ASTM A106 Grade B Pipe

ASTM A106/ASME SA106 is a standard specification specifically for seamless carbon steel pipe designed for high-temperature applications. It encompasses three grades: A, B, and C, with Grade B being the most commonly used grade. This type of pipe serves various industries, including oil and gas pipelines, water distribution systems, and mineral slurry transmission. Additionally, it is vital in boiler installations and for structural purposes in construction.

ASTM A106 Grade B pipe is recognized as equivalent to ASTM A53 Grade B and API 5L Grade B regarding both chemical composition and mechanical properties. It is primarily made of carbon steel and is characterized by a minimum yield strength of 240 MPa and a minimum tensile strength of 415 MPa. These properties ensure its suitability for transporting fluids under high pressure and elevated temperatures, making it a preferred choice in demanding environments across different sectors.

ASTM A106 Standard Specification

Chemical composition and Mechanical Strength

Chemical composition in %

Carbon (C) Max For Grade A 0.25, For Grade B 0.30, Grade C 0.35
Manganese (Mn): 0.27-0.93, 0.29-1.06
Sulfur (S) Max: ≤ 0.035
Phosphorus (P) : ≤ 0.035
Silicon (Si) Min : ≥0.10
Chrome (Cr): ≤ 0.40
Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.40
Molybdenum (Mo): ≤ 0.15
Nickel (Ni): ≤ 0.40
Vanadium (V): ≤ 0.08

Equivalent Designation

ASTM A106 Grade B Tensile Strength and Yield Strength

ASTM A106 Grade B Pipe Dimensions Schedule

ASTM A106 Grade B pipe specifications cover a wide range of sizes, from 1/8 inch to 48 inches (10.3mm to 1219mm  DN1200) in diameter. These sizes adhere to the nominal wall thickness specified in ASME B 36.10M, ensuring compatibility with standard pipe dimensions. Even for sizes not explicitly covered by ASME B 36.10M, this specification remains applicable.

The raw materials used for ASTM A106 pipes must be suitable for bending, flanging, or other forming processes. When welding is necessary, the process must be appropriate for ASTM A106 Grade B steel and capable of withstanding high-temperature environments.

For applications requiring superior grades of ASTM A106 steel, the standard offers optional supplementary requirements. These may include additional tests to ensure the pipes meet specific performance criteria. These provisions ensure that ASTM A106 Grade B pipes are versatile and capable of meeting diverse industrial requirements, from high-pressure pipelines to structural applications.

Standards referred for making ASTM A106 pipes

Standards play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and compliance of ASTM A106 pipes used in various industries. Here are the key standards referenced in the manufacturing and testing of ASTM A106 pipes:

1. ASTM A530/A530M: This standard specifies the general requirements for carbon and alloy steel pipes. It covers dimensions, tolerances, testing, and marking requirements, ensuring uniformity and quality across different types of pipes.
2. ASTM E213: This standard outlines the procedure for conducting ultrasonic examination tests on steel pipes. Ultrasonic testing is crucial for detecting internal defects and ensuring the integrity of the pipes.
3. ASTM E309: This standard pertains to the eddy current examination test, which is used for detecting surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials like steel pipes.
4. ASTM E381: The macroetch test standard specifies the procedure for evaluating the macrostructure of steel products. It helps in assessing the quality of the steel through visual inspection of its microstructure.
5. ASTM E570: This standard provides guidelines for conducting flux leakage tests on ferromagnetic steel pipes and pipeline products. Flux leakage testing detects external and internal corrosion, cracks, and other defects that may affect the pipes’ performance.
6. ASME B 36.10M: This ASME standard specifies nominal sizes of welded and seamless steel pipes. It covers dimensions, weights per unit length, and tolerances, ensuring consistency in pipe specifications across different applications.
7. MIL-STD-129: This military standard outlines the requirements for marking shipments and storage containers. It ensures clear and consistent labeling of ASTM A106 pipes during transportation and storage.
8. MIL-STD-163: This standard specifies the storage and shipment requirements for steel forging products, ensuring proper handling and storage conditions to maintain the quality of ASTM A106 pipes.
9. Fed. Std. No. 123: This federal standard governs the marking and shipments for civil agencies, providing guidelines for labeling and documentation of ASTM A106 pipes.
10. Fed. Std. No. 183: This federal standard specifies continuous identification marking requirements for steel products, including ASTM A106 pipes. It ensures clear and permanent marking of pipes for traceability and identification purposes.
11. SSPC-SP 6: This standard from the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) specifies the requirements for surface preparation of steel pipes. Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving effective coatings and corrosion resistance in ASTM A106 pipes.

These standards collectively ensure that ASTM A106 pipes meet stringent quality, performance, and safety requirements for their intended applications in industries such as oil and gas, water transmission, boiler systems, and structural uses.

Grade B Seamless Pipe

Grade B seamless pipes according to ASTM A106 are a popular choice for various applications due to their strength and reliability. These pipes undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality and performance.

Test Methods: 

ASTM A106 Grade B pipes undergo several tests to verify their suitability for use:

• Flattening Test: Ensures the pipe’s ability to withstand flattening under pressure.
• Hydrostatic Test: Tests the pipe under fluid pressure to check for leaks or weaknesses.
• Nondestructive Electric Test: Detects imperfections in the pipe using electric currents.
• Ultrasonic Test: Uses sound waves to inspect internal and external pipe surfaces for flaws.
• Eddy Current Test: Detects surface and near-surface defects in conductive materials.
• Flux Leakage Test: Detects flaws in ferromagnetic pipes using magnetic fields.

Our Supply Range

ASTM A106 Grade B seamless carbon steel pipes under various conditions:

• Standard: ASTM A106, including NACE and Sour Service specifications.
• Grade: A, B, C
• Outer Diameter (OD) Range: From NPS 1/8 inch to NPS 20 inch (10.13mm to 1219mm).
• Wall Thickness (WT) Range: SCH 10, SCH 20, SCH STD, SCH 40, SCH 80, up to SCH 160 and SCH XXS (1.24mm to 25.4mm).
• Length Range: Standard lengths of 20ft to 40ft (5.8m to 13m), with single random lengths of 16ft to 22ft (4.8m to 6.7m), and double random lengths averaging 35ft (10.7m).
• Ends Processing: Available in plain end, beveled end, or threaded end configurations.
• Coating Options: Options include black paint, varnish, epoxy coating, polyethylene coating, and specialized coatings like FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy) and 3PE (Three-Layer Polyethylene). CRA (Corrosion-Resistant Alloy) Clad and Lined options are also available for enhanced corrosion resistance.

These specifications ensure that ASTM A106 Grade B seamless pipes meet stringent requirements for applications in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, and more, where reliability and performance are critical.

FAQ