What Are Titanium Heat Exchanger Tubes?
Titanium heat exchanger tubes are specialized metal tubes made from commercially pure titanium or titanium alloys (such as Grade 2, Grade 5, Grade 7, or Grade 12) used to transfer heat efficiently between two fluids in a heat exchanger system.
These tubes serve as the primary heat transfer element, allowing one fluid to pass through the inside of the tube while another flows outside - without mixing - enabling efficient thermal exchange.
Contact nowFor quotation, include grade, OD, wall thickness, length, quantity, end finish, testing requirement.
Why are titanium tubes chosen as the preferred material for heat exchangers?
Titanium tubes are preferred for heat exchangers because they deliver the optimal combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and thermal efficiency that other metals cannot match.
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance
Titanium tubing resists corrosive media, including seawater, chlorides, and acidic solutions. Compared to stainless steel, titanium exhibits negligible corrosion rates (<0.127 mm/year) in harsh environments, reducing failure risks . For example, in desalination plants, titanium tubes withstand brine solutions without degradation .
2. High-Temperature and Pressure Tolerance
Titanium pipes operate in temperatures from -253°C to 550°C, making them suitable for extreme conditions . Their tensile strength (up to 1,300 MPa for Grade 5) ensures reliability under high pressure .
3. Long Service Life and Cost Efficiency
Titanium's lifespan exceeds 60 years in marine applications, outperforming copper-nickel alloys (6–8 years) . Although initial costs are higher, reduced maintenance and replacement needs lead to lower lifetime costs.
4. Lightweight and Efficient Heat Transfer
With a density of 4.51 g/cm³, titanium tubes are 40% lighter than steel, simplifying installation and supporting lightweight designs . Their thin walls facilitate optimal heat transfer .
Titanium Heat Exchanger Tube Specifications
We supply seamless and welded titanium tubes for heat exchangers that fully comply with ASTM B338 / ASME SB338. Standard grades include Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 7, Grade 12, and Grade 16. Every tube is supplied with full material certification and can be ordered in custom lengths, U-bent configurations, or coiled forms. Below are the dimensional capabilities for our most commonly ordered titanium heat exchanger tubes.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| OD | 6.0 mm – 114.3 mm (0.236" – 4.5") |
| WT | 0.5 mm – 10.0 mm (0.020" – 0.394") |
| Length | Up to 15,000 mm (straight) ; U-bend lengths as per TEMA |
| Standard | ASTM B338 / ASME SB338 |
| Grades | Gr.1, Gr.2, Gr.7, Gr.12, Gr.16 (others upon request) |
| Surface | Bright annealed, pickled, polished (Ra ≤ 0.8 μm) |
| End Finish | Plain end, beveled, rolled, or as specified |
Precision Manufacturing & Customization
Every titanium heat exchanger tube we ship originates from fully traceable ingot. We use cold pilgering and bright annealing to achieve tight tolerances and a smooth internal surface that promotes laminar flow. Our customization scope includes:
U-bent tubes compliant with TEMA R, C, and B classes
Laser-engraved part numbers for full traceability
Pre-cut exact lengths with deburred ends
Tube-to-tube sheet compatibility checks with our titanium tube sheets
Coiled titanium tubing for compact exchanger designs
Wall thickness as low as 0.3 mm for specialized thermal tasks
If you are developing a new heat exchanger bundle, our engineers can provide FEA-supported wall thickness optimization and rapid prototype sampling.
Quality Control & Non-Destructive Testing
We do not rely on third-party inspection alone. Our Shaanxi facility houses a fully equipped NDT lab. Each titanium tube for heat exchangers passes through the following checks before release:
Eddy Current Testing (ECT)
100% of tubes are examined per ASTM E309 to detect longitudinal and circumferential flaws. The calibration standard uses machined notches with a depth of 5% of wall thickness-giving high sensitivity to minute defects.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
We offer a variety of transmission components, including sprockets, roller chains, gears, couplings, racks, hubs, pulleys, taper sleeves, bearing seats, and more.
Hydrostatic & Pneumatic Testing
Each tube withstands hydrostatic pressure at 1.5 times the design pressure without leakage. Upon request, we also run underwater air tests to detect micro‑leaks in U-bend sections.
PMI
Every heat number is verified with XRF analyzers before packing. Certificates acc. to EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 are standard with every shipment of titanium heat exchanger tubes.
Packaging, Marking & Delivery
Proper handling is vital to preserve the surface of a titanium heat exchanger tube. We pack each tube with protective end caps, individually separated by soft spacers inside wooden crates. For U-bend assemblies, we use formed plywood bracing that maintains exact leg spacing. Marking includes heat number, dimension, and material grade, visible on the outer surface.
Standard stock sizes of Grade 2 titanium tubes for heat exchangers often ship within 7–10 working days. Custom mill orders typically deliver in 4–6 weeks, depending on the specification. We ship via air freight, ocean, or rail to major ports worldwide.
Titanium heat exchanger tube Factory in China
At TSM TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., we combine two decades of titanium expertise with strict adherence to international quality standards to deliver titanium piping solutions that optimize your operational efficiency and reliability. Our technical specialists can help you select the ideal titanium grade and specification for your specific application, ensuring performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Contact us today to discuss how our comprehensive titanium product range can meet your industrial needs.
faq
Q:1.Why is titanium used for heat exchanger tubes?
A:Because it combines high corrosion resistance, light weight, and excellent thermal conductivity - ideal for marine and chemical environments.
Q:2.Which titanium grade is most commonly used in heat exchangers?
A:Grade 2 titanium tube is the most popular due to its balance of corrosion resistance, formability, and cost.
Q:3.What standards cover titanium heat exchanger tubes?
A:Titanium tubes are produced to ASTM B338 / ASME SB338 standards.
Q:4.Can titanium tubes be used in desalination systems?
A:Yes, titanium is the industry standard for seawater desalination heat exchangers due to its chloride resistance.
Q:5.What's the difference between seamless and welded titanium tubes?
A:Seamless tubes offer better pressure resistance, while welded tubes are more economical for low-pressure applications.
Q:6.Does TSM TECHNOLOGY supply custom tube sizes?
A:Absolutely - we provide custom diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths to meet your design requirements.
