Perforated fin tubes are finned tubes with a series of openings formed through the fin surface to disturb the air layer that develops around the fin during heat transfer. The openings are commonly arranged in a wheel-like pattern, which is why this construction is also known as a 'wheel fin tube'.
The perforated section can be produced on suitable L-foot, LL, embedded or wrap-on fin constructions. Aluminium and copper are commonly selected for the fin material because of their thermal conductivity, while the base tube can be supplied in carbon steel, stainless steel, copper or copper alloy materials.
Amardeep Steel Centre supplies perforated fin tubes in different fin and base tube configurations for heat transfer applications, with material, dimensions and construction selected according to project requirements.
Technical Data
Perforated Fin Tube Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
|
Fin Enhancement |
Perforated or wheel fin |
|
Base Fin Construction |
L foot, LL, embedded or wrap on, subject to design |
|
Fin Materials |
Aluminium and copper |
|
Base Tube Materials |
Carbon steel, stainless steel, copper and copper alloys |
|
Base Tube Outside Diameter |
14.3 mm to 50.8 mm |
|
Fin Height |
6.35 mm to 25.4 mm |
|
Fin Pitch |
4 to 13 fins per inch |
|
Perforation Arrangement |
Uniform openings with a radial or wheel spoke pattern |
|
Tube Length |
As required by drawing or order |
|
Documentation |
Material Test Certificate available according to order requirements |
Chemical Composition of Perforated Finned Tubes
The chemical composition depends on the material selected for the fin and base tube. The following table gives representative material requirements rather than treating the complete fin tube assembly as one material.
| Material | Copper | Aluminium | Iron | Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aluminium 1100 |
0.05% max |
99.00% min |
0.95% max combined with silicon |
Not specified |
|
Copper C12200 |
Remainder |
Not specified |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Carbon Steel A179 |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Balance |
0.06% to 0.18% |
Mechanical Properties of Perforated Fin Tubes
Mechanical properties should be stated against the specific material condition. Aluminium 1100 and C12200 do not have one universal tensile and yield value because temper, thickness and product form affect their properties. The following values are representative of common annealed supply conditions:
| Material | Supply Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aluminium 1100 |
Annealed (O temper) |
Approximately 90 MPa |
Approximately 35 MPa |
Approximately 30% |
|
Copper C12200 |
Annealed |
Approximately 220 MPa |
Approximately 69 MPa |
Approximately 35% |
|
Carbon Steel A179 |
As specified by ASTM A179 |
325 MPa minimum |
180 MPa minimum |
35% minimum |
Perforated Finned Tube Dimensions
| Base Tube Outside Diameter | Fin Height | Fin Pitch |
|---|---|---|
|
14.3 mm to 19.05 mm |
6.35 mm to 12.7 mm |
7 to 13 FPI |
|
19.05 mm to 31.75 mm |
9.5 mm to 19.05 mm |
6 to 11 FPI |
|
31.75 mm to 50.8 mm |
12.7 mm to 25.4 mm |
4 to 9 FPI |
Applications of Perforated Fin Tubes
Perforated fin tubes are used where airflow conditions make boundary layer disruption useful for heat transfer. Common applications include:
- Air-cooled heat exchangers: Perforated fins for air coolers can improve airside heat transfer at suitable airflow velocities.
- HVAC coils: Used in selected coils operating at low to moderate air velocity.
- Industrial radiators: A wheel fin tube can provide increased fin area with reduced material weight.
- Process heaters: Suitable for selected heating and cooling equipment.
- Heat recovery systems: Used where airflow and thermal calculations support perforated fin construction.
- Natural and induced draft equipment: Considered where external air velocity is relatively low.
- Perforated L Foot Fin Tube: Suitable for applications requiring an L-foot base fin with a perforated surface.
For other fin constructions, see G Fin Tubes and Finned Tubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a perforated fin tube?
A perforated fin tube has openings formed through its fin surface to disturb airflow and improve airside heat transfer under suitable operating conditions.
Why are holes formed in the fin?
The openings disturb the boundary layer around the fin. This can improve air mixing and heat transfer when external airflow velocity is suitable.
Do perforated fins always improve heat transfer?
No. Perforated fins can benefit low-velocity airflow, while higher-velocity conditions may reduce performance because some fin surface is lost.
Which base fin types can use perforation?
Perforation can be incorporated into suitable L-foot, LL, embedded, and wrap-on fin constructions, depending on the manufacturing process and design.
What materials are available for perforated fin tubes?
Aluminium and copper are common fin materials. Carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and copper alloy materials can be used for suitable base tubes.
What is a perforated L-foot fin tube?
A perforated L-foot fin tube combines an L-foot fin construction with openings formed through the fin to modify airflow across its surface.
Get a Quote for Perforated Fin Tubes
If you are looking for a perforated fin tube in India, send the base tube grade, outside diameter, wall thickness, fin material, fin height, fin pitch, tube length, quantity, and expected airflow velocity.
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