Low temperature Service tube, also known as low temperature carbon steel pipe, is specifically designed to withstand low temperatures and is commonly used in applications where cryogenic conditions are present.
Specifications of Common Low Temperature Service Pipe Grades
The most widely used specifications for low-temperature service pipes include:
- ASTM A333: Available in several grades (e.g., Grade 1, Grade 6), this specification is for seamless and welded steel pipes, with impact testing required to ensure low-temperature durability.
- ASTM A334: Designed for low-temperature seamless and welded pipes, it is commonly used in similar applications as A333 with slight variations in chemical composition.
- ASTM A352: A specification for low-temperature carbon steel and alloy steel flanges, valves, and fittings, often used alongside A333 and A334 pipes in piping systems.
- Standard: GB/T 18984-2016, ASTM/ASME A333/SA333
- Main steel grades: 16MnDG, 10MnDG, 09DG, ASTM A333 Gr.1, ASTM A333 Gr.6
- Application: Seamless steel pipes for low-temperature pressure vessels and seamless steel pipes for low-temperature heat exchangers used in the range of -45°C to -100°C.
Low Temperature Steel Grade And Its Use
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.
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.
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.
Chemical Composition(%) of ASTM A333 LowTemperature Service Tube
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P(Max) | S | Ni | Mo | V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16MnDG | 0.12-0.20 | 0.20-0.55 | 1.20-1.60 | 0.025 | 0.025 | – | – | – |
| 10MnDG | <=0.13 | 0.17-0.37 | <=1.35 | 0.025 | 0.025 | – | – | <=0.07 |
| Gr.1 of A333 | <=0.30 | – | 0.40-1.06 | 0.025 | 0.025 | – | – | – |
| A333 Gr.3 | <=0.19 | 0.18-0.37 | 0.31-0.64 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 3.18-3.82 | – | <=0.12 |
| A333 Gr.6 | <=0.30 | >=0.10 | 0.29-1.06 | 0.025 | 0.025 | – | – | – |
Mechanical Properties of ASTM A333 Low Temperature Service Tube
| Grade | Tensile strength | Lower yield strength（Rcl/Mpa） | Elongation | |
| Rm/Mpa | W.T.<=16mm | W.T.>16mm | A/% | |
| 16MnDG | 490-665 | >=325 | >=315 | >=30 |
| 10MnDG | >=400 | >=240 | >=35 | |
| A333 Gr.1 | >=205 | >=380 | >=35 | |
| ASTM A333 Gr.3 | >=450 | >=240 | >=30 | |
| A333 Gr.6 | >=455 | >=250 | >=30 | |
Available Sizes:
- O.D.: from 3/4 to 20 inch
- W.T.: 0.102 to 4inch (2.6 to 100 mm)
- Length: max 16000mm
Marking:
- We could supply Pipes 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, we will indicated on the bundle’s tags.
Delivery:
- We could supply Pipes in hexagonal bundles or round bundles tied with steel strip.
- Weight of bundle – up to 5000 kg upon request of customer.
- Each Furnished bundle with three tags.
Technical Partnership Approach
At IBC Metal Group, we recognize that successful cryogenic applications depend on more than just product specifications. Our technical team provides comprehensive support from material selection through installation, ensuring optimal performance in your specific application environment.
Require expert guidance on low temperature tubing solutions? Contact IBC Metal Group for technical consultation, quotation, and project-specific recommendations. Our engineering team delivers tailored solutions for your most challenging cryogenic applications.