Lord Fin Tube-ASTM B404 aluminum alloy tubes with integral fins
ASTM B404 Aluminum Alloy Tubes with Integral Fins
Key Insight: ASTM B404/B404M integral fin tubes deliver up to 3.5x greater heat transfer efficiency compared to plain tubes while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance in demanding thermal applications.
ASTM B404/B404M Standard Specification
ASTM B404/B404M is the definitive international standard published by ASTM International that establishes comprehensive requirements for aluminum and aluminum-alloy seamless condenser and heat-exchanger tubes with integral fins. These specialized tubes represent a significant advancement in thermal engineering, offering superior heat transfer capabilities across various industrial applications.
ASTM B404 Aluminum tubes with integral fins - advanced thermal transfer solution
ASTM B404 Aluminum Alloy Tubes with Integral Fins Technical Specifications
Material Composition & Mechanical Properties
Standard Dimension Ranges
| Parameter | Standard Range | Tolerance | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Diameter | 12.7 mm - 50.8 mm | ±0.13 mm to ±0.25 mm | HVAC systems, industrial cooling |
| Wall Thickness | 0.9 mm - 2.5 mm | ±10% of nominal thickness | Refrigeration, process heating |
| Fin Height | 0.8 mm - 1.6 mm | ±0.13 mm | Power generation, chemical processing |
| Fin Spacing | 0.8 mm - 2.5 mm | ±0.08 mm | Marine applications, oil & gas |
| Tube Length | Up to 24 meters | +3 mm / -0 mm | Large industrial heat exchangers |
Advantages of ASTM B404 Integral Fin Tubes
Thermal Efficiency
- Surface area increase: 200-400% vs plain tubes
- Heat transfer coefficient: 2-3.5x improvement
- Reduced equipment size for equivalent performance
- Lower approach temperature differences
Material Benefits
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- High thermal conductivity (120-180 W/m·K)
- Lightweight construction
- Resistance to ammonia and refrigerants
Economic Impact
- Reduced system footprint
- Lower pumping power requirements
- Extended service life
- Reduced maintenance costs
Performance Comparison: Integral Fin vs Enhanced Tubes
Baseline
+40-80%
+150-250%
+200-350%
ASTM B404 Aluminum Alloy Tubes with Integral Fins Quality
ASTM B404/B404M mandates rigorous testing to ensure consistent performance and reliability across all production batches. These comprehensive quality control measures separate compliant tubes from substandard alternatives.
| Test Type | Frequency | Acceptance Criteria | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tension Testing | Each lot (2 samples) | Meet minimum tensile & yield strength | Verify mechanical properties |
| Flattening Test | Each lot (1 sample) | No cracking or rupture | Ductility and soundness verification |
| Hydrostatic Test | Each tube | No leakage at specified pressure | Pressure integrity confirmation |
| Dimensional Inspection | Statistical sampling | Within specified tolerances | Geometric compliance |
| Eddy Current Test | Each tube (optional) | No significant defects | Detect surface and subsurface flaws |
ASTM B404 Aluminum Alloy Tubes with Integral Fins Industry Applications
| Application Sector | Recommended Alloy | Fin Configuration | Key Performance Metric | Service Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC & Refrigeration | 3003, 1100 | Medium fin density | Thermal efficiency | Clean air/water, moderate temps |
| Power Generation | 5052, 6061 | High fin density | Corrosion resistance | High pressure, elevated temps |
| Chemical Processing | 6061, 6063 | Variable based on fluid | Chemical compatibility | Aggressive chemicals, varying pH |
| Marine & Offshore | 5052, 5086 | Low to medium density | Saltwater resistance | High humidity, salt spray |
| Oil & Gas | 6061-T6, 3003-H14 | Robust fin design | Pressure containment | High pressure, sour service |
ASTM B404 Aluminum Alloy Tubes with Integral Fins Design
When specifying ASTM B404 aluminum alloy tubes with integral fins, several critical design factors must be considered to maximize performance and service life:
Fluid Compatibility
Aluminum exhibits excellent compatibility with refrigerants, ammonia, and many organic fluids, but may require special consideration for highly alkaline or acidic environments.
Thermal Expansion
Aluminums coefficient of thermal expansion (23.1 μm/m·°C) must be accommodated in system design to prevent stress accumulation during thermal cycling.
Fouling Resistance
Integral fin geometry and surface finish significantly impact fouling characteristics, with smoother finishes generally exhibiting lower fouling rates.
Maintenance & Operational Best Practices
Proper maintenance extends service life and maintains thermal performance of ASTM B404 integral fin tubes. Key considerations include:
- Regular inspection for fouling and corrosion
- Appropriate cleaning methods (chemical, mechanical)
- Monitoring pressure drop increases as performance indicator
- Proper winterization in freezing environments
- Compatibility with system water treatment chemicals
Technical Specifications for Your Project?
Our engineering team can provide detailed ASTM B404/B404M compliance data and custom solutions for your specific application requirements.
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