Our News

Find out about our latest news here.

 

 

Enamel Tube — Structure, Performance, and Industrial Applications

1. Product Overview

Enamel tubes, also known as glass-lined steel tubes, are composite tubes made by applying a layer of inorganic glass enamel onto the outer surface of carbon steel tubes through high-temperature firing. Combining the high mechanical strength of steel with the excellent corrosion resistance of glass, enamel tubes are ideal for heat exchange and anti-corrosion applications in harsh industrial environments.

2. Typical Applications

Enamel tubes are widely used in:

  • Coking Industry: As gas cooling tubes in primary coolers and waste heat boilers; resist tar and sulfur corrosion.

  • Chemical Industry: For heat exchange and transport of acidic or alkaline gas streams.

  • Metallurgy & Power Plants: For cooling high-temperature flue gas and recovering waste heat.

  • Waste Incineration, Desulfurization & Denitrification Systems: Resistant to chloride ion corrosion, significantly extending service life.

1750325012794254428634746880.jpg

3. Structural Characteristics

An enamel tube consists of two layers:

  • Carbon Steel Base: Provides mechanical strength and pressure resistance.

  • Glass Enamel Coating: Fired at over 800°C and tightly bonded to the steel surface to form a dense protective layer.

Common structures include:

  • Smooth enamel tubes

  • Internal ribbed enamel tubes (for enhanced heat transfer)

  • U-tube bundles for heat exchangers

4. Key Advantages

  1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Strong resistance to acidic gases (e.g., H₂S, SO₂, NOₓ), organic solvents, acid mist, and more.

  2. Anti-Fouling, Anti-Tar Adhesion: Smooth glass surface prevents adhesion of tar and dust.

  3. High Temperature Resistance: Operating temperature up to 300°C or higher.

  4. Superior Insulation & Stability: Non-conductive and chemically stable.

  5. Long Service Life: 2–3 times longer than carbon steel or stainless steel tubes under similar conditions.

  6. Eco-Friendly: Inert, recyclable, and free of toxic emissions.

5. Quality Control & Technical Standards

Strict quality controls include:

  • Uniform Coating Thickness: Typically 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

  • Strong Adhesion: Ensures enamel firmly bonds to the steel substrate.

  • Thermal Shock Resistance: Withstands rapid heating/cooling cycles.

  • Spark Testing: To detect pores, bubbles, or weak spots.

  • Smooth Appearance: Glossy, even coating free from cracks or drips.

6. Comparison: Enamel Tube vs Stainless Steel vs Carbon Steel

PropertyEnamel TubeStainless SteelCarbon Steel
Corrosion Resistance★★★★★★★★★☆★★☆☆☆
Anti-Fouling★★★★★★★★☆☆★★☆☆☆
CostMediumHighLow
Service Life10+ years5–8 years3–5 years
Maintenance NeedLowModerateHigh
7. Selection Guide & Installation Notes
  • For tar-laden or sulfur-rich high-temperature gas, ribbed enamel tubes are recommended for better heat transfer.

  • For highly acidic or chloride-heavy gas, high-silica enamel or dual-layer coating is advisable.

  • Avoid impact or metal friction during installation to protect the enamel layer.

Last page:Already the first