Shihang Low Fin Tube

Shihang Low Fin Tube

Shihang low fin tube has the advantage of adding surface area to a smooth tube while maintaining the same outside diameter. We are experts in manufacturing low fin tube that can be used in standard tube sheets and shell & tube baffles.

Our low fin tube is fabricated from carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, Copper & Cu Alloys, and Titanium & Ti Alloys. Shihang low fin tube comes in different standards to meet your specific needs.

The Shihang low fin tube involves the fin formation by direct rotational processing of steel pipes. So, there is no worry of detachment even if later bent.

We are experts in manufacturing low fin tubes to support different industries such as heat exchangers for power plants including electric, nuclear, thermal, and geothermal power plants.

Also, Shihang low fin tube is useful in chemical and petrochemical industries, food processing, and refrigeration industries. Our low fin tube has benefits to many industries. Benefits include:

• offers 2.5-3 times the external surface area of bare tube
• enhanced heat exchanger efficiency
• increase the performance of an existing exchanger without the difficult and expensive task of building new shells
• reduced space and weight

Indeed, Shihang low fin tube is a reliable solution for controlling the temperature of gases and liquids, or for evaporating and condensing refrigerants. They offer considerable potential to save in terms of fill volumes and materials.

Shihang can supply you with low fin tubes in different sizes and materials. All shapes & sizes, tubing, foil, wire mesh & grating is available at Shihang. You can also get a custom-made low fin tube according to your specifications.

We have full capabilities in manufacturing low fin tubes including tube fabrication and bending, oxygen service cleaning, soldering, brazing, burr-free cutting, welding, CAD/CAM and NDT inspections.

To serve you more efficiently, please send us your specific inquiry!

Low Fin Tube: The Complete FAQ Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know about low fin tube such as design, fabrication, installation, working mechanism, and material type among other aspects.

So, if you want to be an expert in low fin tube, keep reading.

What is a Low Fin Tube?

A low fin tube refers to an integral tube consisting of smaller fins on its surface.

The sizes of these fins range from an inch to one and half an inch.

The fins facilitate the transfer of heat from one fluid to another in various applications.

These applications include chiller, coolers, and condensers.

Low fin tube

What are the Limitations of using a Low Fin Tube?

Price is the main disadvantage of using ow fin tubes.

The cost of purchasing these tubes is high.

However, compared to the durability aspect these tubes offer on your application, the cost is a minor limitation.

How does Low Fin Tube compare to High Fin Tube?

 High fin tube

Low fin tube

The low number of fins present in a low fin-tube and the sizes if the fins are what differentiates it from a high fin tube.

These characteristics are what make high fin tubes have a high heat transfer rate compared to low fin tubes.

How are Low Fin Tubes Manufactured?

You can use the following methods to manufacture low fin tubes

· Plastic Working Method

This method entails the formation of monometallic and bimetallic tubes.

You can either use depressing or grading types of plastic working to form these tubes.

Depressing uses tool disk for the deformation of a tube to create the fins.

This is the best method for the formation of low fin tubes.

· Hot Rolling Method

A Hot rolling method involves clamping and tape winding to for low fin tubes.

It is an accurate method for forming low fin tubes.

What Types of Low Fin Tubes are Available?

There are two basic types of low fin tubes, depending on their manufacturing processes.

That is, welded and seamless low fin tubes.

What is the Function of Fins in Low Fin Tubes?

The primary function of a low fin tube is to facilitate the transfer of heat from one fluid to another.

Also, the number and design of the fins in a particular low fin tube determines the rate of the heat transfer.

What are the Features of a Low Fin Tube?

The properties of low fin tubes are:

· High Heat Transfer

Low fin tubes have a high heat transfer compared to plain tubes.

This makes them the best tubes o use in various applications such as heat condensers.

· Variety of Materials

It is easy to manufacture low fin tubes using different materials.

These materials include copper alloys, aluminium alloys, low carbon steel, and stainless steel.

· Reduces your Applications’ Overall Weight

You require a low quantity of low fin tubes compared to plain tubes for effective heat transfer.

This is because of the fins present in these tubes, which facilitates their heat transfer.

· Numerous Fin Configuration

Low fin tubes are available in different fin configurations which facilitates their usage in various applications.

For instance, the fins can either be helical, square or round.

Where can you use Low Fin Tubes?

Low fin tubes are suitable for use in the following industries:

• Steel industry
• Chemical industry
• Food industry
• Petroleum industry
• Glycol dehydration industry
• Printing machines
• Plastic moulding industry
• Greenhouse heaters and breeders.
• Tanneries

Why use Low Fin Tubes?

Using low fin tubes is beneficial due to the following reasons:

· High Heat Transfer

The availability of fins in a low fin tube enhances heat transfer in different applications.

This increases their functioning in various applications.

· Reduces the Overall Number of Tubes

You require less quantity of low fin tubes for your applications compared to plain tubes.

This has the effect of reducing the overall weight of your application while increasing its efficiency.

· Long-lasting

Low fin tubes are durable and long-lasting.

They require less maintenance which reduces the overall cost of using these tubes.

How do you Install Low Fin Tubes?

The end design of your low fin tube determines how you are going to install.

If your low fin tube has a threaded end design, you need to screw the end on your application.

The only consideration is the end design for your tube has to be of the different composition from that of your application.

That is if you have a male thread end for your application, you need to use a female end low fin tube.

The size of your tube and your application should fit into each other without leaving any space.

Once you have screwed your low fin tube, you need to test for any leakage before you start operating.

If you have a plain end or bevelled end for your application, you need to use a plain end or bevelled end low fin tube.

Proper welding is critical when installing these end configurations.

A bevelled angle is what differentiates a bevelled end design from a plain configuration.

Before welding, you have to fix the angle into your application which is on contrast with that of a plain end that you just fix.

After welding, you need to carry out tests for any leaks before you start operating your low fin tubes.

How does Inner Low Fin Tubes compare to Outer Low Fin Tubes?

The location of the fins is what differentiates the outer low fin tubes from the inner low fin tubes.

Outer low fin tubes have their fins on the tube’s outer tubes while the inner low fin tubes have their fins on the tube’s inner part.

The performance of an outer low fin tube is relatively higher compared to inner low fin tubes.

The advantage of an inner low fin tube is that it increases the pressure of the fluid flowing through.

This enhances the heat transfer rate in these tubes.

How does Low Fin Tubes compare to Plain Tubes?

The presence of fins is what differentiates a low fin tube from a plain tube.

These fins make a low fin tube to have a higher heat transfer rate compared to plain tubes.

Plain copper nickel tube

 Finned copper nickel tube

Which Materials are used to Manufacture Low Fin Tubes?

Various materials with different characteristics are available for manufacturing of low fin tubes.

These are:

• Copper nickel alloy
• Aluminium alloy
• Stainless steel
• Titanium
• Low carbon steel

Which type of Bending Processes can you use on Low Fin Tube?

The following bending process applied to low fin tubes:

· Bow Tube Bending Method

Bow tube bending method (ram bending) involves holding both sides of low fin tubes suing free clamps.

A radius block moves forward towards the centre points of the clamps, forming a bend on your tube.

This method is ideal for forming only one bend at a time on your tubes.

This makes it unsuitable for the creation of multiple bends.

The advantage of using this method is its cost-effective procedure since it does not require a lot of tools.

However, it is not the best method for forming smaller bends as the radius block is usually significant.

· ThreeRoll Bending Method

This method uses three rollers to bend your low fin tubes, two of these rollers are below while one is on top of the tube.

You can adjust the top roller as per the vertical position of the tube.

All the rollers rotate to ensure that the tube passes through all of them during the bending process.

The automation of this process allows for bending of any radius for your low fin tubes.

It also allows for multiple bending of these tubes to fit your requirements.

The limitation of this method is in its cost, which is relatively higher.

· Draw Bend Method

This method uses two clamps to bend your low fin tubes, that is, a bend die clamp.

The bend die clamp is responsible for the rotation of the tube resulting in a bend.

A pressure die present in this method prevents inclination and deformation of the tube.

This method is advantageous as it allows you to bend even smaller radius on your low fin tubes.

However, it is a costly method compared to others. This means you have to make a substantive investment when purchasing it.

How do I Check for Leakages in a Low Fin Tube?

Various methods allow you to check if your low fin tubes are leaking.

However, the best methods to use are vacuum and pressure leak test methods.

These methods use a vacuum and a pressure leak guns to ascertain the leaking points on your low fin tubes.

They have the same operating principle except for the fluid in use.

A pressure gun test uses a pressure gun in its process.

The process involves making your low fin tube airtight and running the pressure gun along the surface to locate the leaking point.

A vacuum gun test uses a vacuum gun in testing for leaking point on your tube.

The process involves creating a vacuum within your low fin tube.

You then move the vacuum gun along the tube’s surface to evaluate where there is a leakage.

These processes locate the exact point on your tube where there is leakage.

How does Low Fin Tube Work?

A low fin tube works by increasing the surface area for heat transfer as fluid flows through it.

A low fin absorbs and transfers heat from hot fluid flowing through it to the cold outer fluid.

The fins present creates resistance for the fluid flow, which increases the heat absorption and transfer rate for these tubes.

The higher the number of fins presents in a low fin tube, the higher the heat transfer rate.

Other factors that affect the working of a low fin tube include the temperature difference between the fluids and the length of your low fin tube.

What is the Difference Between Low Fin Tubes and Baffles?

Baffles are plates within a heat exchanger system that creates turbulence when fluid flows through the heat exchanger system.

This increases the rate of heat transfer by increasing the heat coefficient of the system.

Baffles also direct fluid flowing into a particular direction.

Low fin tubes have protrusions which increase the tube’s surface area, thus increasing its heat transfer rate.

How do I Select a Low Fin Tube?

Proper selection of low fin tubes involves looking out for the following:

Cross section of finned tube

· Low Fin Tube Dimensions

Here you need to select a low fin tube that has the same thickness as that of the tubing system and fits there perfect.

These are critical in ensuring your tubes don not leak when functioning and there is no pressure drop during the process.

· Heat Transfer Rate

The number of fins and their position along the surface of a particular low fin tube affects the rate of heat transfer.

The higher the number of finds, the higher the rate of heat transfer.

Selecting which heat transfer rate to use depends on the requirements of your application.

The markings available on a low fin tube package usually indicate its heat transfer rate for easy selection.

· Type of its End Design

This is a vital aspect to consider for connection purposes.

Three main types available for your consideration are threaded, plain and bevelled connection.

The type you select should be compatible with your application.

· Working Pressure and Temperature

An ideal low fin tube should have its working temperature and pressure ranging within that of your system.

When you select a low fin tube whose pressure is lower than that of your system it results in bursting during operation.

A low fin tube having a lower operating pressure causes a pressure drop along the tube.

This reduces fluid flow which affects your application’s performance.

· Quality Standards

You have a guarantee of getting the best low fin tube if you select one which meets all the quality standard requirements.

This is possible if you buy your tubes from a reliable manufacturer.

What Affects the Heat Transfer in a Low Fin Tube?

Factors that affect heat transfer of your low fin tubes are:

· Nature of Fluid

Fluid flowing through low fin tubes can either be in a gaseous or liquid state.

A gaseous fluid has a high heat transfer rate compared to liquid.

Fluid flowing through the low fin tubes at high pressure has the effect of increasing the heat transfer rate.

· Cross-sectional Fin Arrangement

a low fin tube can have its fins as either radically inclined pin fins or staggered pin fins.

The heat transfer rate for a staggered pin fin is high compared to that of radically inclined pin fins.

· Number of Fins

Fins increase the surface area over which heat transfer takes place.

The higher the number of fins in a particular low fin tube, the higher the heat transfer rate.

· Dimensions of the Pin Fins

These pin fins can either be circular, lancet, elliptic or square or annular.

These dimensions have different heat transfer rate, which affects your system’s performance.

Annular pin dimensions have a higher rate of heat transfer compared to the other types.

· Surface Finish

A mirror surface for your low fin tubes has a reflective effect on the fluid flowing through it.

This reduces the heat transfer rate, thus affecting its performance.

An ideal surface finish should have matte characteristics which increase fluid heat transfer.

What can Cause Leakages in Low Fin Tubes?

Your low fin tube can leak due to the reasons like:

· Scale Build-up

The leading cause of scaling within your low fin tube is sediments from fluid flowing through it.

This has the effect of narrowing the inner part of your tube.

Scaling blocks fluid flow within your tube.

As this happens, there is pressure build-up which results in bursting of your tube, causing it to leak.

To reduce your tube’s scaling effect, you need to use specific chemical softeners regularly.

· Thermal Shock

The cause of thermal shock is the sudden introduction of low-temperature fluid within your tube after a high-temperature fluid.

This results in a sudden change in the temperature of your low fin tubes leading to their snapping up, which causes leakage.

You can prevent this by allowing the tube to cool down before allowing another fluid to flow through.

· Improper Low Fin Tube Installation

During installation, you need to check on the manual to ensure you are doing it correctly.

You even have to test before you start operation.

Testing guarantees there is no leakage on your tubes.

· Tube Corrosion

Corrosion depends on the type of materials for a particular low fin tube.

There are materials such as copper-nickel which are resistant to corrosion.

Causes of corrosion include oxygen pitting and corrosive fluid flowing through your tubes.

Oxygen pitting is as a result of high-level oxygen concentration within your tube.

When the tube’s material reacts with the oxygen, corrosion takes place.

The effect of this is that it ‘eats’ your tube causing leakage.

 Finned copper nickel tube

What is the Cost of a Low Fin Tube?

You have to factor in the following when calculating the cost of a low fin tube:

· Type of Low Fin Tube

Low fin tubes are available in different types depending on your specifications.

That is, welded or seamless, as per the number of fins, kind of fins, and direction of the fins.

For an accurate price of your low fin tube, you need to specify these elements to your manufacturer.

· Length and Thickness of a Low Fin Tube

Low fin tube length helps in proper installation into your application.

There are different lengths in the market in which you have to specify for accurate pricing.

When considering the thickness of a low fin tube, you have to check on factors such as pressure and the system’s tube thickness.

The thickness you select should correspond to the application’s thickness.

This prevents pressure drop of the fluid passing through low fin tubes which affect their effectiveness.

· Manufacturer

Different manufacturers use different materials and manufacturing process for low fin tubes.

These have an impact on the final costing of the tubes.

Before settling for a given manufacturer, you have to consider the prices of the available manufacturers.

However, while considering the manufacturer, you need to ensure their prices do not compromise the quality of the tubes.

What is a Low Fin Tube Efficiency?

Low fin tube efficiency is the ratio between real heat transfer rate and possible transfer of heat through the tube’s fin.

Depending on the type of application, you can choose low fin tube or high fin tube.

At Shihang, we have high quality fin tubes manufactured from different copper nickel alloys.

Contact us for best prices on copper nickel finned tube.