Microchannel Heat Exchangers (MCHE) – FAQs

Answers to common questions about MCHE technology, design and compliance

Discover clear answers about microchannel heat exchangers (MCHE) — from MCHE technology and refrigerants to microchannel coil design, integration and lifecycle. We also cover aluminum microchannel coils and aluminum heat exchangers for HVACR and industrial cooling. This hub is updated monthly based on regulations, market trends and customer feedback.

Technology & Performance

Microchannel heat exchanger (MCHE) technology and performance — Climetal
MCHE technology and performance highlights.

A microchannel heat exchanger (MCHE) uses parallel flat tubes with multiple micro-channels and louvered fins to maximize surface area and heat transfer in a compact, lightweight geometry. Compared with fin-and-tube, MCHEs typically deliver higher heat transfer efficiency, significantly lower refrigerant charge and reduced air-side pressure drop. Modern aluminum microchannel coils also improve corrosion control and weight vs. copper/aluminum fin-and-tube.

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Yes. Due to higher heat transfer and lower charge, MCHEs can reduce compressor work and improve seasonal energy efficiency in chillers, rooftops and condensing units. Results depend on proper sizing, microchannel coil design, coil geometry and fan selection.

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E-coating deposits a uniform, thin protective layer over the coil (reaching edges and crevices sprays can miss), improving resistance to corrosion in coastal/industrial atmospheres while maintaining thermal performance. The final specification balances coating thickness, fin density and target capacity; it is a common choice for aluminum heat exchangers exposed to aggressive environments.

Yes — for dry coolers (water-free heat rejection) with proper rating for air-side performance targets. CO₂ use depends on specific pressure/temperature ratings and project validation; suitability is confirmed during sizing and quotation. Material selection and fin geometry are key, especially for aluminum microchannel coils in outdoor industrial cooling.

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Refrigerants & Compliance

A2L and R290 refrigerants compliance for aluminum microchannel heat exchangers — Climetal
A2L / R290 readiness and compliance documentation.

Yes. We design and validate for A2L readiness, focusing on material compatibility, charge minimization, ventilation and the safety standards applicable to each market and product category. This approach supports F-Gas compliance and fleet decarbonization goals.

We engineer MCHE solutions for R290 applications and evaluate CO₂ on a case-by-case basis considering pressure ratings, leak-tightness, ventilation requirements and applicable directives/standards. Detailed documentation for compliance is provided during quotation and project kickoff.

MCHEs inherently lower refrigerant charge and improve heat transfer efficiency, two levers that support regulatory F-Gas compliance and system decarbonization across HVACR and industrial cooling.

Projects are delivered in line with the relevant EU directives and industry norms for pressure equipment, materials and electrical safety. Specific conformity and test reports are supplied per project scope to demonstrate compliance.

Design & Integration

Microchannel coil design, sizing and integration — Climetal
Inputs for sizing, retrofit and integration.

Airflow, entering/leaving air temperatures, refrigerant type/conditions, target capacity, allowable drops (air/refrigerant side), geometry constraints, ambient conditions and noise targets. These inputs drive microchannel coil design and performance prediction.

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Yes. We can mirror mounting points and connections, adapt geometry and fin density, and align port orientation to minimize redesign and downtime in retrofit projects.

We balance fin density and face velocity with fan curves and target SPLs, optimizing efficiency while meeting acoustic requirements for mobile and stationary units.

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Use non-aggressive cleaning agents, avoid galvanic pairs during assembly, inspect periodically for debris/fouling, and follow approved pH ranges for cleaning fluids. Frequency depends on environment and duty cycle; e-coating can extend intervals in corrosive atmospheres.

Procurement & Lifecycle

Engineering support, lead times and total cost of ownership for MCHE — Climetal
Engineering support, timelines and TCO improvements.

Lead times vary with complexity, coating, materials and volumes. We confirm timelines at quotation and can propose buffer/expedite options for urgent projects.

Thermal performance, pressure ratings, materials/finishing (e-coating), connection details, tests, documentation, pricing and delivery terms, plus integration notes if requested — including TCO considerations when required.

Higher efficiency, reduced refrigerant charge, lighter weight and robust coatings help lower operating costs and extend service intervals over the equipment life, improving total cost of ownership (TCO).

Yes — our engineering team supports design, prototyping and validation to hit performance and compliance targets. Contact us for custom microchannel heat exchanger design.