Refrigeration Revolution

Lawton K65 is a unique new product being launched exclusively in the UK by Lawton Tubes.  It has been designed specifically to cope with the new generation of high pressure, environmentally friendly CO2 refrigeration systems.  Including a 2% iron content in its make-up has allowed Lawton to introduce a tube that has a greatly reduced wall thickness compared with traditional copper tube, yet is strong enough to withstand the increased pressures required by modern refrigeration systems.

By introducing K65 to the marketplace, Lawton have brought standardisation and simplification to specifying tube in Supermarket pipework design.   Only two different ratings of tube are needed, K65 80 bar and K65 120bar.   Supplied in soft condition, in straight lengths, the tube is easy to bend, but still doesn’t lose any of its pressure capabilities.  If the maximum pressure requirement is 80 bar, the only tube that needs to be specified is K65.  This consistency in pressure rating also takes away the grey area that has surrounded the interpretation of pressure capability and wall thickness requirements, which can vary depending on which standards are being applied.

This new tube supports the supermarkets’ continual bid to be more environmentally friendly.  Lawton’s K65 is safe and reliable to use with the modern, higher pressure CO2 refrigeration systems.  Chris White Refrigeration/ACR Specialist from Lawton says “K65 is being used by OEM’s like Carrier today and is being trialled in some Supermarket installations”

The tube is available in a variety of sizes from 3/8” to 1 5/8”, and is compatible with fittings that are capable of taking high pressure.  Lawton’s is, however, working towards the launch of a fitting manufactured from K65 and specifically designed to be part of the system.

Whilst Lawton’s K65 is a unique development, it can be used in the same way as traditional copper tube, and there is no change in the jointing process.  It is an excellent product to work with as its reduced wall thickness makes it lighter, and easier to handle, potentially making the installation process easier.  Lawton’s K65 is clearly marked with its pressure rating so its components can be easily identified. “With the Pressure Rating very visible on K65 tube this goes a long way to clearing up the ambiguity when deciding on what thickness to use on a CO2 installation” says Oliver Lawton, MD, Lawton Tubes. The copper/iron alloy is also magnetic, providing another way to distinguish it from traditional copper if necessary.

This is the second of Lawton’s new product launches this year.  Lawton DUAL, a tube developed specifically for the air-conditioning market, has already proved incredibly successful.  With demand for Lawton K65 expected to be high, Lawton’s product innovation continues to set them apart from their competition in the market.

Link to K65