STEAM COILS

Contents and Nomenclature Distributing coil types

Nomenclature..................................................................... 1 Steam distributing, jet tube, coils are excellent for any general
Distributing Coil Types purpose heating applications. With the superior freeze resistance
JA and GA.................................................................... 1 provided by the tube-within-a-tube construction, they are ideal for
DA and LA.................................................................... 1 low temperatures, preheating, and process applications. Although
RA and TA.................................................................... 2 the steam distributing design is more resistant to freezing, it is
Non-Distributing Coil Types not freeze proof. No manufacturer can accurately claim to have a
SA and HA, SB and HB................................................. 2 freeze proof coil. Figures 1, 3 and 5 feature distributional orificed
SS and SH................................................................... 2 inner tubes. Figures 1 and 3 feature a unique elliptical supply
Steam Construction header located inside the heavy-duty return header, and a circuit-
Connections................................................................. 3 ing arrangement which provides for supply and return connections
Headers....................................................................... 3 at the same or opposite end of the coil. The distributional orifices
Casing......................................................................... 4 properly meter steam along the entire tube length to assure a
Tubing......................................................................... 4 consistent temperature rise across the full coil face and accelerate
Fins............................................................................. 5 condensate removal, providing a more uniform air temperature rise
Engineering than the non-distributing design.
Core Tube Considerations............................................... 5
General Formulas.......................................................... 6
Model Types - JA and GA (Figure 1), offer same end supply and
Properties of Saturated Steam, BTU/LB........................... 6
return connections. When made as same end connected, the
Options
header appears as a single large header, but is actually two head-
Thermostatic Air Vent & Vacuum Breaker......................... 6
ers in one. Steam is fed from one direction while the condensate
travels in the opposite direction. The JA coil is built with copper
tubing for low pressure applications. The GA coils utilize cupron-
Nomenclature ickel, admiralty brass, carbon steel or stainless steel tubing for
5 SA 12 01 C 24.00 x 144.00 high pressure construction. Both the JA and GA come standard
pitched in the casing, for horizontal or vertical airflow.
5 = Tube O.D. C = Fin Design
SA = Coil Type 24.00 = Fin Height (in)
Figure 1 - JA, GA Steam Distribution
12 = Fins Per Inch 144.00 = Finned Length (in)
01 = Rows Deep

Tube Outside Diameter

5 = 0.625” or 8 = 1”

Coil Type
5JA, 8JA: Distributing tube, same end conn JA, GA
5GA, 8GA: Distributing tube, same end conn (high pressure)
5DA, 8DA: Distributing tube, dual supply, opp end conn
5LA, 8LA: Distributing tube, dual supply, opp end conn Figure 2 - JA, GA Dimension Info
(high pressure)
5RA, 8RA: Distributing tube, opp end conn
5TA, 8TA: Distributing tube, opp end conn (high pressure)
5SA, 8SA: Single tube, opp end conn
5HA, 8HA: Single tube, opp end conn (high pressure)
5SB: Single tube, opp end conn, 3” center-to-center
5HB: Single tube, opp end conn, 3” center-to-center
(high pressure)
5SS: Single tube, same end conn
5SH: Single tube, same end conn (high pressure) *Recommend considering DA, LA construction if finned length is > 72”

Fins Per Inch - 4 to 24

Rows - 1 to 12 (Consult factory for rows > 12) Model Types - DA and LA (Figure 3) offer the same end return and
supply connection with an additional supply connection at the
opposite end. The steam is fed through both ends and the con-
Fin Design
densate is removed from one end. The DA coil is built with copper
A - flat (Al, Cu) F - flat (SS, CS)
tubing for low pressure applications. The LA coils utilize cupron-
B - corrugated (Al, Cu) G - corrugated (SS, CS)
ickel, admiralty brass, carbon steel or stainless steel tubing for
C - sine wave (Al, Cu) H - sine wave (SS, CS, Al, Cu)
high pressure construction. Both the DA and LA come standard
Fin Height - minimum of 6 inches to a max of ??? pitched in the casing, for horizontal or vertical airflow.
Finned Length - minimum of 6 inches to a max of ???

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Distributing coil types Non-Distributing coil types
Figure 3 - DA, LA Steam Distribution Non-distributing steam coils are specifically designed for eco-
nomical general purpose heating. Featuring high quality and high
capacity, they are an ideal choice for all regular steam applica-
tions - heating, reheating, booster, and process use. The sectional
diagrams illustrate the steam circuiting of this single tube design.
A perforated plate type steam baffle directly behind the supply
connection assures even steam pressure across the entire header
DA, LA length. Inlet tube orifices meter a uniform flow of steam into each
tube. This coil type is not recommended for entering air tempera-
Figure 4 - DA, LA Dimension Info tures below freezing.

Model Types SA, HA, SB, and HB (Figure 7) are designed for
general purpose heating. The construction features a single tube
design with opposite end supply and return connections. A
perforated baffle located directly behind the supply connection
insures proper steam distribution. Models SA and SB (SB built
on 3” centers) are constructed of copper tubing for low pressure
construction. Model HA and HB (HB built on 3” centers) utilize
cupronickel, admiralty brass, carbon steel or stainless steel tubing
for high pressure construction.
Model Types - RA and TA (Figure 5) offer opposite end connec-
tions. Steam is fed from one end while condensate is removed Figure 7 - SA, HA, SB, HB Steam Distribution
from the opposite end. The RA coil is built with copper tubing for
low pressure applications. The TA coils utilize cupronickel, admi-
ralty brass, carbon steel or stainless steel tubing for high pressure
construction. Both the RA and TA come standard pitched in the
casing, for horizontal or vertical airflow. *Not available for vertical
coil installation.
SA, HA SB, HB

Figure 5 - RA, TA Steam Distribution

Figure 8 - SA, HA, SB, HB Dimension Info

RA, TA

Figure 6 - RA, TA Dimension Info

Model Types SS and SH (Figure 9) utilizes return bend con-

struction and are not pitched in the casing. These coils must
be installed level. Model Type SS and SH features return bend
construction and same end connections. Model SS is constructed
of copper tubing for low pressure construction. Model Type SH
utilizes cupronickel, admiralty brass, carbon steel, and stainless
steel tubing for high pressure construction.

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Non-Distributing coil types Steam construction
Figure 9 - SS, SH Steam Distribution Offset Return Connections
This option is used when the steam coil is to be installed with
vertical air flow. The return connection is lowered on the horizon-
tally installed header to help coil drainage and avoid a trough of
condensate remaining in the header. Orientation of the supply
and return connection is required to offset return in the correct
direction.

SS, SH Offset Tubes

This is another method to help condensate removal in vertical air
Figure 10 - SS, SH Dimension Info flow installations. The tubes are offset in the casing, providing
the needed slope to drain condensate. The orientation of supply
and return connections is required to offset tubes in the correct
direction.

Figure 11 - Offset Return

Note: This design is not recommended for new installations, direct replacement only.

Steam construction Left Right

CONNECTIONS HEADERS
Connections are constructed of carbon steel, red brass or stainless Headers shall be constructed from UNS C12200 seamless copper
steel material (see Table 1). All connections will be male pipe conforming to ASTM B-75 and ASTM B-251 for standard pressure
thread (MPT), unless specified differently. It is common practice, applications. High pressure construction incorporates seamless
but not a necessary construction feature, for return connection 90/10 Cupronickel Alloy C70600 per ASTM B-251 and B-111.
sizes to be smaller than supply connection sizes. In order to aid Stainless steel will be constructed of 304L & 316L (ASTM
in condensate removal and help avoid flooding the coil, the return A-312) Sch-5 or Sch-10. Carbon steel shall be constructed of
connection should be the same size as the supply connection. Sch-10 or Sch-40 per (ASTM A-53/A, A-106 or A-135). Steam
In general, if the return connection is reduced, it should not be coils will be equipped with factory-installed 0.50 inch FPT cou-
reduced more than one pipe size below the supply connection. pling to facilitate air vent connection placed at the highest point
Coil connections are centered on the coil depth for even steam available on face of the return header. Tube-to-header holes are
distribution on opposite end standard steam coils. Same end to be intruded inward such that the landed surface area is three
standard steam coils have connections an equal distance from the times the core tube thickness to provide enhanced header to tube
entering and leaving air edge of the coil. Dimensions are based joint integrity. All core tubes shall evenly extend within the inside
on connection sizes and casing style. Standard steam and steam diameter of the header no more than 0.12 inch. End caps shall
distributing coils supply connections can be located vertically for be die-formed and installed on the inside diameter of the header
ease of installation. Return connections for both coil types must such that the landed surface area is three times the header wall
be located low enough to assure proper drainage and are thus thickness.
limited in location.

Table 1 - Material Options

BRAZED COPPER TUBES-TO-COPPER HEADER JOINT
Material
Seamless copper tubes are brazed into heavy gauge seamless
Copper Sweat UNS # 12200, ASTM B-75, with a H55 Temper drawn copper headers. This combination of similar metals elimi-
nates unequal thermal expansion and greatly reduces stress in the
Stainless Steel 304L or 316L ASTM A312 Sch 40 or Sch 80
tube-header joint. Intruded tube holes in the header allow an extra
Carbon Steel A53A Sch 40 large mating surface for increased strength and durability. (See
Cupronickel UNS# C70600, 90/10, ASTM B-111 Figure 12)
Admiralty Brass UNS # C444000, ASTM B-111, Type B

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Steam construction
Figure 12 - Cu Tubes to Cu Header Joint Figure 13 - Case Styles (continued)

Table 3 - Case Material

Steam Baffles (see page 2 SA, HA, SB and HB)
Gauge
Supply header baffle disperses entering steam. Prevents blow- Material
16 14 12
through or short circuiting and ensures steam distribution to all
coil tubes. Galvanized Steel, ASTM A-924 and A-653 X X *X

Copper ASTM B-152 X X X

COIL CASE Aluminum Alloy-3003, Embossed Finish Alloy-5052,
X X X
Casings and end plates shall be made from 16 gauge galvanized Mill Finish (0.125 only)
steel unless otherwise noted. Double-flanged casings on top and Stainless Steel 304L (or) 316L, 2B-Finish, ASTM
X *X *X
bottom of finned height are to be provided, when possible, to allow A-240
slacking of the coils. All sheet metal brakes shall be bent to 90 *Top and Bottom Plates Only
degrees +/- 2 degrees unless specified otherwise. Coils shall be
constructed with intermediate tube support sheets fabricated from
a heavy gauge sheets stock of the same material as the case, when Tube Supports
possible. All steam coils are built with tube ferrules at every inter- Tube supports will be constructed of the same material as the
mediate tube support and on both header plates. Unless otherwise case, when possible and provided according to the following
requested, all steam coils manufactured by Modine shall be case- chart.
pitched 0.125” per foot of in length. The bottom flange height
will be adjusted to accommodate the slope. It is recommended the Table 4 - Tube Supports
coils exceeding 72” finned length have dual supply. Finned Length (FL) <48 > 48 < 96 > 96 < 144 > 144

Free Floating Core Tube Supports 0 1 2 4

Steam casings are designed to let the core float free to provide for
thermal expansion without creating stress and wear on the tubes.
Since the core is not supported by the tubes there is no resultant TUBING
tube wear. Tubing and return bends shall be constructed from seamless
copper for standard pressure applications.
Pitched Casings High pressure construction consists of
Pitched casings are specially designed to provide the proper pitch cupronickel, admiralty brass, stainless
for positive condensate removal. Factory supplied pitched casings steel or carbon steel tubing. Copper tube
can save the extra installation time and expense required to pro- temper shall be lightly annealed with a
vide for proper condensate removal on the job. Supply and return maximum grain size of 0.040 mm and
connections are properly sized for each coil to assure adequate a maximum hardness of Rockwell 65 on
steam distribution and proper condensate removal. See Figure 13 the 15T scale. Tubes will be mechanically expanded to form an
for optional case styles. interference fit with the fin collars. Tubes shall have a nominal
thickness of 0.020 inch unless otherwise specified. See Table
Figure 13 - Case Styles 5 for size and material availability. See Tables 5 and 6 for more
information.
Table 5 - Material
Material
Copper UNS #C12200, ASTM B-75, B-68, B-251
Cupronickel UNS #C70600, 90/10, ASTM B-111
Admiralty Brass UNS #44400, ASTM B-111, Type-B
Stainless Steel 304L (or) 316L, ASTM A-249
Carbon Steel W&D ASTM 214

5
Steam construction Engineering
Table 6 - Tubing Information CORE TUBE CONSIDERATIONS
Tube Table 9 is to be used as a guideline only. If within 10 psi of next
Tubing Type Connections Tube O.D. wall thickness, consider the next heavier tube wall to extend coil
Thickness
Carbon Steel, 0.023, life. Below recommendations are based on field experience.
Copper 1.000
Red Brass 0.035, 0.049
Table 9 - Core Tube Considerations
Carbon Steel,
Cupronickel 1.000 0.035, 0.049 Steam (psig) Tube Thick. (in.) & Matl
Red Brass
> 2 & < 20 0.020 Copper
Red Brass Red Brass 0.625 0.049
> 20 & < 50 0.025 Copper
Stainless Stainless > 50 & < 75 0.035 Copper
1.000 0.035, 0.049
Steel Steel
> 75 & < 100 0.049 Copper
Carbon Steel Carbon Steel 1.000 0.035, 0.049 > 100 & < 150* 0.020 Cupronickel
> 150 & < 200* 0.035 Cupronickel
> 200 & < ** 0.049 Cupronickel
FINS
Coils shall be built of plate fin type construction providing uniform * 0.049 Admiralty brass is an option for the pressures noted
** Consult factory for applications over 200 psig
support for all coil tubes. Coils are manufactured with die-formed
aluminum, copper, cupronickel, stainless steel or carbon steel fins
with self-spacing collars which completely cover the entire tube MAXIMUM OPERATING TEMPERATURE FOR TUBE MATERIAL
surface, providing metal-to-metal contact. The fin thickness will Based on average temperature across coil (entering air + leaving
be 0.0075 +/- 5% unless otherwise specified. Fins are fabricated air ÷ 2)
to accommodate 0.625 inch tubes 1.50 inch equilaterally spaced,
for one row coils and 1.50 x 1.299, for two row coils. 1.0 inch di- Table 10 - Tube Temperature
ameter tube coils have tube holes with 3.0 inch tube face spacing.
Fins are self-space die-formed fins 4 through 14 fins/inch with a Tube Material Max Temp. (°F)
tolerance of +/- 4%.
CU (Copper) 350
Table 7 - Fin Material
CuNi (Cupronickel) 450
Fin Thickness (in.)
Material
0.0060 0.0075 0.0095 0.0160 Admiralty Brass 450
Aluminum Alloy-1100 X X X X
Copper Alloy-110 X X X X Note: All considerations are based on typical systems and con-
Cupronickel 90/10 Alloy-706 X ditions of service. A specialty steam consultant or distributor
Stainless Steel 302-2B X X should be contacted for specific recommendations on a particular
Carbon Steel ASTM A109-83 X X application.

Table 8 - Fin Size

Tube Fin Fin Thickness (in.)

Fin FPI Fin
OD Pattern
Mtl (in.) Style 0.0060 0.0075 0.0095 0.0160
(in.) (in.)
A, B X X
4-7
1.50 x AL, C X
1.299 CU A, B X X X X
0.625 8-14
C X X X
1.50 x SS, 4-5 F, G, X
1.50 CS 6-14 H X X
AL,
4-14 X
3.00 x CU
1.000 B
2.125 SS, 4-5 X
CS 6-14 X

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Engineering Options
GENERAL FORMULAS THERMOSTATIC AIR VENT AND VACUUM BREAKER
BTUH Thermostatic Air Vent
BTUH = 1.08 x SCFM x Temp. Rise The thermostatic air vent allows the system to purge itself of
Where 1.08 = Specific heat of air x Min./Hr. x Density Std. Air non-condensables. As non-condensables gather at the high point
Specific heat = 0.24 at 70°F in the system, the vent’s thermostatic
Min./hr. = 60 mechanism becomes “insulated” by the
Density Std. Air = 0.075 Lbs./cu. ft. non-condensables and begins to cool
and relaxes to its open position. The
TEMPERATURE RISE (TR) vent opens allowing the gases to escape
TR = BTUH ÷ (1.08 x SCFM) and be replaced by the higher temper-
ature steam. The vent closes as steam
LEAVING AIR TEMPERATURE replaces the escaped gases and begins
Lvg Air Temp. = Ent. Air Temp. + Temp. Rise the process of heating or expanding the
mechanism back to it’s closed position.
FACE AREA The vent remains closed until the lower
FA = (Fin Height x Finned Length) ÷ 144 temperature non-condensables again replace the higher tempera-
ture steam.
FACE VELOCITY (FPM)
FPM = SCFM ÷ Face Area (sq. ft.) Thermostatic air vents are available for coils for steam pressure
up to 125 psig. For coils with operating pressure above 125 psig 
POUNDS CONDENSATE and < 300 psig the factory should be consulted for lead-time.
Lbs Cond./HR. = BTUH ÷ Latent Heat of Steam
Vacuum Breaker
The vacuum breaker allows the coil to purge itself of an internal
vacuum, typically caused by a modulating control valve. When the
PROPERTIES OF SATURATED STEAM control valve throttles back, the steam
Table 11 - Steam Properties pressure due to reduced load demand,
Pressure Latent Heat it inherently creates a vacuum in the
Temp (°F) coil as the existing steam inside the
(psig) (btu/lb)
coil begins to condense. If left to it’s
2 218.64 966.20
own design, condensing steam, which
5 227.33 960.40 is allowed to pull a vacuum, can cause
10 239.59 952.50 catastrophic damage to any coil or pres-
surized vessel. The presence of vacuum
15 249.83 945.60
conditions activates the vacuum breaker
20 258.91 939.40 and allows air to enter the coil thus
25 266.92 933.90 breaking the vacuum, and allowing condensate to flow freely from
30 274.11 928.80 the coil.
40 286.84 919.60 *Both assemblies supplied with piping components shown
50 297.73 911.70
60 307.48 904.40
ASSEMBLY
70 316.01 897.90
Figure 14 - Vacuum Breaker Assembly
80 324.08 891.60
90 331.29 886.00
100 337.95 880.50
125 352.89 868.20
150 365.92 856.90
175 377.43 846.80
200 387.93 837.20

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Modine Grenada LLC
Tel: 800-225-4328
Fax: 662-229-4212
Grenada, MS
Email: coils@modine.com