ASME SA179 , ASTM A179 Carbon Steel Low Finned Tube, for Air
Cooler, cooling tower application
Overview
The A179 carbon steel low finned tube is a type of tube used
in air coolers. It is made from carbon steel and has a low fin
configuration on the outer surface to enhance the heat transfer
efficiency. The inner fin inside the tube further increases the
heat transfer surface area, making it ideal for applications that
require efficient cooling or heating. This type of tube is commonly
used in industries such as power generation, petrochemical, and
HVAC systems.
Advantage of using low fin tubes in various applications:
- Increased Heat Transfer Efficiency: The low fin configuration on
the outer surface of the tube increases the surface area, allowing
for enhanced heat transfer. This results in improved cooling or
heating performance.
- Compact Design: The low fin tubes are designed to maximize the heat
transfer area within a limited space. This makes them ideal for
applications where space is a constraint.
- Cost-effective Solution: Low fin tubes provide a cost-effective
solution compared to other heat transfer enhancement methods. They
offer improved heat transfer efficiency without requiring
significant modifications to the equipment or system design.
- Reduced Fouling and Scaling: The presence of fins on the tube
surface helps to disrupt the formation of fouling and scaling,
reducing the maintenance and cleaning requirements.
- Versatility: Low fin tubes can be manufactured using various
materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, or
aluminum, depending on the specific application requirements. This
makes them suitable for a wide range of industries and
applications.
- Higher Fluid Velocity: The presence of low fins increases the fluid
velocity between the fins, promoting better heat transfer and
reducing the risk of stagnant zones where fouling can occur.
Overall, low fin tubes offer improved heat transfer performance,
compact design, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, making them a
popular choice for various cooling and heating applications.
A179 Chemical Compositions
C | Si | Mn | P | S | Mo | Cr | V |
0.06-0.18 | / | 0.27-0.63 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | / | / | / |
A179 Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength (Mpa) | Yield Strength (Mpa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HRB) |
≥325 | ≥180 | ≥35 | ≤72 |
A179 Tube Wall Thickness Tolerance
Outside Diameter In. (mm) | Wall thickness Tolerance % |
Over (+) | Under (-) |
1 ½ (38.1) and under | 20 | 0 |
Over 1½ (38.1) | 22 | 0 |
A179 Tube Outside Diameter Tolerance
Outside Diameter In. (mm) | Permissible Variations In. (mm) |
Over (+) | Under (-) |
Under 1 (25.4) | 0.004 (0.1) | 0.004 (0.1) |
1 to 1 ½ (25.4 to 38.1), Incl | 0.006 (0.15) | 0.006 (0.15) |
Over 11⁄2 to 2 [38.1 to 50.8], Excl | 0.008 (0.2) | 0.008 (0.2) |
2 to 21⁄2 [50.8 to 63.5], Excl | 0.010 (0.25) | 0.010 (0.25) |
21⁄2 to 3 [63.5 to 76.2], Excl | 0.012 (0.3) | 0.012 (0.3) |
A179 Tube Length Tolerance
Outside Diameter | Cut Length, in.(mm) |
In.(mm) | Over (+) | Under (-) |
All Sizes | 3⁄16 [5] | 0 [0] |
Under 2 [50.8] | 1⁄8 [3] | 0 [0] |
2 [50.8] and over | 3⁄16 [5] | 0 [0] |
Under 2 [50.8] | 1⁄8 [3] | 0 [0] |
2 [50.8] and over | 3⁄16 [5] | 0 [0] |
These permissible variations in length apply to tubes before
bending. They apply to cut lengths up to and including 24 ft [7.3
m]. For lengths greater than 24 ft [7.3 m], the above
over-tolerances shall be increased by 1⁄8 in. [3 mm] for each 10 ft
[3 m] or fraction thereof over 24 ft or 1⁄2 in. [13 mm], whichever
is the lesser. |
Common Application:
- Air Coolers: Low fin tubes are widely used in air coolers,
including air-cooled heat exchangers, condensers, and evaporators.
The increased surface area provided by the low fins allows for
better heat dissipation, making them more efficient in cooling
applications.
- Heat Exchangers: Low fin tubes are utilized in various types of
heat exchangers, including shell and tube heat exchangers and plate
heat exchangers. The increased heat transfer capacity of the low
fins improves the overall efficiency of the heat exchange process.
- HVAC Systems: Low fin tubes are used in heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) systems for efficient heat transfer. They
are often found in air handling units, chillers, and air
conditioning coils.
- Power Generation: Low fin tubes are widely used in power plants for
heat recovery systems, such as economizers, air preheaters, and
heat exchangers. The enhanced heat transfer provided by the low
fins improves the overall energy efficiency of the power generation
process.
- Petrochemical Industry: Low fin tubes are utilized in various
petrochemical processes, including oil refineries, chemical plants,
and natural gas processing plants. They are used in heat
exchangers, coolers, and condensers to facilitate efficient heat
transfer in these industrial processes.
- Refrigeration Systems: Low fin tubes are employed in refrigeration
systems, including commercial refrigeration units, ice-making
machines, and refrigeration coils. The increased surface area
provided by the low fins helps to improve the cooling capacity of
these systems.