Stainless Steel Condenser Seamless Tube is a high-performance, precision-engineered tube used in heat exchange applications. It is made from a single, solid billet of stainless steel and does not have any weld joints. This seamless construction provides superior integrity, ensuring there are no weak points for potential failure. These tubes are meticulously designed to facilitate efficient heat transfer while withstanding high pressure and corrosive media, making them a critical component in condensers, evaporators, and other heat exchangers. The use of high-quality stainless steel gives it excellent corrosion resistance, high durability, and a long service life.
Key Features and Advantages of Seamless Stainless Steel Condenser Tube
Seamless Stainless Steel Condenser Tubes offer a compelling combination of features that make them the ideal choice for demanding heat transfer applications:
Superior Heat Transfer Efficiency: The smooth, uninterrupted surface of a seamless tube and the high thermal conductivity of stainless steel ensure efficient heat exchange.
High Pressure and Temperature Tolerance: The seamless construction and robust material allow the tube to safely handle high internal pressures and extreme temperatures without the risk of rupture.
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is inherently resistant to oxidation and corrosion from a wide range of chemicals and environments, significantly extending the tube's lifespan.
Excellent Surface Finish: The smooth internal and external surfaces reduce the risk of fouling and scaling, which helps maintain high heat transfer efficiency over time and simplifies cleaning.
Enhanced Durability: The absence of a weld seam eliminates a potential stress point, making the tube more durable and reliable under mechanical stress and vibration.
Product Specifications and Data
To provide a comprehensive overview of this essential material, here are the detailed technical specifications and performance data for Seamless Stainless Steel Condenser Tubes.
Table 1: Typical Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel
The composition of stainless steel is carefully balanced to achieve its superior corrosion resistance and durability.
Element |
Type 304 (%) |
Type 316L (%) |
Chromium (Cr) |
18.0 - 20.0 |
16.0 - 18.0 |
Nickel (Ni) |
8.0 - 10.5 |
10.0 - 14.0 |
Molybdenum (Mo) |
≤ 0.75 |
2.0 - 3.0 |
Carbon (C) |
≤ 0.08 |
≤ 0.03 |
Manganese (Mn) |
≤ 2.0 |
≤ 2.0 |
Silicon (Si) |
≤ 1.0 |
≤ 1.0 |
Phosphorus (P) |
≤ 0.045 |
≤ 0.045 |
Sulfur (S) |
≤ 0.030 |
≤ 0.030 |
Iron (Fe) |
Balance |
Balance |
Note: Data for commonly used grades 304 and 316L. Other grades are available based on specific application requirements.
Table 2: Typical Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is designed to maintain its strength and integrity in challenging operational environments.
Property |
Value (Type 316L) |
Tensile Strength |
≥ 485 MPa |
Yield Strength |
≥ 170 MPa |
Elongation |
≥ 40% |
Hardness |
≤ 95 HRB |
Table 3: Typical Physical Properties of Stainless Steel
These physical properties highlight the material's ability to perform reliably under a wide range of conditions.
Property |
Value (Type 316L) |
Density |
8.0 g/cm³ |
Melting Point |
1375 - 1400 °C |
Thermal Expansion |
16.0 µm/m·°C (20-100°C) |
Thermal Conductivity |
15.2 W/m·K (20°C) |
Modulus of Elasticity |
193 GPa |
Electrical Resistivity |
0.74 x 10⁻⁶ Ω·m (20°C) |
Common Applications of Seamless Stainless Steel Condenser Tube
The combination of high corrosion resistance and excellent heat transfer capabilities makes seamless stainless steel condenser tubes a top choice for a variety of industries:
Power Generation: Used in steam turbine condensers and heat exchangers in power plants.
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing: In shell and tube heat exchangers, condensers, and evaporators for corrosive fluids.
Oil and Gas: In refineries and offshore platforms for cooling and heating processes.
HVAC and Refrigeration: For cooling coils and condensers in commercial and industrial HVAC systems.
Desalination Plants: For heat exchangers that handle high-chloride seawater.
Manufacturing Process of Seamless Stainless Steel Condenser Tube
The manufacturing of a Seamless Stainless Steel Condenser Tube is a precise, multi-step process that ensures the highest quality and performance:
- Heating: A solid billet of stainless steel is heated to a high temperature.
- Piercing: A piercing mill pushes a mandrel through the center of the heated billet to form a hollow shell.
- Drawing and Sizing: The hollow shell is cold-drawn or cold-rolled to precisely reduce its diameter and wall thickness to the required specifications. This process also improves the material's mechanical properties and surface finish.
- Heat Treatment: The tube is heat-treated to relieve stress and ensure the final product meets specified metallurgical properties.
- Finishing: The tube is then subjected to straightening, cutting to length, and non-destructive testing (such as eddy current or hydrostatic testing) to verify its integrity before final inspection and packaging. This meticulous process ensures that every seamless condenser tube meets the highest standards for performance and reliability