testing.
Q
Which copper alloy is best for seawater or marine applications?
Cupronickel grades are the recommended choice for seawater and brine environments. CW702R (90/10 Cupronickel) offers good seawater resistance, while CW704R (70/30 Cupronickel) provides superior corrosion and erosion resistance, making it ideal for demanding marine heat exchanger applications.
Q
What testing is required for EN 12451 copper tubes?
Mandatory tests include dimensional inspection, visual examination for surface defects and cracks, tensile testing (one per batch), and flattening or expansion tests depending on the material. Optional tests — available upon customer request — include hydrostatic pressure testing, eddy current non-destructive testing, and grain size assessment for annealed tubes.
Q
Can an inspection certificate be provided with EN 12451 tubes?
Yes. An Inspection Certificate 3.1 in accordance with EN 10204 can be provided upon request. Each tube or bundle is also marked with the manufacturer's name or logo, material code, dimensions, and heat number to ensure full traceability.




