New Pipes Could Bring Desalination to Developing Nations

Oct-10-12 A new type of heat-conducting pipes could lower the price of desalination, allowing developing countries to take advantage of the method.

Conventional pipes used for desalination are made from titanium or a high-alloy steel, which are exposed to heat to become hot enough to evaporate seawater and allow the fresh water to be collected. To offer a cheaper alternative, researchers from Fraunhofer created the new pipes by combining a polymer with copper microfibers. The new, less expensive composite conducts heat in the same way as metal, but can be processed like regular plastic.

The new pipes are currently being tested in a desalination plant, where the team is studying their conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE]

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