FAQ

What is it?

 A heat pipe is a device that transfers heat by using the principle of thermo conductivity: It manages the transfer of heat between solid surfaces. The pipe is hollow and lined with a wick. There is also a working fluid involved which will flow through the pipe. When the pipe is heated, the water will begin to evaporate and condense in an endless cycle as shown below:

Figure1: How heat flows through heat pipe

What can it be made of?

 Well, a heat pipe can be broken down into three parts, 1) A vacuum tight or vessel- that will shield the working fluid and capillary working structure, 2) Working fluid- water will be used because of it's ability to operate at a temperature range of 1 to 305C and 3) Capillary wick structure - this will enable working fluid to move from condenser back to evaporator section.  The vessel used is often a pipe. This pipe can be made from any kind of metal, such as copper, silver, aluminum or stainless steel. Even PVC pipe could work. The working fluid is another key material in heat pipes. For the working fluid, water, methanol and hydrogen can be used. Finally, heat pipes need a wick structure. The wicks can be just about anything, too. As long as they are able to hold the condensed air. The kinds of materials in the heat pipe all depend on the type of outcomes the heat pipe is designed for.

Link to Videos on how a heat pipe works:
      
     

Reference:
      http://www.aavid.com/product-group/heatpipe/operate