What is an Integral Low Finned Tube
An Integral Low Finned Tube is a single-piece heat transfer component where fins are mechanically formed from the base tube material, creating a seamless structure for enhanced thermal performance in compact systems. Constructed from materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or copper alloys, with low-profile spiral fins (height typically ≤1.5mm) extruded directly from the tube surface.
The Manufacturing Process of Integral Low Finned Tubes
Material Preparation
- Base tubes are typically made of ductile metals such as copper, aluminum, carbon steel, or stainless steel.
- Material choice depends on thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and application requirements.
Cold Roll Forming
- A smooth tube is fed through a set of synchronized rollers with helical grooves.
- The rollers apply radial pressure to plastically deform the tube’s outer surface, forming a spiral pattern of low-height fins (0.5–2 mm).
- The process maintains the tube’s original outer diameter while creating fins.
The Advantages of Integral Low Finned Tubes
Monolithic Durability
Fins and base tube are formed from a single material, eliminating joint failures and ensuring high pressure/temperature resistance (up to 30 MPa).Corrosion Resistance
No welded or bonded interfaces prevent galvanic/crevice corrosion, ideal for harsh chemical environments.Space-Efficient Heat Transfer
Low-profile fins (0.2–1.5 mm height) increase surface area by 2–3× while maintaining compact tube dimensions.Self-Cleaning Design
Optimized fin spacing and fluid dynamics reduce fouling; accumulated deposits shed easily during thermal cycling.Cost-Effective Production
Cold-rolling/extrusion processes minimize material waste and energy use compared to welded fin alternatives.Broad Compatibility
Compatible with steam, hydrocarbons, and refrigerants, widely used in HVAC, oil refineries, and power plants.
The Disadvantages of Integral Low Finned Tubes
Limited Material Compatibility
Fins can only be formed from ductile metals (e.g., copper, soft steel, aluminum). Brittle alloys or hardened steels are unsuitable.Fin Height Constraints
Max fin height ≤1.5 mm due to material deformation limits, restricting surface area expansion compared to welded high-fin designs.Fluid Compatibility Issues
Prone to fouling in high-viscosity fluids or slurries; narrow fin gaps trap particulates, reducing efficiency.Thermal Cycling Fatigue
Repeated heating/cooling may cause micro-cracks in cold-worked fins, especially in corrosive environments.Higher Initial Tooling Costs
Precision rollers/dies for cold rolling require significant upfront investment for small-batch production.Reduced Effectiveness in Laminar Flow
Low turbulence in laminar regimes limits heat transfer enhancement from finned surfaces.
Sizes and Materials of Our Integral Low Finned Tubes
| Base Tube Diameter | 8 to 32 mm | 3/8″ to 1″ NPS |
| Base Tube Wall Thickness | 0.8 to 3 mm | 0.03″ to 0.12″ |
| Base Tube Length | ≤32,000 mm | ≤92 ft |
| Base Tube Material | Carbon Steel (A106B, P235GH, A179, A210, A192, etc.) Alloy Steel (P5, T5, P9, T9, T11, T22, etc.) Stainless Steel (TP304, TP316, TP347, B407 800H/HT, etc.) aluminum, copper, titanium | |
| Fin Pitch | 629 to 1653 FPM | 16 to 42 FPI |
| Fin Height | 0.2 to 1.5 mm | 0.008″ to 0.06″ |
| Fin Thickness | 0.27 to 1 mm | 0.01″ to 0.04″ |
| Fin Material | Same as base tube | |
| Fin Type | Integral low | |
For other customized requirements, please contact us.
Our Production Capacity of Integral Low Finned Tubes
Total six low fin tube machines, monthly production capacity is 140,000 meters in total.
Application of Integral Low Finned Tubes
HVAC Systems
Enhance heat transfer in air coolers, condensers, and evaporators, optimizing energy efficiency in commercial and industrial climate control.Oil & Gas Processing
Used in subcoolers, gas coolers, and amine contactors for hydrocarbon condensation, resisting corrosion in sour gas or acidic environments.Power Plants
Improve steam condensation in turbine exhausts and cooling loops, handling high-pressure steam (up to 30 MPa) without joint failure risks.Chemical Industry
Ideal for corrosive fluid heat exchange (e.g., sulfuric acid, chlorinated solvents) due to monolithic, crevice-free design.Refrigeration
Maximize refrigerant evaporation/condensation rates in chillers and cold storage systems, reducing compressor workload.Desalination Plants
Efficiently condense distilled water in multi-stage flash (MSF) or MED units, tolerating seawater corrosion and scaling.Waste Heat Recovery
Capture energy from exhaust gases or industrial processes, outperforming smooth tubes in low-temperature differential systems.
Why Choose Us
- a 16-year low fin tube manufacturer in this industry. We are experts.
- solutions for all your needs
- the highest product quality
- the low lead times
- excellent customer service
