ASTM A269 TP304 Extruded Finned Tube with AL1060 Fins For Heat
Exchanger
What is an Extruded Finned Tube?
An extruded finned tube is a type of heat exchanger tube that
features fins (extended surfaces) bonded to the outer surface of a
base tube. The fins are created by extruding the base tube material
or by attaching fins made of a different material (e.g., aluminum).
The primary purpose of the fins is to increase the surface area of
the tube, which improves heat transfer between the tube and the
surrounding fluid (air, gas, or liquid).
Key Component:
Base Tube:
The core tube, typically made of materials like stainless steel,
carbon steel, copper, or titanium, depending on the application.
Provides structural strength and corrosion resistance.
AL1060 Fins:
AL1060: This is a grade of aluminum alloy. AL1060 is a commercially
pure aluminum (99.6% aluminum) with excellent thermal conductivity,
corrosion resistance, and workability.
The fins are made of AL1060 and are attached to the stainless steel
tube to improve heat transfer performance. Aluminum fins are often
used because of their lightweight and high thermal conductivity.
Manufacturing Process:
The fins are created using an extrusion process:
A groove is machined into the outer surface of the base tube.
A fin strip (usually aluminum) is inserted into the groove.
The assembly is passed through a machine that extrudes the fin
material, forming a tight mechanical bond between the fins and the
base tube.
The result is a durable, high-performance finned tube with
excellent heat transfer properties.
Advantages of Extruded Finned Tubes
- High Heat Transfer Efficiency: The increased surface area of the fins significantly improves heat
transfer rates.
- Durability: The mechanical bond between the fins and the base tube ensures
long-term performance, even under thermal cycling and vibration.
- Corrosion Resistance: Materials like stainless steel and aluminum provide excellent
resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for harsh
environments.
- Lightweight: Aluminum fins are lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the
heat exchanger.
- Versatility: Can be customized for various applications by selecting different
base tube and fin materials.
Chemical Composition of ASTM A269 TP304 is as follows:
| Element | Composition (% by weight) |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00–20.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00–11.00 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Key Features:
- High chromium (18–20%) and nickel (8–11%) content provide excellent
corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.
- Low carbon content (≤ 0.08%) minimizes carbide precipitation during
welding, making it suitable for welding applications.
Mechanical Properties of ASTM A269 TP304 are as follows:
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ≥ 205 MPa (30,000 psi) |
| Elongation (in 2 inches) | ≥ 35% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | ≤ 90 HRB |
The application of ASTM A269 TP304 Extruded Finned Tube with AL1060
Fins:
1. Heat Exchangers
Application: Used in shell-and-tube heat exchangers, plate heat
exchangers, and other types of heat exchangers.
2. Air Coolers and Condensers
Application: Widely used in air-cooled heat exchangers and
condensers.
3. Boilers and Economizers
Application: Used in boilers and economizers for heat recovery.
4. Chemical Processing
Application: Used in reactors, condensers, and heat recovery
systems in chemical plants.
5. Oil and Gas Industry
Application: Used in heat exchangers, coolers, and condensers in
refineries and petrochemical plants.
6. HVAC Systems
Application: Used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
systems.
7. Power Generation
Application: Used in condensers, coolers, and heat recovery systems
in power plants.
8. Food and Beverage Industry
Application: Used in heat exchangers for pasteurization,
sterilization, and cooling processes.
9. Renewable Energy
Application: Used in solar thermal systems and geothermal heat
exchangers.
10. Refrigeration Systems
Application: Used in evaporators and condensers in refrigeration
systems.
