Microchannel Heat Exchangers (MCHE) – FAQs
Discover clear answers about microchannel heat exchangers (MCHE) — from technology and refrigerants to design, integration and lifecycle. This hub is updated monthly based on regulations, market trends and customer feedback.
Technology & Performance
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.
Yes. Due to higher heat transfer and lower charge, MCHEs can reduce compressor work and improve seasonal efficiency in chillers, rooftops and condensing units. Results depend on proper sizing, coil geometry and fan selection.
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.
Yes. Properly engineered MCHEs are suitable for dry coolers (water-free heat rejection) and for CO₂ gas coolers when rated for pressure/temperature and air-side performance targets. Material selection and fin geometry are key.
Refrigerants & Compliance
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.
We engineer MCHE solutions for CO₂ and R290 applications, taking into account pressure ratings, leak-tightness, ventilation requirements and applicable directives/standards. Documentation is provided during quotation and project kickoff.
MCHEs inherently lower refrigerant charge and improve heat transfer efficiency, two levers that support regulatory 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.
Design & Integration
Airflow, entering/leaving air temperatures, refrigerant type/conditions, target capacity, allowable drops (air/refrigerant side), geometry constraints, ambient conditions and noise targets.
Yes. We can mirror mounting points and connections, adapt geometry and fin density, and align port orientation to minimize redesign and downtime.
We balance fin density and face velocity with fan curves and target SPLs, optimizing efficiency while meeting acoustic requirements.
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.
Procurement & Lifecycle
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.
Higher efficiency, reduced refrigerant charge, lighter weight and robust coatings help lower operating costs and extend service intervals over the equipment life.
Yes — our engineering team supports design, prototyping and validation to hit performance and compliance targets.