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ASTM A333 Grade 1 Seamless Low‑Temperature Steel Pipe

ASTM A333 Grade 1 Seamless Low‑Temperature Steel Pipe

Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe For Moderate Sub‑zero Service With Excellent Notch Toughness

Astm a333 grade 1 seamless pipe delivers reliable toughness down to –45 °c/–50 °f, ideal for low‑temperature storage, lng, and cold‑climate pipelines.

ASTM A333 Grade 1 Seamless Low‑Temperature Steel Pipe

Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe For Moderate Sub‑zero Service With Excellent Notch Toughness

Astm a333 grade 1 seamless pipe delivers reliable toughness down to –45 °c/–50 °f, ideal for low‑temperature storage, lng, and cold‑climate pipelines.

ASTM A333 Grade 1 seamless pipe is a carbon steel pipe precisely designed for low‑temperature service down to –45 °C (–50 °F). Manufactured in a seamless process, it offers exceptional structural integrity, high notch toughness, and reliable performance in cold environments.

This grade is normalized or normalized and tempered to refine its microstructure, enhancing fracture resistance and impact toughness. It is widely used in transport, storage, and processing systems that operate under sub-zero conditions.

ASTM A333 Grade 1 pipes undergo rigorous quality control including Charpy V-notch testing at –45 °C, hydrostatic pressure testing, and dimensional inspections. They are suitable for applications in LNG plants, cryogenic equipment, refrigeration systems, and cold-region oil & gas pipelines.

Available in seamless form with a variety of diameters and wall thicknesses, Grade 1 pipes are typically supplied in plain or beveled ends. They support welding, bending, flanging, and on-site assembly for industrial installations.

Typical chemical composition (Grade 1)
ElementComposition (%)
Carbon (C)≤ 0.30
Manganese (Mn)0.29 – 1.06
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.025
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.025
Silicon (Si)≥ 0.10
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.40
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.30
Typical mechanical properties (Grade 1)
PropertyValue
Tensile Strength≥ 415 MPa
Yield Strength≥ 240 MPa
Elongation≥ 30 % (longitudinal)
Impact Toughness≥ 27 J @ –45 °C

Comparison to Other Grades

Vs. ASTM A333 Grade 3

Grade 3 contains 3.18–3.82% nickel for enhanced toughness at -150°F (-101°C) and higher strength (450/240 MPa) compared to Grade 1 (380/205 MPa, -50°F/-45°C). Grade 1 is more cost-effective for less extreme low-temperature applications.

Vs. ASTM A333 Grade 6

Grade 6 offers higher strength (415/240 MPa) and similar low-temperature toughness at -50°F (-45°C) compared to Grade 1 (380/205 MPa). Grade 6 is more widely used for its balance of strength and cost-effectiveness in general cryogenic applications.

Vs. ASTM A106 Grade B

A106 Grade B is designed for high-temperature service (up to 750°F/400°C) with higher strength (415/240 MPa) but lacks the low-temperature toughness of A333 Grade 1, which is impact-tested at -50°F (-45°C) for cryogenic use.

Vs. ASTM A335 P91

A335 P91 is an alloy steel pipe for high-temperature service (up to 650°C) with high strength (585/415 MPa) and creep resistance. A333 Grade 1 is a carbon steel pipe for low-temperature service (-50°F/-45°C) with lower strength (380/205 MPa).

The ASTM A333 Grade 1 Seamless Pipe addresses critical challenges like brittleness and cracking in low-temperature environments. Its carbon steel composition and seamless construction make it a cost-effective choice for engineers seeking reliable low-temperature piping for cryogenic systems.

Equivalent Designation
DIN EN BS NFA ASTM ASME
DIN 17173 Grade TTSt 35 N EN P215NL Grade 10216-4 ASTM A333 Grade 1 ASME SA 333 Grade 1 UNI C15
What is Low temperature pipe?

ASTM A333

What is Low temperature pipe?

Low temperature pipe refers to pipes specifically designed to withstand and operate effectively in environments with low temperatures, typically below 0°C (32°F).

These pipes are often used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and refrigeration, where fluids need to be transported or stored at low temperatures. They are constructed from materials that can maintain their mechanical properties and structural integrity even in extremely cold conditions, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of fluids. Additionally, low temperature pipes are insulated to prevent heat transfer and maintain the desired temperature of the fluid being transported.

Compared with austenitic stainless steel and duplex stainless steel, there are many comprehensive advantages of ferrite alloy steels for low temperature service, such as higher strength, better rigidity and lower expansion coefificient. There is not only better stability but aslo higher heat transfer efficiency. Tube & pipe for low-temperature service can be widely used in low temperature engineering. 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.

Key Features & Benefits

Low Temperature Service

Exceptional performance at temperatures down to -45°C with superior notch toughness and impact resistance.

Superior Toughness

Fine-grain structure with uniform carbide dispersion prevents brittle fracture in cryogenic conditions.

Cost-Effective

Economical alternative to exotic materials while providing reliable low-temperature performance.

Excellent Weldability

Good weldability using conventional processes with minimal post-weld heat treatment requirements.

Manufacturing Process

1
Steel Production & Composition Control

Precise control of chemical composition using electric arc furnaces with advanced ladle metallurgy techniques. Vacuum degassing reduces hydrogen content and eliminates inclusions.

2
Pipe Forming Operations

Seamless pipes manufactured using hot piercing and rolling. Welded pipes produced using ERW or SAW processes with strict welding parameter controls.

3
Heat Treatment

Controlled heat treatment including normalizing at 815°C (1500°F), quench and temper, or stress relief to achieve optimal microstructure and properties.

4
Quality Control & Testing

Comprehensive testing including chemical analysis, mechanical testing, Charpy V-notch impact testing, hydrostatic testing, and non-destructive examination.

FAQ

ASTM A333 is a standard specification for seamless and welded carbon and alloy steel pipes intended for low-temperature service. It ensures impact toughness at temperatures as low as -45°C (-49°F), suitable for cryogenic and sub-zero applications.

ASTM A333 includes grades 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, each with specific chemical and mechanical properties to meet different application needs.

  • Tensile Strength: ≥ 415 MPa (60,000 psi)
  • Yield Strength: ≥ 240 MPa (35,000 psi)
  • Elongation: ≥ 30%
  • Impact Toughness: 13 J at -45°C (-49°F)

ASTM A333 pipes are used in:
  • Oil and gas transmission
  • LNG and cryogenic systems
  • Power plants
  • Chemical processing
  • Petrochemical industries

Pipes are produced using seamless or welding processes (without filler metal), followed by heat treatment to enhance toughness and structural properties.

Required tests include:
  • Tensile test
  • Impact test (Charpy V-notch)
  • Hydrostatic test
  • Non-destructive testing (e.g., ultrasonic or eddy current)

ASTM A333 pipes are available in sizes from 1/4" to 42" with wall thicknesses ranging from Schedule 10 to XXH (extra heavy).

ASTM A333 is used for low-temperature services with impact toughness requirements, while ASTM A106 is for high-temperature applications without such requirements.

ASTM A333 Grade 6 is a low-temperature carbon steel pipe designed for use in environments as cold as -45°C (-49°F), and it performs exceptionally well in cryogenic applications down to -452°F due to its superior notch toughness. ASTM A333 covers both seamless and welded pipes from 1/4″ to 24″ in outer diameter.

ASTM A106 Grade B is a high-temperature carbon steel seamless pipe commonly used in pressure systems and high-temperature services up to 430°C. While it offers high tensile strength and good oxidation resistance, it is not suitable for extremely low-temperature applications.

Key differences:
  • A333: Suitable for low-temperature/cryogenic service, with excellent toughness at sub-zero temperatures.
  • A106: Suitable for high-temperature service, but loses toughness in low-temperature conditions.
  • A333: Can be structural or pressure pipe; includes impact testing requirements.
  • A106: Typically used for pressure vessels, boilers, and piping systems without low-temp impact requirements.

Industrial Applications

ASTM A333 Grade 1 Seamless Low‑Temperature Steel Pipe is widely used in industries requiring excellent high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosion-resistant performance.

Power Generation

Used in boilers, superheaters, and steam lines in thermal and nuclear power plants.

Petrochemical Industry

Ideal for hydrocarbon processing, ethylene cracking, and heat exchanger units.

Cryogenic Systems

Used in LNG pipelines, storage tanks, and vaporization equipment for cold media.

Heat Exchangers

Ensures excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance in cyclic operations.

Oil & Gas Industry

Handles high-pressure oil and gas in extraction, refining, and transportation systems.

Chemical Processing

Resists acidic and corrosive environments in reactors, scrubbers, and distillation units.

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