HFW U Bend Finned Tube ASME SA106 GR.B with Carbon Steel Fins For Waste Heat Boiler

The A106 GR.B HFW U Bend Finned Tube refers to a specialized type of heat exchanger tube with specific material, manufacturing, and design characteristics.

Here's a breakdown of its components:

1. A106 GR.B

• Material Specification: ASTM A106 Grade B is a carbon steel pipe standard for high-temperature service.
• Properties: Good strength, weldability, and resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures.

2. HFW (High-Frequency Welded)

• Manufacturing Process: The tube is formed from a steel strip and welded using high-frequency induction or resistance welding, ensuring a strong, consistent seam.
• Advantages: Cost-effective, good dimensional accuracy, and suitable for moderate pressures/temperatures.

3. U Bend

• Design Feature: The tube is bent into a U-shape, allowing compact heat exchanger designs (common in shell-and-tube heat exchangers).
• Purpose: Facilitates thermal expansion/contraction and simplifies tube bundle assembly.

4. Finned Tube

• Enhanced Heat Transfer: Fins (either externally attached or integrally formed) increase the surface area, improving heat exchange efficiency.
• Applications: Used in air-cooled heat exchangers, boilers, or economizers where gas-to-liquid heat transfer is needed.

Key Considerations

• Temperature/Pressure Limits: A106 GR.B is suitable for moderate conditions (up to ~450°C).
• Fin Types: Could be helical, longitudinal, or serrated, depending on the application.
• Bend Radius: Critical to avoid deformation; typically customized per design requirements.

Chemical Composition of ASTM A106 Grade B (Weight %)

Notes:

A106 Gr. B is a carbon steel pipe with no significant alloying elements.

Silicon must be ≥ 0.10% for deoxidation.

Residual elements (Cr, Cu, Mo, V) are limited if specified for weldability.

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A106 Grade B

Notes:

Elongation varies with wall thickness (thinner pipes may have higher elongation).

Suitable for high-temperature service (up to 450°C / 840°F).

Commonly used in power plants, refineries, and boilers.

Comparison with Other Grades (A106 Gr. A & C)

Key Applications of A106 Gr. B Finned Tubes

1. Heat Exchangers & Boilers

• Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers:

The U-bend design allows thermal expansion/contraction, reducing stress in fixed-tube setups

Fins enhance heat transfer between fluids (e.g., hot flue gas → water/steam).

• Waste Heat Recovery Units (WHRU):

Captures waste heat from exhaust gases (e.g., in refineries, chemical plants).

• Economizers:

Preheats boiler feedwater using flue gas, improving energy efficiency in power plants.

2. Power Generation

• Air-Cooled Condensers (ACC):

Finned tubes dissipate heat from steam to air (common in dry-cooling power plants).

• Superheaters & Reheaters:

A106 Gr.B’s high-temperature resistance suits steam generation (up to 450°C).

3. Petrochemical & Oil Refining

• Process Heaters:

Transfers heat to hydrocarbons in cracking units or distillation columns.

• Crude Oil Preheaters:

Uses finned tubes to heat crude oil before distillation, reducing viscosity.

4. HVAC & Industrial Heating

• Thermal Oil Heaters:

Circulates hot oil through finned tubes for uniform heating in industrial processes.

• Drying Systems:

Finned tubes accelerate heat transfer in air dryers (e.g., paper, food processing).

5. Renewable Energy Systems

• Biomass Boilers:

Resists corrosion from flue gases while maximizing heat recovery.

• Solar Thermal Plants:

Auxiliary heating with finned tubes ensures consistent energy output.