ASTM A179 Fin Tubes

ASTM A179 Fin Tubes

Seamless Low-carbon Finned Tubes For Enhanced Thermal Efficiency

Astm a179 fin tubes are seamless low-carbon steel tubes with fins, designed for superior heat transfer in exchangers.

ASTM A179 Fin Tubes

Seamless Low-carbon Finned Tubes For Enhanced Thermal Efficiency

Astm a179 fin tubes are seamless low-carbon steel tubes with fins, designed for superior heat transfer in exchangers. offering excellent corrosion resistance, they are ideal for petrochemical, power, and hvac systems, ensuring reliable boiler pipeline protection.

ASTM A179 Fin Tubes
Seamless Finned Tubes
Heat Exchanger Fins
Low-Carbon Fin Tubes
Thermal Transfer Tubes
Corrosion Resistant Fin Tubes
ASTM A179 Galvanized Carbon Steel Finned Tube For Cooler

ASTM A179 Fin Tubes, also known as seamless finned tubes, are high-performance heat exchanger fins crafted from seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel, designed to maximize thermal transfer by adding fins to increase surface area. Conforming to ASTM A179/ASME SA179 standards, these low-carbon fin tubes offer excellent corrosion resistance and are widely used in tubular heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer equipment in petrochemical, power generation, and HVAC industries. They provide reliable boiler pipeline protection in applications with temperatures up to 350°C and pressures up to 10 MPa.

The manufacturing process involves cold-drawing seamless low-carbon steel tubes, followed by fin attachment through methods like L-type, LL-type, KL-type, G-type (embedded), or extruded finning. Fin types are selected based on application needs, with outer diameters ranging from 3.2mm to 76.2mm (1/8" to 3"), fin heights of 0.3mm to 16.5mm, fin thicknesses of 0.4mm to 2mm, and fin pitches as low as 2.1mm (12 FPI). Tubes can be customized up to 18 meters in length, with surface treatments like zinc or aluminum metallization enhancing corrosion resistance against atmospheric conditions. The seamless construction ensures no weld repairs, and tubes are heat-treated at 1200°F (650°C) or higher post-cold drawing to optimize mechanical properties.

ASTM A179 Fin Tubes undergo rigorous testing, including tensile, flattening, hardness, and hydrostatic tests, to comply with ASTM A450/A450M and TEMA standards. The finned design increases the external surface area by 2.5 to 10 times compared to plain tubes, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency in liquid-to-gas or gas-to-liquid applications. These tubes are ideal for handling non-corrosive fluids in condensers, air coolers, and economizers, with their low-carbon composition (0.06-0.18% C) ensuring good weldability and formability. The fins promote turbulence, reducing fouling from ash or soot in high-fouling environments like coal-fired power plants.

Compared to stainless steel or alloy fin tubes, low-carbon fin tubes are more cost-effective for applications with moderate corrosion risks, such as water-based cooling systems or low-pressure steam systems. Available fin types include L-type for cost-effective performance, embedded G-type for high-temperature stability, and extruded types for enhanced durability. Accessories like tube support boxes or clamps (aluminum, zinc, or stainless steel) ensure stability in air cooled exchangers. The tubes’ versatility supports U-bend or straight configurations, meeting diverse project requirements in industries like food processing and chemical manufacturing.

Addressing challenges like pipeline wear, thermal inefficiency, and moderate corrosion, ASTM A179 Fin Tubes provide a robust solution for thermal transfer tubes. Their seamless construction, high efficiency, and cost-effective design make them a preferred choice for engineers seeking reliable boiler pipeline protection in demanding industrial settings. Whether in power plant condensers, petrochemical air coolers, or HVAC radiators, these tubes deliver exceptional performance, energy savings, and longevity.

General Requirements

Standards and quality requirements for Stainless Steel Low Finned Tubes

  • Tube material shall comply with ASME II-A (latest edition).
  • Fin material shall comply with ASME II-B (latest edition).
  • Certification required according to EN 10204 3.1 [2004].
  • Tubes must conform to ASME-II SA 450.
  • Seamless tubes only. Tube surface shall be free from repair welds, imperfections, scale, or rust.
  • A light rust protection product may be acceptable. No weld repair is permitted.
  • Materials must be adequately protected to avoid damage to fins and tubes during shipping and handling.
  • Tubes shall be cut square and deburred on both I.D. and O.D.
  • Tubes must be supplied with zinc separator protection during packaging.

ASTM A179 Galvanized Carbon Steel Finned Tubeh3or Cooler

ASTM A179 Galvanized Carbon Steel Finned Tube for Cooler is a high-efficiency heat exchanger finned tube made from seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel, featuring galvanized fins to enhance thermal transfer and corrosion resistance. Conforming to ASTM A179/ASME SA179 standards, these seamless finned tubes are engineered for tubular heat exchangers, condensers, coolers, and similar apparatus in petrochemical, power generation, and HVAC industries. The galvanization process applies a zinc coating to the fins, providing robust protection against atmospheric corrosion and extending service life in harsh environments up to 350°C.

The manufacturing process begins with seamless cold-drawing of low-carbon steel tubes, followed by fin attachment methods such as L-type, G-type embedded, or spiral winding, and hot-dip galvanization for the fins to ensure uniform zinc coverage. Base tube outer diameters range from 3.2mm to 76.2mm (1/8" to 3"), with wall thicknesses from 0.4mm to 14mm, fin heights of 0.3mm to 16.5mm, and fin pitches as low as 2.1mm (12 FPI). Tubes are heat-treated at 1200°F (650°C) or higher post-cold drawing to achieve optimal mechanical properties, and lengths can be customized up to 18 meters with plain or beveled ends for easy installation.

ASTM A179 Galvanized Carbon Steel Finned Tubes undergo comprehensive testing, including tensile, flattening, hardness, flaring, and hydrostatic tests, to meet ASTM A450/A450M and TEMA standards. The finned design increases the external surface area by 2.5 to 10 times compared to plain tubes, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency in liquid-to-gas or gas-to-liquid applications. The galvanized coating provides sacrificial protection, preventing rust in humid or mildly corrosive conditions, making these tubes ideal for coolers handling non-corrosive fluids like water or low-pressure steam. Their seamless construction ensures no weld repairs, enhancing reliability under pressures up to 10 MPa.

Compared to stainless steel fin tubes, galvanized finned tubes offer a cost-effective alternative for moderate corrosion environments, while providing similar thermal performance. The low-carbon composition (0.06-0.18% C) ensures good weldability and formability, allowing for U-bend or coiled configurations in compact air cooled exchangers. Accessories like aluminum support boxes or clamps further ensure stability. These tubes are particularly suited for applications in power plant condensers, petrochemical air coolers, and HVAC radiators, where their galvanized fins resist fouling from ash or soot.

Addressing challenges like pipeline corrosion, thermal inefficiency, and cost constraints, ASTM A179 Galvanized Carbon Steel Finned Tubes for Cooler deliver a durable solution for thermal transfer tubes. Their seamless, galvanized construction ensures long-term boiler pipeline protection, making them a preferred choice for engineers in demanding industrial settings. Whether in waste heat recovery or process cooling systems, these tubes provide reliable performance, energy savings, and extended service life.

Chemical Composition of ASTM A179 Tubes
Element Composition (%)
Carbon (C) 0.06-0.18
Manganese (Mn) 0.27-0.63
Phosphorus (P) ≤0.035
Sulfur (S) ≤0.035
Mechanical Properties of ASTM A179 Tubes
Property Value
Tensile Strength, min (MPa) 325
Yield Strength, min (MPa) 180
Elongation, min (%) 35
Hardness, max (HRB) 72

ASTM A450/A450M Tube Tolerances

ASTM A450 covers carbon and low alloy steel tube. Steel samples shall be melt processed and shall either be ingot cast or strand cast. Heat and product analyses shall be performed on the steel materials. Steel specimens shall also undergo tensile tests and shall conform to required values of yield strength and elongation. Flattening test, reverse flattening test, flaring test, flange test, hardness test, hydrostatic test, air underwater pressure test, and nondestructive tests shall be performed on the steel materials.

Wall Thickness Tolerances
OD (in / mm) ≤0.095 in (2.4 mm) 0.095–0.150 in (2.4–3.8 mm) 0.150–0.180 in (3.8–4.6 mm) >0.180 in (>4.6 mm)
Seamless ±Welded ± Seamless ±Welded ± Seamless ±Welded ± Seamless ±Welded ±
≤4 in (≤101.6 mm) 40 / 0%18 / 0% 35 / 0%18 / 0% 33 / 0%18 / 0% 28 / 0%18 / 0%
>4 in (>101.6 mm) 35 / 0%18 / 0% 33 / 0%18 / 0% 28 / 0%18 / 0%
Outside Diameter Tolerances
Tube Type OD Range + (in / mm) – (in / mm)
Hot‑Finished Seamless ≤4 in (≤101.6 mm) +1⁄64″ (0.4 mm) –1⁄32″ (0.8 mm)
>4–7½ in (101.6–190.5 mm) +1⁄64″ (0.4 mm) –3⁄64″ (1.2 mm)
Welded & Cold‑Finished Seamless ≤1 in (≤25.4 mm) +0.004″ (0.1 mm) –0.004″ (0.1 mm)
1 – 1½ in (25.4–38.1 mm) +0.006″ (0.15 mm) –0.006″ (0.15 mm)
1½ – 2 in (38.1–50.8 mm) +0.008″ (0.2 mm) –0.008″ (0.2 mm)
2 – 2½ in (50.8–63.5 mm) +0.010″ (0.25 mm)–0.010″ (0.25 mm)
2½ – 3 in (63.5–76.2 mm) +0.012″ (0.30 mm)–0.012″ (0.30 mm)
3 – 4 in (76.2–101.6 mm) +0.015″ (0.38 mm)–0.015″ (0.38 mm)
4 – 7½ in (101.6–190.5 mm) +0.015″ (0.38 mm)–0.025″ (0.64 mm)
7½ – 9 in (190.5–228.6 mm) +0.015″ (0.38 mm)–0.045″ (1.14 mm)

ASTM A179 (ASME SA179) specifies seamless, cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for heat exchangers, condensers, boilers, and similar heat-transfer equipment, with outside diameters from 1/8″ to 3″ (3.2 – 76.2 mm).

Our finned tubes

We offer the following range of finned tubes:

G-finned
G fin

The “G” stands for “grooved,” referring to the method of attaching the fin to the tube. The fin strip is wound into a groove and securely locked in place by closing the groove with the base tube metal.
This design guarantees efficient heat transfer, even at high temperatures, with a maximum operating temperature of 450ºC.

L-finned
L fin

The “L” stands for “L-footed,” referring to the shape of the fin and how it’s attached to the base tube. The strip material is precisely deformed under tension to create optimal contact pressure between the fin’s foot and the base tube.
This maximizes heat transfer efficiency and significantly enhances the corrosion protection of the base tube. Maximum operating temperature: 150ºC.

KL-finned
KL fin

A KL fin is a specialized type of finned tube. It combines the benefits of L fins and G fins for enhanced heat transfer and mechanical stability.
After the fin is applied, the fin foot is knurled into the matching knurling on the base tube, strengthening the bond between the fin and tube and improving heat transfer efficiency. Maximum operating temperature: 260ºC.

LL-finned
LL fin

The “LL” stands for “overlapped L-footed fin,” describing the method of attaching the fin to the base tube.
Similar to the L fin, but with the added feature of overlapping the fin foot to fully enclose the base tube, this design offers superior corrosion resistance.
LL fins are often used as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive extruded fins in corrosive environments. Maximum operating temperature: 180ºC.

Crimped-finned
Crimped fin

A crimped fin has a wavy, non-tapered shape that increases surface area and airflow turbulence, enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
The fin is wrapped under tension around the base tube, forming a crimp at the foot, and is then welded to the tube at the strip ends. Maximum operating temperature: 250ºC.

Extruded fin
Extruded fin

Created by extrusion, an extruded fin offers a strong, integrated bond between the fin and the base tube. Formed from a bi-metallic tube, it typically has an aluminum outer layer and an inner tube of various materials.
The fin is rolled from the outer tube, providing excellent heat transfer properties, durability, and corrosion protection. These fins are ideal for demanding thermal applications, with a maximum operating temperature of 280ºC.

Integral low fin
Integral low fin

In an integral low fin, the fins are directly formed from the base tube material, creating a low-profile design.
This fin type increases the tube’s external surface area, improving thermal performance without requiring changes to the heat exchanger’s shell size, flow arrangement, or piping.
Integral low fins are created through direct extrusion from the tube material.
The maximum operating temperature for integral low fin tubes typically ranges between 200°C to 300°C, depending on the material used.

Welded fin
Welded fin

In a welded fin, the fins are attached to the base tube through welding. High-frequency (HF) welded spiral finned tubes are among the most commonly used, made by helically winding the fin strip around the tube and welding it continuously.
This process maintains the tube’s metallurgical integrity while ensuring a strong fin-to-tube bond, ideal for efficient heat transfer and long life.
These tubes are especially suited for fouling applications and environments where high mechanical strength and resistance to deformation are required.

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.
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