For engineering heat transfer and fluid transport systems, understanding the specifications, size ranges, and grade differences of titanium tubing coils is crucial for selecting the right product for the system.
This comprehensive guide, presented by TSM Technology Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer and supplier of titanium products, provides an in-depth look into size charts, material grades, manufacturing standards, and the engineering principles that govern the performance of titanium coiled tubing.
What Is a Titanium Tube Coil?
A Titanium Tube Coil refers to titanium tubing that has been bent or wound into a spiral or helical shape for use in heat transfer systems. The coil structure increases the surface area available for heat exchange, making it ideal for compact equipment design.
Typical products include:
Titanium heat exchanger coil tubes
Titanium condenser coil tubing
Titanium cooling coil pipes
Titanium spiral tubes for chemical reactors
Titanium coiled tubing for seawater desalination
Titanium Tube Coil Size Chart:
The versatility of Titanium Tube Coils is reflected in the wide range of sizes available. Dimensions are typically defined by the tubing's Outer Diameter (OD), Wall Thickness (WT), and the overall coil geometry (coil diameter and height).
Below is a typical Titanium Tube Coil size chart used in heat exchanger manufacturing.
| Outside Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness | Coil Diameter | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 0.5–1.0 mm | 300–800 mm | ASTM B338 |
| 8 mm | 0.7–1.2 mm | 400–900 mm | ASTM B338 |
| 10 mm | 0.7–1.5 mm | 500–1000 mm | ASTM B338 |
| 12.7 mm (1/2") | 0.9–1.6 mm | 600–1200 mm | ASTM B338 |
| 15.88 mm (5/8") | 1.0–2.0 mm | 700–1500 mm | ASTM B338 |
| 19.05 mm (3/4") | 1.2–2.5 mm | 800–1800 mm | ASTM B338 |
Custom sizes are also available depending on equipment design and thermal performance requirements.
The chart above represents a selection of common sizes. However, the exact dimensions of your Titanium Tube Coil will be determined by factors such as:
Heat Transfer Requirements: A larger OD and thinner wall generally facilitate higher heat transfer rates.
Pressure Rating: The maximum operating pressure of the system will dictate the required wall thickness (WT).
Flow Velocity: The desired flow rate and pressure drop across the coil will influence the choice of OD.
Physical Space Constraints: The available footprint will define the permissible coil diameter and height.
Small diameter titanium tubing coils (below 6 mm OD) are frequently used in precision instruments and medical devices, while larger sizes up to 50 mm OD are common in industrial-scale heat exchangers. Wall thicknesses typically range from 0.5 mm up to 3.0 mm or more, depending on pressure needs. For more complex projects, custom titanium coil fabrication allows for optimized dimensions that precisely match your application's thermal and mechanical demands.
Material Grade Comparison: Finding the Right Titanium for Your Coil
The properties of a Titanium Tube Coil are significantly influenced by the specific titanium grade used. Industrial applications primarily utilize Commercially Pure (CP) titanium and several key alpha-beta alloys, all of which are covered by standards such as ASTM B338 (for seamless and welded titanium and titanium alloy tubes for condensers and heat exchangers).
| Titanium Grade | Common Designation | Chemical Composition (Key Elements) | Principal Application Areas for Tube Coils |
| Grade 1 | CP Titanium (Low Oxygen) | >99% Ti, Lowest O | Excellent for severe forming, complex titanium coiled pipe shapes where strength is secondary. |
| Grade 2 | CP Titanium (Standard) | >99% Ti, Moderate O | The "workhorse" grade. Offers excellent corrosion resistance and formability, ideal for most titanium heat exchanger coils. |
| Grade 7 | CP Titanium + Palladium | Ti-0.15Pd | Specifically designed for reducing acid environments or where crevice corrosion is a concern (pH control). |
| Grade 9 | Ti-3Al-2.5V | Ti-3% Al-2.5% V | Hydraulic lines, aerospace, and applications requiring higher strength and fatigue resistance than CP. |
| Grade 12 | Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni | Ti-Mo-Ni | Specifically engineered to resist crevice corrosion in hot, chloride-containing brines. |
Titanium Grade 2 specifications make it the most widely specified grade for Titanium Tube Coils. It strikes the optimal balance between high corrosion resistance, excellent weldability, and moderate strength. It is the default choice for seawater condensers, chemical reactors, and standard heat exchange applications.
Manufacturing Process and Standards for Titanium Coiled Tubing
Understanding how titanium coiled tubing is produced is key to verifying its quality and suitability for high-stakes applications.
Seamless vs. Welded Tubing
Seamless Titanium Tubing: Produced from solid billets through a process of extrusion and cold drawing. Seamless titanium tube coils are often preferred for critical, high-pressure, or high-purity applications, as they have no weld seam, which can sometimes be a potential point of localized corrosion or mechanical weakness (although modern welding techniques minimize this). However, seamless tubing is generally more expensive to produce.
Welded Titanium Tubing: Manufactured from flat-rolled strip that is formed into a tube and then automatically welded (typically using TIG or Plasma Arc Welding) without the addition of filler metal. Welded tubes are generally more cost-effective for larger diameters and longer lengths and are suitable for the majority of industrial heat exchanger and chemical applications. At TSM, our welded titanium tube coils undergo rigorous in-line eddy current or ultrasonic testing to guarantee weld integrity.
Coiling and Fabrication
The process of forming a straight tube into a precise coil requires specialized engineering expertise. Titanium's high "spring-back" rate and its work-hardening characteristics must be carefully managed.
Cold Bending: Most small and medium-diameter titanium heat exchanger coils are formed through CNC-controlled cold bending, which ensures precise coil diameter and pitch.
Minimum Bending Radius: Engineers must adhere to strict minimum bending radii (often related to the tube OD) to prevent wall thinning or buckling.
Joining and Fitting: Long continuous titanium coiled pipe lengths can be produced by orbital welding individual tube sections. Custom fittings, flanges, and manifolds can be attached through specialized welding in an inert gas environment to prevent oxygen contamination.
Quality Control and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
To meet the stringent Titanium Tube Coil specifications required for industrial use, TSM Technology employs a multi-stage quality control protocol:
Material Verification: Complete traceability of raw material (titanium sponge and ingot) through to the finished product, including full chemical composition and mechanical property testing as per ASTM B338.
Dimensional Inspection: Verification of OD, WT, and coil geometry.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):
Eddy Current Testing (ECT): Detects surface and near-surface defects.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Checks for internal flaws and wall thickness variations.
Hydrostatic Testing: All titanium coiled tubing is pressure-tested far beyond its operating rating to ensure no leaks or weaknesses.
Pneumatic Testing: Air-under-water testing to find even the smallest micro-leaks.
Flaring and Flattening Tests: To verify the ductility and weld quality.
Corrosion Testing: Specialized tests like the Ferric Sulfate-Sulfuric Acid test (for Grade 2/7) or others can be performed upon request to confirm corrosion resistance.
How to Specify Your Titanium Tube Coil Needs
Selecting the right Titanium Tube Coil specifications is not simply about choosing a size; it's an engineered decision that directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and economics of your system.
To receive an accurate and competitive quote from TSM Technology, please provide the following "Big Five" parameters:
Material Grade: Specify the exact ASTM grade (e.g., Grade 2, Grade 7, Grade 9) based on your corrosion and strength requirements.
Tube Dimensions: Provide the Outer Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (WT), or the system's pressure and heat transfer load.
Coil Configuration: Define the required coil shape (Helical, Serpentine, etc.), coil outside or inside diameter (D), and total height or number of turns (N).
End Connections: Specify the type of fittings, flanges, or plain ends required.
Applicable Standards & NDT: Indicate if the coil must meet ASTM B338, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, or if specific NDT tests are required.
Choose TSM Technology Co., Ltd. for Your Titanium Coil Solutions
TSM Technology Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer and supplier of titanium tube, specializing in providing high-precision titanium tube coil products for industrial applications.
Contact TSM Technology today to discuss your project requirements.
