In cooling or heating fluids or recovering waste heat, flanged tubes are used. A surface of the tube is enhanced with fins that increase its surface area and enhance its thermal performance on the air side.
Finned tubes can be found on the market in a wide variety of varieties. This guide will help you select the most suitable one.
Helical high fins
In addition, there are 5 variations of circular high-finned tubes used for repairing air-cooled heat exchangers:
Extruded finned tubes
High-temperature conditions and corrosive conditions are the ideal conditions to use an Extruded Finned tube. The extruded tubing is commonly used in heat pipes, dry air coolers, heat exchangers, dehumidifiers, energy recovery, offshore applications and remote locations.
‘L’ finned tubes
Among the most common types of finned tubes is the ‘L’ fin. With this fin, there is maximum surface contact between the tube and the fin.
The ‘L’ fin tubes are supplied in aluminium or copper, ductile metals that can withstand temperatures between 150°C and 170°C, as well as compression, and are stretchable.
‘LL’ finned tubes
A ‘LL’ finned tube has overlapping feet which surround and enclose the base. This overlapping fin prevents the tube from moving or separating and prevents corrosion throughout. LL fins can replace expensive extruded fins that corrode in corrosive environments.
‘KL’ finned tubes
In ‘KL’ finned tubes, a strip of metal, which is machined into an accurate L-shaped foot, serves as a fin. After rolling the fin into the pre-knurled tube, each end of the tube is then secured.
In addition to enhanced heat transfer, the ‘KL’ finned tube can withstand temperatures of up to 250°C without deterioration.
‘G’ embedded finned tubes
The fin side of an embedded heat exchanger tube must be cleaned regularly if it is to withstand high temperatures or high pressures.
Carbon steel fins are included in some embedded finned tubes for better conductivity and temperature resistance up to 400°C.
HF welded fins
Helicoidal finned tubes welded at high frequency are ideal for various industrial applications, including petrochemicals and power generation. Electric resistance welding is used to attach the helical fin to the base of this type of heat exchanger, ensuring an efficient heat exchange process and a corrosion-resistant bond.
Integral fins
Integrally finned tubes are an ideal choice if you want to improve heat transfer between fluids with minimal footprint and cost. They are named so because the fin is rolled out of the tube wall and is integral to it, reducing the thickness of the wall below the finned section.
Longitudinal fins
The fins for the longitudinally finned tubes are resistance-welded diametrically opposite each other – making them incredibly efficient. U-channels are formed into the base and the tube is press rolled, then spot welded to the tube, and all fins are multiples of 4.
In addition to heat exchangers and fire-rated heaters, longitudinally finned tubes can be used in gas coolers and tank heaters. This product is sometimes made from u-bent or straight lengths of material that is weldable and brazable.