Seamless And Welded Carbon Steel Pipe For Cryogenic Applications
Ltcs astm a333 pipe offers superior notch toughness and corrosion resistance for low-temperature service in cryogenic and industrial piping systems.
Seamless And Welded Carbon Steel Pipe For Cryogenic Applications
Ltcs astm a333 pipe offers superior notch toughness and corrosion resistance for low-temperature service in cryogenic and industrial piping systems.
The LTCS ASTM A333 Pipe is a seamless and welded low-temperature pipe designed for exceptional performance in low-temperature service, offering superior notch toughness and corrosion resistance. Compliant with ASTM A333/ASME SA333 standards, this seamless carbon steel pipe is engineered for applications above -45°C (-50°F), with a minimum yield strength of 240 MPa and tensile strength of 415 MPa. Its composition, with up to 0.30% carbon and 0.29-1.06% manganese, ensures reliability in harsh environments such as oil and gas pipelines, cryogenic systems, and petrochemical facilities.
Manufactured through seamless or welding processes without filler metal, the LTCS ASTM A333 Pipe undergoes heat treatments like normalizing, quenching, and tempering to enhance its microstructure for low-temperature impact toughness. Available in sizes from 1/2” to 36” (NPS), with wall thicknesses from 3mm to 12mm (SCH 40 to XXS), and lengths from 3m to 18m or customized, it meets diverse project specifications. Surface coatings such as 3LPE, FBE, or galvanizing improve corrosion resistance, while plain, beveled, or threaded ends facilitate integration into industrial piping systems.
The Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe undergoes rigorous testing, including tensile, impact, hydrostatic, and nondestructive electric tests, to ensure compliance with ASTM A333 standards. Its exceptional notch toughness, with a minimum Charpy impact value of 18 J at -45°C, makes it ideal for transporting fluids in cold climates, preventing brittle fracture in cryogenic conditions down to -50°F. This makes it a preferred choice for oil and gas transmission, refrigeration systems, and chemical processing plants.
Compatible with ASTM A350 LF2 flanges and ASTM A420 WPL6 fittings, the Low Temperature Pipe integrates seamlessly into complex industrial piping networks. Its versatility extends to structural applications in construction and mechanical engineering, where durability and wear resistance are critical. Compared to standard carbon steel pipes like ASTM A106, this pipe excels in low-temperature environments, offering enhanced toughness and reliability.
Engineered to address challenges like pipeline contraction and brittle failure in cold climates, the LTCS ASTM A333 Pipe provides a cost-effective, durable solution for engineers seeking robust industrial piping for extreme conditions. Its high-quality construction ensures safety, longevity, and efficiency in demanding applications, including cryogenic equipment and oil and gas transmission.
| Feature | LTCS ASTM A333 Grade 6 | ASTM A106 Grade B | ASTM A335 P9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel | Ferritic Alloy Steel |
| Temperature Range | Low (-45°C to ambient) | High (up to 427°C) | High (up to 750°C) |
| Notch Toughness | Superior (18 J at -45°C) | Moderate (Not specified for low temp) | Good (High-temp focus) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (With coatings) | Moderate | Excellent (High Cr/Mo) |
| Applications | Oil/Gas, Cryogenic, Chemical | Boilers, Refineries, General Piping | Refineries, Power Plants, Petrochemical |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 415 (min) | 415 (min) | 415 (min) |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 240 (min) | 240 (min) | 205 (min) |
| Key Advantage | Low-temp toughness | General high-temp use | High-temp corrosion resistance |
| 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 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 415 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 240 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 30 % |
| Impact Toughness | ≥ 27 J @ –100 °C |
| Hardness | ≤ 241 HBW |
| 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.
ASTM A333
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.
Exceptional performance at temperatures down to -45°C with superior notch toughness and impact resistance.
Fine-grain structure with uniform carbide dispersion prevents brittle fracture in cryogenic conditions.
Economical alternative to exotic materials while providing reliable low-temperature performance.
Good weldability using conventional processes with minimal post-weld heat treatment requirements.
Precise control of chemical composition using electric arc furnaces with advanced ladle metallurgy techniques. Vacuum degassing reduces hydrogen content and eliminates inclusions.
Seamless pipes manufactured using hot piercing and rolling. Welded pipes produced using ERW or SAW processes with strict welding parameter controls.
Controlled heat treatment including normalizing at 815°C (1500°F), quench and temper, or stress relief to achieve optimal microstructure and properties.
Comprehensive testing including chemical analysis, mechanical testing, Charpy V-notch impact testing, hydrostatic testing, and non-destructive examination.
LTCS ASTM A333 Pipe is widely used in industries requiring excellent high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosion-resistant performance.
Used in boilers, superheaters, and steam lines in thermal and nuclear power plants.
Ideal for hydrocarbon processing, ethylene cracking, and heat exchanger units.
Used in LNG pipelines, storage tanks, and vaporization equipment for cold media.
Ensures excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance in cyclic operations.
Handles high-pressure oil and gas in extraction, refining, and transportation systems.
Resists acidic and corrosive environments in reactors, scrubbers, and distillation units.
