Heat Pipes: Diameter 3 mm to 25 mm, Length 50 mm to 500 mm

Component Specifications

Definition

A heat pipe is a sealed, vacuum-tight device consisting of a wick structure lining the inner wall and a small amount of working fluid. It operates on the principles of capillary action and phase change: heat applied at the evaporator section vaporizes the fluid, which travels to the condenser section where it condenses, releasing latent heat. The condensed liquid returns to the evaporator via the wick structure, creating a continuous cycle for highly efficient heat transfer with minimal temperature gradient.

Working Principle

Heat pipes utilize the latent heat of vaporization and condensation of a working fluid (e.g., water, ammonia, or refrigerants) within a sealed, vacuum environment. Heat input at the evaporator section causes the fluid to vaporize, creating a pressure gradient that drives vapor to the condenser section. There, heat is dissipated, causing condensation. Capillary action in the wick structure (e.g., sintered powder, grooves, or mesh) pumps the condensed liquid back to the evaporator, enabling passive, high-conductivity heat transport.

Materials

Common materials include copper or aluminum for the outer casing (for high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance), with wick structures of sintered copper powder, grooves, or mesh. Working fluids vary by application: water for 0-150°C, ammonia for -60 to 100°C, or refrigerants for specific ranges. Compatibility between casing, wick, and fluid is critical to prevent corrosion or degradation.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Length	50 mm to 500 mm
Diameter	3 mm to 25 mm
Bending Radius	≥ 3x diameter
Max Heat Transport	50 W to 500 W
Thermal Conductivity	5,000 to 200,000 W/m·K (effective)
Orientation Sensitivity	Performance varies with gravity; some designs are orientation-independent
Operating Temperature Range	-60°C to 300°C (fluid-dependent)

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 19467:2017, DIN EN 13941, ASTM E1530

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Leakage of working fluid leading to loss of functionality
Wick structure clogging or degradation over time
Incompatibility between materials causing corrosion
Performance reduction in non-optimal orientations
Overheating if heat input exceeds design limits

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Mechanical damage or corrosion
Failure: Casing breach and fluid leakage
Mitigation: Use robust casing materials (e.g., copper with nickel plating), implement protective housings, and conduct regular inspections for damage.

Trigger: High-temperature operation beyond fluid limits
Failure: Fluid decomposition or pressure buildup
Mitigation: Select appropriate working fluid for the temperature range, incorporate temperature sensors, and design with safety margins.

Trigger: Improper installation or bending
Failure: Wick structure damage or reduced capillary action
Mitigation: Follow manufacturer guidelines for bending radius and orientation, use pre-bent designs if needed, and train personnel on handling procedures.

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Dimensional tolerances per ISO 2768-m, thermal performance within ±10% of rated conductivity under specified conditions

Test Method

Thermal performance tested per ASTM E1530 (guarded heat flow meter method) or ISO 19467, leak testing via helium mass spectrometry, and material analysis per relevant ASTM standards.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Heat Pipes

Manufacturer profiles associated with Heat Pipes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do heat pipes compare to solid metal heat spreaders?

Heat pipes offer significantly higher effective thermal conductivity (up to 200,000 W/m·K vs. ~400 W/m·K for copper) due to phase change, enabling efficient heat transport over longer distances with minimal temperature drop, making them ideal for compact or high-heat applications.

What factors affect heat pipe performance?

Key factors include working fluid selection (based on temperature range), wick structure design (affects capillary pumping and orientation sensitivity), casing material, vacuum integrity, and operating orientation (gravity-assisted or against gravity).

Are heat pipes maintenance-free?

Yes, heat pipes are sealed and passive, requiring no maintenance under normal conditions. However, they can fail due to leakage, wick degradation, or fluid depletion, often requiring replacement.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Heat Pipes