ASTM/ASME A/SA-333 Seamless Steel Tubes For Low-temperature Service
Low temperature service seamless steel tubes are application for low-temperature pressure container piping by the main standard GB/T18984-2003, ASTM/ASME A/SA333 with steel grade 16MnDG, 10MnDG, A333 Gr.1, Gr.3, Gr.6
GB/T18984-2003 standard suitable for -49 to -148 degrees F cryogenic pressure vessel piping, and low-temperature heat exchanger tubes seamless steel pipe.
ASTM/ASME A/SA-333 Grades allow for cold temperature service to minus 150 degrees F. Material is always provided in the normalized condition at a minimum and Charpy Impact tested to a specific temperature range to assure compliance with the required service temperature.
Available Sizes:
- O.D.: from 3/4 to 20 inch
- W.T.: 0.102 to 4inch (2.6 to 100 mm)
- Length: max 16000mm
Manufacturing Types
The standards includes manufacturing types in welding (ERW) and seamless. Material covers carbon and alloy steels.
How many grades that included in ASTM A333 specificatoin?
There are total 9 grades in this standard, Grade 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and Grade 11.
There are differences on chemical composition and mechanical properties as following table:
A333 pipe Chemical Composition
Yield Strength and Tensile Strength
Dimensions and Sizes Schedule
The pipe complied to Nominal Dimension standard ASME B36.10M. (NPS or outside diameter and schedule number of average thicknes)
Meanwhile, some pipe sizes may not be available under the ASTM A333 standard, as heavier wall thickness have an harmful on impact properties. In case client have special requirements shall follow the supplementary specification in ASTM A333.
Related Standard for Producing ASTM A333
Referred ASTM Documents:
a. ASTM A370 The test plan for the definitions for the mechanical strength test of the steel products
b. ASTM A999/ A999M The specification for the general requirements of stainless and alloy steel pipe
c. ASTM A671 The specification for ERW EFW steel pipe for lower temperature and atmospheric applications
d. E23 The test plan for notched bar impact testing for the iron and steel materials
e. E165 Practice for liquid penetrant examination for industry
f. E709 Guide for magnetic practice testing
Differences Between Each Grade
As we know ASTM A333/A333M pipe could be manufactured in seamless or welded, so in which cases to use seamless type and when to use welded type?
In case of ASTM A333 Grade 4 steel pipe, it shall be made by the seamless process.
If welding process in EFW or ERW with filler metal added, and fabricated of pressure vessel quality plates.
ASTM A333 Pipe Heat Treatment Options
All the seamless and welded steel pipe, except ASTM A333 Grade 8 and Grade 11, shall be treated to control the microstructure in one option as follows,
1. Normalized in a uniform temperature not less than 815℃ [1500℉], and cool in air or in the cooling chamber of an atmosphere controlled furnace, or after this heat treatment then heating to a suitable temperature to do the termpering.
2. Besides above heat treatment option, and with manufacturers will, reheat material to a suitable tempering temperature.
3. In case the seamless steel pipe in the ASTM A333, reheat and control hot working and the temperature of the hot finishing operation to a finishing temperature range from 845 to 945℃ [1550 to 1750℉], and cool in air or in a controlled atmosphere furance from an initial temperature more than 845℃ [1550℉]. For the ASTM A333 seamless steel pipe in Grade 1, Grade 6, and Grade 10 could be heat treated from a uniform temperature more than 815℃ [1500℉], then quenching in liquid and reaheat to a suitable tempering temperature, this type of heat treatment could replace the above plan also provided the ASTM A333 4.3.1. For the ASTM A333/ A333M Grade 8 and Grade 11, heating treatment shall be complied the standard specification.
For the ASTM A333 Grade 1, Grade 6 and Grade 10 steel pipe, and it is not allowed to add the chemical element not specified in the specification, but it is allowed to add the element for the deoxidation of steel.
Marking:
- Pipes are supplied with marking according to standard and customer request.
- Marking is paint on the ends of pipes.
- The same data, as well as additional information per customer’s request, is indicated on the bundle’s tags.
Delivery:
- Pipes are supplied in hexagonal bundles or round bundles tied with steel strip.
- Weight of bundle – up to 5000 kg upon request of customer.
- Each bundle is furnished with three tags.
