What are the properties of stainless steel corrugated tubes

In the previous issue, we introduced several types and principles of stainless steel heat exchange tubes. Today, we will thoroughly understand the principle and performance of stainless steel corrugated tubes. First, let's explore the application of stainless steel corrugated tubes in the field of heat exchange. What is the principle of the stainless steel corrugated tube heat exchanger? How does it achieve enhanced heat transfer? 

The heat exchange area of stainless steel corrugated tubes is larger than that of lightweight tubes, so they have been widely applied in heat exchange equipment. Corrugated tubes are thin-walled tubes with large and small arcs continuously tangent and presenting a wavy shape both inside and outside. The difference in height between the peaks and troughs of the corrugations causes the fluid to be subjected to intense disturbance. This disturbance originates from the three-dimensional motion of the fluid both inside and outside the tube. Therefore, the degree of disturbance is more intense, even when the fluid flow rate is very low, it can still become a turbulent state. At the same time, the thin tube wall and small temperature gradient reduce the heat resistance of the tube wall, thereby increasing the heat exchange coefficients inside and outside the tube, and thus improving the overall heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, the enhanced heat transfer of stainless steel corrugated tubes is achieved through their unique ultra-thin-walled corrugated tubes. 

So, what are the performance characteristics of the stainless steel corrugated tube radiator? Generally speaking, they can be divided into five points. The first point is that the heat exchange and heat transfer coefficient is high, and the energy-saving effect is good. The corrugated tube is usually 2 to 4 times the diameter of the straight tube. The flow velocity inside the corrugated tube is generally 0.3 - 0.8 m/s, with an average of 0.55 m/s, while the straight tube is generally 0.8 - 1.2 m/s, with an average of 1.0 m/s. Therefore, under the same heat exchange capacity, the corrugated tube heat exchanger has less fluid resistance and lower power consumption compared to other types of heat exchangers. 

The second point is its high temperature resistance and strong pressure-bearing capacity. The wall of the wave joint pipe is very thin, usually ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. However, by adopting a special free-forming process and a unique arc shape, its pressure-bearing capacity has been significantly enhanced. The wave joint pipe heat exchanger can withstand relatively high working temperatures, up to 450℃. The wave joint pipe is a flexible component with certain thermal compensation capabilities. It has good adaptability to large temperature differences and has a smaller thermal stress compared to ordinary pipes, thus demonstrating obvious superiority over ordinary pipes. 

The third point is its strong ability to prevent and remove scale. As is well known, scaling, corrosion and blockage in heat exchangers have always been a major problem, especially when the water quality is relatively poor, the water treatment effect is poor, there are impurities in the gas medium, or chemical reactions are prone to form scale substances. In such cases, the problem is particularly prominent. If not properly handled, it will not only affect the functional use of the heat exchanger, but also lead to deterioration of the working conditions, increased resistance, increased energy consumption, and in severe cases, even cause the heat exchanger to completely clog and be unable to operate. Therefore, the workload for maintenance, cleaning or renewal of the heat exchanger will also increase. 

The fourth point is that it has strong resistance to stress and excellent corrosion resistance. The stainless steel corrugated pipe has a unique forming process, which is free forming and soft forming. That is to say, during the forming process of the pipe, it is not formed by the forced flow of metal in the mold, but rather a "soft forming" process with free flow. Since there is no forced forming, the stress concentration will not occur during the forming process of the corrugated pipe, thus having the characteristics of small residual stress, uniform stress distribution, and no intergranular defects, and having a strong ability to resist stress corrosion. 

The fifth point is that it has a long service life and offers good value for money. The stainless steel material of the wave joint pipe not only enhances the service life of the product, but also significantly reduces the operation and maintenance costs due to its light weight. This greatly improves the product's cost-effectiveness and thereby greatly boosts economic benefits.