316L Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger U Tube Corrosion Resistant
U-Tube heat exchanger tubes are stainless steel tubes bent into a U-shape for use in shell and tube heat exchangers. This design allows for thermal expansion compensation, easy tube bundle removal, and efficient heat transfer. Manufactured from seamless or welded stainless steel, these tubes offer excellent corrosion resistance and high reliability in demanding thermal applications.
Precision U-bending with consistent radius
Allows free thermal expansion – no stress on tube sheet
Easy maintenance – the tube bundle can be removed and cleaned
Smooth internal surface for optimal heat transfer
Available in various bend radii and leg lengths
Seamless or welded & drawn construction
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Standards | ASTM A213, ASTM A269, ASME SA213, EN 10216-5, DIN 28180 |
| Common Grades | TP304 / 304L, TP316 / 316L, TP321, TP310S, Duplex 2205 |
| Tube OD Range | 6mm – 38mm (1/4″ to 1.5″) |
| Wall Thickness Range | 0.7mm – 3mm (0.028″ to 0.120″) |
| Bend Radius (R) | 1.5 x OD to 5 x OD (customizable) |
| Leg Length (Straight Section) | Custom – up to 12m |
| Construction Type | Seamless (SMLS) or Welded & Drawn (W&D) |
| Process | Cold drawn + Bright annealing + U-bending + Stress relief |
| Surface Finish | Bright annealed / Pickled |
| Delivery Condition | Bent, annealed, and ready for installation |
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP304 | ≤0.08 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-11.0 | – |
| TP304L | ≤0.035 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-12.0 | – |
| TP316 | ≤0.08 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 2.0-3.0 |
| TP316L | ≤0.035 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 2.0-3.0 |
| TP321 | ≤0.08 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 17.0-19.0 | 9.0-12.0 | – |
| Duplex 2205 | ≤0.03 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.020 | 21.0-23.0 | 4.5-6.5 | 2.5-3.5 |
Third-party test reports available upon request.
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HRB / HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP304 | ≥515 | ≥205 | ≥35 | ≤90 HRB |
| TP304L | ≥485 | ≥170 | ≥35 | ≤90 HRB |
| TP316 | ≥515 | ≥205 | ≥35 | ≤90 HRB |
| TP316L | ≥485 | ≥170 | ≥35 | ≤90 HRB |
| TP321 | ≥515 | ≥205 | ≥35 | ≤90 HRB |
| Duplex 2205 | ≥620 | ≥450 | ≥25 | ≤293 HB |
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bend Test | No cracks, no flattening exceeding specified limit |
| Stress Relief | Mandatory after bending to prevent SCC (Stress Corrosion Cracking) |
| Hydrostatic Test | Leak-free at specified pressure |
| Dye Penetrant Test | No surface defects on bend area |
U-Tube heat exchanger tubes are widely used in industries requiring efficient heat transfer and easy maintenance:
| Industry | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| Chemical Processing | Shell and tube heat exchangers, condensers, evaporators |
| Oil & Gas | Coolers, heaters, reboilers, intercoolers |
| Power Generation | Feedwater heaters, condensers, nuclear power plants |
| HVAC | Chillers, condensers, evaporator coils |
| Food & Beverage | Pasteurizers, jacketed vessel heating/cooling |
| Pharmaceutical | Sterile heat exchangers, clean steam generators |
| Marine | Engine cooling systems, freshwater generators |
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Thermal expansion compensation | No stress on tube sheet or shell |
| Removable bundle | Easy cleaning, inspection, and replacement |
| Single tube sheet | Reduced risk of leakage |
| Compact design | Suitable for high temperature differentials |
| Cost effective | Fewer tube sheets and gaskets than straight tube designs |
For samples, mill test reports (MTR), bend radius drawings, or a custom quote, please get in touch with us.
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