Seamless A179 Extruded Fin Tube with Aluminum Fins for Petrochemical Air Coolers

ASTM A179 Carbon Steel + Aluminum Extruded Finned Tube for Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers

Product Overview – ASTM A179 Base Tube with Extruded Aluminum Fins

This bimetallic extruded finned tube is engineered specifically for air-cooled heat exchangers (ACHE) and fin-fan coolers operating in petrochemical plants, refineries, and power generation facilities. The combination of an ASTM A179 seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel base tube with high-purity aluminum extruded fins delivers high external surface area, excellent air-side heat transfer, and long-term protection of the carbon steel core against atmospheric corrosion.

In continuous air-cooling service, the product solves the dual challenge of limited air-side heat transfer coefficients and external corrosion of carbon steel tubes. The integral extruded aluminum fin layer increases heat transfer area by 8–15 times compared with bare tube while forming a continuous protective sleeve around the base tube, significantly extending service life in outdoor, coastal, or industrial atmospheres.

Structure of ASTM A179 + Aluminum Extruded Finned Tube

• Base Tube: Seamless cold-drawn ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 low-carbon steel tube
• Fin Material: High-purity aluminum (typically AL1060 or AL1100)
• Manufacturing Process: An aluminum muff tube is fitted over the A179 base tube. High-pressure cold extrusion (rotary rolling) forces the aluminum outward to form continuous helical fins while creating a tight mechanical bond between the aluminum and the steel tube surface. The resulting structure is an integral extruded fin with no contact resistance and full encapsulation of the base tube by the aluminum root.

This extrusion process provides superior bond strength and thermal performance compared with wound L-type or embedded G-type fins, especially under thermal cycling and vibration typical of air coolers.

Chemical Composition – ASTM A179 Base Tube & Aluminum Fins

ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Base Tube

Aluminum Fin (AL1060 typical)

Dimensional Range & Tolerance – ASTM A179 Extruded Aluminum Finned Tube

Custom dimensions are available according to project drawings.

Performance Advantages of ASTM A179 + Aluminum Extruded Finned Tube

• Integral extrusion bond eliminates contact thermal resistance and maintains high fin efficiency (>90% under typical air-cooler conditions).
• Continuous aluminum coverage protects the carbon steel base tube from atmospheric corrosion, extending service life in outdoor and coastal environments.
• High thermal conductivity of aluminum fins combined with the pressure-containing strength of A179 steel delivers optimal heat transfer under air-side limited conditions.
• Excellent resistance to mechanical damage during handling, transport, and operation compared with wound fins.
• Suitable for continuous operation up to approximately 300°C (fin side).
• Reduced equipment footprint and lower fan power consumption due to increased surface area.

Application Fields – ASTM A179 Extruded Aluminum Finned Tube

Primary application: Air-cooled heat exchangers and fin-fan coolers in:

• Petrochemical and refining process cooling (hydrocarbon coolers, compressor discharge coolers)
• Power plant air-cooled condensers and auxiliary coolers
• Natural gas processing and LNG facilities
• Chemical plants and fertilizer units
• Waste heat recovery and economizer systems where air is the cooling medium
• HVAC and industrial process air coolers requiring durable outdoor performance

The product is particularly effective in locations where water is scarce or cooling water quality is poor, providing a reliable dry-cooling solution with long-term integrity of the pressure boundary.

Packaging & Logistics

Tubes are packed in strong plywood cases or steel-frame wooden crates with internal supports to prevent fin damage. Both ends of each tube are protected with plastic caps. Anti-rust oil or varnish can be applied to the base tube ends upon request.

Standard export packing is suitable for ocean freight. Custom packing for air freight or special project requirements is available.

FOB terms typically apply from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Tianjin). CIF and other Incoterms can be arranged.

Certificates & Quality Control

• Material Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1) for both base tube and aluminum fins
• Dimensional inspection reports
• Hydrostatic or pneumatic testing of base tubes (as applicable)
• Visual and dimensional inspection of finished finned tubes
• Third-party inspection available (SGS, BV, TUV, Lloyd’s, etc.) upon request
• Compliance with ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 for base tube and relevant aluminum standards (ASTM B221 / B209 for fin material)

Commercial Terms

• MOQ: 200–500 kg or 50–100 pcs (depending on size; trial orders negotiable)
• FOB Price: Available upon inquiry based on size, quantity, and current material costs
• Lead Time: 25–45 days after order confirmation and technical drawing approval (standard sizes); longer for special dimensions
• Payment: T/T or L/C at sight