The Capanna Osservatorio Regina Margherita – Monte Rosa, Italy

When the going gets tough,

copper gets going

0101/12 Year 2016

Going to the peak

Copper has literally reached new heights – 4,554 metres to be exact! That’s the altitude

of the Capanna Osservatorio Regina Margherita, or Queen Margherita Observatory

and Hut, making it officially the highest building in Europe. This unique copper-clad

structure is perched on Punta Gnifetti, one of the peaks of the Monte Rosa Massif in

the Italian Alps.

Going to the extreme

Low oxygen, extreme cold, wind and weather are commonplace at altitudes above

4,000 metres. However, this shelter, clad with 5.5 tonnes of copper sheet, has got it

covered: the copper exterior acts as a giant Faraday cage, which insulates and protects

the interior from lightning and atmospheric phenomena. Tough copper can stand up to

these extreme conditions – resisting corrosion and electrical discharges – thus keeping

the hut and all inside safe from the elements.

Going the alpine route

Originally constructed in 1893 and rebuilt in 1980, this three-level shelter and

scientific research centre can host 70 mountaineers and alpine skiers in summer.

Requiring an enduring and extremely challenging glacial trek, or Alpine climb, it is

not for beginners or the faint of heart! The hut is also uniquely positioned to conduct

high-elevation medical research, plus environmental and climate studies.

Going 360 degrees

With stunning views spanning 360 degrees, the Capanna Osservatorio Regina

Margherita is a copper-covered beacon – anchored on a 2,000 metre precipice of rock

and ice. Not merely a summit to be conquered, but a destination in itself.

copper gets going to the summit of Europe

The Capanna Osservatorio Regina Margherita

@Go_Copper

Photo credit: G. Tiraboschi

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Copper fish cage, Mozambezi Tilapia Farm – Cahora Bassa, Mozambique

0202/12 Year 2016

Going on the attack

Imagine a crocodile viciously attacking a cage: not a scene from a horror movie, but a

daily reality for the Mozambezi Tilapia Farm in Mozambique. How can they protect the

fish in their cages from predators? Somewhat surprisingly, with copper!

Going up against predators

The fish farm had a major problem with predator attacks from crocodiles and otters.

The usual solution was to install additional predator nets to protect the holding nets

from damage. The holding nets were prone to intense biofouling, affecting the health

of fish and their mortality. The nets also had to be cleaned weekly after first removing

the fish – stress inducing for the fish and their two-legged care-providers alike.

Going for strong copper

Copper alloy aquaculture cages were installed at the fish farm – no additional predator

nets were required. The fish are protected from predators and the cages themselves

are resilient against attacks. Additionally, as copper has high resistance to biofouling,

the fish are healthier and their mortality rates much lower. Copper is a clear winner,

no contest.

Going fierce on crocodiles

Tough enough to take on crocodiles – copper alloy cages come out on top compared to

traditional nets. With its high resistance to corrosion and biofouling and much easier

maintenance, copper is in its element.

copper gets goingto stand upto predator attacks

Copper fish cages in Mozambique

@Go_Copper

Photo credit: CDAA, Advance Africa and the operator of the site, Mozambezi

#gocopper

copper gets going

When the going gets tough,

Micro-alloyed copper overhead lines withstand severe ice storms – El Teniente Copper Mine, The Andes, Chile

When the going gets tough,

copper gets going

0303/12 Year 2016

Going to the outer limits

The Chilean Andes – known for their extreme weather and desolation – is a place for

die-hard adventurers, hardened locals… and copper. In August 2015, micro-alloyed

copper overhead lines were installed in the Andes mountains, and have proven that

this extreme location is a perfect match for their ultra-tough capabilities.

Going to icy extremes

These overhead lines, critical to the country’s high-altitude mining operations, must

withstand four to six ice storms each winter. Excessive ice on the lines can lead to a

shutdown (due to conductor clashing or arc flash). When a major snowstorm swept

across the region in October 2015, the new copper conductors as well as an existing

conductor were put to the test. The copper lines, on the left, showed far less ice build-

up and ‘sag’ and no arc flash, compared to the traditional lines. An ice-cold winner!

Going high capacity

With its smaller cross section and hydrophobic coating, the new micro-alloyed copper

conductor sheds ice more quickly and resists wind load – while boasting a 30%

increase in the circuit’s current carrying capacity. Many of copper’s characteristics

pull together to master the icy and windy elements: higher electrical conductivity,

significantly lower energy losses and corrosion resistance. Plus, its mechanical

strength eliminates the need for an internal steel core reinforcement.

Going for top marks

This shows that, in challenging atmospheric environments, micro-alloyed conductors

are an excellent alternative to steel reinforced aluminium conductors for high voltage

overhead lines. They came to the Andes, they stood the test of severe ice storms, and

came out on top.

copper gets going to take on the icy Andes challenge Copper overhead power lines in Chile

@Go_Copper

Photo credit: LaFarga

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#gocopper

Transnet’s Phelophepa I and II mobile healthcare trains equipped with copper – South Africa

When the going gets tough,

copper gets going

0404/12 Year 2016

Going on track for health

South Africa’s ‘Miracle Trains’ – Transnet’s Phelophepa I and II – provide healthcare

to rural communities across the country. These 19-coach, primary healthcare facilities

on rails are fitted with Antimicrobial Copper, essentially stopping the spread of germs

in their tracks, while the trains themselves deliver safer healthcare to millions of

people. After all, ‘Phelophepa’ means ‘good, clean health’.

Going to deliver local access

The trains function as one-stop health facilities, bringing much needed care, medication

and education outreach to rural areas that don’t have local access to healthcare.

Travelling 36 weeks a year, the trains serve over 300,000 people annually. Copper is

one of the key infection control initiatives to the project – spreading good health

whilst helping to prevent the spread of infection.

Going to harness the power of copper

Antimicrobial Copper door handles, table and countertops and cupboard doors are a

first-line defence against germs, helping to provide a more hygienic environment for

patients and staff. With powerful inherent antimicrobial efficacy, solid copper touch

surfaces are proven to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. These trains truly

harness the germ-killing power of Antimicrobial Copper.

Going on a path for healthy communities

Copper makes an important infection control contribution to these unique ‘miracle

trains’ – protecting the health of millions of people and countless communities across

rural South Africa.

copper gets going to spread healthcareto rural areas

South Africa’s ‘Miracle Trains’

@Go_Copper

#gocopper

Kamaz truck with CuproBraze® radiator – Sahara desert, The Dakar Rally

When the going gets tough,

copper gets going

0505/12 Year 2016

Going rough and rugged

The Dakar Rally is the ultimate off-road rallying event. With rugged terrain, extreme

heat and a harsh schedule, the race has been testing the endurance of drivers – and

their vehicles – since 1978. It doesn’t get rougher than this. Just the place to put

copper’s performance to the test.

Going the distance

The 2-week event challenges over 300 drivers on a 9,400 km trek from Paris, France,

through Spain and the Sahara Desert, ending in Dakar, Senegal. Only true off-road

vehicles (cars, motorbikes and trucks) can take the heat: crossing dunes, mud and

rocky surfaces, and covering distances up to 900 km a day. The route varies year by

year and, since 2009, the rally has taken place in South America.

Going for high performance copper heat exchangers

For many years, Kamaz has dominated the truck category in this gruelling race.

The Kamaz truck relies on a Shaaz radiator made from advanced CuproBraze® heat

exchanger technology. Its advantages are the strength and reliability of the core, its

smaller size and higher heat exchange rate compared to aluminium. Copper-alloy heat

exchangers rev up the performance and put vehicles in high gear!

Going extreme durability

Copper is right at home in this punishing world of off-road rally racing. A cool

contender, under the challenging conditions of high temperatures and rough terrain,

a copper heat exchanger is tough and durable to the extreme.

copper gets going on extreme off-roadconditions

Kamaz truck at Dakar Rally

@Go_Copper

Copper rocket combustion chamber liner made with 3D printing – NASA, USA

When the going gets tough,

copper gets going

0606/12 Year 2016

Going to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit

NASA engineers achieved a milestone in rocket manufacturing by 3D printing the

first full-scale, rocket engine part made of copper. The combustion chamber liner must

withstand extreme hot and cold conditions, as inside gas temperatures can soar to over

5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Not your everyday copper, this is a copper alloy on a mission.

Going to revolutionise rocket building

Copper is extremely good at conducting heat, making it an ideal material for lining a

combustion chamber. It took over 10 days for the part - made from a special copper

alloy created by NASA scientists - to have 8,255 layers of copper powder fused into its

200 intricate cooling channels by a laser machine. This groundbreaking manufacturing

process will guide future 3D-printed rocket engines – to space and beyond.

Going to get fired up

After the part was manufactured, a nickel super-alloy jacket was deposited onto the

exterior surface. Next, the copper liner was tested under simulated conditions to ensure

it could handle the extreme temperatures and pressures inside the rocket engine during

flight. 3, 2, 1 – copper is ready for blast off.

Going on future space endeavours

This is not a one-off. The goal is to reduce the time and cost of making rocket parts,

and create a repeatable process for manufacturing advanced designs. Such revolutionary

technologies are bringing NASA closer to a journey to Mars. The red metal is bound for

the Red Planet!

copper gets goingdestination Red Planet

NASA’s first 3D-printed copper rocket engine part

@Go_Copper

Photo credit: NASA

#gocopper

The Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator – Geneva, Switzerland

When the going gets tough,

copper gets going

0707/12 Year 2016

Going to explore the nature of matter

Unlocking the unsolved mysteries of the universe... That’s what the CERN particle

accelerators aim to achieve. By recreating the conditions right after the Big Bang,

scientists are studying the building blocks of matter and forces of nature. And right

at the heart of this powerful construction are superconductor strands made of

high-tech copper-based filaments.

Going to collide at the speed of light

The Large Hadron Collider is the largest science apparatus ever built. Located in a

27-kilometre tunnel between France and Switzerland at CERN (the European Organisation

for Nuclear Research), the particle accelerators project particle beams to near the

speed of light. When the particles collide, the scientific magic happens, giving

physicists clues to the formation of the universe.

Going to the moon and back – 684 times

Luvata Group provided the superconducting wire for the dipole and quadrupole

magnets, which steer and speed the light-speed particles around the tunnel to their

collision. It required 2,280 kilometres of superconducting cable, with 36 strands

per cable and 6,400 filaments per strand. That’s over 525 million kilometres of

superconducting filament delivered to exact specifications – equalling 684 return trips

to the Moon!

Going beyond the boundaries of science

CERN and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) continue to search for answers to unsolved

questions of the cosmos. The next discovery of rare physics phenomena might just be

powered by LHC’s copper niobium-titanium wires.

copper gets going to the origin of the universe

Super- conducting wire for the CERNparticle accelerator

@Go_Copper

Photo credit: CERN

#gocopper

The monumental bronze statue ‘Flight in mind’ by Olivier Strebelle before the March 22 attacks – Brussels Airport, Zaventem, Belgium

0808/12 Year 2016

Reopening of the airport departures hall

After the devastating March 22 terror attacks at Brussels Airport, the departures hall

was reconstructed and reopened in time for the busy summer season. Those familiar

with the airport, however, may find that the renovated area looks a little different

now. The iconic statue ‘Flight in mind’, which greeted millions of travellers over the

years, has been removed.

The iconic statue endures

Although it withstood the attacks and remained standing amidst the rubble, the statue

was scarred by the impact of projectiles used in the bombs. According to airport

sources, a decision was made not to fully repair the work of art, in consultation with

its creator, Olivier Strebelle. The scars on the robust bronze surface will be left as

a reminder; however, the artist confirmed the statue would otherwise be restored,

cleaned and polished to its original lustre.

A monumental piece of art

The monumental sculpture was a popular meeting place in the airport. Depicting a bird

opening its wings, the bronze statue had ornamented the departures hall since 1995.

For centuries, bronze has been the first choice of material for sculptors, due to its ease

of casting, strength, corrosion resistance and attractive surface patina. In addition

to the statue ‘Flight in mind’, renowned Belgian sculptor Olivier Strebelle has created

more than 300 contemporary works - many in bronze - located in public settings

around the world and in private collections.

In commemoration

At a later point in time, the statue will likely take a new position at the airport, as a

memorial to the victims - and as a symbol of strength, recovery and hope.

copper gets going as a symbol of hope and strength

‘Flight in mind’ by Olivier Strebelle at Brussels Airport

@Go_Copper

#GOCOPPER

Photo credit: © Fabianamorosini via Twitter

Testing of the MIRI thermal shield for the James Webb Space Telescope – NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA

When the going gets tough,

copper gets going

0909/12 Year 2016

Going on a magnified space mission

Due to be launched in October 2018, the James Webb Space Telescope will follow up

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope. This new observatory

will feature a larger 6.5-metre diameter mirror – compared to Hubble’s 2.4-metre mirror

– making it the most powerful telescope ever built. The expectations for the Webb are

also larger: to shed light on the formation of our own solar system, and even the origins

of the universe.

Going to use pioneering technologies

A collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space

Agency, this large infrared telescope features some groundbreaking technologies,

including 18-segment, ultra-light beryllium mirrors that unfold after takeoff;

hypersensitive cameras and spectrometers that record images undetectable to the

human eye; and a tennis court sized 5-layer sunshield in order to protect the extremely

delicate equipment from intense heat and light.

Going to keep it cool

Copper wires are very important to help control the temperature of the Mid-Infrared

Instrument under the shield. The equipment has to perform in the extreme cold of outer

space, and must be kept at temperatures under −250 °C to avoid being overwhelmed

by its own infrared radiation. And it’s the telescope’s infrared capabilities that can

potentially observe the dim glow of the very first galaxies.

Going back to the Big Bang

For the next decade, astronomers all over the world will get a glimpse of never-before

seen images of far-away planets, stars and solar systems – a window all the way back to

the Big Bang. And copper will have played its part in understanding our cosmic history!

copper gets going to observe distant galaxies

copper wire in thermal shield for Webb Telescope

@Go_Copper

Photo credit: NASA/Chris Gunn

#gocopper