Wieland Werke AG

solarclean from Wieland: new copper tube for solar panels increases manufacturing productivity

Hard as drawn, level-wound tubes for the first time available with super clean outer surface

ISH Frankfurt, 6 – 10 March 2007, hall 6.0, stand B40



With the newly developed solarclean copper tube, Wieland-Werke AG, Ulm, Germany, offers a tube product for solar panels which is characterized by a super clean outer surface and substantially increases manufacturing productivity of solar heat absorbers. Compared to conventional tubes the improved surface quality of solarclean leads to higher welding speeds and a reduction in cleaning operations during production. In the manufacture of solar heat absorbers for solar panels, seamless copper tubes are welded with copper or aluminium plates. Lubricants used in the production of copper tubes cause problems in the manufacture of solar heat absorber elements as they affect the welding of absorber plate and copper tube. With the solarclean method it is possible to dispense with at least one cleaning operation of the cupper tubes or an extensive pre-treatment of the weld, depending on the production process.



Production of solar panels is optimized due to the solarclean manufacturing process, with the functionality of the copper tube remaining unchanged. solarclean tubes increase manufacturing productivity of solar heat absorbers, particularly if ultrasonic or laser welding is used as joining technology. Especially in the case of ultrasonic welding, a super clean tube is necessary to achieve a high quality of the weld between copper tube and absorber plate. The higher the friction between tube and plate the better the metal parts can be joined. The reduced oil film increases friction and ensures sufficient holding grip of tool and copper tube. This is particularly advantageous in the production of meanders. As a result, manufacturing productivity is increased and scrap can be minimized. A super clean surface is also advantageous for other joining technologies. It is required for plasma welding and soldering. In the latter case, for example, it is necessary to avoid the formation of oil mist. solarclean tubes are available hard as drawn in level-wound coils.



Further information:

Wieland-Werke AG

Karin Maier, Public Relations

Graf-Arco-Straße 36 – 89079 Ulm, Germany

Tel. 0049 731-944-2663 – fax 944-42663

karin.maier@wieland.de, www.wieland.com



Public Relations:

Press’n’Relations GmbH – Bruno Lukas

Magirusstraße 33 – 89077 Ulm, Germany

Tel. 0049 731-9628717 – fax: 9628797

blu@press-n-relations.de, www.press-n-relations.de





Wieland-Werke AG started in 1820 as an art and bell foundry in Ulm, Germany. Today, the company is one of the leading European manufacturers of innovative copper tube products mainly used in domestic plumbing installations as well as air conditioning and refrigeration. Wieland’s production and sales of copper tubes are certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. Its R&D is additionally accredited to EN 17025. The entire production meets the requirements of the European environmental standard EMAS II.



Wieland manufactures branded copper tubes for a multitude of industrial applications on state-of-the-art equipment. Copper is the leading material in heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning technology. Wieland produces enhanced finned tubes with outer and inner structures for shell-and-tube heat exchangers and has become one of the market leaders with its branded cuproclima, cuprofin and GEWA enhanced finned tubes. These copper tubes for industrial applications are worldwide among those with the highest performance. They are developed in Wieland’s thermo-technical laboratory in close cooperation with customers across the globe. Also in other fields of heat transfer, such as heating, solar and automotive technology, Wieland designs optimum solutions based on value-added copper tubes together with its customers. The Wieland Group achieved a turnover of 2,504 million euros in the business year 2005/2006, with an export share of 68 per cent. Wieland has a workforce of approx. 5,800 people worldwide.



Legend:

1. solar heat absorber

2. level-wound coils