Leaching considerations with reactive heat sink materials

In summary, the individual is looking for a way to cool a slow-moving flow of hydroponic plant water, with a maximum nutrient concentration of 1000 ppm and a pH of around 6, using aluminum or copper heat sinks. They are concerned about potential contamination from the heat sink materials and are asking for suggestions on how to minimize this without significantly decreasing thermal conductivity. They are also looking for advice on estimating the size of heat sink needed based on the flow rate of the fluid.
  • #1
shane2
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I need to cool a slow moving small flow of hydroponic plant water, at most 1000 ppm nutrients, with a pH of typically around 6.

I'd like to use aluminum or copper heat sink directly in that fluid stream to drop temp 10 or 20 degrees F down to 50-60F neighborhood.

My concern is I don't want to contaminate my fluids with copper or aluminum reacting to and leaching off into the fluid.

Is that likely an issue and if so, is there any spray coating or other such treatment onto the surface of the heat sink to minimize that happening that does not greatly degrade the materials thermal conductivity?

Thank you for any thoughts.

- Shane
 
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  • #2
Most coatings will degrade the thermal conductivity by comparison because copper is a very good conductor. The question is will any degradation be significant. I suspect it won't be because your application isn't very critical and the coating can be thin.

Perhaps start by estimating the size of heatsink required. To do that you need to know the flow rate of the fluid you are cooling. Water has a high specific heat capacity so if the flow rate is significant the heatsink required might need to be large or impractically large. Might need something more like a fan cooled radiator.
 
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  • #3
CWatters, thank you.

- Shane
 

Related to Leaching considerations with reactive heat sink materials

1. What is leaching and why is it a concern with reactive heat sink materials?

Leaching is the process of extracting substances from a solid material through contact with a liquid. It is a concern with reactive heat sink materials because these materials are designed to absorb and dissipate heat, which can lead to the leaching of potentially harmful substances into the surrounding environment or into products that come into contact with the heat sink material.

2. What types of materials are commonly used as reactive heat sinks?

Commonly used materials for reactive heat sinks include metals such as copper, aluminum, and silver, as well as certain polymers and ceramics. These materials have high thermal conductivity and are able to absorb and dissipate heat effectively.

3. How does leaching occur in reactive heat sink materials?

Leaching in reactive heat sink materials can occur through a variety of mechanisms, such as chemical reactions between the heat sink material and the surrounding environment, physical breakdown of the material, or exposure to high temperatures which can cause the release of substances from the material.

4. What are the potential risks associated with leaching from reactive heat sink materials?

The potential risks of leaching from reactive heat sink materials include contamination of the surrounding environment, harm to human health if the leached substances are toxic, and potential damage to other products or components that come into contact with the heat sink material.

5. How can leaching from reactive heat sink materials be mitigated?

Leaching from reactive heat sink materials can be mitigated by careful selection of materials and regular testing to ensure the material is not leaching harmful substances. Proper disposal of used heat sink materials is also important to prevent environmental contamination. Additionally, using protective coatings or barriers can help prevent leaching from occurring.

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