A Copper Alliance Member
Applications: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
The Copper Industry Commitment
The use of copper in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems has grown steadily in recent years. This is due in large measure to the inherent properties of the copper metals and their unique abilities to meet the needs of the ACR industry. Stringent new requirements, including demands for increased operating efficiency and the reduction or elimination of harmful emissions, have led to a new appreciation for copper's role in product enhancement.
The copper industry, led by the research and support services provided by the Copper Development Association, continually seeks to expand the use of copper and copper alloys by finding new applications, innovative techniques and information resources to benefit users and potential users. CDA's new comprehensive program, Copper in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, represents a major, long-term commitment to all equipment and component manufacturers and installers involved in air conditioning and refrigeration.
The following support services and information resources are available to individuals and companies active in the development, manufacturing or installation of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment components.
Research and Development
A top priority of the program is CDA's research and development activities devoted to keeping the copper metals in the forefront of modern technology. CDA conducts and manages studies on behalf of copper producers and fabricators, and also interacts with governmental agencies to obtain funding or co-funding for basic and selected research. This includes such areas as copper materials compatibility, fabricating and joining methods, heat transfer properties, effects of refrigerants and lubricants on copper system performance, safety-test and predictive methods and screening procedures.
Publications
A wide variety of CDA publications provides technical information of particular interest to those involved in the ACR industry. Most of these publications are free, while some carry a nominal charge. New publications based on recent research are in preparation.
CDA Response Center
Informed staff is available to respond quickly to industry questions and concerns. In addition, the Response Center provides an opportunity to discuss equipment and component development strategies to identify, asses and report on technologies pertaining to copper use, and to establish working relationships with the ACR industry to develop and share pre-competitve technologies.
As a major supplier, the copper industry has a continuing stake in the success of the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. We view our role as that of a contributing partner. And, we are prepared to invest in the research and support services necessary to ensure the ACR industry's future growth and prosperity. Please call 800-CDA-DATA for complete information.
ARTI 21CR Initiative
In addition, CDA is a sponsor of the ARTI 21st Century Research Initiative, which is a private-public sector research collaboration of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry, with the mission to identify, prioritize, and undertake pre-competitive research that focuses on decreasing energy consumption, increasing indoor environmental quality, and safeguarding the environment. Please click here to go to the ARTI21CR Web site to learn more about the research projects being conducted under this initiative.
DIY Video Podcasts
Soldering Preparation
Building & Architecture News
October '11: The Fall issue focuses on the benefits of copper at healthcare institutions. Read about a new copper HVAC system that makes AC systems more energy efficient; a medical campus that relies on copper for their state-of-the-art information network; copper trends in building and construction projects; how copper provides shielding for MRI systems to improve accuracy, and the importance of copper to ensure cleanliness, reliability and efficiency in medical gas systems.
Highlights
Learn about copper's 50-year warranty program
CDA Tube, Pipe and Fittings Council members:
Industry News: Selection of recent copper tube, pipe and fittings industry developments, technology advances, etc to keep you up to date.
The entire Copper Tube Handbook can be downloaded in pdf format [6 Mb].
