Industry procurement solution · Reviewed 10 August 2026
Metals for Heat Exchangers
Heat-exchanger metal selection is governed by both sides of the exchanger: fluid chemistry, chlorides, pressure, temperature, velocity, fouling, crevices, thermal cycling and fabrication. Selecting tube or plate by grade name alone can create a hidden failure point.
Answer first
There is no single metal specification for an entire project
Divide the project into systems, document each service environment and governing code, then select compatible materials, product standards, fabrication routes, protection systems and inspection plans.
Differential temperatures, pressure boundaries and thermal expansion
Cooling water, process fluids, deposits, chlorides and cleaning chemicals
Vibration, erosion, crevices and mixed-metal interfaces
System map
Material and product selection by project system
| System | Selection drivers and alternatives | Reviewed starting points |
|---|---|---|
| Tubes and tubular bundles |
| Stainless pipe316L |
| Shells, channels and plates |
| Carbon steel plateStainless sheet |
| Supports and external corrosion control |
| Galvanized coilStainless sheet |
| Inspection and documentation |
| Stainless pipeCarbon steel plate |
Project control
Standards, certification and documents
- Process data sheet for both fluids, pressure, temperature and fouling duty
- Equipment drawings, code basis, material class and corrosion review
- Tube/plate specifications, welding and examination procedures
- Certificates, PMI, pressure test and final inspection dossier
Fabrication and logistics
Package interfaces to control
- Fabrication drawings, welding, heat treatment, coating and repair procedures
- Inspection hold points, testing methods, acceptance criteria and document approval
- Identification through cutting and assembly, preservation, packing and consolidated shipping
- Destination rules, site storage, installation interfaces and delivery sequence
Risk register
Common procurement risks
Selecting only from one fluid side
Ignoring deposits, crevices, velocity or cleaning chemistry
Ordering tube without tube-sheet and weld compatibility
Confusing corrosion allowance with erosion or fouling allowance
Comparable offers
Structured RFQ checklist
Project location, governing code, service environment and design life
System duty, material/product standard, grade and delivery condition
Dimensions, tolerances, quantity, fabrication and welding requirements
Inspection plan, test documents, marking, traceability and delivery destination
Packing, preservation, shipping terms and required delivery date
Evidence
Sources and review
Project engineering documents and current governing standards supersede this general selection map.
Project sourcing from China
Build a traceable Heat exchangers supply package
Share the design basis, system list, specifications, quantities, inspection plan, destination and delivery schedule.