ASTM A213 T5 Solid Fin Tube Application
- Boilers & Superheaters – Used in power plants for efficient steam generation.
- Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs) – Recovers waste heat from gas turbines.
- Petrochemical & Refinery Heaters – Handles high-temperature hydrocarbon processes.
- Furnace & Convection Sections – Enhances heat transfer in industrial heaters.
- Waste Heat Boilers – Recovers energy from exhaust gases.
ASTM A213 T5 Solid Fin Tube FAQ
1. What is ASTM A213 T5 Solid Fin Tube?
- A seamless ferritic alloy-steel tube with externally welded or extruded solid fins for enhanced heat transfer.
- Material: ASTM A213 T5 (5Cr-0.5Mo alloy steel), offering good high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance (up to ~600°C / 1112°F).
2. Key Features & Benefits
- High-Temperature Performance: Resists scaling and creep in boilers, heaters, and reformers.
- Corrosion Resistance: Suitable for sulfur-rich or mildly corrosive environments.
- Efficient Heat Transfer: Solid fins increase surface area by 3–10x vs. bare tubes.
- Durable Construction: Fins are welded (HFW or GTAW) or cold-formed for longevity.
3. ASTM A213 T5 vs. T9 vs. T11 Comparison
| Property | T5 (5Cr-0.5Mo) | T9 (9Cr-1Mo) | T11 (1.25Cr-0.5Mo-Si) |
| Temp Limit | 600°C | 650°C | 600°C |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | High (better for oxidation) | Moderate |
| Strength | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | Lower | Higher | Moderate |
4. Standards & Certifications
- ASTM A213: Covers seamless alloy-steel boiler tubes.
- ASME SA213: Equivalent for pressure vessel compliance.
- NACE MR0175: For sour service (if applicable).
- Dimensional Standards: ANSI/ASME B36.10 (tube sizes).
5. FAQs
Q1: Can A213 T5 fin tubes handle high-pressure steam?
- Yes, but T9/T11 are better for >600°C. T5 is ideal for moderate-pressure boilers (~1500 psi).
Q2: How do solid fins compare to serrated fins?
- Solid fins: Higher durability, better for dirty/corrosive gases.
- Serrated fins: Higher heat transfer but prone to fouling.
Q3: Are these tubes weldable?
- Yes, but requires pre/post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) to avoid cracking.
Q4: How to prevent fin oxidation?
- Use aluminized or ceramic-coated fins for >500°C service.
