Embedded Fin Tube, G KL LL L type Fin Tube Difference

Differences Between G-Type, KL-Type, LL-Type, and L-Type Finned Tubes

The distinctions lie in manufacturing processes, structural characteristics, operating temperature/pressure limits, and application scenarios.


1. ‌L-Type Finned Tube

  • Process‌: Fins are rolled directly onto seamless steel tubes.
  • Structure‌: Monolithic fin-tube integration; low cost but moderate bond strength.
  • Temp./Pressure‌: Max. temp. ≤150°C; max. pressure ≤32MPa.
  • Limitations‌: Poor thermal shock resistance; fins loosen under vibration; unsuitable for wet air coolers.
  • Applications‌: Dry cooling in petrochemical/power industries.

2. ‌LL-Type Finned Tube (Double L-Type)

  • Process‌: Low-fin tube structure via rolling or winding.
  • Structure‌: Better corrosion resistance and tighter fin bonding than L-type.
  • Temp./Pressure‌: Max. temp. ≤170°C; max. pressure ≤32MPa.
  • Advantages‌: Suitable for wet air coolers; superior heat transfer to L-type.
  • Limitations‌: Moderate thermal shock resistance; higher cost than L-type.

3. ‌KL-Type Finned Tube (Knurled)

  • Process‌: Tube surface is knurled before fins are wound mechanically.
  • Structure‌: Fins lock into knurling patterns; robust bond and low thermal contact resistance.
  • Temp./Pressure‌: Max. temp. ≤250°C (up to 280°C per some sources); max. pressure ≤3.2MPa.
  • Advantages‌: Excellent heat transfer; vibration/corrosion resistant.
  • Applications‌: High-temperature dry cooling (e.g., petrochemical/power).

4. ‌G-Type Finned Tube (Embedded/Grooved)

  • Process‌: Grooves are machined into the tube; fins are mechanically embedded.
  • Structure‌: Large contact area; high bond strength; minimal deformation.
  • Temp./Pressure‌: Max. temp. ≤280°C (up to 400°C); max. pressure ≤32MPa.
  • Advantages‌: High thermal efficiency; withstands high temp./pressure; corrosion resistant.
  • Limitations‌: Tube wall thickness ≥1.65mm required for grooving; higher cost.
  • Applications‌: High-temp. processes requiring periodic cleaning (e.g., food drying systems).

Key Differences Summary

Type Process Max. Temp. Vibration Resistance Cooling Method Optimal Use Cases
L-Type Direct tube rolling 150°C Weak Dry Low-cost conventional cooling
LL-Type Low-fin rolling/winding 170°C Moderate Wet/Dry Wet air coolers, corrosion resistance
KL-Type Knurling + winding 250°C–280°C Strong Dry High-temp., high-vibration
G-Type Groove embedding 280°C–400°C Strong Dry High-temp./pressure, cleanable systems

Additional Notes

  • Heat Transfer Efficiency‌: G-type ≈ KL-type > LL-type > L-type.
  • Corrosion Resistance‌: G-type and KL-type offer better long-term stability due to tighter bonds.
  • Cost Efficiency‌: L-type is lowest cost; G-type/KL-type are pricier due to complex processes.

These differences stem from fin-tube bonding methods and material properties. Selection depends on temperature, pressure, media corrosivity, and vibration conditions.