Uses and differences of the industrial boiler steel pipes

General boiler steel pipes are primarily used in the fabrication of water-cooled wall tubes, boiling water tubes, superheated steam tubes, and reheated steam tubes. Their performance characteristics determine their suitability for different boiler pressure levels and thermal environments.

First, Uses of Boiler Steel Pipes
General boiler steel pipes are widely applied in locomotive boilers, including large and small smoke tubes and arch brick tubes.

High-pressure boiler steel pipes, by contrast, are used for manufacturing critical components in high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure boilers, such as superheater tubes, reheater tubes, steam pipes, and main steam pipelines.

The overall demand trend for high-pressure boiler steel pipes remains stable. Nonetheless, specific application segments continue to differentiate due to evolving industry requirements. According to industry experts, the adoption and advancement of new energy-saving and heat-insulating 20G high-pressure boiler tube technologies represent a key development direction.

Energy-efficient 20G high-pressure boiler products—such as eco-friendly coatings, water-saving sanitary materials, green stone products, and external cement foam insulation boards—are gaining broader market recognition. The long-term prospects for energy-saving and environmentally friendly materials within the high-pressure boiler steel tube sector are highly promising.

Second, Differences Between High-Pressure and Low/Medium-Pressure Boiler Steel Pipes

Different execution standards
•High-pressure boiler steel pipe standard: GB/T 5310–2018
•Low/medium-pressure boiler steel pipe standard: GB/T 3087–2018

Different working environments
•High-pressure boiler steel pipes operate above 9.8 MPa with working temperatures between 450°C and 650°C.
•Low/medium-pressure boiler steel pipes operate at pressures not exceeding 5.88 MPa.

Different applicable materials
•High-pressure boiler steel pipes: 20G, 20MnG, 25MnG, 15MoG, 20MoG, 12CrMoG, 15CrMoG, 12Cr2MoG, 12CrMoVG, 12Cr3MoVSiTiB, and other alloy grades with heat-resistant and creep-resistant properties.
•Low/medium-pressure boiler steel pipes: typically 10# and 20# carbon steel.

Different pricing levels
High-pressure boiler steel pipes are more expensive due to their alloy content, complex processing, and stricter performance requirements.

FAQ

Why are high-pressure boiler pipes more expensive?
They require higher-grade materials, more complex heat treatment, and must meet stringent high-temperature, high-pressure performance standards.

Can low/medium-pressure boiler pipes be used in high-pressure systems?
No. Their material strength and temperature resistance are insufficient for high-pressure environments.

What is the most commonly used material for high-pressure boiler steel pipes?
20G is widely used due to its good high-temperature strength and stable performance after heat treatment.

Are high-pressure boiler pipes always alloyed?
Yes. They typically include alloying elements such as Mo, Cr, or V to enhance heat resistance, hardness, and creep strength.

How to select the right boiler steel pipe grade?
Selection depends on operating pressure, temperature, required durability, corrosion resistance, and compliance with relevant standards such as GB/T 5310 or GB/T 3087.