Carbon Steel ASTM A179 L Type Fin Tube for Finned Tube Bundle and Heat Exchanger
Overview
The ASTM A179 L Type Fin Tube is a spirally wound fin tube designed for integration into finned tube bundles for shell and tube heat exchangers, air coolers, and industrial heat transfer systems. In an "L" type fin tube (also called an "L" foot fin tube), the fins are constructed by spirally winding the fin material around a base tube. The base of the fin tube is molded into an "L" shape, providing a solid base for the fins while also providing protection against atmospheric corrosion. This design creates a tight bond between the fin and the tube, minimizing thermal resistance and ensuring optimal heat flow.
The L-type fin tube is a critical component in finned tube bundles, where multiple finned tubes are arranged together to form the heat transfer surface of a shell and tube heat exchanger. Each tube is rolled or welded into heat exchanger tubesheets at both ends, creating a leak-tight seal between the tube side and shell side fluids. The finned tube bundle configuration significantly increases the effective heat transfer surface area, improving overall thermal efficiency while reducing equipment footprint.
Key Features
High Temperature Resistance: Withstands temperatures up to 230°C without atmospheric corrosion or thermal stress.
Corrosion Protection: The contact area between the fin strips and the tube surface protects the tube wall from atmospheric corrosion.
Cost-effective Design: This L-type configuration is more economical compared to other designs such as LL, KL or G-embedded.
Efficient Heat Transfer: The L-shaped fin base ensures optimal heat flow by tightly bonding the fins to the tube, minimizing thermal resistance.
Uniform Fin Spacing: Maintains consistent fin spacing for efficient thermal performance.
Base Tube Material
The base tube material can be selected from a wide range of options including stainless steel, carbon steel, copper alloy, and alloy steel:
ASME SA213 / ASTM A213 TP304 / 304L, TP316 / TP316L, TP321, TP310S, TP317
ASME SA106 / ASTM A106 Gr B, Gr C
ASME SA179 / ASTM A179
ASME SA192 / ASTM A192
ASTM B111 C70600, C44300, C68700, C71500
Fin Material
Aluminum, Copper, and Steel.
Chemical Composition of ASTM A179 / ASME SA179
| Element | A/SA 179 (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.06 – 0.18 |
| Mn | 0.27 – 0.63 |
| P | ≤ 0.035 max |
| S | ≤ 0.035 max |
Mechanical Properties of ASTM A179 / ASME SA179
| Property | A/SA 179 |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength KSI (MPa) | 47 (325) |
| Yield Strength KSI (MPa) | 47 (325) |
| Elongation min. % | 35 |
Equivalent Material
| Grade | ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNS No | K01200 | |||
| Old British | BS | CFS 320 | ||
| German | No | 1629 / 17175 | Number | 1.0309 / 1.0305 |
| Belgian | 629 | |||
| Japanese JIS | D3563 / G3461 | |||
| French | A49-215 | |||
| Italian | 5462 |
L Type Fin Tube Design
The L-type fin tube is characterized by the "L" shaped base of the fin, which is molded during the calendering process. This design creates a tight bond between the fin and the tube, minimizing thermal resistance and ensuring optimal heat flow. The uniform fin spacing maintained by this design contributes to efficient thermal performance. The L-type configuration provides a protective barrier against atmospheric corrosion by covering the contact area between the fin strip and the tube surface.
Finned Tube Bundle Application
When incorporated into a finned tube bundle, the L-type fin tube provides enhanced heat transfer surface area for shell and tube heat exchangers. The tube bundle is typically supported by heat exchanger tubesheets at one or both ends, with the tube ends rolled, welded, or both to form the tube-to-tubesheet joint. The finned tube bundle is then inserted into the shell, and the tubesheet is bolted or welded to the shell flange to create the complete heat exchanger assembly.
Manufacturing Process
The L-type fin tube is manufactured by spirally winding the fin material around the base tube. The base of the fin is molded into an "L" shape during the calendering process, which ensures a tight bond between the fin and the tube. This process maintains uniform fin spacing and minimizes thermal resistance for efficient heat transfer.
Quality Control and Testing
Each L-type fin tube undergoes inspection and testing in accordance with applicable standards and customer specifications:
Dimensional Inspection – Verification of tube OD, wall thickness, fin height, fin thickness, fin pitch, and overall length
Material Verification – Positive Material Identification (PMI) and full traceability to mill certificates
Visual Inspection – Surface finish and fin integrity
Hydrostatic Test – Performed on base tube as required
Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) – As specified by customer requirements
Applications
ASTM A179 L Type Fin Tubes are widely used across various industries:
Shell and tube heat exchangers – as finned tube bundles
Finned tube bundles for power plant heat exchangers
Oil Cooler, Pre Heater, Radiator, Air Conditioner Evaporator
Steam condensation systems
Chemical and petrochemical industries
Food processing plants and refrigeration technology
Industry (steel mills, incinerators, gas compression facilities)
Documentation
Each shipment is supplied with complete documentation including:
Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 Type 3.1)
Dimensional inspection reports
Material test reports
For a rapid quotation on ASTM A179 L Type Fin Tube for finned tube bundle, please provide the following information:
Quantity (number of pieces or weight)
Base tube outside diameter, wall thickness, and length
Fin material (Aluminum, Copper, or Steel)
Fin height, thickness, and pitch/spacing
Finned length and unfinned sections (if any)
End preparation (plain ends or beveled ends)
Delivery period required
