This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements.

They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR

WELDED FINNED TUBES

REVISED AS MARKED REISSUED AS A STANDARD

2 9-20-07 VS AE
SPECIFICATION
REVISED AND REISSUED AS A STANDARD
1 3-07-03 PS PKS
SPECIFICATION
0 3-15-02 ISSUED AS A STANDARD SPECIFICATION
NO DATE REVISIONS BY CHK APPROVALS
Page 1 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they

LIST OF CONTENTS
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

S.NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

1 SCOPE 3

2 BARE TUBE REQUIREMENTS 3

3 FINNING PROCEDURE 3

4 WELD REQUIREMENTS 4

5 TOLERANCES 5

6 PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION 6

7 INSPECTION 6

8 PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT 8

9 SHIPMENT 8

10 VENDOR DATA REQUIREMENTS 9

9
11 SAMPLE FORMATS 2

Page 2 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 This specification covers external, high frequency resistance welded fins on tubes or pipes
for use in Fired Heaters.
1.2 The object of this Specification is to ensure that the fins are securely attached:
 to achieve their heat transfer function and
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

 to enable the finned tubes to be handled with the minimum risk to the fin weld and/
or damage to the pipe itself
1.3 Unless noted in the requisition, the vendor’s scope of supply shall include procurement/
supply of tubes cut to length with ends beveled for welding, where required, or taper bored,
beveled and capped for protection. The bare tubes must be procured from a reputed vendor
whose name and credentials must be detailed in the bid. This shall form one of the
considerations for technical acceptance.
1.4 Wherever the term “tube” is used, material normally designated as “pipe” is also included.

2.0 BARE TUBE REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Outside surface of the tube shall be suitable for finning. The tube surface must be free from
pits, dents, laminations, gouges or other surface defects exceeding 0.01” (0.3 mm) in depth
which limit the contact of the fin edge with the tube.
2.2 Variations in the outside diameter including ovality shall not exceed +/- 0.04” (1.0 mm) or the
applicable bare tube specification tolerance, whichever is less.
2.3 Bare tube shall be straight with a maximum deviation of 0.1” (3.0 mm) in any 10 ft (3 m)
section and 0.25” (6 mm) over the total tube length
2.4 The bare tubes shall be manufactured, heat treated, inspected, tested and supplied as per
the relevant ASTM material specifications and the job specifications enclosed with the
requisition.

3.0 FINNING PROCEDURE

3.1 The fins shall be of the solid type and should be wound spirally and continuously on to the
bare tubes by means of the high frequency resistance welding, to form a continuous,
mechanically sound bond with the tube.
3.2 Bare tubes normally procured with a protective coating from the mills, shall be polished with
sand paper before finning to obtain weld of desired quality.

Page 3 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they
If required, these may be grit or shot blasted. Fin material shall also be completely clean and
free from foreign matter.

3.3 When air hardening alloy tubes are finned, a minimum of 20” (0.5 m) length of the tube at its
leading end shall be preheated completely around its circumference. A gas ring may be used
for preheating but the use of a gas torch is prohibited. The preheat temperature shall be
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

established by procedure tests.

3.4 Where air hardening material is involved, the process, once started, shall continue until the
particular tube is completely finned. If for any reason, the finning is interrupted for longer
than 15 minutes, a minimum of 20” (0.5 m) length of the tube, at the leading end of the tube
where fin operation is to commence, shall be preheated again.

4.0 WELD REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The welding shall have no injurious defects such as cracks, under-cuts etc.

4.2 Fin ends must be adequately secured to the tubes to prevent de-finning.

4.3 Vendor shall verify the fused area of weld between tube and fin - for width of bond and
consistency of fusion- by stripping approximately 1” to 2” ( 25 to 50 mm) segment of fin. If
any tube fails to meet the specified requirements, it shall be stripped until weld is found to be
meeting the requirements. Also, work shall be suspended and necessary adjustments made
to the equipment.

4.4 The average width of the weld between the fin & the tube shall be a minimum of 90 percent
of the specified fin thickness based on visual examination of the fractured surface. In the
event of disagreement on the visual examination, a tensile test of the fin-to-tube weld on a
representative sample yielding a minimum value of 170 MPa (25 ksi) based on the specified
fin thickness shall be considered evidence of an acceptable weld.

4.5 Un-welded fins shall not be acceptable, within eight revolutions of finning at either end, and
shall also not exceed one revolution due to interruption of welding machine, nor exceed
more than two groups of such interruptions in any 10 feet (3m) of finned tubes.

4.6 The summation of the lengths of fin-to-tube weld containing defects such as lack of fusion
shall not exceed 2.5% of the total finned length per tube.

Page 4 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they

4.7 Gaps are not permitted within 12” (0.3 m) to the center line of the tube support areas where
shown on drawings. (For those cases where it is not shown in enquiry document, the same
shall be marked on vendor’s drawings submitted for approval).

4.8 Interruptions in welding are permissible provided they do not exceed 2.5% of the finned
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

length on any one tube, do not exceed 5 consecutive wraps and do not occur within 6 inches
(0.15m) of another interruption or the end of a finned section.

4.9 Post weld heat treatment is not required after finning. The heat affected zone in the tube wall
and fin adjacent to the fin-to-tube weld is of very low penetration and results only in
superficial changes in the tube and fin properties. Any changes that do occur in hardness,
grain structure or other properties shall be permissible. For this reason, post weld heat
treatment is not required after finning.

4.10 There shall be maximum two splices of fin strip for any 10 feet (3m) of finned tube.

4.11 Fin buckling at the base of the fin shall not exceed fin thickness on each side of the fin.

4.12 A reference sample shall be agreed upon by the purchaser and the vendor, in order to
establish a standard of acceptance relating to weld spatter on production tubes.

4.13 All materials and consumables for finning shall be supplied by the vendor.

4.14 Each end of a continuously welded fin shall be secured to the tube using a 1” long fillet weld. 2

5.0 TOLERANCES

5.1 The tolerances for the complete finned tubes shall be as follows:
(a) For specified average thickness of the fin “T”

- 1/32” to 3/64” (0.81 to 1 mm) : + 0.004” (0.1 mm)

- 3/64” to 1/16” (1.01 to 1.6 mm) : + 0.005” (0.13 mm)
- 1/16” to 5/64” (1.61 to 2.0 mm) : + 0.006” (0.15 mm)
- 5/64” to 3/32” (2.01 to 2.5 mm) : + 0.007” (0.17 mm)
- 3/32” to 9/64” (2.51 to 3.5 mm) : + 0.008” (0.2 mm)

Page 5 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they
(b) The fin height after welding “H” (measured perpendicular to the tube surface) shall be as
specified + 0.06”/-0.04” (+1.6/-1.0 mm)

(c) For inclination or dishing (with direction of inclination from the vertical
Identical for all fins) - +10 ° dishing of the fin
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

(d) For length of the tube (finished length) +1/4” / -0” ( +6 / -0 mm)
(e) For length of the bare sections at the ends +/- 0.25” (+/- 6 mm) of one fin spacing,
whichever is greater.
(f) For tube outside diameter - As per applicable material specification

(g) For straightness of the finished finned tube – Maximum deviation of 0.2” (5mm) in any
10 feet (3 m) section of the tube(Not exceeding 0.25” (6 mm) for total length)

(h) For Fin Pitch - +5%

- -2%
measured over at least 12” (0.3m) of the welded fin

(i) The total number of fins - +2% for each item

provided tolerance on number of fins is complied with, the tolerance on fin pitch as given
above in (h) is acceptable.
(j) Corrugation – The total width of the corrugation, excluding any weld expulsion, shall not
exceed three times the specified fin thickness
(k) Edge tears on fins – Acceptable, if the number of wraps showing tears is less than 10%
of the total on any one tube
(l) Expected shrinkage due to finning – VENDOR TO STATE IN HIS QUOTATION

6.0 PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION

6.1 Before finning of tubes, vendor shall submit the complete procedure of finning, welding and
testing for review and approval by inspection authority. The actual procedure qualification
shall be done in the presence of authorized inspector. Sample format shall be as per Para
11.0.
6.2 All materials and consumables for procedure qualification shall be supplied by vendor.

7.0 INSPECTION

7.1 Vendor’s Responsibility

Page 6 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they
7.1.1 All defects, discrepancies and alternations prior to rectification shall be conveyed in writing to
the client’s inspector.

7.1.2 All responsibilities regarding guarantees, workmanship, or compliance with this specification
and reference on the requisition rest solely with the vendor and any approval given by the
inspector does not relive him of the same.
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

7.1.3 The vendor shall ensure that the standards of acceptance laid down in this specification and
the drawings attached are maintained by carrying out his own inspection thoroughly.

7.1.4 All slag, mill-scale, weld spatter, paint, dirt, oil or any other foreign matter shall be removed
from the finned tube before final inspection. Vendor shall be responsible for offering the
tubes in a suitable condition for the inspector’s examination.

7.1.5 All tools/ tackles to be used for inspection by client shall be provided by vendor.

7.2 Purchaser’s Inspection

7.2.1 The quality control checks to be carried out are as follows:

a) Inspection of bare tubes as per relevant ASTM code requirements.

b) Welding procedure tests.

c) Dimensional check of tubes & fin material with respect to

 length,
 thickness,
 fin dimensions and spacing,
 Number of fins, and,
 Profiles.
d) Identification of materials against mill test certificates.
e) Mechanical tests, such as tensile, flattening, bend, as called for in the material
specification.
f) Inspection of fins as required by sections 4.0, 5.0 and 8.0.
g) Checking pipe markings and preparation for shipment, as per section 8.0.
h) Verification of vendor’s Data Folder as required by section 10.0.

7.2.2 Any representative of the purchaser has the right to satisfy himself that the quality of
manufacture is upto the required standard, by carrying out or witnessing any of the
inspection functions referred to in this specification.

Page 7 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they

8.0 PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT

8.1 Finishing
will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

8.1.1 The inside and outside surfaces of all weld bevels on the ends of carbon or ferritic alloy steel
tubes shall be coated for a distance of 3” from the end of the component with a rust
preventive compound.

8.1.2 Carbon steel fins shall be coated with approved anticorrosive oil to prevent oxidation of fins
for a period of about one year from date of shipment.

8.1.3 The interior of the finned tubes shall be blown with air and then plastic end caps put at both
the ends of the tube to protect weld ends against corrosion.

8.1.4 When Stainless Stell tubes are handled, vendor shall protect the tubes from ferrite
contamination by avoiding contact with ferritic steels during handling and transportation.

8.2 Marking

8.2.1 Each finned tube shall be marked with a distinguishing mark that can be identified with the
appropriate test certificates. Besides, the tube item number, tube material and fin material
must also be marked.

8.2.2 P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 materials shall be marked with low stress steel stamps having round
of “U” or shaped cross-sections. All other P-number materials shall be marked by etching or
with electric pencil. Symbols shall be about 1/8” (3mm) high and located about 2” (50mm)
from each tube end.

9.0 SHIPMENT

9.1 Finned tubes shall be shipped in wooden crates lined with plastic sheets from inside. Tubes
shall be banded together and separated from each other by wooden blocks.

9.2 Packing (export) shall be openable for dockside inspection.

Page 8 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2
This drawing and the design it covers are the property of Furnace Improvements. They are merely loaned and on the borrower’s express agreement that they

10.0 VENDOR DATA REQUIREMENTS

10.1 Vendor shall submit data folders. Data folder shall include the following:

10.1.1 Welding procedure, along with test results.

10.1.2 Report on inspection of fins.

will not be reproduced, copied, loaned, exhibited, nor used except in the limited way and private use permitted by any written consent.

10.1.3 Test certificates showing chemical analysis and all mechanical test results for fin material.

10.1.4 Necessary certification of bare tube as per ASTM code.

10.2 The number of copies of each document shall be, unless otherwise noted in the
specification as follows:
 Document submitted for approval : 6 copies + 1 electronic copy
 Final documents/reports : 6 copies + 1 electronic copy

11.0 SAMPLE FORMATS

11.1 Welding Procedure Specification for Machine Welding Of fins to Tubes

Fabricator’s Weld Procedure Specification No…………………………………..
Welding Process …………………………………………………………………....
Tube Material Specification ………………………………………………………..
Fin Material Specification ……………..……………………………………………
Method of Preparing Tube Surface.………………………………………………
Preheat & how applied ….…………………………………………………………
Post weld heat ………………………………………………………………………

11.2 Signature
Signed on behalf of
Fabricator …………………………………………………………………………..
Signed by Inspector …...………………………………………………………….
On behalf of…..…………………………………………………………………….
Date …………………………………………………………………………………

Page 9 of 9

FURNACE IMPROVEMENTS, SPECIFICATION NO. Rev.

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR
SUGARLAND, TEXAS WELDED FINNED TUBES
3-12-027 2