What is a Studded Finned Tube?

Studded Finned Tube, also known as Pin-shaped Tube, is a heat exchange component widely used in the petroleum, chemical, and other industries. Its manufacturing process and welding method are directly related to the product’s quality and performance.

Studded Finned Tube Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for studded finned tubes begins with the selection of high-quality raw materials. These materials typically possess excellent heat and corrosion resistance to withstand harsh operating environments. Through precision machining, the raw materials are processed into heat exchange tubes of predetermined dimensions.

Next, the studs are machined and welded. The studs are arranged in a square or hexagonal pattern and welded evenly to the surface of the heat exchange tube, forming a cylindrical, needle-like structure. This step is crucial as it directly affects the heat transfer efficiency and durability of the studded finned tube.

Studded finned tubes are primarily welded using resistance welding. The welding process is precisely controlled by a PLC program, ensuring consistent weld quality for each stud. Feed and indexing motors ensure precise welding positions.

Studded finned tubes utilize a nodule-free welding process. This means that the weld protrusion at the base of the stud is kept to a very low level (approximately 1mm) to reduce fluid resistance and enhance heat transfer efficiency. This welding method not only improves product performance but also reduces energy consumption.

Quality Inspection of Studded Finned Tubes

After production, studded finned tubes undergo rigorous quality inspections, including visual inspection, dimensional measurement, and pressure testing, to ensure that each tube meets design requirements. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for studded finned tubes offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing the specification and quantity of studs to be adjusted to meet the heat transfer needs of various applications.

The manufacturing process for studded finned tubes combines precision machining, welding technology, and strict quality control to ensure efficient and durable performance. With continuous technological advancements, the application prospects of studded finned tubes in industries such as petroleum and chemical engineering will continue to expand.

Thanks to their enhanced heat transfer properties, studded finned tubes are useful in a variety of heat transfer scenarios. The processing technology must be tailored to the material and application requirements to ensure performance and longevity.

Application scenarios vary depending on the structural characteristics. In boiler economizers, studded tubes enhance heat transfer from the flue gas side, withstand temperatures of 400-600°C, and are suitable for dusty flue gas environments. In chemical heat exchangers, corrosion-resistant studded tubes are used for heat transfer in acidic and alkaline media, with the density of the studs adjusted according to the severity of the corrosiveness.

In waste heat recovery equipment, studded tubes improve the heat utilization rate of low-temperature flue gas, and marine propulsion systems utilize their vibration resistance to adapt to turbulent environments.

Studded finned tube processing techniques

Processing techniques must balance precision and robustness. When welding the studs, use argon arc welding (ATG) with a current controlled between 80-120A to ensure penetration depth and avoid cold welds. Integrally formed studded tubes are suitable for thin-walled pipes. The stamping pressure is set according to the material thickness, with carbon steel pressure being 10%-15% higher than stainless steel. The stud spacing tolerance is controlled within ±0.5mm, and the height tolerance is no more than 0.3mm to ensure uniform heat transfer.

The surface treatment of studded finned tubes can affect their performance. High-temperature applications require spraying a high-temperature-resistant coating with a thickness of 0.1-0.2mm. Corrosive environments require an anti-corrosion coating, and the coating adhesion must pass a cross-cut test. After processing, a hydraulic pressure test is performed at 1.5 times the operating pressure, maintaining the pressure for 30 minutes without leakage.

Appropriately selecting the application scenario and adhering to processing specifications can fully utilize the heat transfer advantages of studded finned tubes, ensuring stable operation in energy, chemical, and other fields, while balancing heat transfer efficiency and equipment durability.