Helical Coils: Explained

A helical coil is, quite simply, an object shaped into a helix formation. It serves as a space-saving hack, fitting a large surface area into a small space. Helical coils have many applications, from tiny surgical instruments to complex heat transfer solutions in chemical and industrial projects.

Pipe welding applications

In pipe welding, a helical coil is a metal tube bent into a spiral shape. From an engineer’s perspective, this configuration increases an object’s surface area to distribute its heating or cooling effects more efficiently. Whether you need to heat a substance, speed up evaporation or cool a room, the helical coil enables you to do more with less.

Coiled tubes are preferable even when space isn’t limited as they’re less subject to heat expansion than straight tubing. The helical coil is well suited to applications with minor temperature differences, high heat volume ratings or high-pressure applications.

Helical coils and heat transfer

When you need to heat or cool large quantities of liquid or gas, helical coils provide a safer, more efficient solution than direct heating elements. The spiral pipe increases the surface area touching the substance. The coil is submerged into the fluid and filled with steam or hot water. The heated coil then causes the surrounding substance to warm up. The helical coil would be filled with cold water or a coolant for a cooling effect.

Leaks would be detrimental to this process, and it would cause cross-contamination between the heat transfer substance and the substance to be cooled or heated. Because the helical coil is a single continuous piece, it mitigates the risk of leakage.

Helical coil applications

Helical coil pipes serve many different industries. In the oil industry, it’s an efficient method of heating crude petroleum to separate it into its component materials. For chemical processes, the coils can be made to resist rust and corrosion and can therefore be compatible with alkaline solutions, acid solutions and rinse tanks. The helical coil enables food manufacturers to accelerate mixing processes and create large-scale refrigerating capacity.

Even some of the appliances in your own home, like your water boiler, air conditioner and refrigerator, rely on helical coils to optimize energy efficiency.

Custom-made helical coils from Advanced Flow Systems

Trust Advanced Flow Systems to deliver a helical coil product to your specifications. We’re the only company in North America that can simultaneously bend multiple pipe sections. You can request single or multiple coils in carbon, stainless or alloy pipe. Rely on our hydro-testing process to ensure safety and quality. Contact us to talk to a welding expert today.