Finned tube heat exchangers and Air Cooled heat exchangers are an attractive option for locations where cooling water is scarce or expensive to treat. The heat is released into the air or gas flowing over the tubes. Or the outside air/gas can be heated with hot water flowing through the tubes.

Air cooled units should not be used for service where cooling water is readily available and economical to treat, as shell & tube type are more suitable. Finned tube type has a higher initial cost compared to shell & tube type. And finned tube exchangers require a relatively large footprint compared to shell & tube type. But air cooling provides an operating cost reduction of 30-50%, compared to using cooling water.

Codes governing design are ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 and API 661.

We can provide finned tube heat exchangers as large as required, or in field assembled sections for units too large to ship.

Typical materials of construction for tubes- both seamless and welded, are carbon steel, brass alloys, copper-nickel alloys, stainless steel, and nickel alloys. Fins are manufactured from carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum

The Finned portion attachment to tube is also designed for the specific application, and can range from tension wound, embedded (similar or different material than tube), L-Foot, brazed, or Low-Fin (which is machined into the OD with no material added).

Water headers can be constructed of the same material as the tubes. Water headers can be a conventional box type, or with optional removable shoulder plugs for access. The headers can have welded box construction or removable covers

Cleaning and maintenance costs are low with finned and air cooled heat exchangers. The interior of tubes can be routed and cleaned and fins must be cleaned and/or power washed regularly to prevent any air–side fouling.

For More information on finned tube heat exchangers call 724.335.8541 or click here to contact us.