Heat exchanger tube specifications depend on the application, fluid, pressure, temperature, corrosion requirements, and applicable design codes. A typical specification includes the following:
| Parameter |
Typical Specification |
| Material |
ASTM A179, ASTM A213, ASTM A249, ASTM B111, ASTM B163 |
| Tube Type |
Seamless or welded |
| Outside Diameter (OD) |
12.7 mm (1/2"), 15.88 mm (5/8"), 19.05 mm (3/4"), 25.4 mm (1") |
| Wall Thickness |
0.893.4 mm (typically 1812 BWG) |
| Length |
130 m depending on exchanger design |
| Surface Finish |
Mill finish, polished, or bright annealed |
| Tube Ends |
Plain end, beveled, expanded, or threaded |
| Manufacturing Standard |
ASME Section II, TEMA |
| Design Code |
ASME Section VIII Division 1 |
| Hydrostatic Test |
As specified by ASTM or purchaser requirements |
| Eddy Current Test |
Optional or mandatory depending on service |
| Hardness |
As specified by material standard |
| Corrosion Allowance |
Based on process conditions |
Common tube materials
- Carbon steel: ASTM A179, ASTM A214
- Stainless steel: ASTM A213 TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321
- Duplex stainless steel: ASTM A789
- Copper alloys: ASTM B111
- Titanium: ASTM B338
- Nickel alloys (Inconel, Monel): ASTM B163, ASTM B165
Typical dimensions
- Outside diameter: 12.7 mm, 15.88 mm, 19.05 mm, 25.4 mm
- Wall thickness: 18 BWG (1.24 mm), 16 BWG (1.65 mm), 14 BWG (2.11 mm), 12 BWG (2.77 mm)
- Tube length: 212 m for standard exchangers; up to 30 m for special applications.
If you're preparing a procurement document, a typical specification might read:
Heat exchanger tubes shall be seamless ASTM A213 TP316L stainless steel, 19.05 mm (3/4 in.) OD 1.65 mm (16 BWG) wall thickness 6000 mm length, solution annealed, plain ends, manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable ASTM standard and TEMA requirements, suitable for service under the specified design pressure and temperature.
If you need specifications for a particular service (e.g., refinery, power plant, seawater cooling, condensers, or food processing), I can provide a more targeted recommendation.