ASTM A179 Embedded Finned Tube / G Finned Tube with Aluminum Fins
For Heat Exchanger
What is ASTM A179 Embedded Finned Tube with Aluminum Fins?
An embedded finned tube is a type of heat exchanger tube designed
to improve heat transfer efficiency by increasing the surface area
in contact with the surrounding medium (e.g., air, gas, or liquid).
It consists of a base tube (typically made of metal) with fins that
are mechanically embedded or bonded to the outer surface of the
tube. The fins are usually made of a highly conductive material,
such as aluminum or copper, to enhance heat transfer.
Key Features:
- Base Tube Material: The core tube is made of ASTM A179 steel, which is known for its
excellent thermal conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance.
This material is specifically designed for heat transfer
applications.
- Fins: The aluminum fins are embedded or attached to the outer surface of
the steel tube. These fins increase the surface area of the tube,
improving heat transfer between the tube and the surrounding medium
(e.g., air or gas).
- Embedded Fins: The term "embedded" typically means the fins are mechanically
bonded or welded to the tube, ensuring a strong and durable
connection. This design prevents the fins from loosening over time,
even under thermal cycling or mechanical stress.
Advantages:
- Enhanced Heat Transfer: The fins significantly increase the surface area, improving heat
exchange efficiency.
- Durability: The combination of steel and aluminum provides a balance of
strength and corrosion resistance.
- Lightweight: Aluminum fins reduce the overall weight compared to all-steel
finned tubes.
Material Composition (Chemical Requirements):
The chemical composition of ASTM A179 steel tubes is primarily low-carbon steel, with the following
elements (in weight percent):
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.06–0.18 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.27–0.63 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10–0.35 |
The low carbon content ensures good weldability and formability.
The manganese content provides strength and toughness.
Phosphorus and sulfur are kept to a minimum to avoid brittleness
and improve ductility.
Mechanical Properties:
ASTM A179 tubes are required to meet specific mechanical properties
to ensure their suitability for heat transfer applications. These
properties include:
| Property | Requirement |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 325 MPa (47,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 180 MPa (26,000 psi) |
| Elongation (in 2 in or 50 mm) | ≥ 35% (for wall thickness ≤ 0.015 in or 0.38 mm)
≥ 30% (for wall thickness > 0.015 in or 0.38 mm) |
| Hardness | Not explicitly specified, but typically low due to the low carbon
content. |
The ASTM A179 Embedded Finned Tube with Aluminum Fins is a
specialized heat transfer component designed for applications where
efficient heat exchange is critical. The combination of the ASTM
A179 steel tube (known for its strength and thermal conductivity)
and aluminum fins (known for their lightweight and high thermal
conductivity) makes this type of finned tube highly effective in
various industrial and commercial applications. Below are the key
applications of this product:
1. Heat Exchangers
Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers: The aluminum fins increase the surface
area, enhancing heat transfer between the tube and the surrounding
air. These are commonly used in power plants, refineries, and
chemical processing facilities.
Liquid-to-Air Heat Exchangers: Used in systems where a liquid
(e.g., water or oil) needs to be cooled by air.
2. Condensers
Power Plant Condensers: In steam power plants, these tubes are used
to condense exhaust steam from turbines back into water.
Refrigeration and HVAC Systems: Used in condensers for air
conditioning and refrigeration units to improve cooling efficiency.
3. Economizers
Boiler Economizers: These tubes are used in economizers to recover
waste heat from flue gases and preheat boiler feedwater, improving
overall system efficiency.
4. Oil and Gas Industry
Gas Cooling Systems: Used to cool natural gas or other process
gases in refineries and petrochemical plants.
Heat Recovery Systems: For recovering waste heat from exhaust gases
or other process streams.
5. Industrial Process Heating and Cooling
Chemical Processing: Used in reactors, distillation columns, and
other equipment where precise temperature control is required.
Food and Beverage Industry: For heating or cooling processes in
production lines.
6. Renewable Energy Systems
Biomass and Waste-to-Energy Plants: Used in heat recovery systems
to improve energy efficiency.
Geothermal Systems: For heat exchange in geothermal power
generation.
7. HVAC Systems
Air Handling Units (AHUs): Used in heating and cooling coils to
improve the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Chillers: For heat exchange in water-cooled or air-cooled chillers.
8. Automotive and Aerospace
Radiators and Oil Coolers: Used in vehicles and aircraft for
cooling engines and other systems.
