Lawton Dual, revolutionising the ACR Market

Coventry based Lawton Tubes has reacted to the current economic climate by bringing a new product to the ACR market.  Their new product, Lawton Dual uses a metallurgical bond of a copper core and aluminium exterior, making a system that has all the strength and durability of copper, but is considerably cheaper, and  lighter, thanks to its aluminium content.

Oliver Lawton of Lawton Tubes stated that, “As a business we were concerned about the price of copper and the impact it was having on the industry.  By bringing this exciting and unique new product to the market, via our wholesale distributors, we are looking to support the ACR industry by enabling installers to lower costs without compromising quality.”

The product looks like an aluminium tube from the outside, but like a copper tube from the inside.  A cross section shows the two metals in layers.  The copper and aluminium are unified by a metallurgical bond to become one single homogenous tube demonstrating the beneficial properties of both metals.

Lawton Dual is pitched firmly at the air-conditioning unit installation market, with capabilities that are ideal for connecting split-type air-conditioning units.  The installer can work with it just as they would normal copper tubing, as it still joins perfectly to other copper tubes.

The process for joining Lawton Dual to other copper tubes remains simple.  Expanding the end of the tube exposes the copper inner, allowing copper to copper contact.  A low temperature silver bearing solder and flux can be used to join the system as usual.  A heat shrinkable jacket is supplied free with the product for sealing the dual tube to the brass flare nut on the air conditioning unit.  Having stood up to numerous corrosion tests, Lawton’s are confident that the durability and reliability of the joins will not be compromised. 

The tube feels, bends and flares just like a normal copper system.  It doesn’t require any expensive tools, lots of special fittings or different processes.  In long pipe-work sections, where two Dual Tubes need to be joined together, a short copper insert/stub should be used to maintain the integrity of a continuous internal copper system.

Chris White, Lawton’s ACR specialist, said “We really liked the simplicity and the flexibility of the system.  As well as keeping costs down for the installer, it doesn’t make the job more complicated or require any extra skills.  It’s cheaper, easy to use, and there’s no loss of benefits.  What more could anyone want?”

Dual is available in various standard sizes from 1/4” to 5/8”, and is delivered in the usual 15m and 30m coils.  All sizes can withstand a maximum working pressure of 55bar (800psi), so are compatible with systems operating the latest generations of refrigerants such as R410A. Duals capabilities are far in excess of today’s refrigerant requirements for air conditioning.  Chris White told us “we want customers to know that this product is more than fit for purpose.  Installers can use Lawton Dual with complete confidence, knowing that it will be strong enough for any current requirements.”

By virtue of the copper interior, the tube still retains all the strength, corrosion resistance and durability of copper, but the inclusion of aluminium, makes it much lighter than usual.  The installation process is less cumbersome, particularly for installers working in tricky overhead conditions.

Its key selling point at the moment, however, has to be its price. Reducing the amount of copper needed to make the tubes has reduced their cost significantly.  The lower weight will also reduce transport costs as less weight uses less fuel.  The aluminium exterior also hides the valuable copper interior, reducing the risk of theft.  Lawton’s are hopeful that those using Dual will be able to pass on these cost savings, making them able to offer their customers more competitive quotations, in turn making their own businesses more competitive.

The fact that Lawton Tubes is a long established company, with an excellent reputation in the market, should give customers confidence to demand this new product knowing that they can trust its quality, and take advantage of the support provided by Lawton’s expert team.  

Link to Dual Tubes