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01/09/2007
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Cooling-water pipes are exposed to high temperatures and aggressive environment. At the same time they have to provide long-term leak resistance despite internal pressures of almost 2 bar. Consequently they have been traditionally manufactured from metal.
As an alternative, Hutchinson of Mannheim, Germany (working with Volkswagen) has developed a pipe made of a heat- and hydrolysis-stabilised grade of polyamide 66, and manufactured using gas-assisted injection moulding.
Now used in 1.6 litre VW group gasoline engines, the pipe fits neatly into the available package space and allows the smooth flow of the cooling agent.
Manufactured from DuPont Zytel, the pipe costs less to make than its metal counterpart and is half the weight. The ability to integrate fixing plates and branch connections in the moulding also contributes to cost savings.
The grade used, EFE7392, combines high glycol resistance with good ageing resistance, high burst strength at temperatures up to 135°C and high creep resistance. It is reinforced with 33% (by weight) glass fibres.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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