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Fin Tubes

The cost efficiency of air-cooled heat exchangers depends essentially on the heat transfer capabilities of the finned tube used. Important factors to be considered include the heat transfer rate, the size of the heat exchanger and the airside pressure drop.

Tube-Type: Hot-Dip-Galvanized (FE, KE, AE)

Applications: The FE tube is a finned tube with an optimized shape which features excellent thermodynamic properties. The airside pressure drop across an elliptical finned tube is lower than the pressure loss in a round-tube exchanger, as less downstream turbulence is developed. Turbulators on the finning which have a negligible impact on pressure loss achieve excellent heat transfer rates. Rectangular fins keep the face area limited and allow a compact design. Galvanization and the wide fin collar enhance heat transfer between the tube and the fin and make the finned tube insensitive to thermal and mechanical stress. The fin collar and the metal-to-metal joint strengthen the tube. Complete external galvanization provides outstanding protection against corrosion. Cleaning by high-pressure water lancing presents no risk. Manufacture: Fins are punched and then lined up on the tube by an automatic process. The galvanization that follows achieves excellent heat transfer and corrosion resistance properties.

Tube-Type: Hot-Dip-Galvanized (XE)

Applications: XE tubes are mainly used for high pressure applications where space is limited. The tube combines the excellent properties of galvanized steel tubes featuring steal finning with the geometry of round tubes. The design (two tubes with one fin) minimizes the size of the exchanger. As the fins are very stiff, the can be cleaned easily by high-pressure water without damage to the finning. Manufacture: The process for the manufacture of the XE tube is similar to the FE tube production process.

Tube-Type: L-Fin (wounded)

Applications: The L tube is a finned tube for low temperature applications where a certain degree of protection of the tube wall against corrosion is required. The broad contact surface between the tube and the finning enhances heat transfer. Manufacture: The foot of the fin is shaped first and the fin is then tension-wound around the tube. Each fin is in contact with an adjacent fin and provides a certain degree of protection in atmospheres which are not highly corrosive. The manufacturing technology allows the use of relatively thinwalled tubes.

Tube-Type: K-Fin (knurled and wounded)

Applications: The K tube was developed from the L tube for increased temperature levels and provides enhanced corrosion protection to the outside wall of the tube. Manufacture: The foot of the fin is shaped first and the fin is then tension-wound around the tube. Knurling tools both precede and follow the find and lock the fin material in the pre-knurled tube. The process increases the area available for heat transfer. The joint between the fin and the tube is air tight and improves corrosion protection.

Tube-Type: G-Fin (embedded)

Applications: The G-fin tube was designed for high thermal or mechanical stress. Manufacture: The finning is tension-wound into a helical tube groove and embedded in the groove by high-pressure expansion. The material displaced is then pressed against the fin sides.

Tube-Type: Bimetal-Finned (Extruded )

Applications: Bimetal finned tubes are designed for increased temperature service and protect the tube fully against atmospheric corrosion. The extruded fins feature 40 % more aluminium then comparable fins. They are very sturdy and resistant to mechanical stress and can therefore be cleaned easily by steam or water. The tube material can be adapted to the fluid handled. The tube is for this reason fit for nearly all aggressive chemicals. Manufacture: The fins are extruded from a sleeve around the tube. In this process, the inside diameter of the sleeve is reduced and the sleeve is pressed on the tube. The process produces a strong joint with excellent heat transfer capabilities.