5052 Aluminum Drawn Seamless Tube for Desalination Systems
We supply 5052 aluminum drawn seamless tubes for seawater desalination equipment, surface condensers, evaporators and industrial heat exchangers.
Our main product is 5052-H34 cold-drawn seamless aluminum tube, manufactured with controlled chemical composition, accurate outside diameter, uniform wall thickness and a clean internal and external surface.
These tubes are designed for applications involving seawater, concentrated seawater, brine and steam, including Low-Temperature Multi-Effect Distillation systems, commonly abbreviated as LT-MED.
Custom outside diameters, wall thicknesses, lengths and dimensional tolerances can be manufactured according to equipment drawings, project specifications and inspection requirements.
5052 Aluminum Tube Supply Range
| Product Parameter | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Alloy | Aluminum Alloy 5052 |
| Main temper | 5052-H34 |
| Other tempers | O, H112 and other specified tempers, subject to product form and governing standard |
| Product form | Cold-drawn seamless round tube |
| Alternative product form | Seamless extruded tube or pipe |
| Main application | Desalination evaporators, surface condensers and heat exchangers |
| Applicable standards | ASTM B234/B234M, ASTM B210/B210M and ASTM B241/B241M |
| Outside diameter | Custom-made according to drawings or purchase specifications |
| Wall thickness | Custom-made according to pressure, heat-transfer and equipment requirements |
| Length | Fixed length, random length or cut-to-length |
| Surface condition | Mill finish, degreased, cleaned or otherwise specified |
| Inspection documents | EN 10204 3.1 certificate, dimensional report, test report and certificate of conformity |
| Additional testing | Leak testing, expansion testing, eddy-current testing and corrosion testing when specified |
What Is 5052 Aluminum Alloy?
5052 is a non-heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium alloy containing approximately 2.2% to 2.8% magnesium and 0.15% to 0.35% chromium within its registered chemical composition limits.
The alloy combines moderate strength, formability, weldability and resistance to many atmospheric and industrial environments. These characteristics make it suitable for tubing, fabricated equipment, marine components and selected heat-transfer applications.
The Aluminum Association registers 5052 as a wrought aluminum alloy with aluminum as the remainder and magnesium as its principal alloying element. (aluminum.org)
Why Use 5052 Aluminum Tube in Desalination Equipment?
Desalination systems require tube materials that can operate under a combination of:
- Saline working media
- Elevated chloride concentrations
- Steam exposure
- Vacuum operating conditions
- Repeated thermal cycles
- Tube expansion during equipment assembly
- Long-term heat-transfer service
For the specified LT-MED application, 5052-H34 drawn seamless tube provides a practical combination of dimensional accuracy, tube-forming performance, surface quality and corrosion behavior.
The desalination system designer must confirm the final alloy, temper, wall thickness and allowable working conditions.
5052-H34 Aluminum Tube for LT-MED Systems
LT-MED means Low-Temperature Multi-Effect Distillation. It is a thermal desalination process in which seawater passes through multiple effects operating at progressively reduced pressures and temperatures.
In this application, 5052-H34 aluminum tubes may be installed in:
- Evaporative condensers
- Surface condensers
- Evaporator tube bundles
- Heat-recovery sections
- Steam-condensing sections
- Feedwater preheaters
- Brine-handling equipment
The tube design must account for vacuum conditions, thermal expansion, tube-sheet expansion, corrosion allowance and the expected chemical composition of the process medium.
Project-Specific Tube Dimensions
The following dimensions are available for the specified desalination project:
| No. | Outside Diameter | OD Tolerance | Wall Thickness | WT Tolerance | Length | Length Tolerance | Maximum Wall Thickness Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 mm | ±0.05 mm | 1.25 mm | ±0.08 mm | 4,080 mm | ±3 mm | ≤0.12 mm |
| 2 | 24 mm | ±0.05 mm | 1.25 mm | ±0.08 mm | 6,080 mm | ±3 mm | ≤0.12 mm |
| 3 | 18 mm | ±0.05 mm | 1.25 mm | ±0.08 mm | 4,440 mm | ±3 mm | ≤0.12 mm |
| 4 | 18 mm | ±0.05 mm | 2.00 mm | ±0.10 mm | 4,440 mm | ±3 mm | ≤0.15 mm |
The final inspection drawing should define whether the last requirement refers to:
- Wall-thickness variation
- Wall eccentricity
- Maximum and minimum wall difference
- Another project-specific dimensional characteristic
All dimensional requirements should be confirmed before production.
Typical Working Conditions
| Operating Parameter | Specified Condition |
|---|---|
| Maximum operating temperature | 75°C |
| Operating pressure | Vacuum service |
| Maximum vacuum condition | Down to approximately −0.1 MPa(g), subject to equipment design |
| Working media | Seawater, concentrated seawater, brine and steam |
| Specified saline medium | Approximately 7% saline solution, subject to confirmation of measurement basis |
| Primary equipment | Evaporative condenser in an LT-MED desalination system |
The specified 7% concentration should be clearly defined in the purchase specification as one of the following:
- Percentage by mass
- Total dissolved solids
- Sodium chloride equivalent
- Chloride-ion concentration
- Another agreed analytical basis
This information is important because corrosion performance cannot be evaluated accurately from the word “seawater” alone.
Technical Features
Cold-Drawn Seamless Construction
The tube is manufactured by drawing seamless extruded tube stock through controlled dies and tooling.
Cold drawing can improve:
- Outside-diameter accuracy
- Wall-thickness control
- Surface finish
- Roundness
- Straightness
- Dimensional consistency
- Tube-bundle assembly performance
ASTM B234 covers drawn seamless aluminum-alloy round tubes for surface condensers, evaporators and heat exchangers. The standard specifies production from seamless extruded tube stock and includes tension, leak and expansion testing. (ASTM Store)
Controlled Chemical Composition
The chemical composition is controlled according to the applicable material standard and approved purchase specification.
Special attention can be given to the control of:
- Silicon
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Chromium
- Other residual elements
Any chemical-composition limits stricter than the governing material standard must be explicitly stated in the purchase order.
Chemical Composition of Aluminum Alloy 5052
The following table presents the registered chemical-composition limits for Aluminum Alloy 5052:
| Element | Composition Limit, Weight % |
|---|---|
| Silicon, Si | 0.25 max. |
| Iron, Fe | 0.40 max. |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 max. |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.10 max. |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.20–2.80 |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.15–0.35 |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.10 max. |
| Other elements, each | 0.05 max. |
| Other elements, total | 0.15 max. |
| Aluminum, Al | Remainder |
These limits are based on the registered alloy designation published by The Aluminum Association. Final acceptance must follow the governing ASTM standard and the contractually specified edition. (aluminum.org)
5052-H34 and 5052-H112 Aluminum Tubes
The required temper must be selected according to the product form, manufacturing process and equipment design.
| Temper | Typical Product Form | Recommended Page Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| 5052-H34 | Cold-drawn seamless tube | Main product for specified desalination condenser and evaporator applications |
| 5052-O | Annealed tube | Used where greater forming or expansion capability is required |
| 5052-H112 | Seamless extruded tube or pipe | Available for applicable extruded product forms and standards |
| Other H tempers | Drawn or fabricated tube | Available subject to material standard, size and mechanical requirements |
5052-H34 and 5052-H112 should not be treated as interchangeable descriptions.
The final temper must be confirmed against:
- Manufacturing route
- Required mechanical properties
- Tube expansion procedure
- Dimensional tolerances
- Applicable ASTM standard
- Design pressure and vacuum
- Operating temperature
- Corrosion evaluation
Applicable ASTM Standards
ASTM B234/B234M
ASTM B234/B234M covers drawn seamless aluminum-alloy round tubes for:
- Surface condensers
- Evaporators
- Heat exchangers
This is the most directly relevant ASTM specification for the specified LT-MED evaporator and condenser tube application.
The standard covers tubes of specified tensile properties and requires applicable tension, leak and expansion tests.
ASTM B210/B210M
ASTM B210/B210M covers aluminum and aluminum-alloy drawn seamless tubes in straight lengths and coils for general-purpose and pressure applications.
The tubes are produced by drawing seamless extruded tube stock manufactured by a die-and-mandrel process.
ASTM B241/B241M
ASTM B241/B241M covers aluminum and aluminum-alloy seamless pipe and seamless extruded round tube intended for pressure applications.
This specification is relevant when the required product form is seamless extruded tube or seamless pipe rather than cold-drawn heat-exchanger tube.
ASTM B483/B483M
ASTM B483/B483M covers drawn aluminum-alloy tube and pipe for general-purpose and climate-control applications.
For seamless condenser, evaporator and heat-exchanger tubes, ASTM itself directs users to ASTM B234/B234M. For drawn seamless general-purpose and pressure tubes, ASTM B210/B210M is the more relevant reference. (ASTM Store)
Standard Selection Guide
| Product Requirement | Recommended Standard |
|---|---|
| Drawn seamless tube for condenser, evaporator or heat exchanger | ASTM B234/B234M |
| Drawn seamless tube for general or pressure service | ASTM B210/B210M |
| Seamless extruded tube or seamless pipe for pressure service | ASTM B241/B241M |
| General-purpose drawn tube or pipe | ASTM B483/B483M |
| Custom project tube | Applicable ASTM standard plus customer drawing and project specification |
The applicable standard must be selected according to the actual product form and service requirement. Standards should not be listed only for marketing purposes when they do not apply to the supplied tube.
Quality Inspection and Testing
Chemical Composition Analysis
Mechanical Testing
Dimensional Inspection
Material Traceability
Traceability can be maintained from the raw material to the final packed tube.
Available identification records may include:
- Alloy designation
- Temper
- Heat number
- Production batch
- Tube dimensions
- Applicable standard
- Purchase-order number
- Item number
- Inspection status
Where individual tube marking is not practical, traceability can be maintained through tagged bundles, packing lists and inspection certificates.
Available Certification
The following documentation can be supplied when specified:
- EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate
Typical Applications
5052 aluminum tubes can be considered for:
- LT-MED desalination evaporators
- Desalination surface condensers
- Seawater heat exchangers
- Steam condensers
- Brine preheaters
- Marine cooling systems
- Fuel and oil tubing
- Process-fluid tubing
- Refrigeration equipment
- Industrial heat-transfer equipment
- Chemical-processing equipment
- Marine auxiliary systems
Final suitability must be confirmed for the specific fluid composition, operating temperature, pressure, vacuum, velocity and equipment design.
5052 Aluminum Tube Compared with 5083 Aluminum Tube
| Property | 5052 Aluminum | 5083 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Main alloying system | Aluminum-magnesium | Higher-magnesium aluminum alloy |
| Relative strength | Moderate | Generally higher |
| Formability | Commonly selected where forming performance is important | More dependent on temper and product form |
| Typical page application | Drawn tube, fabricated components and selected heat-transfer equipment | Higher-strength marine structures, plate, piping and fabricated equipment |
| Direct substitution | Not automatic | Not automatic |
| Selection basis | Tube production, forming, corrosion conditions and equipment specification | Higher mechanical requirements, welding design and equipment specification |
5083 should not be presented as a direct replacement for 5052 in every tube application.
The two alloys differ in:
- Chemical composition
- Mechanical properties
- Available product forms
- Temper availability
- Tube-manufacturing behavior
- Welding characteristics
- Applicable material standards
Any substitution must be approved by the equipment designer.
Other Available Aluminum Tube Alloys
In addition to 5052, aluminum tubes may be available in the following alloys, subject to the applicable product standard and manufacturing feasibility:
| Alloy Series | Available Grades | General Product Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| 1xxx series | 1050, 1100 | High-aluminum-content tubes for selected general and heat-transfer applications |
| 3xxx series | 3003, 3103 | Aluminum-manganese alloy tubes for general and heat-transfer applications |
| 5xxx series | 5049, 5052, 5086 | Aluminum-magnesium tubes for selected marine and industrial environments |
| 6xxx series | 6061, 6063, 6082 | Heat-treatable extruded tubes for structural and engineering applications |
Each alloy must be quoted separately because its available tempers, mechanical properties, manufacturing routes and governing standards may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5052 aluminum suitable for seawater?
5052 aluminum can be considered for selected seawater, marine and desalination applications, but suitability cannot be determined from the alloy designation alone.
The evaluation must consider:
- Seawater chemistry
- Chloride concentration
- Temperature
- Flow velocity
- Dissolved oxygen
- Galvanic contact
- Cleaning procedures
- Deposit formation
- Equipment design
For critical desalination equipment, material selection should be confirmed by the system designer and supported by relevant corrosion experience or agreed testing.
Why is 5052-H34 used for desalination tubes?
5052-H34 can provide a useful combination of strength, dimensional stability, formability and tube-manufacturing performance.
Cold drawing also allows tight control of outside diameter, wall thickness, roundness and surface condition, which is important for tube bundles and tube-sheet expansion.
Which ASTM standard applies to 5052 condenser tubes?
ASTM B234/B234M is the most directly relevant standard for drawn seamless aluminum-alloy tubes used in surface condensers, evaporators and heat exchangers.
ASTM B210/B210M may apply to drawn seamless tubes for general-purpose and pressure applications, while ASTM B241/B241M applies to seamless pipe and seamless extruded tube for pressure service. (ASTM Store)
What is the difference between ASTM B210 and ASTM B234?
ASTM B210/B210M covers drawn seamless aluminum tubes for general-purpose and pressure applications. ASTM B234/B234M specifically covers drawn seamless round tubes for surface condensers, evaporators and heat exchangers.
For an LT-MED evaporator or condenser, ASTM B234/B234M is normally the more application-specific reference. (ASTM Store)
What is the difference between 5052-H34 and 5052-H112?
H34 and H112 are different material tempers and should not be treated as interchangeable.
5052-H34 can be supplied as a drawn tube where permitted by the applicable standard. H112 is more commonly associated with applicable as-manufactured extruded product forms.
The final temper must match the manufacturing route, mechanical requirements and equipment design.
Is 5051 aluminum the same as 5052 aluminum?
No. Aluminum 5051 and Aluminum 5052 are separate registered alloys with different chemical-composition limits.
5051 contains approximately 1.7% to 2.2% magnesium, while 5052 contains approximately 2.2% to 2.8% magnesium. The names must not be used interchangeably on material certificates, purchase orders or product pages. (aluminum.org)
Can 5052 aluminum tubes operate under vacuum?
5052 tubes can be designed for vacuum equipment, but the allowable dimensions must be verified by engineering calculation.
External-pressure or vacuum resistance depends on:
- Outside diameter
- Wall thickness
- Unsupported length
- Tube-sheet spacing
- Material properties
- Temperature
- Manufacturing tolerances
- Equipment design code
The value −0.1 MPa(g) represents a near-full-vacuum condition and should be treated as a vacuum-design requirement rather than a positive maximum pressure.
Can seawater corrosion testing be provided?
Yes. Customer-specific seawater, brine or saline-solution corrosion testing can be arranged.
The test request must define:
- Fluid composition
- Salinity
- Chloride content
- pH
- Temperature
- Exposure time
- Static or flowing condition
- Acceptance criteria
A test report is meaningful only when these conditions are clearly documented.
Can 5052 aluminum tubes be supplied with EN 10204 3.1 certification?
Yes. EN 10204 3.1 inspection certification can be supplied when required at the quotation and ordering stage.
Additional documents can include chemical analysis, tensile testing, dimensional inspection, leak testing, expansion testing, eddy-current testing and corrosion testing.
Request a Quotation for 5052 Aluminum Tubes
Send us your tube schedule, equipment drawing or material specification for quotation.
Please include:
- Alloy and temper
- Applicable ASTM standard
- Outside diameter
- Wall thickness
- Fixed length
- Dimensional tolerances
- Quantity
- Operating temperature
- Operating pressure or vacuum
- Working-medium composition
- Inspection requirements
- Certification requirements
- Packing requirements
- Required delivery schedule
We supply 5052-H34 cold-drawn seamless aluminum tubes for LT-MED desalination evaporators, condensers and heat exchangers, with custom dimensions, controlled tolerances, project-specific inspection and complete material documentation.
