ASTM A213 is the core standard for seamless tubes designed for high-temperature, high-pressure equipment such as boilers, superheaters, and heat exchangers. This standard restricts the chemical composition and manufacturing process (for seamless tubes only) and establishes mandatory requirements for heat treatment and high-temperature mechanical properties. It also specifies a series of tests, such as flattening and flaring tests, to verify the plasticity of the tube material, ensuring its integrity under the extreme stresses of installation and operation. This sets the benchmark for safety and reliability in high-temperature applications.
TP321 stainless steel's "titanium stability" is key to its long service life at high temperatures. During welding or prolonged exposure to high temperatures (425-850°C), the carbon in ordinary stainless steel combines with chromium, reducing its corrosion resistance (i.e., intergranular corrosion). The titanium added to TP321 preferentially bonds with carbon, firmly "locking" the carbon atoms and protecting the chromium, allowing it to continue to exert its corrosion-resistant properties. This mechanism ensures that boiler tubes remain resistant to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion even after welding and long-term operation.
TP321 seamless tubes are primarily used in the superheater and reheater sections of power plant boilers, the core and most demanding sections of the boiler. Steam temperatures and pressures in these areas are the highest, placing extreme demands on the material's high-temperature strength, creep resistance, and structural stability. Selecting TP321 ensures that these critical components maintain structural stability despite continuous high-temperature, high-pressure steam erosion, a crucial component in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the entire generator set.
To ensure the superior high-temperature performance of our tubes, our quality control procedures are extremely stringent. We use a precisely controlled heat treatment process to ensure that each batch of TP321 tubes achieves the correct metallographic structure. We also conduct mechanical tests that simulate actual operating conditions, such as high-temperature tensile tests, to verify their strength at high temperatures. 100% non-destructive testing before shipment ensures that our tubes are free of even the slightest defects and are safe for use in high-temperature, high-pressure environments.
SMLSCO is a trusted supplier of high-performance tubing for the power and energy industries. We deeply understand the stringent quality and delivery time requirements of power plant construction and maintenance. We supply boiler tubes that fully comply with international standards such as ASTM A213 and offer certifications such as PED. With our mature supply chain management and experience, we can provide you with reliable and competitive procurement solutions even for special grades such as TP321.