ASTM A213/ASME SA213 covers low alloy steel pipes and minimum-wall-thickness, seamless ferritic and austenitic steel, boiler and super-heater tubes and austenitic steel heat-exchanger tubes, designated Grades TP304,TP304H,TP304L,TP310S, TP310HCbN, TP316, TP316H, TP316L etc.
Grades TP304H, TP309H, TP309HCb, TP310H, TP310HCb, TP310HCbN, TP316H, TP321H, TP347H, TP347HFG (fine grained) and TP348H are modifications of Grades TP304, TP309S, TP309Cb, TP310S, TP310Cb, TP316, TP321, TP347, and TP348, and are intended for high-temperature service, such as for superheaters and reheaters.
The tubing sizes and thicknesses usually furnished to this specification are 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] in inside diameter to 5 in. [127 mm] in outside diameter and 0.015 to 0.500 in. [0.4 to 12.7 mm], inclusive, in minimum wall thickness or, if specified in the order, average wall thickness. Tubing having other diameters may be furnished, provided such tubes comply with all other requirements of this specification.
Chemical Composition Of ASTM A213 Stainless Steel Tubes
| Steel Grades | ASTM A213 Chemical Composition % Max | ||||||||||
| C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo | NB | Nb | Ti | |
| TP304 | 0.08 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-11.0 | … | … | … | … |
| TP304H | 0.04-0.10 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-11.0 | … | … | … | … |
| TP304L | 0.035 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-13.0 | … | … | … | … |
| TP310S | 0.08 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 24.0-26.0 | 19.0-22.0 | 0.75 | … | … | … |
| TP310HCbN | 0.04-0.10 | 2.00 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 24.0-26.0 | 17.0-23.0 | … | 0.15-0.35 | 0.20-0.60 | … |
| TP316 | 0.08 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 16.0-18.0 | 11.0-14.0 | 2.00-3.00 | … | … | … |
| TP316L | 0.035 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 1.00 | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-15.0 | 2.00-3.00 | … | … | … |
| TP316H | 0.04-0.10 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 16.0-18.0 | 11.0-14.0 | 2.00-3.00 | … | … | … |
| TP321 | 0.08 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 17.0-20.0 | 9.0-13.0 | … | … | … | 5C-0.60 |
| TP321H | 0.04-0.10 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 17.0-20.0 | 9.0-13.0 | … | … | … | 4C-0.60 |
| TP347 | 0.08 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 17.0-19.0 | 9.0-13.0 | … | … | 10xC-1.00 | … |
| TP347H | 0.04-0.10 | 2.00 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.75 | 17.0-20.0 | 9.0-13.0 | … | … | 8xC-1.00 | … |
Mechanical Properties Of ASTM A213 Stainless Steel Tubes
| Steel Grades | Heat Treatment | Temperure F (C) Min. | ASTM grain size NO. | Tensile Strength Ksi (MPa), Min. | Yield Strength Ksi (MPa), Min. | Elongation %, Min | Hardness | |
| Brinell | Rockwell | |||||||
| TP304 | Solution | 1900 (1040) | … | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP304L | Solution | 1900 (1040) | … | 70(485) | 25(170) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP304H | Solution | 1900 (1040) | 7 | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP310S | Solution | 1900 (1040) | … | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP310HCbN | Solution | 2000 (1110) | 7 | 95(655) | 43(295) | 30 | 256HBW | 100HRB |
| TP316 | Solution | 1900 (1040) | … | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP316L | Solution | 1900 (1040) | … | 70(485) | 25(170) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP316H | Solution | 1900 (1040) | 7 | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP321 | Solution | 1900 (1040) | 7 | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP321H | Solution | 2000(1100) | 7 | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP347 | Solution | 1900(1040) | … | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
| TP347H | Solution | 2000(1100) | 7 | 75(515) | 30(205) | 35 | 192HBW/200HV | 90HRB |
ASTM A213 Stainless Steel Tubes Outside Diameter and Wall Thickness Tolerance
| OD, mm | OD Tolerance |
|---|---|
| < 25.4 | +/- 0.10 |
| 25.4 – <= 38.1 | +/- 0.15 |
| > 38.1 -< 50.8 | +/- 0.20 |
| 50.8 -< 63.5 | +/- 0.25 |
| 63.5 -< 76.2 | +/- 0.30 |
| 76.2 – <= 101.6 | +/- 0.38 |
| > 101.6 – <= 190.5 | +0.38/-0.64 |
| > 190.5 – <= 228.6 | +0.38/-1.14 |
| OD, mm | WT Tolerance |
|---|---|
| <= 38.1 | +20%/-0 |
| > 38.1 | +22%/-0 |
ASTM A213 Stainless steel seamless tube test requirement
ASTM A213 specifies mandatory mechanical, chemical, and nondestructive tests to ensure tube quality for high-temperature and pressure service.General testing requirements are governed by ASTM A450 / A450M, which is referenced by ASTM A213.
1. Chemical Composition Test
- Purpose: Verify compliance with specified grade chemistry
- Method: Product analysis
- Requirement:
- Each heat must conform to the chemical limits of the specified grade (TP304, TP316, TP321, TP347, etc.)
- Reference: ASTM A213 + ASTM A450
2. Tensile Test
- Purpose: Verify mechanical strength
- Specimen: One tube per heat
- Measured Properties:
- Tensile strength
- Yield strength (0.2% offset)
- Elongation
- Requirement (Typical for Austenitic Grades):
- Tensile Strength ≥ 515 MPa
- Yield Strength ≥ 205 MPa
- Elongation ≥ 35%
3. Flattening Test
- Purpose: Check ductility and soundness of tube wall
- Applicability:
- Austenitic stainless steel tubes
- Requirement:
- No cracking or splitting when flattened to specified distance
- Reference: ASTM A450
4. Flaring Test (Alternative to Flattening)
- Purpose: Evaluate ductility and weld integrity (if applicable)
- Applicability:
- Small-diameter tubes
- Requirement:
- Tube end must withstand specified flaring without cracking
5. Hardness Test (Optional / Supplementary)
- Purpose: Confirm proper heat treatment
- Typical Limit:
- Austenitic grades: ≤ 95 HRB
- Note:
- Required only when specified by purchaser or supplementary requirements
6. Hydrostatic Pressure Test
- Purpose: Detect leaks and ensure pressure integrity
- Requirement:
- Each tube must be hydrostatically tested
- OR may be replaced by Nondestructive Electric Test (NDT)
- Test Pressure:
Calculated according to ASTM A450 formula
7. Nondestructive Electric Test (NDT)
Allowed instead of hydrostatic testing.
Accepted Methods:
- Eddy Current Test
- Ultrasonic Test
Requirements:
- 100% of tubes tested
- Detects longitudinal defects
- Equipment calibrated with reference standards
8. Grain Size Test (Supplementary – If Required)
- Purpose: Control microstructure for high-temperature service
- Applicability:
- TP321H, TP347H, TP316H, etc.
- Requirement:
- Grain size number typically ASTM No. 7 or coarser, when specified
9. Intergranular Corrosion Test (Optional)
- Purpose: Evaluate resistance to intergranular attack
- Applicability:
- Austenitic stainless steels
- Test Method: ASTM A262 (Practice E commonly used)
- Required: Only if specified by purchaser
10. Dimensional & Visual Inspection
- OD, wall thickness, length tolerances checked per ASTM A213 / A450
- Tubes must be:
- Free from cracks, laps, seams
- Smooth finish, suitable for heat exchanger service
11. Heat Treatment Verification
- All austenitic stainless steel tubes must be supplied in:
Solution Annealed Condition
Typical parameters:
- 1900–2050°F (1040–1120°C)
- Rapid cooling (water quench or air cool)
12. Certification & Documentation
Each shipment must include:
- Heat number traceability
- Chemical composition report
- Mechanical test results
- NDT / hydrotest results
- Heat treatment confirmation
Certificate Type:
- EN 10204 3.1 (standard)
- EN 10204 3.2 (if third-party inspection required)
Want to know the difference between ASTM A213 and ASTM A312?
Download ASTM A213 standard latest edition in PDF ( ASTM A213 2024)
Products of ASTM A213 Stainless Steel tubes
ASTM A213 T316L Seamless steel tube
ASTM A213 T317L Seamless steel tube
ASTM A213 T321 Seamless steel tube