ASTM B338 Gr.2 Extruded Finned Tube With Al1060 Fins For Oil & Gas
Heat Exchangers
This is a high-performance heat exchanger tube combining a titanium
base tube (ASTM B338 Gr.2) with aluminum fins (Al1060) through an
extrusion process.
1. Base Tube: ASTM B338 Gr.2 (Titanium)
Material: ASTM B338 Grade 2 is commercially pure titanium (CP Ti,
UNS R50400).
Properties:
Excellent corrosion resistance (especially in seawater, chlorides,
acids).
High strength-to-weight ratio.
Good thermal conductivity (lower than copper but better than
steel).
Used in marine, chemical, and power industries where corrosion is a
concern.
(1). Chemical Composition (ASTM B338 Gr.2)
The composition follows ASTM B338 specifications for Grade 2
titanium:
| Element | Weight % (Max) |
| Titanium (Ti) | Balance (≥ 98.9%) |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.03% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08% |
| Hydrogen (H) | 0.015% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.30% |
| Oxygen (O) | 0.25% |
Key Notes:
Low interstitial elements (O, N, C) ensure good ductility &
weldability.
Iron (Fe) improves strength slightly but is kept low for corrosion
resistance.
(2). Mechanical Properties (ASTM B338 Gr.2)
Typical mechanical properties for seamless & welded tubes (annealed
condition):
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 345 MPa (50 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset, min) | 275 MPa (40 ksi) |
| Elongation (min, in 50mm) | 20% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B, max) | 80 HRB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 105 GPa (15.2 x 10⁶ psi) |
Additional Notes:
Excellent toughness even at cryogenic temperatures.
Non-magnetic and biocompatible (used in medical applications).
Corrosion resistance: Outstanding in seawater, chlorides, and
acidic environments.
2. Fins: Al1060 Aluminum
Material: 99.6% pure aluminum with high thermal conductivity (~230
W/m·K).
Fin Type: Extruded fins (mechanically bonded to the titanium tube
for durability).
Why Aluminum on Titanium?
Aluminum improves heat transfer efficiency while keeping costs
lower than all-titanium fins.
The extrusion process ensures a strong bond without welding.
3. Key Features & Advantages
✔ Corrosion Resistance – Ideal for seawater-cooled condensers,
desalination plants, and chemical processing.
✔ Lightweight – Titanium + aluminum reduces weight vs. steel tubes.
✔ Thermal Performance – Aluminum fins enhance heat dissipation.
✔ Long Service Life – Resistant to pitting, crevice corrosion, and
erosion.
The ASTM B338 Gr.2 Extruded Finned Tube with Al1060 Fins is a
high-performance heat transfer component designed for demanding
environments where corrosion resistance, lightweight construction,
and thermal efficiency are critical. Below are its key
applications:
1. Marine & Offshore Systems
- Seawater Coolers & Condensers
- Used in shipboard cooling systems and offshore oil rigs due to
titanium’s resistance to saltwater corrosion.
- Desalination Plants
- Ideal for multi-stage flash (MSF) and reverse osmosis (RO) heat
exchangers where aluminum fins enhance heat transfer.
2. Power Generation
- Power Plant Condensers
- Titanium tubes prevent corrosion from cooling water (especially
brackish or seawater), while Al1060 fins improve air-side heat
transfer.
- Geothermal & Waste Heat Recovery
- Resists acidic and high-mineral content fluids in geothermal
brines.
3. Chemical & Petrochemical Processing
- Acid Coolers & Reactors
- Handles HCl, sulfuric acid, and chlorinated solvents better than
stainless steel.
- Refinery Heat Exchangers
- Used in crude oil preheaters and sour gas coolers where H₂S and CO₂
cause pitting in steel.
4. HVAC & Industrial Cooling
- Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers (ACHEs)
- Aluminum fins maximize heat dissipation in compressor intercoolers
and lube oil coolers.
- Process Cooling for Pharmaceuticals/Food
- Non-toxic and compliant with hygienic standards.
5. Renewable Energy
- Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
- Withstands deep seawater corrosion while maintaining thermal
efficiency.
Why Choose This Combination?
| Feature | Benefit |
| Titanium Tube (B338 Gr.2) | Unmatched corrosion resistance in seawater/chemicals. |
| Al1060 Fins | Lightweight, cost-effective, and excellent thermal conductivity
(230 W/m·K). |
| Extruded Fin Bonding | Stronger than welded fins, no risk of galvanic corrosion at the
joint. |
| Lightweight | Easier installation vs. steel/copper-nickel alternatives. |
Industries That Use This Tube
- Oil & Gas (offshore platforms, LNG plants)
- Shipbuilding (naval vessels, cargo ships)
- Chemical Plants (acid production, fertilizer)
- Power Plants (nuclear, fossil, renewable)
