Boiler tubes come in a variety of sizes, depending on the application and pressure requirements. The size of the tubes is generally defined by their outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT). Below is a general chart listing typical boiler tube sizes:
Outer Diameter (OD)
|
Wall Thickness (WT)
|
Common Standards
|
Application
|
12.7 mm (1/2 inch)
|
1.2 mm - 3.0 mm
|
ASTM A192, A210, A213
|
Low-pressure boilers, heat exchangers
|
15.9 mm (5/8 inch)
|
1.2 mm - 3.5 mm
|
ASTM A179, A210, A213
|
Heat exchangers, economizers
|
19.05 mm (3/4 inch)
|
1.5 mm - 4.0 mm
|
ASTM A179, A210, A213
|
Low-pressure steam boilers
|
25.4 mm (1 inch)
|
1.6 mm - 4.5 mm
|
ASTM A192, A210, A335
|
Power plant boilers
|
31.75 mm (1-1/4 inch)
|
2.0 mm - 5.0 mm
|
ASTM A213, A335
|
High-pressure steam boilers
|
38.1 mm (1-1/2 inch)
|
2.2 mm - 5.6 mm
|
ASTM A210, A213, A335
|
Medium and high-pressure boilers
|
50.8 mm (2 inch)
|
2.5 mm - 6.0 mm
|
ASTM A210, A213, A335
|
High-pressure boilers, superheaters
|
63.5 mm (2-1/2 inch)
|
2.8 mm - 7.0 mm
|
ASTM A213, A335
|
Superheater tubes
|
76.2 mm (3 inch)
|
3.0 mm - 8.0 mm
|
ASTM A335, A213
|
High-temperature service
|
88.9 mm (3-1/2 inch)
|
3.2 mm - 10.0 mm
|
ASTM A210, A335
|
High-pressure boilers
|
101.6 mm (4 inch)
|
3.5 mm - 12.0 mm
|
ASTM A335, A213
|
Superheaters, reheaters
|
114.3 mm (4-1/2 inch)
|
4.0 mm - 14.0 mm
|
ASTM A335, A213
|
Power plant steam systems
|
127 mm (5 inch)
|
4.5 mm - 16.0 mm
|
ASTM A335
|
Steam pipelines, large industrial boilers
|
Notes:
Outer Diameter (OD): This is the external diameter of the tube.
Wall Thickness (WT): The thickness of the tube wall, which determines its ability to handle pressure.
Common Standards: Boiler tubes adhere to international standards like ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), which ensure their quality and performance under specific conditions.
Application of Sizes
Smaller diameters (12.7 mm - 25.4 mm OD) are typically used for low-pressure steam boilers, heat exchangers, and economizers.
Medium diameters (31.75 mm - 50.8 mm OD) are used in medium-pressure and high-pressure boilers, as well as superheaters.
Larger diameters (63.5 mm - 127 mm OD) are often used in large industrial boilers, power plants, and high-pressure steam pipelines.
The actual size and material selection will depend on the specific requirements of the boiler system, including its pressure and temperature ratings.