Aluminum Embedded Fin Tube G-Fin
I. What is an Aluminum Embedded Fin Tube G-Fin?
The Aluminum Embedded Fin Tube G-Fin is an enhanced heat transfer element in which metal fins are tightly embedded into the outer wall of a base tube through machining. Its core feature is the spirally wound fins, forming a continuous flow-disturbing channel. Its typical structure consists of three parts:
1. Base Tube: Mostly made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or copper, with a diameter ranging from 20-150mm and a pressure resistance of up to 10MPa;
2. Fins: Typically made of aluminum, copper, or steel strip, with a thickness of 0.2-1.5mm and a height of 5-20mm;
3. Embedding Process: The fin roots are embedded into grooves on the base tube surface through rolling or cold rolling, achieving a bonding strength of ≥15MPa.
II. Aluminum Embedded Fin Tube G-Fin Operating Principle and Performance Advantages
1. Enhanced Heat Transfer: Spiral fins improve efficiency through the following means:
– Increases heat transfer area by 3-8 times (compared to a plain tube);
– The spiral structure induces fluid turbulence, resulting in a heat transfer coefficient 2-3 times that of a plain tube;
2. Corrosion and Vibration Resistance: The inlay process avoids weld heat-affected zones, extending service life to 15-20 years;
3. Low Maintenance: The lack of welds between the fins and the base tube reduces dust accumulation, extending cleaning cycles by 30%.
III. Comparison of Typical Application Scenarios for Aluminum Embedded Fin Tubes
| Field | Application Conditions | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Power Station Boiler | Flue gas temperature 400-600°C | High-temperature deformation resistance, 40% heat exchange efficiency improvement |
| Petrochemical Industry | Corrosive media (e.g., H2S) | Stainless steel base tube + aluminum fin anti-corrosion combination |
| Air Conditioning Condenser | Small temperature difference (5-10°C) | Spiral structure optimized for airflow distribution on the air side |
IV. Key Parameters for Aluminum Embedded Fin Tube Selection
1. Fin Density: 80-200 fins per meter. Higher fin density will increase pressure drop.
2. Pitch: 15-30mm is recommended, as it affects the degree of fluid turbulence.
3. Material Compatibility: For example, in the chemical industry, a combination of 316L stainless steel and titanium fins is preferred.
V.Manufacturing Process Steps for Embedded Fin Tubes
Base Tube Preparation
Select the appropriate base tube material and determine the base tube size and shape according to design requirements.
Surface treatment is performed on the base tube to remove impurities such as oil and rust to ensure surface cleanliness.
Inspect the base tube quality to ensure it is free of defects such as cracks and pinholes.
Fin Fabrication
Select the appropriate fin material and determine the fin size and shape according to design requirements.
Fins are manufactured using processes such as stamping and cutting to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Surface treatment of the fins, such as galvanizing or aluminum plating, is performed to improve corrosion resistance.
Embedding Process
Commonly used embedding processes include expansion joints, welding, and mechanical joining.
Expansion joints use a tube expander to expand the fins onto the base tube, creating an interference fit between the fins and the base tube. While expansion joints are simple and cost-effective, they also offer relatively low joint strength.
Welding connects the fins to the base tube through welding. This provides high joint strength and excellent sealing, but the welding process is relatively complex and requires high operator skill.
Mechanical connection secures the fins to the base tube using mechanical fasteners such as bolts and rivets. This provides high joint strength and eases disassembly and repair, but it also increases pressure loss.
Embedded Fin Tube Quality Inspection
Perform a visual inspection of the embedded fin tube to check for a secure connection between the fins and the base tube and for surface defects such as damage and deformation.
Perform a pressure test to verify the embedded fin tube’s pressure resistance and sealing.
Perform a heat transfer performance test to measure parameters such as the embedded fin tube’s heat transfer efficiency and pressure loss to ensure it meets design requirements.