L/LL/KL Finned Tube

L/LL/KL Finned Tube

High-efficiency Finned Tubing For Enhanced Thermal Transfer

L, ll, and kl finned tubes optimize heat transfer in exchangers with robust, corrosion-resistant designs.

L, LL, and KL Finned Tubes are specialized finned tubing solutions designed to enhance thermal transfer in heat exchanger fins by increasing surface area. These tubes are widely used in petrochemical, power generation, HVAC, and chemical processing industries for applications like air-cooled exchangers, condensers, and boilers. Conforming to standards such as ASTM A179, A213, and ASME SB338, they offer excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making them ideal for demanding environments requiring efficient heat dissipation.

L Finned Tubes feature fins formed by wrapping a metal strip in an L-shape around the base tube, providing a cost-effective solution for temperatures up to 175°C. LL Finned Tubes have overlapping L-fins, offering increased fin contact area and improved heat transfer for applications up to 200°C. KL Finned Tubes incorporate a knurled base tube surface, enhancing fin-to-tube bonding for superior mechanical strength and heat transfer efficiency, suitable for temperatures up to 260°C. Available in base tube sizes from 1/2" to 2" (DN15 to DN50) with fin heights of 8-15mm and fin densities of 7-11 fins per inch, these tubes can be customized for straight or U-bend configurations.

Manufactured using materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, or aluminum, L, LL, and KL Finned Tubes are produced through processes like extrusion or helical winding, followed by rigorous testing (hydrostatic, eddy current, and thermal performance) to ensure compliance with ASTM and TEMA standards. Surface treatments such as galvanization, epoxy coating, or passivation enhance corrosion resistance, protecting against harsh conditions like seawater or acidic fluids. These tubes achieve 5-10 times higher heat transfer rates than plain tubes, making them ideal for compact thermal transfer tubes in air-cooled systems.

The design of L, LL, and KL Finned Tubes addresses challenges like low air-side heat transfer coefficients, enabling efficient cooling in heat exchanger fins. L-finned tubes are cost-effective for general-purpose cooling, LL-finned tubes provide enhanced efficiency for moderate temperatures, and KL-finned tubes excel in high-vibration or high-temperature environments due to their robust fin bonding. These tubes are commonly used in boiler economizers, air preheaters, and refrigeration systems, where their compact design reduces material costs and space requirements while maintaining high performance.

With excellent resistance to fouling and easy maintenance, L, LL, and KL Finned Tubes ensure long-term reliability in applications like petrochemical refineries, power plant condensers, and marine desalination systems. Their ability to handle high-pressure fluids and resist corrosion makes them a preferred choice for engineers seeking durable and efficient finned tubing solutions for advanced heat transfer needs.

Common Characteristics and Advantages

Across all wrap-around fin tubes, the fins are secured by spiral tension, requiring tight mechanical bonding, brazing, or similar methods at the ends. An additional advantage is the possibility of using a thinner base tube, which helps reduce production costs.

KL Fin Tube

Features a knurled L-shape base fin, fixed by pressure on the tube. Designed to maximize surface contact between fin and tube, ensuring a secure bond and efficient heat transfer.

  • Fin Materials: Aluminum, Copper
  • Tube Materials: No limits
  • Fin Thickness: 300µ – 800µ
  • Application: Heat exchangers requiring improved bonding
Overlapped LL Fin Tube

The pre-formed LL foot overlaps one onto another, offering enhanced base tube protection and increased thermal contact area. Its flat fins also minimize resistance to air/gas flow and reduce fouling.

  • Fin Materials: Aluminum
  • Base Tube Materials: Any metallic material
  • Max Working Temperature: 180 °C
  • Applications: Steam coils, Air pre-heaters
  • Corrosion Resistance: Good
  • Mechanical Resistance: Poor
Overlapped "L" fin tubes are often used as a cost-effective alternative to extruded fin tubes in corrosive environments.
Spiral Wound Finned Tube
L Finned Tubes
LL Finned Tubes
L Type Fin Tube
Manufacturing Range ‘L’ FIN TUBE, ‘LL’ FIN TUBE, ‘KLM’ FIN TUBE (WRAP AROUND FIN TUBE)
Sr. No Particulars Range
1 Base Tube Material Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Titanium, Copper, Duplex Stainless Steel, Inconel etc. (all material in the theoretical limit)
2 Base Tube Diameter 12.70 mm to 38.10 mm
3 Base Tube Thickness 1.25 mm and above
4 Base Tube Length 500 mm (Min) to 15000 mm (Max)
5 Fin Material Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steel, etc.
6 Fin Thickness 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.65 mm
7 Fin Density 236 FPM (6 FPI) to 433 FPM (11 FPI)
8 Fin Height 9.8 mm to 16.00 mm
9 Bare Ends As per Client Requirement
10 Manufacturing Capacity 5,00,000 Meter Per Annum

We can supply material on an urgent delivery basis due to our large stock and relationships with raw material suppliers. We only use prime quality base tubes and aluminium material.

Types of Wrap-Around Fin Tubes

L Type Fin Tube
L Type Fin Tube

Also referred to as the 'L' foot fin tube or spirally wound fin tube, this design is achieved by wrapping the fin strip around the base tube. The fin base is shaped into an 'L', providing a strong grip and protection against atmospheric corrosion.

LL Type Fin Tube
LL Type Fin Tube

An enhancement of the L type fin tube, the 'LL' design overlaps the 'L' foot of each fin with the next, forming a double 'L' foot. This improves corrosion resistance and ensures a tighter, more durable bond between the fin and tube.

KL Type Fin Tube
KLM (Knurled L) Fin Tube

The most widely used wrap-around type, the KLM fin tube is manufactured like the 'L' type but with knurling of both the tube and fin base. This creates a secure mechanical bond and enhances thermal contact efficiency.

Fin tube material

Material

We offer you a broad portfolio of materials and can expand our offerings at any time to meet your specific needs regarding thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, or corrosion resistance.

For Aluminum L-Foot finned tubes, the fin material is aluminum, either 1100-0. The tube material is generally carbon steel, stainless steel, or brass; however the tube can be of any material.

For Welded Helical Solid and Welded Helical Serrated finned tubes, the fin and tube materials can be any combination that can be welded together using HIGH FREQUENCY WELDING process.

The materials chosen for a given application are a function of service temperature, corrosive environment, and/or erosive environment. Common tube materials used for our welded product lines include: carbon steel, carbon moly, chrome moly, stainless steel, Inconel, and Incoloy. Common fin materials include: carbon steel; stainless steels of types 304, 310, 316, 321, 409, and 410; Nickel 200, and Inconel.

Carbon steel fins are available on carbon, stainless steel, or copper tube. Please call for a specific size if not listed

We offer you a broad portfolio of materials and can expand our offering at any time to meet your specific needs regarding thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, or corrosion resistance.

  • Base tube: Carbon steel, Stainless steel, Copper, Cupro Nickel, Aluminium, Alloy Steel
  • Fin: Carbon steel, Stainless steel, Copper, Aluminium
  • Rings: Carbon steel, Aluminium, Hot dip galvanizing
Tube Materials and Corresponding Grades
Material Grade
Carbon Steel Tubes A179, A192, SA210 Gr A1/C, A106 Gr B, A333 Gr3/Gr6/Gr8, A334 Gr3/Gr6/Gr8, 09CrCuSb, DIN 17175 St35.8/St45.8, EN 10216 P195/P235/P265, GB/T3087 Gr10/Gr20, GB/T5310 20G/20MnG
Alloy Steel Tubes A209 T1/T1a, A213 T2/T5/T9/T11/T12/T22/T91, A335 P2/P5/P9/P11/P12/P22/P91, EN 10216-2 13CrMo4-5/10CrMo9-10/15NiCuMoNb5-6-4
Stainless Steel Tubes TP304/304L, TP316/TP316L, TP310/310S, TP347/TP347H
Copper Tubes UNS12200/UNS14200/UNS70600, CuNi70/30, CuNi 90/10
Titanium Tubes B338 Gr 2

Classification of Finned Tubes

Finned tubes are available in many types and configurations. Below is a detailed classification based on fabrication process, fin geometry, material, and applications.

  • Rolling forming finned tubes (Extruded fin tubes)
  • Welded finned tubes (High-frequency welded, Submerged arc welded)
  • Roll forming finned tubes
  • Set forming finned tubes
  • Casting finned tubes
  • Tension wound finned tubes
  • Inserted finned tubes

  • Square fin tube
  • Round fin tube
  • Spiral fin tube
  • Vertical fin tube (Longitudinal finned tube)
  • Corrugated fin tube
  • Serrated spiral fin tube (Helical serrated)
  • Needle finned tube
  • Plate-fin tube
  • Inner finned tube

  • Single-metal finned tubes: Copper, Aluminum, Carbon steel, Stainless steel, Cast iron/steel
  • Bi-metal composite finned tubes: Base tube with dissimilar fin material

  • Air conditioning finned tubes
  • Air-cooled heat exchanger finned tubes
  • Boiler finned tubes (economizer, water wall, air preheater)
  • Industrial waste heat recovery finned tubes
  • Special-purpose finned tubes
Material certificates with full testing can be provided in compliance with EN10204 3.1 standard.
FAQ

Fin Tubes are used in heat exchangers to enhance thermal transfer by increasing surface area, ideal for air-cooled systems in petrochemical and power industries.

Fin tubes are a type of heat exchanger used in many industries. They are made of aluminum cladded carbon steel and have brazed aluminum fins. The fins increase the surface area of the tubes, which allows them to transfer heat more efficiently. This makes them ideal for applications where high heat transfer rates are required.

Finned tubes are used in applications that involve the transfer of heat from a hot fluid to a colder fluid through a tube wall. They are used in condensers, coolers, and furnaces. The larger surface area means that fewer tubes are needed compared to the use of plain tubes.

The type of finned tube is chosen depending on the specific requirements of each process equipment unit. The fin type and combination of materials are chosen based on the specific requirements of each process equipment unit.

Finned tubes are used in applications where high heat transfer rates are required, such as in power plants and refrigeration systems. The fins increase the surface area of the tube, allowing for more efficient heat transfer between two fluids. This makes them an ideal solution for heat transfer applications where space is limited.

Finned tubes are used in condensers, coolers, and furnaces. The larger surface area means that fewer tubes are needed compared to the use of plain tubes. This can decrease the overall equipment size and can in the long-run decrease the cost of the project.

Finned tube heat exchangers can be used in a broad range of industries including oil & gas, power generation, marine and HVAC&R. They generally use air to cool or heat fluids such as air, water, oil or gas, or they can be used to capture or recover waste heat.

The biggest problem with using a finned tube heat exchanger is with the cleaning and maintenance of the outer surface of the tubes. Because of the fins, mechanical cleaning becomes very difficult and you would have to go for chemical cleaning.

Common materials include carbon steel (ASTM A179), stainless steel (304/316), copper, and aluminum for corrosion resistance and durability.

Types include L-finned (wrap-on), G-finned (embedded), KL-finned, and low-fin, each optimized for specific heat exchanger fins applications.

Fin tubes are a type of heat exchanger that are used in many industries. They have a finned surface, which increases their surface area and allows them to transfer heat more efficiently. Finned tubes are typically used in two-phase heat transfer applications, such as condensation or evaporation.

Finned pipes are generally used for single-phase heat transfer applications. Both finned pipes and finned tubes use fins to increase the surface area for heat transfer.
Finned tubes are used when the heat transfer coefficient on the outside of the tubes is appreciably lower than that on the inside. They can reduce the equipment cost and also equipment sizes.

There are several kinds of fin tubes, such as:

  • Extruded fin tube
  • Crimped spiral fin tube
  • G type embedded fin tube
  • L/KL/LL Foot Fin Tube

High fin tubes are better for applications where the temperature difference between two fluids is high. Low fin tubes are better for applications where the temperature difference is low.

High fin tubes are made of a metal tube surrounded by an aluminum or copper strip. The strip can be applied in different ways, including type L, type KL, type LL, type G (embedded), or type extruded. The higher the fin height, the more surface area and heat transfer capabilities.

Low fin tubes are made of a single material and have a smaller fin of about 1/16th of an inch. They are generally used in liquid to liquid or liquid to gas applications such as coolers, condensers, and chillers.

The profile of the fins has a significant effect on the performance of a finned tube heat exchanger. The larger the fins and the tighter the fin pitch, the more thermal conductivity is achieved.

Finned tubes are a series of tubes with fins on the outside. The fins increase the surface area for heat transfer, which increases the rate of heat exchange. Finned tubes are used in heat exchangers to transfer heat between hot and cold streams. The heat transfer rate depends on the temperature difference between the two fluids and the heat transfer coefficient between each of the fluids.

Finned tube heat exchangers are used in a variety of industries, including:

  • Oil and gas
  • Power generation
  • Marine
  • HVAC&R

Finned tube heat exchangers can be used to:

  • Cool or heat fluids such as air, water, oil, or gas
  • Capture or recover waste heat
  • Finned tubes come in two types: transverse and longitudinal.

Installed in heat exchangers with welded or expanded ends, often in bundles for optimal airflow in air cooled exchangers.

Fin Tubes provide 5-8 times greater surface area, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and reducing system size.

Industries include petrochemical, power generation, HVAC, and marine for thermal transfer tubes in harsh conditions.

Regular cleaning to prevent fouling, with coatings for corrosion resistance; inspect for wear in high-vibration areas.

Fin tubes are widely used in heat exchangers for industries such as petroleum, petrochemical, steel, power generation, and many more. Different fabrication technologies determine their cost, performance, and efficiency. Below are the main types of fin tube production methods.

Crimped / Set Fin Tube

Fabricated with punched single fins manually or mechanically placed on the base tube at a certain spacing.
Manual set: Relies on human force; easy to loosen.
Mechanical set: High pressure, stronger bonding, suitable for larger volumes, but noisy and less safe.
Hydraulic set: Quieter, safer, but higher cost and lower productivity.

High Frequency Welded (HF) Fin Tube

Produced by winding a steel strip around the tube while applying high-frequency current (skin and proximity effects). Heat brings the material to a plastic/melt state, ensuring strong bonding under pressure.
Advantages: - High bonding strength - Superior quality - High automation & efficiency - Widely used in waste heat recovery, power, metallurgy, oil & gas, and petrochemical industries

Extruded Fin Tube

Made by extruding an outer aluminum or copper tube (muff) over a base tube. Rotating discs squeeze the fins into a spiral in one operation.
Advantages: - High production efficiency - Strong fin-to-tube contact - Low material cost - High heat transfer performance
Available as single-metal (copper/aluminum) or bi-metal composite tubes.

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