Heat Exchanger Tubes – Best Materials, Failures & Selection Guide

Heat exchanger tubes are one of the most critical components in power plants, refineries, chemical industries, desalination units, and HVAC systems.

They must withstand:

High temperature
High pressure
Corrosive fluids
Thermal cycling
Stress & vibration

Selecting the wrong tube material can lead to leaks, corrosion, shutdowns, and huge financial losses.

This guide explains:

Best materials
Types of heat exchanger tubes
Common failure reasons
How to select the right tube
Where Moksh Tubes fits in

What Are Heat Exchanger Tubes?

Heat exchanger tubes transfer heat between two fluids — hot and cold — without mixing them.

They are used in:

Boilers
Condensers
Chillers
Shell & Tube Exchangers
Power Plants
Petrochemical Units

Types of Heat Exchanger Tubes

Straight Tubes

Most common — used in boilers & condensers.

U-Bend Tubes

Used in limited space or U-shaped heat exchangers.

Finned Tubes

Higher surface area → better heat transfer.

Seamless vs Welded

Seamless for high pressure
Welded for budget-friendly applications

Best Materials for Heat Exchanger Tubes (2025)

Stainless Steel (304, 316, 321, 347)

Best for water, mild chemicals
Affordable, corrosion-resistant
Common in food & pharma

Copper Nickel (90/10, 70/30)

Excellent seawater resistance
Best for marine & desalination
High thermal conductivity

Duplex & Super Duplex (2205, 2507)

High chloride resistance
High strength
Ideal for offshore & oil industry

Nickel Alloys (Inconel 600, 625, 800, 825)

Extreme corrosion resistance
High temperature stability
Used in chemical & petrochemical industries

Titanium

Practically corrosion-proof
Lightweight
Premium choice for seawater, chlorides, acids

Common Heat Exchanger Tube Failures

Pitting Corrosion

Caused by chlorides, seawater, untreated water.

Erosion

High velocity fluids damage inner tube walls.

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)

High temperature + chlorides = failure.

Scaling

Mineral deposits reduce heat transfer efficiency.

Thermal Fatigue

Constant heating and cooling causes cracking.

Weld Failures

Occurs in poor-quality welded tubes.

How to Select the Right Tube Material

If using seawater → Copper Nickel / Titanium / Super Duplex
If using chemicals → Inconel / Hastelloy / SS 316L
If using steam → Alloy Steel / Stainless Steel
If using high pressure → Seamless stainless or alloy steel tubes
If using high temperature → Inconel 600 / 625 / Alloy Steel

Why Moksh Tubes Is a Reliable Supplier of Heat Exchanger Tubes

Seamless, welded & U-bend tubes available
304/316/321/347, Duplex, Cu-Ni, Titanium, Inconel
MTC 3.1 / 3.2 certification
PMI, Hydro, Eddy Current testing
Export to 40+ countries
Immediate dispatch from ready stock
Custom bending & fabrication

Conclusion

Heat exchanger tubes face extreme pressure, temperature, vibration, and corrosion. Choosing the wrong material can cause failures within weeks — while the right material can last 10+ years.

Moksh Tubes helps industries select the ideal tube material based on media, temperature, pressure, and corrosion risk.

FAQ's

What is the best material for seawater heat exchangers?

Titanium or Copper Nickel.

Which is better — seamless or welded?

Seamless for high pressure; welded for standard duty.

Do you supply U-bend tubes?

Yes, U-bend tubes in all grades.

Do you provide testing?

Yes — Hydro, Eddy Current, PMI, UT, NDT.