ASTM A269 / ASME SA269 Stainless Steel 316L CF Pickled Annealed Seamless Tube
ASTM A269 TP316L seamless tubes are high-quality stainless steel tubes designed for exceptional corrosion resistance and strength in various environments. Made from low carbon 316L stainless steel, they are ideal for applications in the oil and gas, marine, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries. The lower carbon content minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, enhancing their durability. These tubes offer good mechanical properties, excellent weldability, and resistance to pitting, making them suitable for high-temperature and corrosive conditions. Their seamless construction ensures uniformity and reliability, making them a preferred choice for demanding applications.
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Low Carbon Content: The “L” in 316L indicates lower carbon content (≤0.03%), which significantly improves the resistance to sensitization during welding. This means it’s less likely to form chromium carbides at grain boundaries, which can lead to intergranular corrosion.
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Aesthetic Appeal: The smooth surface finish can be polished to a bright luster, making it suitable for applications where appearance is important (such as architectural features).
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Versatility: The versatility of 316L makes it a go-to choice for various sectors, from manufacturing to utilities, providing reliable performance in diverse environments.
ASTM A269 TP316L Stainless Steel Seamless Tube Equivalent Grades
Grade | WERKSTOFF NR. | UNS | JIS | BS | GOST | AFNOR | EN |
SS 316L | 1.4404 / 1.4435 | S31603 | SUS 316L | 316S11 / 316S13 | 03Ch17N14M3 / 03Ch17N14M2 | Z3CND17‐11‐02 / Z3CND18‐14‐03 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 / X2CrNiMo18-14-3 |
ASTM A269 TP316L Stainless Steel Seamless Tube Chemical Composition
Grade | C | Mn | Si | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni | Fe |
SS 316L | 0.035 max | 2.0 max | 1.0 max | 0.045 max | 0.030 max | 16.00 - 18.00 | 2.00 - 3.00 | 10.00 - 14.00 | 68.89 min |
ASTM A269 TP316L Stainless Steel Seamless Tube Physical Properties
Grade | Density (kg/m3) | Elastic Modulus (GPa) | Mean Co-eff of Thermal Expansion (µm/m/°C) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) | Specific Heat 0-100°C (J/kg.K) | Elec Resistivity (nΩ.m) |
0-100°C | 0-315°C | 0-538°C | At 100°C | At 500°C |
316L | 8000 | 193 | 15.9 | 16.2 | 17.5 | 16.3 | 21.5 | 500 | 740 |
Inspection and Testing
When tubes are manufactured, they undergo various tests to ensure they meet the strict standards outlined by ASTM A269. Common inspection techniques include:
- Hydrostatic Testing: To check for leaks and ensure that the tube can handle pressure.
- Eddy Current Testing: Used for detecting surface flaws.
- Dimensional Inspection: Ensures that the tube meets the specified size and wall thickness standards.
- Surface Inspection
- Chemical Composition
- Mechanical Properties
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Manufacturing Process:
Seamless Tubing:
Produced from solid round billets, which are heated and then pierced to create a hollow tube.
Further processing involves cold drawing to achieve the desired dimensions and surface roughness.
Annealing:
A heat treatment process that improves ductility and relieves stresses due to drawing.
Pickling:
A chemical process that removes surface oxides and impurities, resulting in a clean surface.
Applications
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Oil and Gas Industry: Used in the construction of pipelines and equipment that are exposed to harsh environments, where resistance to corrosion is vital.
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Marine Components: Commonly used for making marine hardware, boat fittings, and other components exposed to seawater.
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Food Processing: Employed in food and beverage processing systems to ensure sanitary conditions due to its ease of cleaning and resistance to corrosive substances.
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Pharmaceutical Equipment: Ideal for manufacturing tanks and tubing in the pharmaceutical industry, where hygiene and cleanliness standards are critical.
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Heat Exchangers: Often utilized in heat exchangers due to its excellent resistance to chlorides and high temperatures.