ASTM A312 TP316（S31600） Stainless Steel Seamless Studded Fin Tube For Petrochemical and Refinery Industries

ASTM A312 TP316 Stainless Steel Seamless Studded Fin Tube

Ⅰ. Product Overview

ASTM A312 is a standard specification for seamless/welded austenitic stainless steel pipes/tubes, suitable for high-temperature, corrosive service.  TP316 (UNS S31600 / 1.4401) is a molybdenum-containing austenitic stainless steel—its core composition (16-18.5% Cr, 10-14% Ni, 2-3% Mo) endows it with excellent resistance to chloride-induced pitting, intergranular corrosion, and general corrosive media. The Studded Fin Tube is a high-efficiency heat transfer component fabricated by welding stud-like fins onto the outer surface of ASTM A312 TP316 tubes: the studded structure greatly expands the external heat transfer area, while the TP316 base tube ensures stability in harsh corrosive environments. It meets the demand for efficient heat exchange in corrosive, medium-high temperature (≤500℃) scenarios, serving as a key component in chemical, marine, and pharmaceutical heat transfer systems.

Ⅱ. Chemical Composition

Ⅲ. Mechanical Properties

Ⅳ. Equivalent Material

Ⅴ. TP316 vs. TP304 vs. TP316L

TP316 vs. TP304:

Both have basic austenitic stainless steel properties, but TP316’s 2-3% Mo content gives it 2-3 times better resistance to chloride pitting (e.g., seawater, brine). TP304 is cheaper but unsuitable for high-chloride environments. TP316 studded fin tubes fit corrosive heat exchange scenarios, while TP304 suits general non-chloride media.

TP316 vs. TP316L:

TP316 (C≤0.08%) has slightly higher high-temperature strength than TP316L (C≤0.03%), while TP316L has better post-weld intergranular corrosion resistance. TP316 is ideal for non-welded/high-strength corrosive systems; TP316L fits welded corrosive heat exchangers.

Ⅵ. The Studded Fin Design Advantage

1.Fouling Resistance: The open, discontinuous stud matrix minimizes ash, soot, or catalyst fines from bridging and plugging the tube bank, a common problem with solid fins.

2.Corrosion Management: Prevents the formation of continuous corrosive deposits. Each stud is individually welded, eliminating the long, tight crevices present in other fin types that can trap aggressive condensates.

3.Enhanced Heat Transfer: Creates high turbulence, breaking the gas-side boundary layer and significantly improving convective heat transfer coefficients.

Ⅶ. Primary Applications

1.Chemical & Petrochemical: Heat exchangers in sulfuric acid plants, chlorine processing, and reactor effluent coolers handling corrosive, fouling streams.

2.Waste-to-Energy & Biomass: Economizer and air heater tubes exposed to flue gases containing chlorides, sulfur, and heavy particulates.

3.Marine & Offshore: Heat recovery equipment exposed to salt-laden air and exhaust.

4.Pulp & Paper: Recovery boiler heat exchangers with alkaline and sulfur compounds.