Heat Exchanger Systems with Duocel® Metal Foam

 

 

Metal foam has several qualities that make it a very useful material in high-end heat exchanger systems. It is lightweight, possesses excellent thermal conductivity, and has a small footprint compared to its specific surface area. Its physical structure contributes to increased convection, and thus increased performance.

Aluminum foam, our most popular heat exchanger material is produced in densities of 3-12%. This low density allows for a very low weight with minimal, if any, decrease in performance.

Metal foam is much more efficient than typical metal finned arrays at transferring heat along thermal gradients, because of the physical characteristics of the ligaments. Unlike most other metal foams being produced today, Duocel Metal Foam has solid ligaments with rounded cross-sections. The shape of these cross-sections makes the foam excellent at transporting heat. It is this quality which is essential in heat exchanger and thermal system design.  Our most popular metal foams are aluminum and copper, both metals have excellent thermal conductivity. Take a look at our metal foam properties page for more information.

Metal foam has a high specific surface area, and a chaotic ligament structure. The high specific surface area allows for increased contact with the carrying medium. The chaotic arrangement of the fluid passageways in the foam turbulize the carrying medium, thus increasing surface contact and convection. This leads to a more efficient system, in a smaller space.

Duocel has over 40 years of applications in high-tech thermal systems for aerospace, aviation, power electronics and more. Duocel excels in applications where space is confined, weight is restricted, and efficiency cannot be sacrificed.
To learn more about our foam please visit our foam properties page. To learn more about what ERG can do for you, visit our capabilities page. If you are interested in previous Duocel applications please visit our products gallery.