Method for improving heat efficiency using silane coatings and coated articles produced thereby
US6451382B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31663
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Oligomeric silane coating compositions containing, for example, methyltrimethoxysilane, are used to coat new or used heat exchange apparatus, such as HVAC systems, to greatly improve the heat transfer efficiency and prevent or inhibit corrosion. These oligomeric coating compositions are able to fill microvoids in the heat exchange surfaces, and penetrate into the microcavities at the interface of swaged or force fit surfaces, such as fins and tubes. The oligomeric silane coating compositions are highly active and will form bonds not only with the metal and metal oxides of the heat transfer surfaces, but will also displace gasses or liquids at the heat transfer contact surfaces and form chemical and/or hydrogen bonds with the oxides and chemical impurities. By so doing, a parallel heat transfer pathway is formed. The applied coatings may be as thin as only a few millionths of an inch and will fill microcavities to a depth of up to about 2000 nanometers. The coated heat transfer surfaces are non-adherent to deposition of soils and microorganisms and, therefore, are easier to maintain and are environmentally safe for use to heat/cool inhabited structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.