Product Description
ASTM A214M/ASME SA214 Welded Carbon Steel Pipe
| Category |
Details |
| Standard |
ASTM A214M (Metric) / ASME SA214 (Imperial) - Equivalent standards for welded carbon steel pipes. |
| Material Type |
Resistance Welded (ERW) Carbon Steel - Designed for heat exchangers and condenser applications. |
| Chemical Composition |
- Carbon (C): ≤0.18%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.27-0.63%
- Phosphorus (P): ≤0.035%
- Sulfur (S): ≤0.035% |
| Mechanical Properties |
- Tensile Strength: ≥325 MPa (47,000 psi)
- Yield Strength: ≥180 MPa (26,000 psi)
- Elongation (%): ≥35% (50 mm gauge length) |
| Manufacturing Process |
- Resistance Electric Welding (ERW)
- Optional heat treatment (annealing or stress-relieving) post-welding to enhance ductility. |
| Testing Requirements |
- Hydrostatic Test: Mandatory, at specified pressures.
- Nondestructive Testing (NDT): Optional, depending on application requirements. |
| Dimensional Standards |
- Covers nominal pipe sizes (NPS) from 1/8" to 5" (metric equivalents).
- Wall thickness per ASME B36.10M specifications. |
| Surface Finish |
Smooth, uniform surface with minimal weld seam protrusion. |
| Heat Treatment |
- Typically supplied in as-welded condition.
- Annealing may be applied to improve corrosion resistance and formability. |
| Key Applications |
- Heat exchangers (shell and tube)
- Condensers
- Low-pressure boiler tubes
- General-purpose fluid transport. |
| Advantages |
- Cost-effective compared to seamless pipes.
- Suitable for moderate-temperature and low-pressure environments.
- Consistent weld quality. |
| Limitations |
- Not recommended for high-pressure or high-temperature services beyond standard limits. |
Comparison with Similar Standards
| Standard |
ASTM A214M/SA214 |
ASTM A179 (Seamless) |
ASTM A192 (Seamless) |
| Process |
ERW Welded |
Seamless, cold-drawn |
Seamless, hot-finished |
| Carbon Content |
≤0.18% |
≤0.18% |
≤0.18% |
| Applications |
Heat exchangers, condensers |
High-efficiency heat exchangers |
High-pressure boilers |
| Pressure Rating |
Moderate |
High (due to seamless integrity) |
Very high |
1. Standard Compliance
1.1 ASTM A214M
ASTM A214M is a standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials. This standard specifically focuses on welded carbon - steel heat - exchanger and condenser tubes. The "M" in the standard designation indicates that it uses metric units, which is convenient for international applications where metric measurements are preferred. It sets clear requirements for the dimensions, tolerances, mechanical properties, and chemical composition of the welded carbon - steel pipes. For instance, it specifies the allowable variations in the outer diameter and wall thickness of the pipes to ensure proper fit and performance in heat - exchanger and condenser applications.
1.2 ASME SA214
ASME SA214 is equivalent to ASTM A214M, issued by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ASME standards are widely recognized and adhered to in the mechanical engineering and related industries. The similarity between the two standards means that pipes meeting ASTM A214M also generally meet ASME SA214 requirements. ASME SA214 further emphasizes the quality and safety aspects of the pipes in mechanical applications, especially those related to pressure - containing systems in heat - transfer equipment.
2. Material Composition
2.1 Carbon Steel
The pipes are made of carbon steel, which mainly consists of iron and carbon. The carbon content in these pipes typically ranges from a relatively low level, around 0.10% to 0.25%. This low - carbon content provides good formability and weldability, which are crucial for the manufacturing process of welded pipes. Low - carbon steel is also cost - effective while still offering sufficient strength for heat - exchanger and condenser applications. Carbon in the steel forms carbide structures, which contribute to the material's strength. However, compared to higher - carbon steels, the relatively low carbon content in these pipes results in a balance that favors easy processing and resistance to corrosion in some environments.
2.2 Alloying Elements
In addition to carbon, small amounts of other alloying elements may be present. Manganese is often added in amounts up to about 0.90%. Manganese improves the hardenability of the steel and acts as a deoxidizer during the manufacturing process. It also enhances the strength and toughness of the steel, making the pipes more resistant to mechanical stresses during operation. Silicon may be present in trace amounts, usually up to around 0.35%, which can improve the steel's strength and oxidation resistance. The levels of elements like sulfur and phosphorus are strictly controlled. High sulfur content can lead to embrittlement of the steel, especially during welding, and phosphorus can reduce the ductility. Therefore, their maximum allowable levels are typically set at 0.040% or lower to ensure the quality and performance of the welded pipes.
3. Manufacturing Process
3.1 Welding Process
These pipes are manufactured through a welding process. There are several common welding methods used, such as electric resistance welding (ERW) and submerged arc welding (SAW). In the ERW process, an electric current is passed through the edges of the steel strip as it is formed into a tube shape. The heat generated by the resistance to the electric current melts the edges, and they are then pressed together to form a weld. This method is relatively fast and suitable for producing pipes with smaller diameters and thinner wall thicknesses. Submerged arc welding, on the other hand, uses an arc between a consumable electrode and the workpiece. The arc is submerged in a blanket of granular flux, which protects the weld area from oxidation and provides additional filler material. SAW is often used for larger - diameter pipes and those with thicker walls, as it can produce high - quality, strong welds. After welding, the pipes may undergo additional processes such as heat treatment to relieve internal stresses caused by the welding process and improve the mechanical properties of the weld and the base metal.
4. Mechanical Properties
4.1 Tensile Strength
ASTM A214M/ASME SA214 welded carbon - steel pipes have a specified tensile strength range. For most grades, the minimum tensile strength typically ranges from around 330 MPa to 485 MPa. High tensile strength is essential for the pipes to withstand the internal pressure exerted by the fluids flowing through them in heat - exchanger and condenser applications. In a heat - exchanger, the pipes may be subjected to high - pressure fluids, and the tensile strength of the pipe material ensures that it can resist bursting under these conditions.
4.2 Yield Strength
The yield strength of these pipes is also an important property. It represents the stress level at which the pipe material starts to deform plastically. The minimum yield strength for these pipes usually ranges from approximately 180 MPa to 310 MPa, depending on the grade. Knowing the yield strength is crucial for designing heat - transfer systems. If the operating pressure in a heat - exchanger or condenser causes a stress in the pipe that exceeds its yield strength, permanent deformation will occur, which could lead to leakage or failure of the equipment.
4.3 Ductility
Despite the need for strength, these welded carbon - steel pipes also require a certain degree of ductility. Ductility is measured by parameters such as elongation and reduction of area. The pipes should be able to deform to a reasonable extent without fracturing. This is important during installation, as the pipes may need to be bent or shaped to fit the layout of the heat - transfer equipment. Ductility also helps the pipes to withstand thermal expansion and contraction in service. In a heat - exchanger, temperature variations can cause the pipes to expand and contract, and their ductility allows them to accommodate these changes without cracking.
5. Applications
5.1 Heat - Exchangers
The primary application of ASTM A214M/ASME SA214 welded carbon - steel pipes is in heat - exchangers. These pipes are used to transfer heat between two fluids that are at different temperatures. For example, in a power plant, heat - exchangers use these pipes to transfer heat from the hot exhaust gases to the incoming water, which is then converted into steam. The pipes' ability to withstand the temperature differences, internal pressure, and the corrosive nature of some fluids makes them suitable for this application. They are also cost - effective compared to some other materials, making them a popular choice in large - scale heat - exchanger installations.
5.2 Condensers
In condensers, these welded carbon - steel pipes play a crucial role. Condensers are used to convert vapor into liquid by removing heat. For instance, in a refrigeration system or a steam power plant condenser, the pipes are filled with a coolant (such as water) that absorbs heat from the vapor, causing it to condense. The pipes need to have good heat - transfer properties, which are related to their material composition and surface finish. The seamless construction of the welded pipes (after proper welding and finishing) also helps in ensuring efficient heat transfer and preventing leaks, as any leakage could compromise the performance of the condenser.
5.3 Industrial Cooling Systems
Industrial cooling systems, such as those used in manufacturing plants and chemical industries, also utilize these pipes. These systems are designed to remove heat generated during various industrial processes. The pipes transport the cooling fluid (usually water or a coolant mixture) through the heat - generating equipment, absorbing the heat and then dissipating it in a cooling tower or other heat - rejection device. The ability of ASTM A214M/ASME SA214 pipes to handle the mechanical and thermal stresses in these cooling systems, along with their cost - effectiveness, makes them a preferred choice for industrial cooling applications.
Detailed Photos
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