Protecting Thermal Performance While Stopping Corrosion

When internal corrosion threatens heat exchanger tubes, full-length alloy tube liners offer a reliable, in-situ repair solution that restores integrity and extends service life without sacrificing thermal performance. Curran International installs hydraulically expanded alloy liners—creating a tube-in-tube barrier that stops ID corrosion and protects the original “as-built” tube bundle.

Versatile Alloy Options

Liners are available in C276, Alloy 825, stainless steel, and CuNi, providing targeted corrosion resistance based on process conditions. Once installed, the tubes remain in service with minimal impact on operating parameters.

Targeted Repairs Based on Inspection Data

Tube liners are often deployed where corrosion is localized to certain sections of a bundle. Installation can be based on non-destructive examination (NDE) findings, allowing for precise, cost-effective restoration instead of full retubing.

Key Advantages Over Retubing:

  • Minimal disruption – Installed in the field with little deviation from turnaround schedules
  • No full bundle removal – Avoids threading new tubes through baffles and obstacles
  • Rapid deployment – Suitable as a planned repair or contingency for “discovery” corrosion

Minimal Impact on Flow and Heat Transfer

Typical liner wall thickness ranges from .028” to .035”, with thinner walls minimizing reduction in tube ID and preserving head pressure. Complete hydraulic expansion is achieved at 6,500–7,500 PSI, ensuring a secure mechanical fit.

Ends are roller-expanded to seal the liner-to-tube interface, creating a long-term barrier against further corrosion.

Integrated, Single-Contractor Service

Curran provides a turnkey service for alloy tube liner installation:

  1. Tube ID cleaning – Dry grit blasting removes all contaminants and corrosion for a clean substrate.
  2. Baseline inspection – Performed before liner installation to document tube condition.
  3. Liner sizing and preparation – Standard sizes available; non-standard sizes available with lead time.
  4. Hydraulic installation – Field execution with controlled expansion and mechanical sealing.

Note: Once an alloy liner is installed, the original tube ID is no longer accessible for NDE inspection—making initial cleaning and inspection critical.

Planned and Contingency Repair Options

Curran maintains some liners in stock for rapid response, but due to sizing variations, planning ahead ensures the right materials are available when needed. This makes tube liners ideal both for scheduled corrosion mitigation and as a standby contingency in turnaround planning.

Restore exchanger performance and stop corrosion in its tracks.

For a budget cost or turnkey installation plan—including tube ID cleaning, hydraulic installation, and materials—contact Curran International.

📩 Edward Curran – ecurran@curranintl.com

📞 281.339.9993