Do you know the most cost-efficiency bimetallic finned tube?

As a key heat transfer element, the finned tube's core function lies in balancing the difference in heat transfer coefficients between the two fluid sides of a heat exchanger. By installing fins on the side with a lower heat transfer coefficient, the heat transfer area is enlarged. It is indispensable in applications requiring enhanced heat transfer, such as boiler economizers and air coolers.

In industrial sectors like power, chemical, petrochemical, air conditioning, and refrigeration engineering, efficient heat exchange equipment is crucial for ensuring system stability, energy conservation, and emission reduction.

The core mission of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat quickly and efficiently. When heat exchange occurs between a gas and a liquid, or between two gases, the overall heat transfer efficiency is often low because the heat transfer coefficient on the gas side is typically much lower than on the liquid side.

To address this issue, engineers attach thin metal sheets called "fins" to the outer surface of the heat exchange tubes. These seemingly simple metal pieces significantly increase the contact area between the tube and the air, effectively breaking through the thermal resistance bottleneck on the gas side and thereby markedly enhancing heat transfer efficiency.

There are various types of bimetallic composite finned tubes on the market, including L-type, LL-type, KL-type wound fin tubes, extruded fin tubes, and embedded fin tubes. Among them, the embedded fin tube stands out with its unique design and excellent overall performance, earning the title of the true "king of cost-effectiveness."

Currently, there are five main types of bimetallic composite finned tubes widely used in industry, each with its unique manufacturing process and performance characteristics.

L-type, LL-type, and KL-type wound fin tubes belong to the family of mechanically attached fin tubes. They are made by folding an aluminum strip into a specific shape (e.g., L-shape) and helically winding it under tension onto the surface of the base tube.

- The operating temperature of L-type fin tubes typically does not exceed 150°C.
https://www.lordfintube.com/l-foot-finned-tube_648.html

- The LL-type is an improved version of the L-type, with the fin root providing better coverage of the base tube, raising its maximum operating temperature to about 170°C.
https://www.lordfintube.com/ll-finned-tube_647.html

- The KL-type goes a step further. The base tube surface is pre-knurled, and the fin root is also knurled after winding, enhancing the bonding strength and allowing operating temperatures up to 230-250°C.
https://www.lordfintube.com/kl-type-fin-tube_1148.html

Extruded fin tubes (rolled fin tubes) are manufactured by co-rolling an aluminum sleeve over an inner steel liner tube using a specialized mill, causing the aluminum to plastically flow and form fins. This process achieves a metallurgical bond between the fins and the base tube, resulting in high heat transfer efficiency and a smooth, neat appearance. The maximum service temperature of extruded fin tubes can reach 300°C. However, due to the need for expensive specialized rolling mills, the processing cost of this type of fin tube is also the highest among all types.
https://www.lordfintube.com/extruded-fin-tube_650.html

Embedded fin tubes employ a unique processing technique: spiral grooves are first machined onto the steel tube, and then the fin strip is embedded and wound into these grooves. This structure ensures tight contact between the fin and the base tube while providing good bonding strength through mechanical interlocking.

Among the fin tubes mentioned above, the embedded fin tube stands out as the undisputed "king of cost-effectiveness." This stems from its choice of fin material: unlike the other types, embedded fin tubes can use copper as the fin material in addition to aluminum.

The maximum service temperature of copper embedded fin tubes can exceed 300°C, significantly higher than that of L-type, LL-type, KL-type wound fin tubes and extruded fin tubes. This enables them to adapt to a wider range of industrial applications, from conventional heating to medium-high temperature environments.
https://www.lordfintube.com/copper-embedded-finned-tube_1335.html

Compared to extruded fin tubes, the processing cost of embedded fin tubes is substantially lower. The extrusion process requires expensive specialized rolling mills, whereas the inlaying process can be completed on general-purpose equipment, making both equipment investment and production costs more economical.

The high cost-effectiveness of embedded fin tubes originates from their unique design and manufacturing advantages.

The fin root is securely locked into the spiral groove of the base tube, forming a mechanical interlock with high bonding strength. This structure resists loosening even after long-term thermal cycling, ensuring long-term stable heat transfer performance. The high bonding strength results in extremely low thermal resistance. Studies show that the embedded structure can provide heat transfer efficiency approximating that of a metallurgical bond, allowing heat to be efficiently transferred from the base tube to the fins.

Beyond performance advantages, embedded fin tubes also demonstrate excellent flexibility in material selection.

Aluminum fins are the most common choice. With a thermal conductivity of about 237 W/m·K, although lower than copper, aluminum offers advantages of light weight and low cost, making it suitable for most conventional industrial applications.

For special applications requiring higher thermal conductivity, the inlaying process can also utilize copper fins. With a thermal conductivity as high as 400 W/m·K, copper fins improve heat transfer efficiency by approximately 60% compared to aluminum fins, making them particularly suitable for situations demanding extreme heat exchange efficiency.

Whether using aluminum or copper fins, the inlaying process can form reliable connections with base tubes of various materials (carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, etc.), meeting the requirements of different corrosive environments, pressure ratings, and temperature conditions.

We have a variety of finned tube types available for selection, especially embedded fin tubes. Our embedded fin tubes can utilize not only aluminum fins but also copper fins for the inlaying process.

Company Name: Shanghai T.S. Industrial Co. Ltd
Contact Name: Miss Estela
Contact Number: 0086-021-66030009
Address: No.2, Lane 1588 Youyi Road, Baoshan, Shanghai, The P. R. of China. Post. 201999
Email: estela@lordfintube.com
Website: https://www.lordfintube.com/

Shanghai T.S. Industrial Co., Ltd is a leading company specializing in the production of finned tubes, tube sheet, U bend tubes, and helical coiled pipe used in heat exchangers, boiler economizers, coolers, and heaters. Our focus is on supplying custom fin tubes, finned pipes, and tube sheets in various material configurations to enhance heat transfer rates and reduce operating costs. With our advanced production capabilities and commitment to quality, we deliver innovative and efficient solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients in the heat exchanger and boiler industries.

This release was published on openPR.