Condensers in seawater-cooled systems operate under two major challenges: seawater corrosion and high-pressure impact. Standard finned tubes often suffer from corrosion-induced perforation or fin detachment, resulting in reduced heat transfer efficiency and potential equipment failure. The solution lies in using extruded bi-metal finned tubes that are structurally robust and corrosion-resistant.
Strategies for seawater corrosion resistance:
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Core tube material selection: High-corrosion-resistant materials such as copper-nickel alloys (e.g., CuNi 70/30), stainless steel (e.g., 316L, 2205), or titanium (e.g., Gr 2) are used to withstand chloride and salt spray exposure.
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Optimized fin materials: Aluminum alloys or stainless steel fins offer strong resistance to seawater oxidation, significantly extending tube life.
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Surface treatment: Zinc or aluminum thermal spray coating is applied at tube ends for enhanced protection of critical zones.
Measures against high-pressure shock:
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Integral extrusion design: Fins are metallurgically bonded to the base tube via mechanical extrusion, ensuring strong adhesion and excellent vibration resistance — ideal for fluctuating pressure conditions.
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Reinforced wall thickness and strength: Thick-wall core tubes and rigorous pressure testing ensure that the tubes can reliably withstand high operating pressures.
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Support fixtures: Use of specially designed support boxes and clamps adds extra stability and resistance to mechanical shock during operation.