Heat exchanger tubes are tubes that are used in heat exchangers to transfer heat between two fluids.
Heat exchanger tubes are the elements of the heat exchanger, which are placed in the cylinder and used for heat exchange between the two media.
Heat exchanger pipes are specialized tubes used in heat exchangers, which are devices designed to transfer heat between two or more fluids (liquids or gases) without mixing them. These pipes play a critical role in efficiently transferring thermal energy from one medium to another, making them essential components in industries such as power generation, chemical processing, oil and gas, refrigeration, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
ASTM A179: Standard specification for seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel heat exchanger tubes.
ASTM A213: Standard specification for seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy-steel boiler, superheater, and heat exchanger tubes.
ASTM A249: Standard specification for welded austenitic steel boiler, superheater, heat exchanger, and condenser tubes.
DIN 17175: German standard for seamless tubes of heat-resistant steels.
GB/T 9948: Chinese standard for seamless steel tubes for high-pressure fertilizer equipment.
High Thermal Conductivity: Heat exchanger pipes are made from materials with excellent thermal conductivity to maximize heat transfer efficiency.
Corrosion Resistance: They must resist corrosion from the fluids they come into contact with, especially in chemical or marine environments.
Mechanical Strength: These pipes must withstand high pressures, temperatures, and mechanical stresses without failing.
Dimensional Precision: Heat exchanger pipes are manufactured to strict dimensional tolerances to ensure proper fit and optimal heat transfer.
Smooth Surface Finish: A smooth inner and outer surface reduces fouling (deposits on the pipe surface) and improves heat transfer efficiency.
Mechanical Properties | |
Property | Typical Requirements |
Material | Stainless Steel (e.g., 304, 316), Alloy Steel (e.g., Alloy 625) |
Tensile Strength | ≥415 MPa (60,000 psi) for Stainless Steel; ≥550 MPa (80,000 psi) for Alloy 625 |
Yield Strength | ≥205 MPa (30,000 psi) for Stainless Steel; ≥290 MPa (42,000 psi) for Alloy 625 |
Elongation | ≥20% in 50 mm (2 in) or 4D, whichever is greater |
Hardness | Varies depending on heat treatment and specific grade |
Chemical Composition | |||
Element | Stainless Steel 304 Range (%) | Stainless Steel 316 Range (%) | Alloy 625 Range (%) |
Carbon | ≤0.08 | ≤0.08 | ≤0.10 |
Chromium | 18.0 - 20.0 | 16.0 - 18.0 | 20.0 - 23.0 |
Nickel | 8.0 - 10.5 | 10.0 - 14.0 | 55.0 - 65.0 |
Molybdenum | - | 2.0 - 3.0 | 8.0 - 10.0 |
Manganese | ≤2.0 | ≤2.0 | ≤5.0 |
Phosphorus | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.015 |
Sulfur | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
Power Generation: Used in condensers, boilers, and cooling systems in thermal and nuclear power plants.
Oil and Gas: Employed in refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore platforms for heat recovery and cooling.
Chemical Processing: Used in reactors, distillation columns, and cooling systems to handle corrosive and high-temperature fluids.
HVAC and Refrigeration: Found in air conditioners, chillers, and heat pumps for efficient heat transfer.
Food and Beverage:Used in pasteurizers, sterilizers, and cooling systems, often made from stainless steel for hygiene.