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ASTM A178 / ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes

ASTM A178 / ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes

Erw Carbon Steel Tubes For Boilers And Superheaters

Astm a178/asme sa178 carbon steel tubes offer reliable erw solutions for boilers, superheaters, and heat exchangers.

ASTM A178 / ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes

Erw Carbon Steel Tubes For Boilers And Superheaters

Astm a178/asme sa178 carbon steel tubes offer reliable erw solutions for boilers, superheaters, and heat exchangers.

ASTM A178/ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes are electric-resistance-welded (ERW) carbon steel and carbon-manganese steel tubes designed for high-temperature applications, including boiler tubes, superheater flues, heat exchanger tubes, and safe ends. Available in Grades A (low-carbon steel), C (medium-carbon steel), and D (carbon-manganese steel), these tubes comply with ASTM A178/A178M and ASME SA178 standards, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.

Manufactured through the ERW process, ASTM A178/ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes are available in outside diameters from 1/2 to 5 inches [12.7–127 mm] and minimum wall thicknesses from 0.035 to 0.360 inches [0.9–9.1 mm]. Post-weld heat treatment at 1650°F [900°C] or higher ensures weld integrity and stress relief, while coatings like varnish or 3LPE enhance corrosion-resistant ERW boiler tubes for extended durability in harsh conditions.

These tubes undergo rigorous testing, including flattening, flaring, tension, reverse flattening, and hydrostatic or nondestructive electric tests, to ensure compliance with ASTM A178/ASME SA178 standards. Their cost-effective design compared to seamless tubes makes them ideal for boilers, superheaters, heat exchangers, boiler flues, safe ends, and air preheaters in power plants, chemical industries, and manufacturing facilities.

Compared to seamless ASTM A179 or A192 tubes, ASTM A178/ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes provide a cost-effective solution for low to medium-pressure applications (up to 350 psi [2.4 MPa]). Their versatility supports critical applications, addressing challenges like corrosion, thermal stress, and high-temperature performance in steam generation systems.

ASTM A178/ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes offer engineers reliable, high-quality solutions for steam generation and heat transfer systems, ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity in critical infrastructure projects.

ASTM A178 / ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes Standard Specifications

Chemical Composition of ASTM A178 Grades A, C, and D
Grade C (% max) Mn (% max) P (% max) S (% max) Si (% min)
Grade A 0.06–0.18 0.27–0.63 0.035 0.035 -
Grade C 0.35 0.80 0.035 0.035 -
Grade D 0.27 1.00–1.50 0.030 0.015 0.10

The chemical composition ensures weldability and corrosion resistance for ASTM A178 Tubes in high-temperature applications.

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A178 Grades A, C, and D
Grade Tensile Strength (MPa min) Yield Strength (MPa min) Elongation (% min) Hardness (HRB max)
Grade A 325 180 35 77
Grade C 415 255 30 79
Grade D 485 275 30 77

These properties ensure ASTM A178 Tubes deliver reliable performance in boiler and superheater applications.

Comparison of ASTM A178 with ASTM A179 and A192 Tubes
Feature ASTM A178 ASTM A179 ASTM A192
Manufacturing Process ERW Seamless Seamless
Diameter Range 1/2–5 inches 1/8–3 inches 1/2–7 inches
Wall Thickness 0.035–0.360 inches 0.035–0.360 inches 0.085–1.000 inches
Applications Boilers, superheaters, heat exchangers Heat exchangers, condensers High-pressure boilers
Pressure Rating Up to 350 psi Low to medium pressure High pressure
Cost Low to Moderate Moderate to High High

Why Choose ASTM A178 Tubes? Their cost-effective ERW construction and reliable performance make them ideal for boiler, superheater, and heat exchanger applications compared to seamless tubes.

Comparison of ASTM Standards with International Equivalents
ASTM STANDARD UNS NO. KOREA/JAPANESE GERMAN BRITISH BELGIAN FRENCH ITALIAN
KS/JIS Symbol KS/JIS Number Remarks DIN Type DIN Number Material Number Remarks B.S Number B.S Grade NBN Type NBN Grade Remarks AFNOR Type NF Number Remarks UNI Type UNI Number Remarks
ASTM A178C-Steel Electric-Resistance-Welded Boiler Tubes
Grade A K01200 STBH 340 / STB 35 D3563 / G3461 St 37.8 17177 1.0315 (7) 3059 ERW 320 (3) (3)
Grade C K03503 SHBH 410 / STB 42 D3563 / G3461 St 42.8 17177 1.0498 (7) (3) (3)
ASTM A178 Equivalent Standards Across International Bodies
ASME EN DIN JIS
ASME SA178 EN 10217-2 DIN 17177 JIS G 3461

Dimensions and Tolerances

ASTM A178 tubes are available in various sizes, with the following common dimensions:

  • Outside Diameter (OD): 12.7 mm to 114.3 mm (0.5" to 4.5")
  • Wall Thickness (WT): 1.24 mm to 3.05 mm (0.049" to 0.12")

The permissible variations in dimensions are as follows:

  • Outside Diameter: ±0.4 mm (±0.016")
  • Wall Thickness: ±10%
  • Length: Tolerance depends on specified length; standard lengths are typically up to 24 feet

Testing Requirements

Several tests are performed to ensure the quality and integrity of ASTM A178 ERW steel pipes:

  • Flattening Test: Evaluates ductility and strength by flattening a section of the tube
  • Flare Test: Determines ability to withstand deformation without defects
  • Hydrostatic Test: Ensures welded seam and pipe body can withstand specified pressure without leakage
  • Nondestructive Electric Test: Detects imperfections along weld seam and pipe body

Advantages

  • Cost-Effective: Economical ERW process reduces material and manufacturing costs
  • High Efficiency: Produces continuous, strong, and uniform welds
  • Versatility: Suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure applications

Industrial Applications

ASTM A178 Tubes are engineered for high-temperature performance and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for boiler tubes, superheater flues, heat exchangers, boiler flues, safe ends, and air preheaters in critical infrastructure projects.

Boiler Tubes

Used in water walls and economizers for steam generation in industrial boilers.

Superheater Tubes

Increases steam temperature in superheater sections for enhanced efficiency.

Heat Exchanger Tubes

Facilitates heat transfer in industrial heat exchanger systems.

Boiler Flues

Conveys combustion gases in boiler systems with high durability.

Safe Ends

Joins tubes of different materials or thicknesses in boiler systems.

Air Preheaters

Preheats combustion air using flue gases for improved efficiency.

Why Choose ASTM A178 Tubes? Their high-temperature performance and cost-effective ERW design make ASTM A178 Tubes ideal for boiler, superheater, and heat exchanger applications, ensuring reliable operation.

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