Air Blast Coolers and Heaters | BLOCKFIN®

Mechanically Finned for Unrivalled Strength and Superior Heat Transfer

An image of a fin to tube heat heaxchanger manufactured by SA Heat exchange, used to cool or heat air

Finned Tube Heat Exchangers for Effective & Efficient Air Cooling or Heating

Air blast heat exchangers are designed to heat or cool the air that is blown over the finned area. The medium running through the tubes is used to either heat or cool the air as required. Finned tube heat exchangers are commonly referred to as "air to air heat exchangers" or "air to liquid heat exchangers" due to the nature of the heat transfer, although the type of gases, liquids, and applications are diverse.

certified, heavy duty aluminium finning

We use certified, heavy-duty aluminium finning for our finned tube heat exchangers. This results in sturdy, durable finned cores that do not bend easily. There is no maximum limit on the finned tube wall thickness. Finned tube materials can be any copper alloys, stainless-steels, or carbon steels.

THE MOST ROBUST FIN TO TUBE ASSEMBLY AVAILABLE

BLOCKFIN is the SA Heat Exchange method of fin to tube heat exchanger assembly. The bond is mechanical, enabling us to use a range of fin and tube materials that most other fin tube manufacturers cannot. This type of assembly is much more robust and therefore perfect for industrial applications requiring reliable air heating and air cooling, especially in African conditions.

BLOCKFIN Air Blast Heat Exchanger Benefits

What makes our air blast heat exchangers superior:

Sturdy & durable finned core

For long lasting heat exchangers in demanding industries

Superior Heat Transfer

The larger surface area of a BLOCKFIN can achieve up to 70% higher heat transfer efficiency

no internal tube distortion

Mechanical fin to tube joint process with no internal compromise

Clogging / Fouling Resistant

Flat hard fins are less likely to give rise to clogging / fouling

Best environmental option

Most environmentally friendly fin-tube assembly on the market

high pressure cleaning Safe

Cleaning Safe: Perfectly viable to high pressure cleaning and washing

no further bonding required

Tube to fin does NOT require any further bonding like solder to improve the joint bond

made for african conditions

Tried and tested for African conditions

18 Month Warranty

Blockfin comes with an 18-month warranty

BLOCKFIN (FINNED TUBE) APPLICATIONS:

Fin to tube heat exchanger applications that we specialize in:

- Steam/air Heaters

- Air Driers

- Compressor Coolers

- Thermal Oil Air Heating

- Gas Air Heating

- Gas Cooling

- Air Cooling

- Water Cooling

- Landfill Gas Cooling

- Oil Cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Air Blast Heat Exchanger?

An air blast heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat between air and a fluid medium by directing air over a finned surface connected to tubes carrying the fluid. Also known as finned tube, air to air or air to liquid heat exchangers, these systems are versatile and used across industries such as food processing, paper & pulp, automotive, mining, power generation, and chemical processing. Featuring robust construction, especially with mechanically finned tubes like BLOCKFIN, they ensure reliable thermal management in industrial environments. These devices optimize heat exchange surface areas to deliver high efficiency, making them essential for maintaining optimal operational conditions in demanding settings.

What types of applications are suited to finned tube heat exchangers?

Finned tube heat exchangers are highly versatile and find extensive application across diverse industries. They are ideal for steam/air heaters, air driers, compressor coolers, gas heating / cooling, air cooling, water cooling and oil cooling applications. Whether it's efficiently heating air with steam, cooling gases in industrial processes, or maintaining optimal temperatures in thermal oil systems, finned tube heat exchangers like BLOCKFIN excel due to their robust design and superior heat transfer capabilities. They play a critical role in enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining precise thermal control across a wide range of industrial and commercial settings.

What materials are fin to tube heat exchangers made from?

Finned tube heat exchangers are fabricated from a variety of durable materials based on their operational requirements. Common materials used on BLOCKFIN heat exchangers include copper, valued for its exceptional heat conductivity; aluminium, renowned for its lightweight and resistance to corrosion; stainless steel, providing high durability and protection against corrosion and oxidation; admiralty brass, offering good thermal conductivity and resistance to seawater corrosion; and carbon steel, prized for its ability to handle high temperatures and pressures. Each material is carefully chosen, considering a multitude of design factors, to guarantee that the finned tube heat exchanger achieves optimal performance.

What is the lifespan of a fin to tube heat exchanger?

The lifespan of a fin to tube heat exchanger varies widely depending on operational conditions and maintenance practices. Typically, the lifespan of an air blast heat exchanger can range anywhere from 3 to 20 years. It’s crucial to adhere to manufacturer guidelines and select appropriate materials for the specific application to maximise longevity. BLOCKFIN heat exchangers are known for their durable, mechanically finned cores, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to other air blast heat exchangers. However, factors such as exposure to dirty water, steam, corrosive environments, or mechanical stress can significantly shorten the lifespan of a heat exchanger.

What maintenance is required for Blockfin Heat exchangers?

Maintenance requirements for BLOCKFIN heat exchangers vary based on the application, materials of construction, and working conditions. However, adhering to a maintenance schedule is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Regular fin cleaning is essential to prevent fouling and blockages, ensuring sufficient airflow through the heat exchanger. High-pressure washing of fins with hot water effectively removes stubborn dirt and debris. Regular visual inspections and occasional hydrotests are necessary to monitor the heat exchanger’s condition. Proper onsite process implementation and monitoring are vital, as mechanical stress (hammering) can cause excess vibrations leading to cracks or leaks. Using clean water and steam helps prevent corrosion, additionally it is important to drain the heat exchanger correctly when not in use to avoid corrosive condensate build up in the tubes. Properly sized steam traps and vacuum breakers should be fitted as needed, and expansion bellows can be considered for higher temperatures and pressures. Clients should always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines provided in the BLOCKFIN data pack. SA Heat Exchange offers a full service and repair division to support maintenance and extend the lifespan of your BLOCKFIN air heat exchanger.