Carbon Steel Low Fin Tube , ASME SA179 , Heat Exchanger Application

Low Fin (Integral) tubing is a type of extruded tubing that consists of short low fins. It has the advantage of adding surface area to a smooth tube while maintaining the same outside diameter. Low Fin Enhanced tubes can be used in standard shell and tube baffles and tube sheets. This method of construction is very different from cutting grooves onto the tube as is often done by people who are on the lookout for a shortcut or who don’t know any better.

ASME SA179 is a specification that covers seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes specifically intended for use in tubular heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer apparatus. Here are the specifics of grade SA179, including its chemical composition, mechanical properties, and typical applications:

Chemical Composition:

The chemical composition of ASME SA179 tubes is as follows:

• Carbon (C): 0.06-0.18%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.27-0.63%
• Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.035%
• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.035%

Mechanical Properties:

The mechanical properties of ASME SA179 tubes ensure they can withstand the demands of heat exchanger and condenser applications. These properties include:

• Tensile Strength: ≥ 325 MPa (47,000 psi)
• Yield Strength: ≥ 180 MPa (26,000 psi)
• Elongation: ≥ 35% (in 50 mm or 2 inches)

Dimensions and Tolerances:

• Outside Diameter: Typically ranges from 1/8 inch to 3 inches (3.2 mm to 76.2 mm).
• Wall Thickness: Typically ranges from 0.015 inch to 0.500 inch (0.4 mm to 12.7 mm).
• Length: Tubes can be supplied in random lengths, cut lengths, or double random lengths based on customer requirements.

Manufacturing Process:

• Seamless: The tubes are seamless, ensuring a uniform structure and better strength under high pressure.
• Cold-Drawn: The tubes are cold-drawn to achieve the required mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy.

Advantages:

• High Heat Transfer Efficiency: Low-carbon steel with high thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat transfer.
• Mechanical Strength:Adequate tensile and yield strength for heat exchanger applications.
• Durability:Seamless construction and cold-drawn process improve durability and reduce the risk of failure under pressure.
• Corrosion Resistance:Suitable for low-corrosive environments, ensuring long-term reliability.

Low fin dimension capability:

Applications:

• Heat Exchangers: Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers.
• Condensers and Evaporators:Condensers, Evaporators.
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Cooling Coils, Chillers.
• Petrochemical Industry:Process Coolers, Heat Recovery Units.
• Power Generation:​Feedwater Heaters, Economizers.