Product Description
SA179/SA192/A210 Seamless Carbon Steel Tube
| Category |
SA179 |
SA192 |
A210 |
| Standard |
ASTM A179 (ASME SA179) |
ASTM A192 (ASME SA192) |
ASTM A210 (ASME SA210) |
| Material Type |
Low-Carbon Steel |
Low-Carbon Steel |
Medium-Carbon Steel |
| Key Composition |
C ≤ 0.27%, Mn 0.29-1.06% |
C ≤ 0.30%, Mn 0.29-1.06% |
Gr A-1: C ≤ 0.27%, Mn 0.93% max;
Gr C: C ≤ 0.35%, Mn 0.93% max |
| Tensile Strength |
≥325 MPa (47,000 psi) |
≥325 MPa (47,000 psi) |
Gr A-1: ≥415 MPa (60,000 psi);
Gr C: ≥485 MPa (70,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength |
≥180 MPa (26,000 psi) |
≥180 MPa (26,000 psi) |
Gr A-1: ≥255 MPa (37,000 psi);
Gr C: ≥275 MPa (40,000 psi) |
| Manufacturing |
Cold Drawn Seamless |
Cold Drawn Seamless |
Hot-Finished or Cold-Drawn |
| Primary Use |
Heat Exchangers, Condensers |
High-Pressure Boilers |
High-Temperature Service (Boilers, Superheaters) |
| Size Range (OD) |
1/4" - 3" (6.35 - 76.2 mm) |
1/2" - 7" (12.7 - 177.8 mm) |
1/2" - 6" (12.7 - 152.4 mm) |
| Wall Thickness |
Schedules 40, 80, and custom |
Schedules 40, 80, and custom |
Schedules 40, 80, 160, and custom |
| Testing |
Hydrostatic Test, Nondestructive Testing (NDT) |
Hydrostatic Test, NDT |
Hydrostatic Test, NDT |
1. Product Overview
The SA179/SA192/A210 seamless carbon steel tubes are essential products in the field of engineering and construction. These tubes are manufactured to meet specific American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, ensuring high - quality and reliable performance in various applications.
1.1 Standard Specifications
- SA179: This standard is mainly for seamless cold - drawn low - carbon steel heat - exchanger and condenser tubes. It focuses on tubes used in heat - transfer applications where corrosion resistance and heat - transfer efficiency are crucial. The chemical composition of the steel in SA179 tubes is carefully controlled to optimize these properties. For example, the carbon content is typically low, usually around 0.10 - 0.20%, which helps in reducing the risk of corrosion and embrittlement during heat - transfer operations.
- SA192: These seamless carbon steel tubes are designed for high - pressure and high - temperature service boilers and superheaters. They need to withstand extreme operating conditions, so the material is required to have excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. The manufacturing process for SA192 tubes often involves strict quality control measures, such as precise control of the rolling and annealing processes to ensure the desired microstructure and mechanical properties.
- SA210: SA210 seamless carbon steel tubes are used in boiler and superheater tubing. They have a relatively high - strength level compared to some other carbon - steel tube standards. The standard specifies requirements for both the chemical composition and mechanical properties, with a focus on ensuring the tube can withstand the internal pressure and thermal stress in boiler applications.
2. Material Properties
2.1 Chemical Composition
- Carbon (C): As mentioned above, the carbon content in these tubes varies depending on the standard. Generally, a lower carbon content (as in SA179) improves the formability and corrosion resistance, while a slightly higher carbon content (in SA210) can enhance the strength. For SA192 tubes used in high - temperature applications, the carbon content is balanced to provide both strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
- Manganese (Mn): Manganese is added to improve the hardenability and strength of the steel. In SA179/SA192/A210 tubes, the manganese content is typically in the range of 0.30 - 0.60%. It also helps in deoxidizing the steel during the manufacturing process, reducing the presence of harmful oxygen - related inclusions.
- Silicon (Si): Silicon is another important alloying element. It improves the strength and hardness of the steel and also contributes to its oxidation resistance at high temperatures. In these seamless carbon - steel tubes, the silicon content is usually around 0.10 - 0.30%, with SA192 tubes often having a slightly higher silicon content to enhance their performance in high - temperature boiler applications.
- Phosphorus (P) and Sulfur (S): These are considered impurities in steel. The ASTM standards for SA179/SA192/A210 tubes specify strict limits on phosphorus and sulfur content, usually less than 0.035% for each. High levels of phosphorus and sulfur can reduce the ductility and toughness of the steel, and in the case of sulfur, it can also lead to hot - shortness during processing.
2.2 Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of SA179 tubes is typically in the range of 310 - 415 MPa. For SA192 tubes, which are designed for more demanding applications, the tensile strength is higher, around 415 - 585 MPa. SA210 tubes have an even higher tensile strength, usually starting from 485 MPa. These values ensure that the tubes can withstand the internal pressure and mechanical loads in their respective applications, such as in heat exchangers (SA179), boilers (SA192), and high - pressure boiler tubing (SA210).
- Yield Strength: The yield strength of SA179 tubes is generally around 170 MPa. SA192 tubes have a yield strength in the range of 205 - 275 MPa, and SA210 tubes can have a yield strength as high as 310 MPa. The yield strength is crucial as it determines the stress level at which the tube starts to deform plastically, and in applications where pressure vessels are involved, a sufficient yield strength is necessary to prevent premature failure.
- Elongation: Elongation is a measure of the ductility of the steel. SA179 tubes typically have an elongation of around 30%. SA192 tubes may have an elongation of 25 - 30%, and SA210 tubes around 20 - 25%. Good elongation properties are important as they allow the tubes to undergo some plastic deformation without fracturing, which is beneficial during installation and in case of any unforeseen mechanical stresses.
3. Manufacturing Process
3.1 Tube - Making Process
- Hot - Rolling: The production of SA179/SA192/A210 seamless carbon - steel tubes often starts with hot - rolling. A billet of appropriate carbon - steel composition is heated to a high temperature, typically above 1000°C, and then passed through a series of rolling mills. During hot - rolling, the billet is gradually reduced in diameter and increased in length to form a hollow tube. This process helps in refining the grain structure of the steel, improving its mechanical properties.
- Cold - Drawing (for SA179): For SA179 tubes, after hot - rolling, a cold - drawing process is usually employed. Cold - drawing involves pulling the hot - rolled tube through a die to further reduce its diameter and wall thickness. This process improves the surface finish of the tube and also increases its strength and dimensional accuracy. The cold - drawing process can also enhance the corrosion resistance of the tube due to the work - hardening effect on the surface layer.
- Heat Treatment: Heat treatment is an essential step for all three types of tubes. SA192 and SA210 tubes, in particular, require heat treatment to achieve the desired mechanical properties for high - temperature applications. Annealing is commonly used, where the tubes are heated to a specific temperature (usually around 850 - 950°C for carbon - steel tubes) and then slowly cooled. This process relieves internal stresses, refines the grain structure, and improves the ductility and toughness of the steel. Normalizing may also be carried out for some applications, where the tubes are heated to a higher temperature and then cooled in air to obtain a more uniform microstructure and improved mechanical properties.
3.2 Quality Control
- Non - Destructive Testing (NDT): During and after the manufacturing process, various non - destructive testing methods are used to ensure the quality of the tubes. Ultrasonic testing is commonly employed to detect internal flaws such as cracks, voids, or inclusions. Eddy - current testing is used to check for surface and near - surface defects, especially in tubes like SA179 where surface quality is important for heat - transfer applications. X - ray inspection can also be used to examine the internal structure of the tube and detect any hidden defects.
- Dimensional Inspection: Precise dimensional inspection is carried out to ensure that the tubes meet the ASTM standard requirements. The outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness of the tubes are measured at multiple points along the length of the tube. Any deviation from the specified tolerances can affect the performance of the tube in its intended application. For example, in a heat exchanger, incorrect tube diameters can lead to improper fit and reduced heat - transfer efficiency.
4. Applications
4.1 Heat Exchangers (SA179)
SA179 seamless carbon - steel tubes are widely used in heat - exchanger applications. In power plants, they are used in condensers to transfer heat from the steam to the cooling water. Their excellent heat - transfer properties and corrosion resistance make them suitable for this application. In industrial processes, such as in chemical plants, SA179 tubes are used in heat exchangers for heating or cooling various process fluids. The low - carbon content of the steel helps in preventing corrosion when in contact with different types of fluids, ensuring a long service life of the heat exchanger.
4.2 Boilers and Superheaters (SA192 and SA210)
- SA192: SA192 tubes are extensively used in high - pressure and high - temperature boilers and superheaters. In power - generation boilers, these tubes are part of the boiler tubes that carry the hot water and steam. They need to withstand high internal pressure and elevated temperatures, often up to 540°C or higher. The mechanical properties of SA192 tubes, such as high tensile strength and good creep resistance at high temperatures, make them suitable for these critical applications.
- SA210: SA210 tubes are also used in boiler and superheater applications. They are often used in areas where a higher strength level is required compared to SA192 tubes. For example, in some industrial boilers with more demanding operating conditions, SA210 tubes can provide the necessary strength to withstand the internal pressure and thermal stress, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the boiler.
5. Market and Competitiveness
5.1 Market Demand
The demand for SA179/SA192/A210 seamless carbon - steel tubes is driven by various industries. The power - generation industry, both in traditional fossil - fuel - fired power plants and in some renewable energy applications (such as concentrated solar power plants which use boilers), has a significant demand for these tubes. The industrial sector, including chemical plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities, also requires these tubes for heat - exchanger and boiler applications. As the global economy continues to grow and industrialization progresses, especially in emerging economies, the demand for these seamless carbon - steel tubes is expected to increase steadily.
5.2 Competitiveness
- Quality - based Competition: Manufacturers in the market for SA179/SA192/A210 seamless carbon - steel tubes compete based on the quality of their products. Those who can consistently produce tubes that meet or exceed the ASTM standards, with excellent mechanical properties, high - quality surface finish, and reliable dimensional accuracy, have a competitive edge. Advanced manufacturing technologies and strict quality - control systems are key factors in achieving high - quality products.
- Cost - effectiveness: Cost is also an important factor in the competitiveness of these products. Manufacturers that can optimize their production processes, reduce raw - material waste, and achieve economies of scale can offer more competitive prices. Additionally, the ability to source raw materials at a lower cost without sacrificing quality can also enhance a company's competitiveness in the market.
In conclusion, SA179/SA192/A210 seamless carbon - steel tubes are versatile and important products in the engineering and construction industries. Their unique material properties, manufacturing processes, and wide range of applications make them a crucial component in many industrial and power - generation systems. Understanding these aspects is essential for both manufacturers and end - users to ensure the proper selection and use of these tubes in different applications.
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