ASTM A213 T5 Alloy Steel Seamless Furnace Tubes In Petrochemical Refinery Projects

ASME SA213/ASTM A213 This specification covers seamless ferritic and austenitic steel boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger tubes, designated Grades T5, TP304, TP321, etc. ASTM A213 T5 (SA213 T5) is a chromium-molybdenum alloy steel tube designed for high-temperature service, commonly used in power plants, petrochemical industries, and refineries.

Chemical Composition (%) max

Mechanical Properties

Advantages

ASTM A213 T5 is an economical and efficient boiler tube material for medium-high temperature applications (up to 600°C), suitable for refineries and chemical plants. For more demanding conditions, T9 or T91 might be the preferred option.

In petrochemical refineries projects, ASTM A213 T5 seamless tubes play a important role in high-temperature furnace applications, particularly in ethylene cracking, hydrogen reforming, and other thermal processes. Their ability to withstand creep, thermal fatigue, and corrosive environments makes them essential for reliable refinery operations.

Key Applications in Refineries

*Ethylene Cracking Furnace Tubes: Used in pyrolysis furnaces where hydrocarbons are cracked at 800–900°C (1472–1652°F).

(T5 tubes line the radiant and convection sections, enduring extreme heat while maintaining structural integrity; with resists carburization and oxidation from hydrocarbon feedstocks)

*Hydrogen Reformer Tubes: Operates in steam-methane reforming (SMR) units (~700–950°C / 1292–1742°F).

(T5 withstands hydrogen embrittlement and high-pressure steam corrosion.Preferred for moderate-sulfur environments)

*Fired Heater Tubes: Used in crude oil heaters, coker heaters, and vacuum distillation units.

(T5 handles cyclic thermal stress from frequent startups/shutdowns)

*Sulfur Recovery Units (SRUs): Used in Claus process furnaces where sulfur compounds are processed at high temps (~1000°C).

(T5’s Mo content helps resist sulfidation attack)