Heat Exchanger Fin Tube

Heat Exchanger Fin Tube

High-performance Finned Tubes For Optimal Heat Exchange Solutions

Heat exchanger fin tubes enhance thermal transfer efficiency with extended fins, offering superior corrosion resistance for petrochemical, power, and hvac systems.

Heat Exchanger Fin Tube

High-performance Finned Tubes For Optimal Heat Exchange Solutions

Heat exchanger fin tubes enhance thermal transfer efficiency with extended fins, offering superior corrosion resistance for petrochemical, power, and hvac systems.

Heat Exchanger Fin Tube, commonly referred to as finned tubes, is a critical component designed to maximize thermal transfer by increasing the external surface area of a base tube through attached fins. These boiler fin tubes are available in various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper alloys, with fin configurations such as L-type, G-type embedded, extruded, or high-frequency welded, tailored to specific heat transfer needs. Conforming to standards like ASTM A179, A213, A192, and ASME SB338, heat exchanger fin tubes are widely used in petrochemical plants, power generation facilities, HVAC systems, and refrigeration units, providing excellent corrosion resistance and reliable boiler pipeline protection in environments up to 650°C.

The manufacturing process involves seamless or welded base tubes, with fins attached through methods like extrusion, wrapping, or embedding to optimize heat dissipation. Base tube outer diameters range from 12.7mm to 177.8mm (1/2" to 7"), with fin heights of 0.3mm to 25mm, fin thicknesses of 0.4mm to 2mm, and fin pitches as low as 2.1mm (12 FPI). Tubes can be customized up to 25 meters in length, with surface treatments like galvanization, 3LPE coatings, or metallization (zinc or aluminum) enhancing corrosion resistance against harsh conditions such as acidic gases or high humidity. The finned design promotes turbulence, improving heat transfer efficiency in gas-to-liquid or liquid-to-gas applications.

Heat Exchanger Fin Tubes undergo rigorous testing, including hydrostatic, tensile, flattening, and eddy current tests, to meet ASTM A450/A450M, TEMA, and API 661 standards. The extended fin surface increases heat transfer by 2.5 to 10 times compared to plain tubes, making them ideal for air-cooled exchangers, condensers, evaporators, and boiler economizers. These tubes handle pressures up to 10 MPa and are suitable for applications involving non-corrosive fluids, high-purity coolants, or corrosive gases in industries like chemical processing and marine systems. Their robust construction resists thermal shock, vibration, and fouling from ash or soot in high-fouling environments like coal-fired power plants.

Compared to plain tubes, finned tubes offer significant advantages in thermal efficiency and compactness, reducing equipment size and energy consumption. Material options like stainless steel (304, 316) provide superior corrosion resistance for harsh environments, while carbon steel (ASTM A179, A192) offers cost-effective performance for moderate conditions. Configurations such as U-bends, coils, or straight tubes support complex air cooled exchanger designs, and accessories like support boxes ensure stability. The versatility of fin types—extruded for durability, G-type for high temperatures, or L-type for cost-efficiency—meets diverse project requirements in industries like food processing, pulp and paper, and power generation.

Addressing challenges like pipeline corrosion, thermal inefficiency, and high maintenance costs, Heat Exchanger Fin Tubes provide a reliable solution for thermal transfer tubes. Their high-efficiency design, corrosion-resistant coatings, and robust construction make them a preferred choice for engineers seeking durable boiler pipeline protection. Whether in petrochemical air coolers, power plant condensers, or HVAC radiators, these tubes deliver exceptional performance, energy savings, and long-term reliability in demanding industrial applications.

Heat Exchanger Fin Tubes

Explore a wide range of fin tubes designed for maximum efficiency in heat transfer applications. From extruded bimetallic to seamless carbon steel tubes, our products are engineered for durability, precision, and superior thermal performance.

DIN 17175 P235GH TC1

Square-cut ends, internally dried, air-blown clean, externally varnish coated for durability. Suitable for furnaces.

Extruded Bimetal Refrigeration

Made with A210 Gr A1/C seamless tubes. Ends metallized with zinc/aluminum via electro spray arc for corrosion resistance.

Continuous Helical Welded

SA213-TP304H HF resistance welded helical fins. Widely used for boiler flue gas waste heat recovery.

ASTM A192 Seamless

For boilers & air coolers. Ends metallized with zinc/aluminum. Seamless construction ensures performance under high pressure.

Seamless Cold Finished Bimetallic
  • Standards: ASTM A192, A210, A179
  • Type: Seamless (Cold Drawn)
  • Ends: Plain / Bevel
  • Surface: Black paint, oil, varnish
ASTM A179 Seamless

Cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for heat exchangers & condensers. Protected with black paint or varnish.

SA210 SMLS Evaporator U Tube
  • Tube OD: ≥19mm
  • Length: ≤18m
  • Fin Height: ≤32mm
  • Fin Pitch: 4mm (solid) / 3.3mm (serrated)
TP316 Stainless Steel

Cylindrical stud design. Available in round, oval, and pin fin types for demanding heat transfer applications.

High-Frequency Welded
  • Capacity: 40 tons/day
  • Fin Types: Solid plain & serrated
  • Tube OD: ≥19mm
  • Fin Thickness: ≥0.8mm
Fin Tube Application
Fin Tube Application
Fin Tube Application
Fin Tube Application
Fin Tube Application
Fin Tube Application
Fin Tube Application
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

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.
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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