More surface per foot of tube - up to 50% more.
Heat transfer is dependent upon the surface area it has to transfer through. More surface per linear foot of tube will give that percentage of increased heat transfer.
More turbulence - The turbulence producing design will break up the 'boundary layer' of fluid on the surface of the tube (which tends to insulate), will mix the fluids producing a more uniform temperature across the fluid and will keep the fluid in the 'turbulent range' at much lower Reynolds numbers.
More flexibility - This flexibility will allow the tube to be coiled or bent at a tighter radius resulting in a smaller package size. The tube can also be used in applications of vibration and misalignment.
Any material can be twisted, give the correct temper (aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, copper, CuNi).
The maximum size is dependent upon the length and horsepower of our twist machines. The horsepower required is a combination of tensile, tube OD and tube wall thickness. The following sizes are the current approximate maximum tube sizes we can twist.
Aluminum 2.75" OD x .049" wall
Copper 2.25" OD x .028" wall
CuNi 2.0" OD x .028" wall
Carbon Steel 2.0" OD x .028" wall
Stainless Steel 1.5" OD x .035" wall
Welding multiple pieces together can make an unlimited length of tube, continually twisted.
The cost of a twisted tube depends upon many factors. The cost of the material is dependent upon the metal grade selected, tube OD, tube wall thickness, standard or special sizes, welded or seamless tube and order size. The fabrication costs are dependent upon order size (set up costs), other fabrication processes required and tolerances required. Given all of these variables, the best way to price a twisted tube is one application at a time. We would be happy to assist with this process.
Contact ABI directly at 918.446.1638 or email your inquiry to Kim Barron at kbarron@abi-us.com and we’d be happy to assist with developing a quote specific to your requirements.
Inquiry Phase - Conversations between the customer and ABI determine if the application is one where the ABI product will be helpful. The customer will furnish the information and requirements for their application by completing an "Engineering and Quote Request" form.
Design Phase - ABI designs a unit to meet the requirements of the customer. They will then provide a quote describing this design with costs in prototype and production quantities. The first design approval comes from the Customer.
Sample Phase - If the design and costs are satisfactory with the customer, ABI will fabricate sample(s) as ordered by the customer.
Test Phase - The customer will test the ABI unit in one of their pieces of equipment. The testing is done in this 'real-life' condition rather than in an ABI lab, for there are parameters in an actual unit that will not be duplicated in the lab. If the unit does not meet all of the requirements, ABI can, with the test results, 'calibrate' their computer models to produce a design that will work. Any second generation samples are at no cost.
HEAT EXCHANGE ENGINEERING - ABI will take the specifications that are provided by the customer that describes his application, and design a part (tube, coil, etc…). We will then provide the customer with a description/drawing of the part and a quote of that part in both prototype and production quantities. There may be variations in design and/or quantity for the customer to choose from. The material selection and design approval are with the customer. MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING - During both the development and production phases of a part, the manufacturing engineers at ABI will work to conceive and recommend process and part changes that will be of benefit to the customer. These changes may be part design changes, process changes that remove operation (eliminating labor) or process changes that automate operations (exchanging labor dollars with fewer equipment dollars).
Absolutely. ABI offers full service metal fabrication, stamping and machine shop capabilities along with twisted tube technology. ABI utilizes stamping presses ranging from 22.5 tons to 700 tons, lasers, plasmas, punches, rolls, brakes, as well as CNC mills and lathes, sandblasting and paint capability. ABI also specializes in weldments, with certified welders fabricating carbon, aluminum, or stainless steel structures.