Commonly used grades of American standard high-pressure boiler tubes

High-pressure boiler tubes are essential components for transporting high-temperature, high-pressure steam or hot water in power generation, chemical processing, and petrochemical systems. Several American standards—ASTM A192, A210, A213, and A335—are commonly used because they provide reliable performance under extreme operating conditions.

ASTM A192

ASTM A192 is a cold-drawn seamless carbon steel boiler tube designed specifically for high-temperature and high-pressure service. With strong heat resistance and excellent pressure-bearing capability, it can endure frequent thermal cycling. This makes it widely used in boiler tube bundles, inlet/outlet piping, and heat exchanger coils in coal-fired, oil and gas, and nuclear power units.

ASTM A210

ASTM A210 is a seamless medium-carbon steel boiler and superheater tube that offers high strength and good toughness. Its ability to withstand elevated temperature and pressure conditions makes it suitable for thermal power plants, industrial steam pipelines, and superheater sections where stable hot-water or steam transmission is required.

ASTM A213

ASTM A213 covers seamless alloy steel tubes incorporating chromium, molybdenum, nickel, and other alloying elements. These elements greatly enhance oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance, allowing the tubes to operate reliably in high-temperature and chemically aggressive environments. A213 tubes are widely applied in petrochemical furnaces, heat exchangers, pharmaceutical facilities, and modern high-efficiency power plants.

ASTM A335

ASTM A335 is a seamless alloy steel pipe intended for high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Known for its exceptional creep strength, oxidation resistance, and long-term thermal stability, A335 is commonly used in superheater pipelines, high-temperature steam headers, refinery heaters, and high-stress heat exchange systems.

When selecting a suitable high-pressure boiler tube grade, factors such as operating temperature, pressure, corrosion environment, mechanical load, wall thickness, and long-term durability must be evaluated. Referring to the relevant ASTM/ASME specifications ensures proper material selection and overall system safety.

FAQ: High-Pressure Boiler Tubes

1. Which materials are best for ultra-high temperatures?
Alloy steel grades like ASTM A213 (T11/T22/T91) and ASTM A335 (P22/P91) perform best at extreme temperatures.

2. Can carbon steel boiler tubes be used in corrosive environments?
Carbon steel (A192, A210) is suitable for standard conditions, but for corrosive or oxidizing environments, alloy steels (A213, A335) are preferred.

3. Why must high-pressure boiler tubes be seamless?
Seamless tubes avoid weld seams, which improves pressure reliability and reduces the risk of cracking under thermal stress.

4. Which standard defines tube dimensions and tolerances?
Dimensions usually follow ASME B36.10M along with the specific ASTM material standard.

Read more: ASTM A210 ASME SA210 seamless boiler tubes