Solder-free technology enables efficient HVAC installation
Vulkan Group have disclosed an innovative means of retrofitting HVAC systems on board superyachts which minimises time spent out of the water.…
Speaking exclusively to SuperyachtNews.com, the Lokring division of the Vulkan Group, disclosed that they have an innovative means of retrofitting HVAC systems on board superyachts, which minimises time spent out of the water. The use of aluminium tubes instead of copper tubes in the installation of air-conditioning systems offers numerous benefits, the group claims, which includes a lower price and a lighter weight.
“So far, the argument presented against the use of aluminium for tube connection in the refrigeration and air-conditioning technology was the difficulty of soldering or brazing it,” Vulkan Group explains. “However, this argument no longer holds: with the deployment of the solder-free Lokring tube connection technology.” With this technology, Vulkan Group are able to harness the benefits of the light metal and also take advantage of an installation free of soldering or brazing, which they claim can cut installation time by 40 per cent.
“Lokring was invented by an engineer to solve braze joint issues on the B-1 bomber programme in the 1960s,” Jesus Alcala, sales engineer in the Lokring division of Vulkan Group, tells SuperyachtNews.com. “Vulkan bought the world rights, other than North America, to Lokring in the 1970s and in the early 1990s, bought the rights to North America. This is when American Vulkan Lokring was established for the US market.”
“The Lokring tube connection allows a fast and reliable connection of tubes, even of different material,” Alcala continues, “This tube connection system is a cold, clean method that eliminated the need for brazing. This means there is no fire permits needed, no danger of burn damage to the appliance or areas where you are working and no need for nitrogen flowing through the pipes to avoid oxidation. It is fast and reliable and perfect to have on board a yacht in case a quick fix is needed whilst out at sea. For this reason, Lokring technology is being used on many installations throughout the United States.”
“So far, the argument presented against the use of aluminium for tube connection in the refrigeration and air-conditioning technology was the difficulty of soldering or brazing it,” Vulkan Group explains. “However, this argument no longer holds: with the deployment of the solder-free Lokring tube connection technology.” With this technology, Vulkan Group are able to harness the benefits of the light metal and also take advantage of an installation free of soldering or brazing, which they claim can cut installation time by 40 per cent.
“Lokring was invented by an engineer to solve braze joint issues on the B-1 bomber programme in the 1960s,” Jesus Alcala, sales engineer in the Lokring division of Vulkan Group, tells SuperyachtNews.com. “Vulkan bought the world rights, other than North America, to Lokring in the 1970s and in the early 1990s, bought the rights to North America. This is when American Vulkan Lokring was established for the US market.”
“The Lokring tube connection allows a fast and reliable connection of tubes, even of different material,” Alcala continues, “This tube connection system is a cold, clean method that eliminated the need for brazing. This means there is no fire permits needed, no danger of burn damage to the appliance or areas where you are working and no need for nitrogen flowing through the pipes to avoid oxidation. It is fast and reliable and perfect to have on board a yacht in case a quick fix is needed whilst out at sea. For this reason, Lokring technology is being used on many installations throughout the United States.”
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