ASTM A106 Gr.B Studded Tube With Carbon Steel Studs For Refinery Air Cooler
ASTM A106 Gr.B studded tube with carbon steel studs is a specialized type of heat exchanger tube that has been enhanced with studs (protrusions) to increase its surface area for more efficient heat transfer.
Here's a breakdown of its key features:
1. Studded Tube:
A studded tube is a type of heat transfer surface which has studs welded to it. The studs increase the surface area of the tube which improves the heat transfer efficiency and is ideal for processes which involve high fouling, because the studs create a turbulent flow. This turbulence helps in preventing the deposition of fouling material.
- Studs: Small carbon steel projections welded onto the outer surface of the tube.
- Purpose: Enhances heat transfer efficiency by increasing surface area, allowing better heat absorption in boilers and heaters.
- Stud Material: Typically made of carbon steel (e.g., SAE 1010/1020) for compatibility with the base tube.
2. Carbon Steel Studs:
The studs attached to the tube are made of carbon steel, which is a type of steel with a carbon content up to 2.1% by weight. Carbon steel is known for its strength and hardness and is commonly used for studs, bolts, and other fasteners.
3. Chemical Composition (ASTM A106 Gr.B)
| Element | Composition (%) (Max, unless specified) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.30 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.29 – 1.06 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 min (≥ 0.10 for killed steel) |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.40 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.40 max |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.15 max |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.40 max |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.08 max |
Notes:
Seamless carbon steel pipe for high-temperature service.
Grade B has higher carbon and manganese than Gr.A for better strength.
4.Mechanical Properties (ASTM A106 Gr.B)
| Property | Value (Minimum, unless specified) |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 415 min (60,000 psi min) |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 240 min (35,000 psi min) |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 30 (for 50mm gauge length) |
| Hardness (Brinell HB) | ≤ 179 (typical) |
Notes:
Elongation requirement varies with wall thickness (higher for thinner pipes).
Suitable for high-temperature service (up to 425°C / 800°F).
Comparison with Other Grades (A106 Gr.A & Gr.C)
| Grade | C (Max) | Mn Range | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) |
| Gr.A | 0.25% | 0.27–0.93% | 330 min | 205 min |
| Gr.B | 0.30% | 0.29–1.06% | 415 min | 240 min |
| Gr.C | 0.35% | 0.29–1.06% | 485 min | 275 min |
5. Manufacturing Process
- Stud Welding: Studs are resistance-welded or arc-welded onto the tube surface in a staggered pattern.
- Quality Checks: Ensures proper weld integrity, stud alignment, and adherence to ASTM standards.
6. Advantages
- Improved Heat Transfer: More efficient than bare tubes.
- Durability: Carbon steel studs resist thermal cycling and mechanical stress.
- Cost-Effective: Extends equipment life and reduces fuel consumption.
Why Use Studded Tubes?
✅ Higher Heat Transfer – Studs increase surface area by 3x–5x, improving thermal efficiency.
✅ Reduced Fouling – Disrupts gas flow, minimizing ash/slag buildup.
✅ Mechanical Strength – Carbon steel studs withstand thermal cycling and stress.
✅ Cost Savings – Lowers fuel consumption and extends equipment life.
Key applications of ASTM A106 GR.B Studded Tube with Carbon Steel Fins:
1. Boilers (Water Tube & Fire Tube)
Purpose: Increases heat absorption in boiler tubes by adding studs, improving combustion efficiency.
Use Case: Power plants, industrial steam boilers, and waste heat recovery systems.
2. Fired Heaters & Process Heaters (Refineries & Petrochemical Plants)
Purpose: Enhances heat transfer in refinery heaters, cracking furnaces, and reformer units.
Use Case: Ethylene plants, crude oil heaters, and hydrogen reformers.
3. Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs)
Purpose: Maximizes heat recovery from exhaust gases in combined-cycle power plants.
Use Case: Gas turbine exhaust systems, cogeneration plants.
4. Waste Heat Boilers
Purpose: Recovers heat from high-temperature flue gases in chemical and metallurgical industries.
Use Case: Sulfuric acid plants, cement kilns, and smelting operations.
5. Air Heaters & Economizers
Purpose: Preheats combustion air or feedwater using studded tubes for better efficiency.
Use Case: Coal-fired power plants, industrial drying systems.
6. Thermal Fluid Heaters
Purpose: Improves heat transfer in systems using thermal oils or molten salts.
Use Case: Solar thermal plants, chemical processing.
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ASTM A106 Gr.B Studded Tube With Carbon Steel Studs For Refinery Air Cooler Images
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