Fintube's third generation finning revolution
Since ESCOA, a then division of Fintube Technologies, introduced the
serrated finned tube in 1975, there have been no major quantitative changes to finning
technology. . . that is until now.
AeroSegŪ finned tubing, from Fintube Technologies Inc., the next revolutionary step
forward, will lead to significant savings in HRSGs, economizers and other applications
where finned tubing is used.
AeroSeg finned tubes are a typical high frequency, resistance welded finned tube with a
unique, patented (U.S. patent 6,234,245 ) segment shape.
FIGURE 1
Figure 1 shows the unique shape of the aero curve fin segment.
Modifications to the flow pattern of the gas flowing over an AeroSeg fin segment lead to a
significant increase in heat transfer. Augmentation as high as 29% compared to a
regular serrated finned tube has been obtained in experimental testing at the Fintube Test
Facility.
FIGURE 2
Figure 2 illustrates the aerodynamic flow of gases over the fin
surface. This better contact between the gas and fin surface leads to increased heat
transfer performance and is a function of tube layout and fin geometry.
AeroSeg performance has been tested in the field as well. There are over 100 operating
economizers with AeroSeg finned tubes performing in accordance with test data.
The pursuit of higher efficiencies has driven rapid increases in gas turbine exhaust
temperatures and mass flow rates. AeroSeg finned tubes are ideally suited to handle the
higher heat duties expected in the newer generation of gas turbine HRSGs. With AeroSeg
finned tubes, there will be a significant decrease in the number of finned tubes needed,
leading to a potential decrease in the number of HRSG modules with the resultant
associated cost savings that go along with a smaller unit.
AeroSeg finned tubes are suitable for applications where clean burning fuels are fired
(natural gas with #2 back up). They are available in carbon steel and stainless steel
alloys and can be produced in the typical boiler tube size ranges that are standard
within the industry.
For more information on this breakthrough product and how you can take advantage of the
increases in performance, contact Dr. Sanat Shetty at 918-445-4038
(SAShetty@uss.com.)
