What Is Pancake Coil Copper Pipe?
Pancake coil copper pipe refers to soft-drawn copper tubing wound into continuous coils, commonly used in split air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, and other cooling systems. The coiled form allows for easy storage, transport, and flexible installation in tight spaces, reducing joints and minimizing the risk of refrigerant leakage.
These coils are typically produced in lengths of 15m, 30m, 50m, or customized upon request, with outside diameters ranging from 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch (or 6mm to 19mm). Each coil is usually wrapped in plastic film and packed in individual cartons or pallets to prevent oxidation and damage during shipping.
Why Copper for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration?
Copper has long been the gold standard in refrigeration systems due to its key properties:
High Thermal Conductivity: Ensures fast and efficient heat transfer, essential for cooling performance.
Corrosion Resistance: Withstands moisture, refrigerants, and atmospheric contaminants.
Malleability and Formability: Easily bent and routed without cracking, making it ideal for tight installations.
Durability and Pressure Resistance: Handles high-pressure refrigerants such as R410A, R134a, and newer eco-friendly options.
Recyclability: 100% recyclable, supporting sustainable construction and environmental goals.
These properties allow HVAC engineers to design compact, long-lasting, and efficient systems, while simplifying installation and reducing labor costs.
Applications in the HVAC-R Industry
High-quality pancake copper coils are essential in the following systems:
Split-Type Air Conditioners (residential and commercial): For connecting indoor and outdoor units
Refrigerators and Freezers: For condenser and evaporator coils
Chillers and Heat Pumps: For circulating refrigerant lines
Cold Storage Facilities: In large-scale refrigeration setups
Automotive Air Conditioning: Where space-saving and vibration resistance are critical
Their continuous length and seamless construction reduce the need for connections, helping to minimize refrigerant loss and ensure environmentally friendly system operation.
Quality Standards and International Certifications
Premium refrigeration copper pipes are manufactured in accordance with global quality standards, including:
ASTM B280 – U.S. standard for seamless copper tube for air conditioning and refrigeration
EN 12735-1 – European standard for copper tubes for refrigeration and air conditioning
JIS H3300 – Japanese standard for drawn copper and copper-alloy seamless pipes
ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 – Quality and environmental management certifications
In addition, Chinese manufacturers implement advanced inspection and testing, including:
Hydrostatic pressure tests
Eddy current testing
Surface cleanliness tests
Dimensional accuracy checks
Tensile and elongation testing
Each coil is typically delivered with a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) and, if requested, a third-party inspection report by SGS, TUV, or BV.
Copper Fittings: A Complete HVAC Solution
To complement the tubing, suppliers also provide matching copper fittings, such as:
Elbows (45°, 90°)
Couplings and Reducers
Tees and Y-branches
Flare nuts and compression fittings
Insulation sleeves and brazing rings
These fittings are critical to ensuring a leak-free and pressure-tight system. Most fittings are produced from the same grade of copper as the tubing (typically C12200 phosphorus-deoxidized copper) to ensure compatibility and strength.
Manufacturing Process
Top Chinese factories use a combination of casting, extrusion, and multi-stage drawing to produce high-quality pancake coils. The production process includes:
Melting and Casting of electrolytic copper into billets
Extrusion into tube shells
Cold Drawing to precise dimensions
Annealing for soft temper (O60/O50) to allow bending
Cleaning and Coiling
Final Inspection and Packaging
With automated lines and strict environmental controls, modern copper pipe production in China is now both highly efficient and eco-conscious.
Global Distribution and Export Trends
China remains the largest exporter of HVAC copper tubes, with thousands of tons shipped annually to:
Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines)
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
South America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia)
Europe (Germany, Spain, Poland)
Africa (Egypt, South Africa)
Buyers often choose Chinese factories for their affordable pricing, reliable quality, and fast delivery—especially for OEM/ODM brands, contractor supply chains, and wholesale importers.
Packaging, Customization, and Services
To meet global market needs, manufacturers offer:
Brand customization (OEM labels, logos)
Coil lengths tailored to customer requirements
Plastic caps for pipe ends to prevent contamination
Double-layer packaging (film + carton/pallet)
Support for EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP logistics
Some factories even provide ready-to-install kits, including pre-insulated copper coils and matched flare fittings—saving time for installation technicians and HVAC installers.
Sustainability and Future Prospects
With the HVAC industry pushing toward eco-friendly refrigerants and lower emissions, copper remains a future-proof material. Unlike plastic or aluminum alternatives, copper does not degrade under refrigerant stress, and its long life cycle reduces waste and repair frequency.
As global energy efficiency regulations tighten, especially in Europe and North America, the demand for high-quality copper coil piping is only expected to grow. Chinese producers are responding by ramping up production, adopting smart factory automation, and investing in R&D for thinner-wall, lightweight tubing with superior performance.
Conclusion
The high-quality pancake coil copper pipe is more than just a component—it's a critical enabler of energy-efficient cooling solutions in our modern world. With its unmatched thermal properties, durability, and ease of use, copper continues to lead in HVAC innovation.
As China’s manufacturing capabilities evolve and global construction and climate systems grow, premium refrigeration copper tubes and fittings will remain essential tools for builders, engineers, and system designers alike—ensuring comfort, reliability, and performance for years to come.