EN10216-5 1.4541 / TP321 / TP321H / 12X18H10T Stainless Steel Seamless Tube

Introduction to EN10216-5 1.4541 Seamless Tube

EN10216-5 is a European standard specifying technical delivery conditions for seamless steel tubes designed for high-temperature and pressure applications. These tubes are critical in industries requiring robust performance under stress, such as power generation, petrochemical plants, and heat exchangers. The standard ensures materials meet stringent safety and quality requirements for pressure equipment.

Material Overview (1.4541):

1.4541, equivalent to AISI 321, is a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel. Its composition prevents chromium carbide formation during welding, enhancing resistance to intergranular corrosion. This makes it ideal for welded assemblies exposed to corrosive environments.

Technical Details

Chemical Composition (wt%):

Carbon (C): ≤0.08%

Chromium (Cr): 17–19%

Nickel (Ni): 9–12%

Titanium (Ti): ≥5×C% (min. 0.30%)

Manganese (Mn): ≤2.0%

Silicon (Si): ≤0.75%

Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045%

Sulfur (S): ≤0.015%

Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature):

Tensile Strength (Rm): 500–700 MPa

Yield Strength (Rp0.2): ≥200 MPa

Elongation (A): ≥40%

Hardness: Typically ≤215 HBW

Manufacturing Process:

Production Method: Seamless tubes are formed via hot extrusion or rotary piercing, followed by cold drawing/rolling for precision dimensions.

Heat Treatment: Solution annealing at 1050–1100°C followed by rapid cooling (water quenching) to dissolve carbides and restore corrosion resistance.

Surface Finish: Smooth, scale-free surface; optional pickling/passivation for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Testing & Quality Assurance:

Hydrostatic Testing: Pressure applied to check integrity (test pressure calculated based on wall thickness, diameter, and material strength).

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Ultrasonic or eddy current testing to detect flaws.

Mechanical Tests: Tensile, hardness, and flattening tests.

Chemical Analysis: Verification of composition via spectrometry.

Applications:

Boilers, superheaters, and heat exchangers in power plants.

Chemical processing equipment (reactors, pipelines).

Oil and gas refineries (high-temperature piping).

Aerospace and automotive exhaust systems.

Compliance & Certification:

Meets EN10216-5 requirements for pressure purposes.

Complies with EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) for CE marking.

Optional certifications (e.g., TÜV, Lloyd’s Register) for critical applications.

Advantages of 1.4541 Seamless Tubes:

Superior corrosion resistance in acidic/chloride environments.

Excellent high-temperature strength (up to 600°C).

Seamless construction ensures uniformity and reliability under high pressure.

Good weldability with minimal post-weld treatment.