Tailored technical decision-making manuals for global buyers 

Ⅰ.From production lines to application scenarios: 5-minute speed reading of key differences

Contrast dimension	BA tube	EP tube
Core technology	Hydrogen protected continuous annealing	Electrochemical anodic dissolution + micro-etching
Surface roughness Ra	0.05~0.25μm	≤0.01μm
Improved corrosion resistance	Increase by 20-30%	Increase by 300-500%
Typical application	Semiconductor equipment/precision bearings	Biopharmaceutical/ultra-high purity fluid systems

  

Ⅱ.Anatomy of a Process: The Technological Revolution Hidden in Metallic Luster

1. BA Tube - Hydrogen-protected “Time Coagulation”

• Process flow: cold rolling → degreasing → hydrogen protection annealing (1050-1150 ℃) → rapid cooling

• Key control point:

Hydrogen purity ≥99.999% (to prevent oxidation discoloration)

Annealing speed 2-5m/min (precise control of grain size)

 

2. EP tubes - “molecular facelift” with millimeter precision control

• Process: alkali washing → acid activation → electrolytic polishing (voltage 12-18V) → passivation treatment

•  Recipe:

Electrolyte: 65% phosphoric acid + 15% sulfuric acid + 20% glycerin (temperature 50±2℃)

Current density: 30-50A/dm² (precise elimination of microscopic bumps)

 

Ⅲ.Surface Wars: A Nanoscale Performance Showdown

1. Micro-morphology

• BA tubes: continuous wavy texture (Figure A), similar to the touch of silk.

• EP tubes: formed honeycomb nanopits (Figure B), surface area reduced by up to 40%.

 

2. Comparison of real-world performance

Test project	BA tube	EP tube	Winner
salt spray test	480h no red rust	2000h No corrosion	EP
Bacterial attachment rate	8.7×10⊃3; CFU/cm²	＜50 CFU/cm²	EP
Liquid residue	0.32μL/cm²	0.07μL/cm²	EP
Scratch resistance	5N load no visible scratches	3N load appears microtrace	EP

 

Ⅳ.Global Sourcing Map: The “Golden Rule of Choice” for Different Industries

 

1. BA tube three kingpin battlefield

• Semiconductor industry: Tokyo Electron (TEL) requires wafer transfer tubes must be BA processing

• Automobile manufacturing: Tesla 4680 battery shell special BA tube (roughness Ra ≤ 0.1μm)

• High-end home appliances: Germany Miller kitchen hood internal circulation system using BA processing

• Successful cases:

Supply DN200 BA pipe for Saudi Arabia NEOM Smart City water supply project, stable operation for 18 months under 45℃ high temperature + high chlorine environment.

 

2. Areas where EP tubes are irreplaceable

• Biopharmaceuticals: Compliance with FDA 21 CFR 211.65 Cleanliness Requirements

• Food Processing: Standard choice for Royal Friesland's dairy CIP system.

• Ultra-high purity gases: TSMC's 5nm chip shop's special gas transportation piping

 

Ⅴ.Ultimate Purchasing Decision Making Skills: Making Choices Easy

               --Is exposure to corrosive media required?  

                                             ├─ YES → choose EP tube（anti-corrosion up↑500%）  

                                             └─ NO → Are there budgetary constraints？  

                                                                                                    ├─ YES → choose BA tube（cost down↓40%）  

                                                                                                    └─ NO → Whether ultra-low surface residue is required？  

                                                                                                                                                                ├─YES → choose EP tube（remaining quantity down ↓78%）  

                                                                                                                                                                └─ NO→ choose BA tube（The best cost performance）