ASTM A333/A334 Low-Temperature Carbon Steel Pipes: Seamless & Welded Tubing for Cryogenic Service (-196°C).
Grade 1–11 Alloy Pipes (-45°F to 650°F) with Charpy Impact ≥20J at Specified Temp.
Certified to ASTM A333 (seamless), ASTM A334 (welded), and ASME B36.10, these pipes handle LNG, ammonia, and ethylene transport at -196°C to 343°C. Grades 3, 6, and 9 dominate industrial refrigeration with ≤0.30% carbon and normalized microstructure for stable ductility.
Key Features:
- Impact Toughness: 27–120J at -196°C (ASTM A370)
- Pressure Rating: 15–120 MPa (2,175–17,400 psi)
- Certifications: NACE MR0175, PED 2014/68/EU, ISO 3183
Technical Specifications
Dimensional Tolerances (ASTM A530)
| Process | OD Range | OD Tolerance | WT Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless | 10–762mm | ±1% | +15%/-12.5% |
| Welded | 508–1,219mm | ±0.75% | +10%/-5% |
Mechanical Properties (Grade 6 Example)
| Yield Strength | Tensile Strength | Elongation | Charpy V-Notch (-45°C) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240 MPa | 415 MPa | ≥30% | ≥34 J | ≤197 HBW |
Material Composition & Manufacturing
Chemical Analysis (ASTM A333 Grade 3)
| Element | C ≤ | Mn ≤ | P ≤ | S ≤ | Si ≤ | Ni ≤ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | 0.19% | 0.90% | 0.025% | 0.025% | 0.18–0.37% | 3.18–3.82% |
Production Process:
- Seamless: Rotary piercing + cold drawing (ASTM A530).
- Welded: SAW with 100% radiography (ASME Sec IX).
- Heat Treatment: Normalized at 900°C (1,652°F) for grain refinement.
Applications & Competitive Advantages
- LNG Cryogenic Lines:
- 323mm OD, 12mm WT Grade 6: -162°C methane transport (ASME B31.3).
- Ammonia Storage:
- 168mm OD, 8mm WT Grade 3: -33°C liquid ammonia (EN 13480-3).
- CO₂ Injection Pipes:
- 114mm OD, 6mm WT Grade 9: Supercritical CO₂ at 31°C/7.4 MPa.
Advantages vs. Stainless Steel:
- Cost: 40% lower than 304L for cryogenic service.
- Weldability: Pre-heat to 95°C (200°F) eliminates hydrogen cracking.
Quality Assurance & Testing
- NDT Protocols:
- Ultrasonic Testing: ASTM E213 for laminations ≥5% WT.
- Hydrostatic Test: 1.5×MAOP for 10 sec (ASME B31.8).
- Impact Testing:
- 3 specimens per heat lot (ASTM A370).
- Packaging:
- VCI paper + steel straps (ISO 4042).
Packing And Delivery
