ASTM A179 L Finned Tube With Aluminum 1060 Fins For Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers

ASTM A179 L Type Finned Tube with Aluminum 1060 Fins is a type of heat exchanger tube designed for efficient heat transfer in applications such as boilers, condensers, and heat recovery systems.

Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Base Tube (ASTM A179)

Material: Low-carbon steel (carbon content ≤ 0.06%)

Standard: ASTM A179 (Standard Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger and Condenser Tubes)

(1) Chemical Composition (Weight %)

Low carbon content ensures good weldability and formability.

Low sulfur & phosphorus reduce brittleness and improve corrosion resistance.

(2) Mechanical Properties

Additional Notes:

• Cold-drawn process enhances strength and surface finish.
• Good ductility (high elongation) allows for bending and forming.
• Smooth internal surface minimizes fouling in heat exchangers.

(3) Properties:

• Excellent thermal conductivity
• Good corrosion resistance (when properly maintained)
• Smooth inner surface for reduced fouling
• Typically used in moderate-temperature applications

2. Fins (Aluminum 1060)

Material: Aluminum alloy 1060 (99.6% pure aluminum)

Properties:

• High thermal conductivity (~235 W/m·K)
• Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
• Soft and malleable, making it easy to form fins
• Good resistance to oxidation

3. Fin Type: L-Type (Embedded Fins)

Construction: The aluminum fins are mechanically bonded (often by extrusion or wrapping) into a groove or knurled surface on the steel tube.

Advantages:

• Strong bond between fin and tube, reducing thermal resistance
• Better heat transfer efficiency compared to plain tubes
• Resistant to thermal cycling and vibration

4. Key Benefits

• Enhanced Heat Transfer: Fins increase the surface area, improving thermal efficiency.
• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum fins protect the steel tube in mild environments.
• Cost-Effective: Combines the strength of steel with the thermal performance of aluminum

Key Application of ASTM A179 L Type Finned Tube with Aluminum 1060 Fins

The ASTM A179 L-Type Finned Tube with Aluminum 1060 Fins is widely used in heat transfer applications where enhanced thermal efficiency, corrosion resistance, and lightweight construction are essential. Below are its key applications:

1. Heat Exchangers & Condensers

• Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers (ACHEs) – Used in refineries, power plants, and chemical processing to cool process fluids (e.g., steam, oil, gases) using ambient air.
• Condensers – Efficiently condenses vapors (e.g., in refrigeration, HVAC, and power plant steam cycles).
• Economizers – Recovers waste heat from flue gases to preheat boiler feedwater.

Why this tube?
✔ Aluminum fins increase surface area for better heat dissipation.
✔ Lightweight compared to steel-finned tubes.
✔ Good corrosion resistance in mild environments.

2. Boilers & Thermal Power Plants

• Waste Heat Recovery Systems – Captures heat from exhaust gases to improve energy efficiency.
• Low-Pressure Boilers – Suitable for heat exchange in systems where temperatures stay below 300°C (Aluminum fins soften at higher temps).

Why this tube?
✔ ASTM A179 base tube handles moderate pressure and temperature.
✔ L-Type fin bonding ensures strong mechanical attachment.

3. HVAC & Refrigeration Systems

• Chiller Tubes – Used in cooling water circuits.
• Evaporators & Coolers – Efficient heat transfer in commercial refrigeration.

Why this tube?
✔ Aluminum 1060 fins provide excellent thermal conductivity (~235 W/m·K).
✔ Smooth inner surface of A179 reduces fouling.

4. Petrochemical & Oil Refineries

• Process Gas Cooling – Cools hydrocarbon streams in refineries.
• Lube Oil Coolers – Maintains optimal oil temperature in machinery.

Why this tube?
✔ Resists mild chemical exposure (for non-corrosive environments).
✔ Cost-effective compared to stainless steel finned tubes.

5. Industrial Drying & Heating Systems

• Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs) – Recovers heat from turbine exhaust.
• Duct Air Heaters – Used in industrial drying processes.

Why this tube?
✔ Aluminum fins improve air-side heat transfer.
✔ Durable in moderate thermal cycling.