ASTM A213 TP316L U-Tube Bundle for Gas Chiller
Apr 03, 2026
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As a trusted global supplier, GNEE possesses extensive experience in providing ASTM A213 TP316L U-tube bundles for gas coolers. Our products have been distributed to over 50 countries worldwide, with an annual export volume exceeding 1,000 tons. All raw materials are sourced from qualified steel mills and undergo 100% PMI (Positive Material Identification) verification; we provide original mill test reports (MTRs) corresponding to specific furnace heat numbers, fully compliant with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 standards.
TP316L stainless steel U-tubes feature a chemical composition containing ≤0.03% Carbon and 2.0–2.5% Molybdenum, ensuring exceptional resistance to chloride corrosion and long-term stability. During the U-bending process, we strictly control wall thinning to ≤10% and ovality to ≤8%, thereby guaranteeing that the tube bundles maintain their structural integrity and ensure a precise fit during installation. Following the bending process, all U-tubes undergo solution annealing treatment (at ≥1040°C followed by rapid quenching) to relieve residual stress, restore corrosion resistance properties, and ensure that no micro-cracks were generated during bending.


Regarding the quality of the connections between the tube bundles and the tube sheets, we employ precise tube expansion and welding techniques to ensure tight seals at the joints, thereby minimizing the risk of leakage under fluctuating pressure and temperature conditions. The manufacturing tolerances for our TP316L U-tube bundles strictly adhere to TEMA Class R standards, ensuring high precision in tube length, parallelism, and overall bundle geometry. This guarantees a smooth assembly process while significantly reducing installation lead times.

ASTM A213 TP316L U-Tube Bundle Specifications
| Item | Detailed Parameters | Reference Standard / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Material Grade | ASTM A213 TP316L | Seamless Tube |
| Outside Diameter (OD) | 0.75 inch (19.05 mm) | Tolerance per ASTM A213 |
| Wall Thickness (Thk) | 0.065 inch (1.65 mm / 16 BWG) | Recommend confirming Minimum Wall (MW) |
| U-Bend Radius | Minimum radius typically ≥ 1.5 × OD | TEMA R-2.31 |
| Wall Thinning at Bend | After thinning must meet minimum calculated wall thickness | API 660 requirement |
| Heat Treatment for U-Bend | For inner radius (R < 3.3 × OD), solution annealing is recommended | For stress relief of 316L |
ASTM A182 F316L Tubesheet Specifications
| Item | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Material Grade | ASTM A182 F316L |
| Product Form | Forged Tubesheet |
| Manufacturing Process | Hot forging + machining |
| Heat Treatment | Solution Annealed |
| Surface Finish | Machined / Grooved / Cladded (if required) |
| Tube Hole Layout | 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° |
| Tube Pitch | Typically 1.25 × OD or as specified |
| Tube Hole Diameter | As per tube OD with clearance |
| Hole Tolerance | Standard fit / close fit |
| Ligament Efficiency | ≥ design requirement |
| Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint | Expanded / Strength Weld / Seal Weld |
| Groove Type | Pass Partition Grooves / Seal Grooves |
| Corrosion Allowance | As specified (e.g., 3 mm) |
| Cladding (Optional) | SS316L / Alloy overlay |
| NDT Inspection | UT / PT / RT (if required) |
| Dimensional Tolerance | As per TEMA R / drawing |
| Design Code | TEMA / API 660 / ASME Section VIII |
ASTM A213 TP316L U-Tube: Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
| Element / Property | Requirement (ASTM A213 / A182) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030% | Critical: Prevents weld sensitization and improves resistance to CO₂ corrosion |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 14.0% | Ensures austenitic stability |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0% | Enhances pitting resistance (PREN ≥ 24) |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 485 MPa (70 ksi) | - |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 170 MPa (25 ksi) | - |
Case References
In a specific industrial gas cooler project, the TP316L U-tube bundle we supplied successfully reduced the installation rework rate by over 25% and extended the equipment's service life by more than 30%. This ensured safer, more efficient, and more durable equipment operation, while also significantly lowering maintenance costs.

| Item | Technical Requirement | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Tag | EX-9001 Gas Chiller | - |
| Tube Bundle Type | U-Tube | TEMA Section 2 |
| Design Code | ASME BPVC Section VIII, Div. 1 (2017) | Mandatory |
| Manufacturing Class | TEMA Class R (Refinery / Severe Service) | TEMA R |
| Industry Standard | API 660 (Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers) | Widely applied |
| Client Specification | PPL Standard PDP-ME-SP-002 Rev. A | Priority governing document |
Inspection and Testing Requirements
| Item | Technical Requirement | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) | 100% Eddy Current Testing (ET) or Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for tubes | ASTM A213 |
| Weld Inspection | 100% Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) for tube-to-tubesheet welds | ASME Section VIII, Div. 1, Appendix 8 |
| Material Identification | 100% PMI (Positive Material Identification) | API 660 |
| Tubesheet Inspection | 100% Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for forgings | ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 / SA-388 |
| Pressure Test | Hydrostatic test at 1.3 × design pressure (1840 psig) | ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 UG-99 |
| Drying Treatment | Thorough drying after hydrotest (to prevent EG contamination) | API 660 |


If you have specific project requirements, we welcome your orders. GNEE maintains an extensive inventory for you to choose from; for detailed chemical compositions or free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive pricing and exceptional service.
Our products are packaged using waterproof paper and steel strapping, meeting standard export requirements for sea freight and are suitable for various modes of transport; custom packaging is also available upon request.

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