Chilled Water Coil

Materials of Construction and Sizing:

• Tube Size: Chilled water coils typically use copper tubes with wall thicknesses of 0.020", 0.025", or 0.035". Common tube sizes include 1/2" and 5/8", depending on the application and required heat transfer capacity.
• Fin Thickness: Fin thickness options usually range from 0.006" to 0.010", affecting airflow resistance and heat exchange efficiency.
• Casing Material: Most coils are constructed with 16-gauge galvanized steel casing, though stainless steel is available for more corrosive environments.
• Header Sizes: Headers can vary in size from 0.5" to 4", depending on the system’s flow requirements and pressure considerations.
• Fin Height: This refers to the vertical length of the aluminum fin running parallel to the header. It plays a key role in determining the coil’s overall dimensions and heat transfer area.
• Fin Length: The horizontal dimension of the fin, which affects the number of fins per row and overall surface area.
• Casing Height: The total height of the coil, including the fin pack, top and bottom flanges, and any structural support components.
• Casing Length: This includes the front and back tube sheets, as well as the entire fin pack, ensuring proper alignment and structural integrity.

Tube Size, Fin Height, and Fin Length: The relationship between tube size and fin height is crucial for accurate coil design. For example, 1/2" tubes spaced at 1.25" centers will result in a fin height of 25" for 20 tubes arranged vertically. Similarly, 5/8" tubes spaced at 1.5" centers would yield a fin height of 30". These measurements directly influence the coil’s efficiency and performance.

Header Size: Properly sizing the headers is essential for maintaining the correct flow rate (GPM), fluid velocity, and pressure drop. An improperly sized header can lead to issues such as excessive pressure loss, reduced efficiency, and even premature corrosion or failure of the coil and pumps.

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of HVAC coil design and construction. Whether you’re specifying, installing, or maintaining coils, our goal is to ensure your systems perform efficiently and last for years to come.