Finned Tube Heat Exchangers

With water, heat transmission coefficients in the order of 5,000 W/m² K can be achieved in the tubes. In contrast, heat transmission is much lower for air. A coefficient of 100 W/m² K may be expected when plain tubes are used. With a view to compensating for the significantly lower heat transmission coefficient for air, thermal engineers increase the outer surface of the tubes by providing them with fins.

Finned tube heat exchangers are available in the following materials:

Steel
Stainless steel
Copper / Aluminium
Aluminium
Special materials