Why do heat exchanger projects still experience installation difficulties, unstable heat transfer performance, or early leakage issues, even when using tubes that meet standard requirements? The root cause often lies in variations in dimensional accuracy, wall thickness consistency, and material processing quality, all of which directly impact the long-term reliability of the system.
Our ASTM A213 TP304 Stainless Steel Seamless Tube for Heat Exchanger is specifically designed for high-efficiency heat exchange systems. In terms of dimensional tolerances, we strictly comply with ASTM A213 standards, with outer diameter tolerance controlled within ±0.3% and wall thickness tolerance typically within ±10%, ensuring high compatibility during tube-to-tubesheet assembly and effectively reducing risks of improper expansion or leakage caused by dimensional deviations. In addition, we can provide minimum wall thickness control solutions based on project requirements, optimizing heat transfer efficiency and material utilization while maintaining pressure-bearing capacity.
In terms of heat treatment, all tubes undergo high-standard solution annealing, typically performed above 1040°C followed by rapid cooling. This ensures complete dissolution of carbides, uniform grain structure, and effective stress relief, thereby enhancing corrosion resistance and mechanical stability. Our heat treatment process is strictly controlled, and relevant process and inspection records can be provided to ensure batch consistency and full traceability.
Regarding surface quality, both the inner and outer surfaces are finished and cleaned, with surface roughness (Ra) typically controlled at ≤0.8 μm. This helps reduce fluid resistance while decreasing fouling rates by approximately 15%–20%, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and extending equipment operating cycles.
ASTM A213 TP304 Stainless Steel Tube Specification
|
Specification |
ASTM A-213 & Its equivalent ASME, DIN & EN Standard. |
|
Grades |
304, 304L, 304H, 304LN, 309S, 310S, 316, 316L, 316H, 316Ti, 317, 317L, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, 410,446 |
|
Type |
Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Boiler, Superheater, and Heat-Exchanger Tubes |
|
Outer Diameter Size |
1/4" OD, NB to 3" OD, NB sizes |
|
Thickness |
1mm to 12mm, SCH 5/5S, 10/10S, 20/20S, 40/40S, 80/80S, 120/120S, 160/160S as per ANSI B36.19/36.10 |
|
Length |
Up to 6 meters, custom cut lengths |
|
Ends |
No.1 Pickled Finish, No.4 finish, BA Finish, Electropolished Seamless Tubes |
|
Delivery Conditions |
As Rolled, Formed, Stress Relieved, Annealed, Hardened, Tempered, Cold Draw |
|
Coating |
Electropolish, Mechanical Polish, Satin Finish, Passivated |
A213 TP304 Chemical Composition
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | Cr | Ni | Mo | S | P |
| TP304 | 0,08 | 1,0 | 2 | 18 – 20 | 8 – 11 | – | 0,03 | 0,045 |
A213 TP304 Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Tensile Strength(Mpa) | Yield Point(Mpa) | Elongation(%) | Hardness(HRB) | Solution Temperature |
| TP304 | 515 | 205 | 35 | 90 | 1040 |
ASTM A213 Permissible Variations In Outside Diameter, Wall Thickness And Length
| OD, Mm | W.T. Mm | L, Mm | |
| ≤25.4 | ±0.10 | +20%, 0%, OD>50, T>5.6 AVG Wall +/-10% |
OD<50.8,+3mm, OD>=50.8, +5mm |
| 25.4~38.1 | ±0.15 | ||
| 38.1~50.8 | ±0.2 | ||
| 50.8~63.5 | ±0.25 | ||
| 63.5~76.2 | ±0.3 | ||
| 76.2~101.6 | ±0.38 | ||
We provide Mill Test Certificates (MTC 3.1): In accordance with the EN 10204 3.1 standard, these certificates provide detailed records of the Heat Number, Lot Number, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and NDT results.
Third-Party Inspection (TPI) Reports: We support on-site supervision and the issuance of inspection certificates by agencies such as SGS, BV, and TUV.
Click to Obtain the ASTM A213 TP304 Quality Inspection Certificate
Quality Inspection & Testing
PMI Testing (Spectroscopic Analysis)
Hydrostatic Testing: Each pipe must withstand high pressure for a minimum of 5 seconds to ensure leak-free performance.
Eddy Current Testing: Detects minute surface cracks and pinholes in the piping material.
Ultrasonic Testing: Designed for high-pressure applications, this test detects deep-seated internal defects and verifies the uniformity of the pipe wall thickness.
Export Packaging
End Protection: Plastic caps are fitted to both ends of the pipes to prevent dust ingress into the interior walls and to protect the bevels.
Bundling Method: The pipes are arranged in a hexagonal bundle configuration and secured with high-strength steel strapping to facilitate handling by forklifts and cranes.
Surface Protection: The pipe bodies are either coated with anti-rust oil or wrapped in woven plastic bags.
Premium Custom Packaging: For heat exchanger tubes with thin walls or exceptionally strict surface finish requirements, the pipes are enclosed in reinforced wooden crates.
FAQ
1. What is the specific scope of ASTM A213 TP304?
ASTM A213 is the standard specification for seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy-steel boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger tubes. TP304 is the austenitic grade (18/8 stainless steel) most commonly used due to its excellent balance of corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength.
2. Why is "Minimum Wall" (MW) thickness critical for ASTM A213?
Unlike many general-purpose standards, ASTM A213 tubes are typically ordered as Minimum Wall. This means that the actual wall thickness of the tube can never be thinner than the specified dimension.
3. What information is needed for an accurate quote?
To provide a fast and precise quotation, please include:
Standard & Grade: ASTM A213 TP304.
Dimensions: OD x Wall Thickness (specify if MW or AW).
Length: Fixed lengths (e.g., 6000mm) or U-bent requirements.
Quantity: Total meters or number of pieces.
End Condition: Plain ends or Beveled ends.