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ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe for Low-Temperature Services

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe for Low-Temperature Services

Durable Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe For Cold-environment Piping

Astm a333 grade 6 pipe ensures superior corrosion resistance and toughness for low-temperature services, ideal for boiler pipeline protection and industrial piping systems.

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe for Low-Temperature Services

Durable Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe For Cold-environment Piping

Astm a333 grade 6 pipe ensures superior corrosion resistance and toughness for low-temperature services, ideal for boiler pipeline protection and industrial piping systems.

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe for Low-Temperature Services is a high-performance seamless carbon steel pipe designed to excel in extreme cold environments, offering outstanding corrosion resistance and notch toughness at temperatures as low as -45°C (-50°F). Compliant with ASTM A333/ASME SA333 standards, this low-temperature pipe is perfect for boiler pipeline protection, oil and gas pipelines, LNG plants, and other industrial piping applications where reliability in sub-zero conditions is critical.

Manufactured through a seamless process, the ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe ensures a uniform structure without welds, providing enhanced durability under high-pressure and low-temperature conditions. Its low-carbon composition, combined with controlled manganese and silicon, delivers excellent weldability and formability, making it suitable for bending, flanging, and fusion welding in complex piping systems. The pipe undergoes normalization at a minimum of 815°C (1500°F) or alternative heat treatments to optimize its mechanical properties, ensuring resistance to brittle fracture in cold climates.

With a minimum tensile strength of 415 MPa and a yield strength of 240 MPa, this seamless pipe is engineered for robust performance in transporting fluids and gases in harsh, low-temperature environments. Its corrosion resistance makes it ideal for handling corrosive media in petrochemical and subsea applications, while its superior notch toughness, verified through Charpy V-Notch impact testing at -45°C, ensures reliability in refrigerated systems and cold-climate pipelines. Available in sizes from 1/8” to 48” (DN 6 to DN 1200), with wall thicknesses ranging from SCH 40 to SCH 160, and lengths up to 18 meters or customized, it meets diverse project specifications.

The ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe undergoes stringent testing, including hydrostatic, nondestructive electric, and impact tests, to ensure compliance with ASTM standards. Optional surface treatments like 3LPE, FBE, or galvanizing further enhance its corrosion resistance, while plain, beveled, or threaded ends facilitate seamless installation. Compared to ASTM A106 pipes, Grade 6 is specifically tailored for low-temperature service, offering unmatched toughness and reliability in cold environments, making it a preferred choice for engineers and project managers.

This low-temperature pipe addresses critical challenges such as pipeline wear, corrosion, and thermal stress in demanding industrial systems. Its seamless construction and optimized material properties make it a reliable solution for industrial piping in extreme conditions. Whether used in boiler systems, LNG facilities, or oil and gas pipelines, the ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe delivers exceptional performance, safety, and longevity, ensuring operational efficiency in cold-environment applications.

Technical Data

Typical Composition (mass %)
Element Composition (%)
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
Copper (Cu) ≤ 0.30
Typical Mechanical Properties
Property Value
Tensile Strength ≥ 415 MPa
Yield Strength ≥ 240 MPa
Elongation ≥ 30 %
Impact Toughness ≥ 27 J @ –100 °C
Hardness ≤ 241 HBW
Equivalent Grade to ASTM A333 GR6
Standard Pipes Buttweld Fittings Forged Steel Fittings Valves Bolts and Nuts
Low Temp Carbon Steel A333 GR6 A420 WPL6 ASTM A350 LF2 A352 LCB A320 Gr L7 / A194 Gr 7

The equivalent grade to ASTM A333 GR6 is often EN 10216-4 P265NL or DIN 17173 TT St 35N. These grades share similar mechanical properties and are suitable for low-temperature service applications.

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 6 Pipe for Low-Temperature Services 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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