Heat exchanger tubes are used in heat exchangers to transfer heat between two fluids without mixing them. They are commonly found in industries like power plants, chemical processing, HVAC systems, and marine applications. These tubes help improve energy efficiency by recovering heat from one medium and transferring it to another.

Heat exchanger tubes are made from materials like stainless steel, copper alloys, titanium, carbon steel, and nickel alloys. The choice of material depends on factors such as corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, and mechanical strength. For example, titanium is preferred for seawater applications due to its high corrosion resistance.

Fouling occurs when deposits like scale, rust, or biological growth accumulate inside the tubes, reducing heat transfer efficiency. Regular cleaning, using anti-fouling coatings, and employing water treatment methods can help prevent fouling. Some industries use mechanical cleaning methods like brushes and chemical descaling solutions.

Heat exchanger tubes come in different configurations, such as straight tubes, U-tubes, and finned tubes. Straight tubes are common in shell-and-tube heat exchangers, while U-tubes allow for thermal expansion without excessive stress. Finned tubes improve heat transfer efficiency by increasing the surface area for heat exchange.