The A53 pipe classification system is a widely used standard that has three types (F, E, S) and two grades (A, B) of A53 pipe. It was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to classify pipes based on their material, size, and other characteristics. The system is used to ensure that pipes meet certain strength, durability, and safety standards.
A53 Pipe Classification
– ASTM A53 Type F
Type F: Furnace welded continuous pipe
Steel plates or strips are welded into pipes using arc welding or gas welding. The weld is heat treated in a furnace to eliminate welding stress.
-ASTM A53 Type E
Type E: Electric resistance welded pipe
The steel plate or strip is welded into a pipe using the electric resistance welding process. The weld is not heat treated.
-ASTM A53 Type E
Type E: Electric resistance welded pipe
The steel plate or strip is welded into a pipe using the electric resistance welding process. The weld is not heat treated.
Specific requirements for A53 pipe
Chemical requirements
| Type S | Type E | Type F | |||
| (seamless) | (electric- resistance welded) |
(furnace- welded pipe) |
|||
| Grade A | Grade B | Grade A | Grade B | Grade A | |
| Carbon, max | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.25 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Manganese, max | 0.95 | 1.2 | 0.95 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Phosphorous, max | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Sulfur, max | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Copper, max.% | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Nickel, max. % | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Chromium, max. % | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Molybdenum, max. % | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Vanadium, max. % | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.08 |
Stretching requirements
| Type F | Types E and S | |||
| Open-Hearth, Basic Oxygen, or Electric Furnace, Grade A |
Grade A | Grade B | ||
| Tensile strength, min, psi (MPa) | 48 000 (330) | 48 000 (330) | 60 000 (415) | |
| Yield strength, min, psi, (MPa) | 30 000 (205) | 30 000 (205) | 35 000 (240) | |
| Elongation in 2 in. | A,B | A,B | A,B | |
How to choose ASTM A53 standard
A53 Pipe Classification Selection
- Type S: This type of pipe fitting has no welds, has a relatively high pressure bearing capacity, and has a certain degree of corrosion resistance, but the cost is high and the production cycle is long. It is more suitable for high-pressure systems, precision machinery, petrochemicals and other fields.
- Type E: This type of pipe fitting has a short production cycle, high efficiency, and the best cost performance. It is used in medium-pressure scenarios. However, there are welds that require non-destructive testing to ensure the availability of this steel pipe. It is often used in scenarios such as building structure support, general fluid transportation, and air-conditioning pipelines.
- Type F: The lowest cost and the weakest pressure bearing capacity, cannot be used for high-pressure or pressure-bearing parts. More common scenarios include municipal water pipes, gas transportation, and low-corrosive liquid transportation.
A53 Pipe Grade Selection
- Grade A (common grade): suitable for low-pressure liquid transportation and general structural support. Low carbon content, yield strength ≥ 205MPa, limited strength, but good welding performance and low cost. Suitable for low-cost and low-pressure scenarios.
- Grade B (high-strength grade): suitable for medium and low-pressure oil and gas pipelines, industrial fluid transportation, pressure-bearing mechanical parts, etc. Yield strength ≥ 240MPa, with a certain amount of carbon and manganese, both strength and toughness. If it is not in a high-temperature scenario, this grade can partially replace ASTM A106 Gr.B.
