Differences between ASTM A53 B and ASTM A106 B Steel Pipe

The scope of ASTM A106 and A53

ASTM A53 specification covers the steel pipe manufacturing types in seamless and welded,
material in carbon steel, black steel. Surface natural, black, and hot-dipped galvanized, zinc
coated steel pipe. Diameters range from NPS 1⁄2” to NPS 18” (2.00 mm to 12.0 mm), nominal
wall thickness.

ASTM A106 standard specification covers the seamless carbon steel pipe, applied for high-
temperature services.

ASTM A53/ASTM A106 steel pipe types and grades

For ASTM A53 there are ERW and seamless steel pipes Type F, E, S covers Grade A and B.

A53 Type F, furnace butt welded, continuous weld Grade A

A53 Type E, Electric resistance welded (ERW), in Grade A and Grade B.
A53 Type S, Seamless steel pipe, in Grade A and Grade B.

A53 Grade B Seamless is polar product under this specification and A53 pipe is commonly dual
certified to A106 B Seamless pipe.

Applications for both standards

Both pipes applied for mechanical and pressure systems, transporting steam, water, gas, and etc.
ASTM A53 pipe application

1. Construction, underground transportation, extraction of ground water while building, steam water
transportation etc.
2. Bearing sets, machinery parts processing.
3. Electric application: Gas transmission, water power generation fluid pipeline.
4. Wind power plant anti-static tube etc.
5. Pipelines that required zinc coated.
ASTM A106 pipe application

Especially for high temperature services that up to 750°F, and it could substitute ASTM A53 pipe in
most of the cases. In some country at least in United States, usually ASTM A53 is for welded pipe
while ASTM A106 is for seamless pipe. And if client asked for ASTM A53 they will also offer
A106. In China, manufacturer will offer the pipe that comply to three standards ASTM A53 B /
ASTM A106 B / API 5L B.

Differences on mechanical properties

ASTM A53 Grade B mechanical strength is same with ASTM A106 Grade B pipe.

Differences on Chemical properties

Inspection and testing of Pipe
During the inspection of the pipe, you have to perform the following test on the pipe
to check the quality of the final product.

1. Chemical Analysis of the final product. The number of tests – 2 Pipes per lot of
500 or 2 Pipes per heat Number. If either pipe fails- two more pipes shall be
tested from the same lot.
2. Tensile Test – This test is performed to check the mechanical properties of the
pipe. For the welded pipe, the strength of the weld should not be less than the
strength of the pipe body.
3. Bending Test – For pipe size, NPS 2 and smaller bending test is performed to
check the ductility of the pipe. Bend test can be 90 Degree or 180 Degree,
depending on the requirement.
4. Flattening Test – Pipe size over NPS 2 is tested for ductility by flattening test.
A sample from the pipe is cut and placed between two flat surfaces and
flattened as specified in ASTM A53.
5. Hydro test – This test is performed on each length of the pipe to check the leak.
Pressure shall be held for 5 seconds or more.
6. Ultrasonic or Electromagnetic Test of weld seam– This non-destructive test is
performed on the full length of the weld to check the soundness of welding.
ASTM A53 / ASTM A106 Specifications
Difference

Nominal Outside
Wall Thickness Test Pressure
Size Diameter
ASTM A53 SCH-40 ASTM A106 Sch-40 ASTM A53 SCH-40 ASTM A106 Sch-40
Inch Inches mm (ERW) (Seamless) (ERW) (Seamless)
1/2" 0.840" 21.3 2.77 2.77 700 700
3/4" 1.050" 26.7 2.87 2.87 700 700
1" 1.315" 33.4 3.38 3.38 700 700
1-1/4" 1.660" 42.2 3.56 3.56 1100 1100
1-1/2" 1.900" 48.3 3.68 3.68 1100 1100
2" 2.375" 60.3 3.91 3.91 2500 2500
2.5" 2.875" 73.0 5.16 5.16 2500 2500
3" 3.500" 88.9 5.49 5.49 2500 2500
4" 4.500" 114.3 6.02 6.02 2210 2210
5" 5.563" 141.3 6.55 6.55 1950 1950
6" 6.625" 168.3 7.11 7.11 1780 1780
8" 8.625" 219.1 8.18 8.18 1570 1570
10" 10.750" 273.0 9.27 9.27 1430 1430
12" 12.750" 323.8 10.31 10.31 1240 1240
14" 14.00" 355.6 11.13 11.13 1120 1120