A179 Cold Bend Tube, Seamless And Cold-Drawn, Applicable For Low-Pressure Steam Superheaters

Overview of A179 Cold Bend Tube

ASTM A179 Cold Bend Tube is a seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tube specifically designed for heat transfer applications such as low-pressure superheaters, boilers, and heat exchangers. Its fine grain structure, uniform wall thickness, and smooth inner surface ensure excellent thermal conductivity and reliable performance. The tube's cold-bending capability allows for complex routing in compact boiler systems, making it ideal for U-bends and coil assemblies in low-pressure steam applications.

Key Features

• Seamless construction ensures high pressure integrity and leak-free performance.

• Cold-drawn process provides improved dimensional accuracy and surface finish.

• Excellent bendability, allowing complex shapes without cracking or wall thinning.

• Ideal for tight-radius bends in compact boiler and heat exchanger designs.

• Designed for low to medium pressure steam systems.

Bending Specifications

• Bend radius: Typically ≥ 1.5–2× OD

• Bend types: U-bend, return bend, serpentine

• Ovality and thinning controlled by mandrel or rotary draw bending

• Post-bend testing: Hydrotest, eddy current, or ultrasonic inspection

Considerations

• Wall Thickness Reduction: Bending can thin the outer radius — minimum wall thickness must be checked.

• Stress Concentration: Excessive bending can introduce stress points — stress relieving may be needed.

• Bend Quality: Mandrel support during bending helps maintain ovality and inner surface integrity.

Why Bending is Important

• Space Efficiency: Allows compact layout in confined boiler shells or pressure vessels.

• Improved Flow Paths: Custom bends help guide steam/water flow optimally.

• Enhanced Heat Transfer: Increased surface area exposure from U-bends or serpentine shapes.

Applications of A179 Cold Bend Tube

• Low-pressure steam superheaters

• Boiler tube bundles

• U-bend heat exchanger tubes

• Economizers and condensers

• Marine and industrial steam systems