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ASTM A333 Grade 6 Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe

Astm a333 grade 6 seamless carbon steel pipe offers exceptional toughness for low-temperature applications down to -45°c, ideal for cryogenic and industrial piping systems.

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe

Astm a333 grade 6 seamless carbon steel pipe offers exceptional toughness for low-temperature applications down to -45°c, ideal for cryogenic and industrial piping systems.

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe and SA 333 Gr 6 Seamless Pipe are premium low-temperature carbon steel pipes engineered for superior performance in cryogenic conditions down to -45°C (-50°F). Compliant with ASTM A333/ASME SA333 standards, these pipes are designed for industrial piping solutions and boiler pipeline protection in demanding sectors like oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation. The seamless construction ensures high toughness, durability, and resistance to brittle fracture, making them ideal for cryogenic piping applications.

The ASTM A333 Grade 6 Seamless Pipe is produced through hot-rolling or cold-drawing processes, ensuring a uniform structure with no welded seams. Its chemical composition, with low carbon (≤0.30%) and high manganese (0.29-1.06%), enhances weldability and impact resistance, critical for low-temperature environments. Available in sizes from 1/8” to 48” (DN6 to DN1200), with wall thicknesses ranging from SCH 10 to SCH XXS, these pipes meet diverse project specifications. Custom lengths up to 18 meters and end types (plain, beveled, or threaded) provide installation flexibility.

These Low Temperature Steel Pipes undergo stringent testing, including impact tests at -45°C, tensile, hydrostatic, and nondestructive electric tests, to ensure compliance with ASTM A333 standards. With a minimum tensile strength of 415 MPa and yield strength of 240 MPa, they deliver reliable performance under high-pressure and low-temperature conditions. Surface treatments like 3LPE, FBE, or galvanizing enhance corrosion resistance, making them suitable for transporting corrosive fluids or abrasive materials in petrochemical and oil and gas pipelines.

The SA 333 Gr 6 Pipe excels in applications such as LNG plants, subsea drilling, and refrigeration systems, where extreme cold can cause pipeline contraction or embrittlement. Its low carbon content minimizes weld cracking, with recommended preheating (150-200°C) for optimal welding. Compared to ASTM A106 pipes, which are designed for high-temperature service, A333 Grade 6 is optimized for low temperature steel pipe applications, offering superior toughness and cost-effective durability for industrial piping solutions.

Addressing challenges like pipeline wear and thermal stress in cold environments, the ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe ensures safety, longevity, and reduced maintenance costs. Its versatility extends to structural uses in construction and mechanical engineering, making it a top choice for engineers seeking reliable cryogenic piping solutions. With high impact resistance and moderate corrosion resistance, these pipes provide unmatched performance in harsh industrial settings.

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 Seamless Carbon 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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