In theory, modern heat exchangers can be made from a wide range of materials, including copper, copper/nickel, aluminium, carbon steel and stainless steel. In this article, we consider why this is the case, and in particular the major benefits of thin-wall corrugated tube heat exchangers made from stainless steel.
By Carmen Nicolás, HRS Heat Exchangers
As with other aspects of heat exchanger design, the choice of construction material depends on a number of factors based on the end use. These include general considerations, such as thermal efficiency, cost and durability, and others which may be more specific to a particular situation, such as hygiene, cleanability and resistance to corrosion. In many cases, it may be about finding the best compromise, as the material with the best heat transfer may not be the most hygienic or easy to clean.
Thermal conductivity
Although in the simplest terms copper and copper/nickel alloys are likely to have the greatest thermal conductivity, while composite materials and ceramics have the lowest, much can be achieved with good heat exchanger design. This means that in practice, materials with slightly less thermal efficiency, such as carbon and stainless steel, will give exceptionally good heat transfer in practice. This is why most heat exchanger manufacturers use some form of steel for the majority of their products. However, there are a number of advantages to the use of stainless steel over carbon steel, which is why HRS Heat Exchangers use 316L stainless steel for the corrugated tubes in its heat exchangers and 304L stainless steel for the outer shell.
Advantages of stainless
316L stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel alloy with low carbon content, meaning it is particularly resistant to corrosion and ideal for many key markets, including chemical processing, food (especially dairy) production and pharmaceuticals. To achieve similar levels of corrosion resistance using carbon steel would require much thicker tube walls. Not only would this provide lower heat transfer compared to thinner, stainless steel tubes, but it would also prevent the corrugation of the tube and the numerous benefits that this brings to the overall heat exchanger design. Because of the improved heat transfer, using corrugated stainless steel tubes results in a smaller overall footprint for the heat exchanger, which may include fewer or smaller modules to deliver the same or better performance compared to an equivalent model using straight carbon steel tubes. In addition, the smaller footprint and lighter construction of the modules and shell mean that ancillary and associated civil engineering costs are also lower. For example, the concrete used for pilings or foundations is a significant cost in many projects, so reducing the amount required not only saves money, but also speeds up the overall installation process.
About HRS Heat Exchangers
Located in the UK, HRS Heat Exchangers is part of the EIL Group (Exchanger Industries Ltd) which operates at the forefront of thermal technology. HRS offers innovative heat transfer solutions worldwide across a diverse range of industries and has a network of offices globally. For info: www.hrs-heatexchangers.com
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Appearing in the September 2025 issue of Stainless Steel World Magazine, this technical article is just one of many insightful articles we publish. Subscribe today to receive 10 issues a year, available monthly in print and digital formats. – SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR DIGITAL VERSION ARE NOW FREE.
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