Studded Tubes

These are metal tubes with studs welded on the OD throughout the length in a specific pattern, and used in fired heaters in refineries and also in water tube boilers.

• High density crude oil is passed through studded tubes which are heated from outside. Liquefied product comes out from the other end, which now can be used for further processing.
• At times, navy boilers also require studded tubes, with oval shaped studs welded on them. These are used for heating water in water tube boilers.

 Advantages of Studded Tubes

• To increase the surface area of the tube and to protect tube surface from direct exposure to heat / corrosive environment
• Studding reduces the amount of bare pipes used in these processes. Heat transfer surface of one studded pipe is equivalent to surface of 4 to 10 bare pipes.
• Use of studded tubes is ideal for processes / applications, where dirty fuels are used in harsh environments