1. What is ASTM A333 standard?
333 Gr.6 steel is compliant with the American ASTM A333/A333M standard and is a nickel-free low-temperature steel seamless pipe. It is a fine-grained, low-temperature toughness steel that utilizes aluminum deoxidation, and its microstructure consists of body-centered cubic ferrite. It is typically supplied in a normalized or normalized and tempered condition.
Low-temperature seamless steel pipes are primarily used in the production processes of ethylene, propylene, urea, synthetic ammonia, N-P-K compound fertilizer, and the pharmaceutical industry, which utilize petroleum, chemicals, natural gas, and coal as raw materials. These processes include washing, purification, desulfurization, and degreasing. They are also used in the manufacturing of deep-cold equipment, ultra-low temperature cold storage, and pipelines and pipe components for transporting ultra-low temperature liquefied gases. The international system for low-temperature seamless steel pipes is represented by ASTM A333/A333M and is suitable for low-temperature environments down to -196°C. Currently, the production and acceptance of low-temperature seamless steel pipes globally often adopt American standards, and domestic designs also commonly refer to these standards. Among the nine grades of low-temperature pipes in the American standard, Gr.6 is extensively used in the petrochemical industry and for fluid transportation in low-temperature and harsh cold regions, with an annual demand in the US and European markets exceeding 20,000 tons.
Usage conditions: Taking A333 low-temperature steel as an example, the service temperatures are categorized into five grades: -45°C (Gr.1 and Gr.6), -60°C (Gr.10), -75°C (Gr.7 and Gr.9), -100°C (Gr.3 and Gr.4), and -195°C (Gr.8 and Gr.11).
The ASTM 333 Gr.6 Equivalent Material is akin to AISI 4032 low-alloy steel. The welding process should not involve the addition of filler metal during the welding operation.
2. What is ASTM A106 standard?
ASTM A106 standard is a specification for seamless carbon steel pipe for high-temperature service. For more information, please refer to the following link:ASTM A106 Pipe | American Standard Steel Products
ASTM A53 vs A106 Pipe
3. What is the difference between ASTM A106 and A333?
| Characteristic | ASTM A333 (Grade 6) | ASTM A106 (Grade B) |
|---|---|---|
| Intended Service | Low-temperature service for temperatures below -45°C | High-temperature service, suitable for boilers, pressure vessels |
| Chemical Composition | Carbon steel with alloying elements for low-temperature toughness | Carbon steel, may vary for high-temperature strength and durability |
| Mechanical Properties | Superior notch toughness, durable at -452°F | High tensile strength, toughness, and oxidation resistance |
| Applications | Cryogenic, refrigeration systems, and other low-temperature applications | Gas and oil industry, water, heating, pipeline construction |
| Temperature Limitation | Designed for low-temperature operation, can withstand temperatures as low as -452°F | Should not be used above 430°C due to mechanical property reduction |
| Standard Specification | ASTM A333/A333M-18 for low-temperature service | ASTM A106/A106M-19a for high-temperature service |
| Notable Characteristics | Optimized for structural applications in cold environments | Valued for high-temperature applications and durability |
| Equivalent Material | AISI 4032 low alloy steel (Note: Equivalent materials can vary based on specific applications and standards) | ASTM A53 Grade B and API 5L Grade B |
