Yuhong Group: Precision Heat Exchanger Components – From Tubes to Tubesheets
Yuhong Group Co., Ltd. designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of thermal equipment for global industries. Our core offerings include shell and tube heat exchangers, pressure vessels, air coolers, and a complete supply of critical components: finned tube bundles, U-tube bundles, heat exchanger tubesheets, and all related parts – ensuring full support for new projects and maintenance.
Shown in the attached photographs is one of our ASME SA182 F316Ti forged stainless steel tubesheets – a titanium-stabilized component designed for high-temperature and corrosive service applications, with PMI-verified chemistry confirming full material compliance.
Product Focus: F316Ti Stainless Steel Tubesheet – Engineered for High-Temperature Service
The heat exchanger tubesheet is the critical component that anchors every tube in the bundle, separates the tube side from the shell side, and must withstand both mechanical tube expansion forces and operational pressure/temperature cycling.
Based on the images, this tubesheet exhibits:
Material: ASME SA182 F316Ti (forged stainless steel with titanium stabilization)
Key alloy feature: Titanium addition (~0.355% as verified by PMI) prevents sensitization and intergranular corrosion after welding or high-temperature exposure
PMI verification: Chemical composition confirmed (Cr 16.51%, Ni 10.27%, Ti 0.355%) – full material traceability
Manufacturing method: Forged (dense grain structure, no internal porosity)
Machining: Precision-drilled tube holes with grooves for mechanical tube expansion
Marking: Clear YUHONG GROUP identification
PMI Chemical Composition (as shown in photograph):
| Element | Value (PMI) | F316Ti Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.51% | 16.0 – 18.0% ✓ |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.27% | 10.0 – 14.0% ✓ |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.355% | ≥ 5 × C% (≥ 0.35% typical) ✓ |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.708% | ≤ 2.00% ✓ |
| Iron (Fe) | 69.84% | Balance |
PMI (Positive Material Identification) ensures 100% material verification – a critical quality step for high-integrity components.
Why F316Ti (Titanium-Stabilized) Instead of Standard 316/316L?
| Material | Key Characteristic | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| 316 (standard) | Good corrosion resistance | Non-welded components, moderate temperatures |
| 316L (low carbon) | Low carbon avoids carbide precipitation | Welded components, up to ~450°C |
| 316Ti (titanium stabilized) | Titanium ties up carbon; resists sensitization up to ~700°C | High-temperature welded service (450-700°C); corrosive environments with welding |
When F316Ti is the preferred choice:
Service temperature between 450°C and 700°C – where 316L may still sensitize over time
Welded tube-to-tubesheet joints – titanium stabilization prevents carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone
Severe corrosive environments (acids, chlorides) combined with welding
Applications requiring prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures
Code compliance – ASME Section II, SA-182
Key Components That Interface with This Tubesheet
| Component | Material (Typical) | How It Interfaces with the Tubesheet |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Exchanger Tube | Stainless steel (304/316/316L/316Ti) | Rolled or welded into the tubesheet holes – the tubesheet anchors each tube. |
| U-Tube Bundle | Stainless steel tubes | For U-tube designs, tubesheet is the only anchor point for all U-tubes. |
| Shell / Channel Gasket | Spiral-wound, PTFE, or metal-jacketed | Seals against the tubesheet face – prevents cross-leakage. |
| Channel / Bonnet | Carbon steel or stainless steel | Bolted to the tubesheet; distributes tube-side fluid. |
| Finned Tube Bundle (optional) | Stainless steel + aluminum fin | Fins start beyond the tubesheet face – for gas-cooling applications. |
| Baffles | Stainless steel (304/316L) | Located downstream of tubesheet; support tubes and direct flow. |
Technical Highlights of Our Forged F316Ti Stainless Steel Tubesheet
Titanium stabilization (Ti ≈ 5× C content): Prevents chromium carbides at grain boundaries – eliminates sensitization and intergranular corrosion after welding.
100% PMI verified: Chemical composition confirmed by Positive Material Identification – full traceability from mill to finished component.
Forged construction: Provides superior mechanical properties in the through-thickness direction – critical for high-pressure tube-side service.
Precision drilling: Tube holes drilled to exact diameter tolerances (typically +0.05/-0.00 mm) for consistent tube rolling.
Grooved tube holes: Internal grooves (typically 2 or 3 per hole) increase pull-out strength of expanded tubes.
High-temperature capability: Suitable for service up to approximately 700°C (depending on pressure and environment).
Full traceability: Each tubesheet is stamped with material grade, heat number, and PMI verification.
Knowledge Module: F316Ti vs. F316L – Which Tubesheet Material Should You Choose?
| Consideration | F316L (Low Carbon) | F316Ti (Titanium Stabilized) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum continuous service temp | ~450°C | ~700°C |
| Sensitization risk after welding | Very low (carbon <0.03%) | None (titanium ties up carbon) |
| Creep strength at high temperature | Moderate | Better (titanium provides some precipitation strengthening) |
| PMI verification (shown in photo) | Standard | Ti content must be verified |
| Cost | Standard | Slightly higher |
| Code recognition | ASME Section II, SA-182 | ASME Section II, SA-182 |
| Best for | Most corrosive services, moderate temps | High-temp corrosive service + welding |
Selection rule of thumb:
Service temperature below 400°C and welded? → 316L is sufficient
Service temperature between 400-700°C and welded? → Choose 316Ti
Service temperature above 700°C → Consider higher alloys (310 stainless, Inconel)
Knowledge Module: Common Failure Modes of Tubesheets (and How 316Ti Addresses Them)
| Failure Mode | Cause | How 316Ti Prevents It |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitization / Intergranular Corrosion | Chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries (450-850°C) | Titanium ties up carbon – no chromium depletion at grain boundaries |
| Thermal Fatigue | Repeated heating/cooling causing stress cycling | High-temperature strength and ductility maintained |
| Pitting / Crevice Corrosion | Chloride attack | Good resistance in stainless steel; 316Ti similar to 316L |
| Galvanic Corrosion | Dissimilar metals in contact | Compatible with stainless steel tubes and channels |
| Weld Decay | Corrosion in heat-affected zone of welds | Titanium prevents carbide precipitation in HAZ |
Typical Applications for F316Ti Tubesheets
| Industry | Application | Why F316Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical processing | High-temperature acid heaters, reactor exchangers | Resists sensitization during welding and operation |
| Petrochemical | Hydrogen service exchangers (400-600°C) | Titanium stabilization prevents hydrogen attack at grain boundaries |
| Power generation | HRSG intercoolers, feedwater heaters | Withstands thermal cycling without sensitization |
| Pharmaceutical | High-purity steam generators | Maintains corrosion resistance after welding |
| Food processing | High-temperature pasteurization systems | Cleanable, weldable, long service life |
Advantages of Ordering F316Ti Tubesheets from Yuhong Group
PMI verified material: Chemical composition confirmed before and after machining – full traceability.
Exactly to your drawing: We machine your dimension, hole pattern, groove specification, and bolt hole layout.
Fast turnaround: Forged blanks are machined typically within 2-4 weeks.
Any stainless steel grade: 304/304L, 316/316L, 316Ti, 321, 347, duplex, super duplex.
Component-only or full bundle: We supply just the tubesheet – or the complete U-tube bundle (tubes, tubesheet, baffles, tie rods) assembled.
Full documentation: Material test certificate (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1, PMI report, dimensional report.
Component-Only Supply – We Also Provide
If you need just parts (not a full exchanger), we supply:
Heat exchanger tubes – stainless steel (304, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321) – cut to length, end-prepared for rolling or welding
Finned tube bundles – stainless steel base with aluminum or stainless fins for air cooler retrofits
U-tube bundles – complete with tubesheet, baffles, and tie rods
Baffles, tie rods, spacers – machined to your pattern
Channel covers, gaskets, fasteners – complete spare parts packages
Quality Assurance & Documentation
Every F316Ti tubesheet we ship includes:
Mill Test Certificate (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1 – chemical analysis and mechanical properties
PMI report – confirming Ti content and all major alloying elements
Dimensional inspection report – tube hole diameters, groove dimensions, bolt circle
Heat number stamping – as shown on the part for full traceability
Ultrasonic testing (UT) for forged blanks (optional)
Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV) – at buyer's request
Get a Quotation for Your F316Ti Tubesheet
To quote a stainless steel tubesheet like the one in your photographs, send the following to jimmy@steelseamlesspipe.com:
Drawing (PDF, scan, or hand sketch with key dimensions: OD, thickness, tube hole size & pitch, bolt circle)
Or: send us your old tubesheet for reverse engineering (return shipping arranged)
Material grade: F316Ti (as shown) or other
Quantity required (single piece or production run)
Operating temperature (to confirm material suitability)
We will respond with a dimensional drawing for approval, price, and delivery schedule – typically within 48 hours.
