About

Since 2008, we have sourced, imported and supplied a variety of tubing products, complete Heat Exchangers, Finned Tube, U-Bend Tube, Plate Heat Exchangers, Tube Sheets, heat exchanger cleaning chemicals, and a variety of semi-finished products in Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals.

Our engagement with our customers and the end users on this level, has driven us to become the only Heat Exchanger tubing supplier in South Africa that offers:

• Manufacturing specification reviews to accommodate the application,
• Failure Analysis and Material Selection comparison per application,
• ROI proposals for utilising SEA-CURE® Tubing in Power plant condensers and Balance of Plant (BoP) heat exchangers over other tube materials,
• A thorough understanding of the Tube manufacturing specifications, production procedures and how this affects the performance and longevity of the tube in a specific application,
• Quick manufacturing times and for standard tubing items an ex-stock (overseas) availability.

30 years of experience in the International Trade, manufacturing and logistics industries, coupled with our dynamic approach and unwavering business ethic, offers our customers peace of mind when solutions concerning performance, quality and reliability are paramount.

 “Quality means, doing it right when no one is looking” – Henry Ford

 Stainless Steel 316 U-Bend re-Tube project (2021), for use in Severe and Sour Service (H2S) Shell and Tube Heat exchangers. All tube manufacturers previously involved were unable to meet the clients rigid EB-0062 testing specifications, which for certain requirements, is more stringent than those required in Nuclear application. After intense consultation with the client and end user, Plymouth Tube Co USA Inc. produced the required tubes with consistent quality, to the client’s required specification and within the stipulated production time.

Refurbishment project (2008 – 2012). The was an exciting one, Universal Metals was tasked with sourcing and auditing the production procedures of the required producers of all tubing materials required for the project, and ensure that stringent QCP’s, ITP’s and PMI programs were rigidly adhered to throughout the project. ASME SA213 Grade 304, C44300 and C70600 main steam condenser and BoP heat exchanger tube, within spec, priced right and on time for the duration of the 4 year project.

Eskom Kriel Power Station main steam condenser re-tubing project (2012). SEA-CURE® High performance condenser Tube emerged through the Eskom tender process as the best tube material for the application. Expertly installed by GEA Nilenca in Main Steam condensers No5 and 6.

The supply of AX-30 PHE plates and Gaskets. This challenging project involved intense market research and negotiation with the OEM producer, who had lost a significant share of the PHE market in South Africa due to grey imports and cheaper pricing in the last 30 years. Eskom Lethabo power station now enjoys all the benefits of OEM equipment at a market related price.

Mondi Richard’s Bay paper mill, power plant main steam condenser re-tube with C44300 brass tube (2016). As time was of the essence for this project and the contract was awarded over the Christmas period, Universal Metal delivered the required tubes for this project in a record 6 weeks from date of order placement to CIP Durban Port and onwards to Richard’s Bay.

Hidro-electrica de Cahorra Bassa, SA (2014) – full re-tube project of all Oil Coolers. The project was conducted on-site, located in Songo, Tete Province, Mozambique, provided us with significant transport and logistics challenges due to the conditions of the Road and terrain. The tubes were stil delivered on Schedule and our client completed the project on time and in budget.

 All Main Steam condensers re-tubed with C44300 tubes to the client and Sasol’s rigid manufacturing requirements, on time and well within budget.