The scope of ASTM A106 and A53
ASTM A53 specifications cover seamless and welded steel pipe manufacturing types, and the materials are carbon steel and black steel. Surface natural, black, and hot-dipped galvanized, zinc coated steel pipe. Diameters range from NPS 1⁄8 to NPS 26 (10.3mm to 660mm), nominal wall thickness.
ASTM A106 standard specification covers seamless carbon steel pipe requiring the high-temperature service.
For ASTM A53 there are ERW and seamless steel pipes Type F, E, S covers Grade A and B.
A53 Type F, furnace butt welded, continuous weld Grade A
A53 Type E, Electric resistance welded (ERW), in Grade A and Grade B.
A53 Type S, Seamless steel pipe, in Grade A and Grade B.
ASTM A53 Grade B chemical properties content C≤0.30%, Mn≤1.2%, P≤0.05%, S≤0.045%, Cr≤0.40, Cu≤0.40, Ni≤0.40, Mo≤0.40, V≤0.08.
ASTM A53 B mechanical strength is the same with ASTM A106 B steel pipe, Tensile strength maximum 415 Mpa, Yield strength maximum 240 Mpa.
Elongation: For A53 pipe there are 2 methods to calculate elongation.
A: Use equation: e = 625 000 [1940] A^0.2/U^0.9
B: See ASTM A53 elongation value table X4.1 or table X4.2 for different specimen area.
For ASTM A106 steel pipe, manufacturing Type only in seamless, processes hot rolled and the cold drawn. Grade in A, B and C
ASTM A106 Grade A: Maximum Carbon element 0.25%, Mn 0.27-0.93%. Minimum tensile strength 48000 Psi or 330 Mpa, yield strength 30000 Psi or 205 Mpa.
A106 Grade B: Maximum C below 0.30%, Mn 0.29-1.06%. Minimum tensile strength 60000 Psi or 415 Mpa, yield strength 35000 Psi or 240 Mpa.
Grade C: Maximum C 0.35%, Mn 0.29-1.06%. Minimum tensile strength 70000 Psi or 485 Mpa, yield strength 40000 Psi or 275 Mpa.
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength:
A53 Grade B: Minimum 60,000 psi (415 MPa)
A106 Grade B: Minimum 60,000 psi (415 MPa)
Yield Strength:
A53 Grade B: Minimum 35,000 psi (240 MPa)
A106 Grade B: Minimum 35,000 psi (240 MPa)
Both grades have similar mechanical properties, but A106 is often used in applications where more stringent quality and performance are required.
Application and Usage
A53 Grade B:
Generally used for low to medium pressure applications, such as water pipes, air pipes, steam, and structural applications.
Common in general construction, mechanical, and plumbing applications.
A106 Grade B:
Used in high-temperature services and high-pressure systems, particularly where seamless piping is preferred.
Common in oil refineries, gas plants, and power generation plants.
Pressure and Temperature:
A53 Grade B:
Typically used in applications with lower pressure and temperature requirements.
A106 Grade B:
Suitable for higher pressure and temperature applications, often used in environments where pipes are exposed to elevated temperatures and pressures.
Summary
A53 Grade B is more commonly used for general piping, construction, and low-pressure applications. It can be either seamless or welded.
A106 Grade B is specifically designed for high-temperature and high-pressure applications and is always seamless, making it more suitable for demanding environments.
Read more: ASTM A53 Gr.B American Standard Seamless Steel Pipe
