Stainless SS304L fin tubes
What are SS304L fin tubes?
SS304L fin tubes are specialized heat transfer components made from SS304L stainless steel, a low-carbon variant known for its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. These tubes feature fins, which can be made from materials such as SS304, steel 409, carbon steel, or aluminum, to enhance heat transfer efficiency. SS304L fin tubes are used in a variety of industrial applications, including power plants, refineries, petrochemical facilities, air coolers for natural gas systems, air-heating equipment, and both high and low-temperature economizers, where they provide durable and cost-effective solutions for efficient heat exchange.
1. Base Tube Material:
SS304L Stainless Steel: The bare tube is made from SS304L, Tube produce as per ASTM/ASME A/S249/269/213/312 a lowcarbon stainless steel variant that minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, thereby enhancing corrosion resistance.
2. Fin Materials:
SS304 Stainless Steel: Fins made from the same family of stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
Steel 409: A ferritic stainless steel known for its good mechanical properties and hightemperature corrosion resistance.
Carbon Steel: Often used for costeffective solutions where corrosion resistance is not the primary concern.
Aluminum: Offers excellent thermal conductivity, making it suitable for applications requiring efficient heat transfer.
3. Types of SS304L Fin Tubes:
3.1. Extruded Type Finned Tube:
In this type, the fins are extruded from the tube material itself, providing a strong bond and good heat transfer efficiency.
3.2. HighFrequency Welded Finned Tube:
Fins are attached to the base tube using highfrequency welding, ensuring a robust bond and durability under highstress conditions.
3.3. Laser Welded Finned Tube:
Utilizes laser welding technology to attach the fins, offering precise and highquality welds with minimal thermal distortion.
Why choose SS304L fin tubes?
1. Corrosion Resistance:
SS304L has excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, including atmospheric corrosion and many chemicals. This makes it suitable for applications where corrosion resistance is critical.
2. CostEffective:
SS304L is generally less expensive than highergrade stainless steels like SS316L. It provides a good balance between cost and performance, making it an economical choice for many applications.
3. Weldability:
The low carbon content in SS304L reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding. This enhances its weldability and minimizes the need for postweld heat treatment, making it easier to fabricate and assemble.
4. Mechanical Properties:
SS304L maintains good mechanical properties, including strength and toughness, over a wide range of temperatures. This makes it versatile for various industrial uses.
5. Versatility in Fin Material:
SS304L fin tubes can be combined with various fin materials, such as SS304, Steel 409, Carbon Steel, and Aluminum, allowing customization based on specific application requirements. This flexibility ensures optimal performance in different environments and conditions.
6. Durability:
The combination of corrosion resistance and mechanical strength ensures that SS304L fin tubes have a long service life, even in harsh operating conditions. This reduces maintenance costs and downtime.
7. Wide Range of Applications:
SS304L fin tubes are suitable for a variety of applications, including heat exchangers, boilers, air preheaters, and other heat transfer equipment in industries like power generation, petrochemical, and HVAC systems.
8. Environmental Resistance:
SS304L performs well in both low and hightemperature environments, making it suitable for applications involving fluctuating temperatures.
9. NonMagnetic Properties:
SS304L is nonmagnetic in the annealed condition, which can be beneficial in applications where magnetic interference needs to be minimized.
Testing and inspection of SS304L fin tubes:
1. Chemical Composition Analyzer:
Purpose: To verify the chemical composition of the SS304L material to ensure it meets the required standards.
Method: Spectroscopy or Xray fluorescence (XRF) analysis.
2. Mechanical Property Test:
Purpose: To assess the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and hardness.
Method: Tensile testing machines and hardness testers.
3. FinTube Bond Inspection:
Purpose: To check the integrity of the bond between the fins and the base tube.
Method: Ultrasonic testing (UT) or eddy current testing (ECT).
4. Hydraulic Test:
Purpose: To ensure the fin tube can withstand the specified internal pressure without leaking.
Method: The tube is filled with water and pressurized to a specified level to check for leaks and structural integrity.
5. Pneumatic Test:
Purpose: Similar to the hydraulic test but uses air or gas instead of water to check for leaks.
Method: The tube is pressurized with air or inert gas and submerged in water to detect bubbles indicating leaks.
6. Microscope Inspection:
Purpose: To examine the microstructure of the material for any defects or inconsistencies.
Method: Optical microscopy or scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
7. MicroHardness Inspection:
Purpose: To measure the hardness of specific small areas, particularly useful for examining weld zones and heataffected zones (HAZ).
Method: Microhardness testers like Vickers or Knoop hardness testers.
8. HAZ (HeatAffected Zone) Inspection:
Purpose: To inspect the area affected by the welding process for any changes in material properties or defects.
Method: Metallographic examination and hardness testing within the HAZ.
SS304L fin tubes applications
1. Power Plants:
Application: Used in heat exchangers, boilers, and economizers to improve the efficiency of heat transfer processes.
Function: Helps in recovering waste heat and improving overall thermal efficiency.
2. Air Coolers for NGS (Natural Gas Systems):
Application: Utilized in aircooled heat exchangers to cool natural gas in processing and transportation systems.
Function: Ensures efficient cooling while maintaining resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
3. Refineries:
Application: Employed in various heat exchangers and air coolers within refinery processes.
Function: Provides efficient heat transfer and withstands corrosive environments commonly found in refineries.
4. Petrochemical Industry:
Application: Used in heat exchangers, condensers, and other equipment involved in chemical processing.
Function: Ensures durability and reliability in handling aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.
5. AirHeating Applications:
Application: Implemented in air preheaters and other airheating equipment.
Function: Improves the efficiency of heating processes by recovering heat from exhaust gases.
6. Other Heat Exchangers:
Application: Widely used in various types of heat exchangers across multiple industries.
Function: Enhances heat transfer efficiency and provides robust performance in different thermal environments.
7. High/Low Temperature Economizers:
Application: Utilized in both high and lowtemperature economizers in power plants and industrial boilers.
Function: Recovers waste heat from flue gases, improving the overall efficiency of the system.
Typical request for stainless SS304L fin tubes :
MOC : SA213TP304L
Tube Size : 25mm O/D X 2.5mm Thk(Min) X 1200 mm Long, Qty 176 Nos.
Fin MOC : SS304L
Fin Size : 45mm O/D X 10mm Fin Ht x 1mm Thk X Fin Pitch 6mm
Finned Length : 1200 mm Fin Length
Fin Density : 04 Fins per inch
Type of Finning : Spiral Wound Continues Welded
