ASTM A556 Tubes for Superheater Efficiency

Seamless Cold-drawn Carbon Steel Tubes For Feedwater Heaters And Superheaters

Astm a556 tubes provide seamless carbon steel solutions for superheaters and feedwater heaters, offering high strength and corrosion resistance in high-pressure systems.

ASTM A556 ASTM A556 Superheater Tubes Seamless Boiler Tubes Corrosion Resistant Superheater Tubes +3 More

ASTM A556 Tubes for Superheater Efficiency

Seamless Cold-drawn Carbon Steel Tubes For Feedwater Heaters And Superheaters

Astm a556 tubes provide seamless carbon steel solutions for superheaters and feedwater heaters, offering high strength and corrosion resistance in high-pressure systems.

ASTM A556 ASTM A556 Superheater Tubes Seamless Boiler Tubes Corrosion Resistant Superheater Tubes +3 More

ASTM A556 Tubes are seamless, cold-drawn carbon steel tubes designed for high-pressure applications in feedwater heaters and superheaters, offering exceptional corrosion resistance and thermal stability. Conforming to ASTM A556/ASME SA556 standards, these tubes are ideal for boiler pipeline protection in power generation, petrochemical, and industrial heating systems. Available in Grades A2, B2, and C2, they provide superior durability and performance under extreme temperatures and pressures.

The ASTM A556 Tubes are manufactured through a cold-drawn process, followed by heat treatment to optimize mechanical properties and surface quality. Available in outside diameters from 5/8” to 1-1/4” (15.9 mm to 31.8 mm) with minimum wall thicknesses of 0.045” (1.1 mm), these tubes meet stringent project requirements. They undergo rigorous testing, including tension, flattening, flaring, hardness, and hydrostatic tests, ensuring compliance with ASTM A556/A556M standards. The carbon steel composition enhances strength and abrasion resistance, making them suitable for seamless superheater tubes. The U-bending design, when specified, increases heating area and improves thermal efficiency in feedwater heaters.

U bend ASTM A556 feedwater heater tubes

ASTM A556 steel tubes can be delivered in the form of U-bend tubes for feedwater heater applications.

The U-bend configuration allows for efficient heat transfer and is commonly used in tubular feedwater heaters. The ASTM A556 specification covers minimum-wall-thickness, seamless cold-drawn carbon steel tubes for these purposes.

These carbon steel feedwater tubes excel in high-pressure superheater and feedwater heater systems due to their ability to withstand thermal stress and corrosion. Their high strength and corrosion resistance make them ideal for environments exposed to high temperatures (up to 550°C) and corrosive fluids. Surface treatments such as oil-dip, varnish, or passivation, along with U-bent configurations, support versatile installation in industrial piping systems. The tubes are packaged in hexagonal bundles with steel bands and plastic wrapping for secure, sea-worthy delivery.

The ASTM A556 Tubes address critical challenges like pipeline wear, corrosion, and high-pressure stress in boiler systems. Their seamless design and robust material properties make them a reliable choice for engineers seeking durable high-pressure tubes for extreme environments. Whether used in power plants or petrochemical facilities, these tubes deliver exceptional performance, safety, and longevity.

JIS Number and Corresponding Foreign Standards
JIS			ASTM			BS			DIN			NF			ISO			Index Number
Standard Number	Grade	Type	Standard Number	Grade	Type	Standard Number	Grade	Type	Standard Number	Grade	Type	Standard Number	Grade	Type	Standard Number	Grade	Type	Index Number
G3461	STB340	C	A161	LC	C	3059	HFS320	C				A49-245	TS34e	C				C010
	(STB35)		A192	-	C	"	CFS320	C				"	TS34c	C
			A226	-	C	"	ERW320	C
			A556	GrA2	C	"	CEW320	C
			A557	GrA2	C	"	S1 360	C
						"	S2 360	C
						"	ERW 360	C
						"	CEW360	C
						3606	ERW320	C
						"	CEW320	C
						"	CFS320	C
	STB410	C	A179	GrC	C	3059	S1 440	C	17175	St45.8	C	A49-213	TU42c	C	2604/2	TS9H	C
	(STB42)		A210	GrA1	C	"	S2 440	C	17177	St42.8	C	A49-215	TU42c	C	"	TW9H	C
			A556	GrB2	C	"	ERW 440	C				A49-243	TS42c
			A557	GrB2	C	"	CEW 440	C				A49-245	TS42c
						3602	HFS 410	C				"	TS42c
						"	CFS 410	C
						"	ERW 410	C
						"	CEW 410	C
						3606	ERW 440	C
						"	CEW 440	C
						"	CFS 440	C
STB510	C							C	17175	19Mn5	C	A49-213	TU52C	C	2604/2	TS18	C
(STB52)								C				A49-248	TU52C	C

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Key Benefits

High-Temperature Stability

Withstands temperatures up to 550°C for superheater applications.

Corrosion Resistance

Carbon steel resists corrosion in high-pressure environments.

Abrasion Resistance

Durable material withstands pipeline wear and tear.

Seamless Durability

Cold-drawn process ensures reliability under high pressure.

Flexible Installation

Supports U-bending for enhanced heat transfer efficiency.

Cost-Effective

High durability reduces maintenance and replacement costs.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition of ASTM A556 Tubes for Superheater Efficiency
Element	Grade A2 (%)	Grade B2 (%)	Grade C2 (%)
Carbon (C)	≤0.18	≤0.27	≤0.30
Manganese (Mn)	0.27-0.63	0.29-0.93	0.29-1.06
Phosphorus (P)	≤0.035	≤0.035	≤0.035
Sulfur (S)	≤0.035	≤0.035	≤0.035
Silicon (Si)	-	≥0.10	≥0.10

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A556 Tubes for Superheater Efficiency
Element	Grade A2 (%)	Grade B2 (%)	Grade C2 (%)
Carbon (C)	≤0.18	≤0.27	≤0.30
Manganese (Mn)	0.27-0.63	0.29-0.93	0.29-1.06
Phosphorus (P)	≤0.035	≤0.035	≤0.035
Sulfur (S)	≤0.035	≤0.035	≤0.035
Silicon (Si)	-	≥0.10	≥0.10

Comparison of ASTM A556 Tubes with Other Tube Grades
Feature	ASTM A556 Grade B2	ASTM A179	ASTM A210 Grade A1
Material Type	Carbon Steel	Low-Carbon Steel	Medium-Carbon Steel
Temperature Range	High (Up to 550°C)	Moderate (Up to 400°C)	High (Up to 600°C)
Corrosion Resistance	Moderate	Good (Low-Carbon)	Moderate
Applications	Feedwater Heaters, Superheaters	Heat Exchangers, Condensers	Boilers, Superheaters
Tensile Strength (MPa)	410 (min)	325 (min)	415 (min)
Yield Strength (MPa)	260 (min)	180 (min)	255 (min)
Key Advantage	High-pressure feedwater efficiency	High thermal conductivity	High strength for boilers

ASTM A556/A556M is a standard specification for seamless cold-drawn carbon steel tubes, including U-bent forms, designed for use in tubular feedwater heaters in power plants.

The tubes typically have an outer diameter ranging from 5/8 inch to 1 1/4 inch (15.9 mm to 31.8 mm) and a minimum wall thickness of 0.045 inch (1.1 mm).

ASTM A556 includes three grades: A2, B2, and C2. Grade B2 and C2 are commonly used for their higher mechanical properties.

The chemical composition varies by grade:

Grade A2: Carbon ≤ 0.18%, Manganese 0.27–0.63%, Phosphorus ≤ 0.035%, Sulfur ≤ 0.035%
Grade B2: Carbon ≤ 0.27%, Manganese 0.29–0.93%, Phosphorus ≤ 0.035%, Sulfur ≤ 0.035%
Grade C2: Carbon ≤ 0.30%, Manganese 0.29–1.06%, Phosphorus ≤ 0.035%, Sulfur ≤ 0.035%

The mechanical properties are as follows:

Grade A2: Tensile Strength ≥ 320 MPa, Yield Strength ≥ 180 MPa, Elongation ≥ 35%, Hardness ≤ HR B 72
Grade B2: Tensile Strength ≥ 410 MPa, Yield Strength ≥ 260 MPa, Elongation ≥ 30%, Hardness ≤ HR B 79
Grade C2: Tensile Strength ≥ 480 MPa, Yield Strength ≥ 280 MPa, Elongation ≥ 30%, Hardness ≤ HR B 89

Yes, cold-drawn tubes must be heat-treated after the final cold-draw pass at a temperature of 640°C (1200°F) or higher to ensure ductility and meet mechanical property requirements.

Tubes are subjected to various tests, including tension, flattening, flaring, hardness, and hydrostatic tests. Additionally, each tube undergoes non-destructive testing to detect any defects.

ASTM A556 tubes are primarily used in power plants for tubular feedwater heaters, superheaters, and heat exchangers that operate under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.

ASTM A556 Tubes for Superheater Efficiency

ASTM A556 Tubes for Superheater Efficiency

U bend ASTM A556 feedwater heater tubes