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When you want to count on radiant tubes that offer a consistent heat transfer, count on Alloy Engineering. Our fabricated tubes have a low mass that enhances heat transfer for maximum efficiency while reducing energy and operating expenses.
Radiant Tube Features
- Made from ductile, high-nickel, low carbon alloys with a controlled, tight grain structure, our radiant heat tubes outperform the tubes they replace to give you a longer life, increased production and reduced maintenance, and energy costs.
- Alloy Engineering specializes in radiant tubes for all types of furnace equipment.
- Support all furnace OEM tube designs
- Thin and lightweight tubes resist sagging and cracking and have a high resistance to thermal fatigue
- Thermally efficient tubes provide energy savings
- Wall thickness 11 gauge to 3/8”
- Stainless steel or nickel alloys selected for maximum results
Fabricated Wrought Tube Types Include:
- ‘P’ Tubes
- Straight tubes
- W-tubes
- U-tubes
- Recuperator tube bundles
- Bungs, mounting flanges and insulation
Wrought vs. Cast Radiant Heat Tubes
Most OEM furnaces ship with cast radiant tubes. While cast alloys are functional at installation, they become increasingly brittle over thermal cycles which makes them prone to cracking, distortion, and carbon pickup that shortens service life. Alloy Engineering manufactures wrought radiant heat tubes as the replacement standard, and the performance difference is measurable:
| Property | Cast Tubes | Alloy Engineering Wrought Tubes |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal fatigue resistance | Moderate — coarse grain structure | High — tight grain, low carbon alloys |
| Weight | Heavier — slower heat-up | Lightweight — faster cycle times, energy savings |
| Ductility | Brittle after cycling | Ductile — resists cracking and distortion |
| Service life | Typically 1–2 years | 2.5 to 5+ years under proper controls |
| OEM compatibility | OEM-specific design | Fabricated to match all furnace OEM designs |
The wrought fabrication process also allows Alloy Engineering to match any OEM tube geometry. We do not require the original tube for reference. Supply your furnace make, model, and operating temperature, and our engineers will specify the right alloy and design.
Choosing the Right Radiant Tube Configuration
Alloy Engineering fabricates all common wrought radiant tube configurations. The guide below matches tube geometry to furnace application:
- ‘P’ Tubes: Single-pass configuration used in slot furnaces and direct-fired radiant tube burner systems. Common in galvanizing lines and continuous annealing furnaces.
- U-Tubes: Two-pass design with both ends at the same face of the furnace. Preferred in batch heat treat furnaces where single-end access is required.
- W-Tubes: Double U configuration providing longer radiant path in a compact footprint. Used in high-temperature batch furnaces where maximum BTU output per opening is required.
- Straight Tubes: Simple pass-through configuration for slot furnaces. Commonly used in low-mass, high-throughput atmosphere furnaces.
- Recuperator Tube Bundles: Integrated heat recovery assemblies that capture exhaust gas energy and preheat combustion air. Reduces fuel consumption 15–30% depending on operating temperature.
Alloy Selection for Radiant Heat Tubes
The right alloy for your radiant tube depends on operating temperature, furnace atmosphere, and cycle frequency. Alloy Engineering selects from a full range of stainless and high-nickel alloys:
| Alloy Grade | Max Temp | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| 309 / 310 Stainless | Up to ~2000°F | General purpose annealing and tempering; cost-effective for moderate temperature cycling |
| RA330 (330) | Up to ~2100°F | Excellent for atmosphere furnaces; high oxidation and carburization resistance |
| Alloy 600 | Up to ~2200°F | Hydrogen atmosphere furnaces, bright annealing; superior oxidation resistance |
| 601 / RA602CA | Up to ~2300°F | Extreme temperatures and cyclic oxidation; long service life in demanding applications |
| HR120 / HR230 | 2200°F+ | Best-in-class for high-cycle, high-temperature applications requiring maximum tube life |
Request a Radiant Heat Tube Quote
Alloy Engineering fabricates wrought radiant heat tube replacements for all major furnace makes and models, with typical lead times competitive with cast alternatives and service life that significantly outperforms them. We fabricate P, U, W, and straight tube configurations in wall thicknesses from 11 gauge to 3/8”.
To request a quote, contact us with your furnace make and model, tube type and dimensions, alloy grade if known, and your required quantity. Our engineers will respond with a recommendation and competitive pricing.
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