ASTM A53 is a standard specification in the United States for black and galvanized seamless and welded steel pipes, intended for mechanical and pressure applications, as well as for general steam, water, gas, and air lines. ASTM A53 pipes are mainly classified into three types:
- A53 Type F – Furnace welded, typically used for low-pressure applications.
- A53 Type E – Electric resistance welded, suitable for most pipe uses.
- A53 Type S – Seamless pipe, used for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
The standard is further divided into two grades based on chemical composition and mechanical properties:
- Grade A: Lower strength, suitable for medium to low-pressure applications.
- Grade B: Higher strength, suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
This type of pipe is widely used in construction structures, fluid transport, boiler systems, and industrial equipment.
Scope of ASTM A53 Pipe
This specification covers seamless and welded black and hot-dipped galvanized steel pipe in sizes from NPS 1/8 to NPS 26 [DN 6 to DN 650]
ASTM A53 Materials and Manufacture
The steel for both seamless and welded pipes must be produced by one or more of the following processes: open-hearth, electric-furnace, or basic-oxygen.
When different grades of steel are sequentially strand cast, identification of the transition material is required. The steel producer must remove the transition material using a procedure that reliably separates the different grades.
For Grade B electric-resistance welded pipes, the weld seam must be heat-treated after welding to at least 1000°F (540°C) to ensure no untempered martensite remains, or otherwise processed to achieve the same result.
When the pipe is cold expanded, the expansion must not exceed 1.5% of the specified outside diameter.
ASTM A53 Pipe Chemical Composition
| Composition,max,% | |||||||||
| Carbon | Manganese | Phosphorus | Sulfur | CopperA | Nickel (1) | Chromium (1) | Molybdenum (1) | Vanadium (1) | |
| Type S (seamless pipe) | |||||||||
| Grade A | 0.25 | 0.95 | 0.05 | 0.045 | 0.4 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.15 | 0.08 |
| Grade B | 0.30(3) | 1.20 | 0.05 | 0.045 | 0.4 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.15 | 0.08 |
| Type E (electric-resistance-welded) | |||||||||
| Grade A | 0.25 (2) | 0.95 | 0.05 | 0.045 | 0.4 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.15 | 0.08 |
| Grade B | 0.30(3) | 1.20 | 0.05 | 0.045 | 0.4 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.15 | 0.08 |
| Type F (furnace-welded pipe) | |||||||||
| Grade A | 0.30 | 1.20 | 0.05 | 0.045 | 0.4 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.15 | 0.08 |
- The total composition for these five elements shall not exceed 1.00%.
- For each reduction of0.01%below the specified carbon maximum,anincrease of0.06%manganese above the specified maximum willbe permited up to a maximum of 1.35 %.
- For each reduction of 0.01 %below the specified carbon maximum,anincrease of0.06%manganese above the spetfied maximum willbe permited upto a maximum of 1.65%.
Tensile Requirements
| Property | Grade A | Grade B |
| Tensile strength,min,psi [MPa] | 48 000 [330] | 60 000 [415] |
| Yield strength,min,psi [MPa] | 30 000 [205] | 35 000 [240] |
ASTM A53 Pipe Permissible Variations in Weight (Mass) and Dimensions
The weight (mass) of the pipe shall not vary more than ±10% from its specified weight (mass).
For pipes NPS 1½ [DN 40] or smaller, the outside diameter at any point shall not vary more than ±1/64 inch (0.4 mm) from the specified outside diameter; for pipes NPS 2 [DN 50] or larger, the outside diameter shall not vary more than ±1% from the specified outside diameter.
The minimum wall thickness at any point shall not be more than 12.5% under the specified wall thickness.
Lengths
- For plain-end pipes lighter than extra-strong weight, it is permissible for no more than 5% of the total number of pipes to be in lengths of 12 to 16 ft [3.66 to 4.88 m].
- Pipes of extra-strong weight or heavier shall be in random lengths of 12 to 22 ft [3.66 to 6.71 m], with no more than 5% of the total number of pipes allowed to be in lengths of 6 to 12 ft [1.83 to 3.66 m].
- For extra-strong weight or lighter pipes ordered in double-random lengths, the minimum lengths shall not be less than 22 ft [6.71 m], and the minimum average length for the order shall not be less than 35 ft [10.67 m].
- For pipes heavier than extra-strong weight ordered in lengths longer than single random, the lengths shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
- If pipes are furnished threaded and coupled, the length shall be measured to the outer face of the coupling.
Marking Requirements
Manufacturer’s name or mark.
Specification number (year-date not required).
NOTE: Pipe that complies with multiple compatible specifications may be marked with the appropriate designation for each specification.
Size (NPS and weight class, schedule number, or specified wall thickness; or specified outside diameter and specified wall thickness).
Grade (A or B).
Type of pipe (F, E, or S).
Test pressure (for seamless pipe only, if applicable, in accordance with Table 1).
Nondestructive electric test (for seamless pipe only, if applicable, in accordance with Table 1).
Unless another marking format is specified in the purchase order, length shall be marked in feet and tenths of a foot, or in meters to two decimal places, depending on the units to which the pipe was ordered. The location of such marking shall be at the option of the manufacturer.
TABLE 1 Marking of Seamless Pipe
| Hydro | NDE | Marking |
| Yes | No | Test Pressure |
| No | Yes | NDE |
| Yes | Yes | Test Pressure/NDE |
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FAQ
ASTM A53 and ASTM A106 are both specifications for carbon steel pipes, but they differ in their applications and characteristics.
ASTM A53 is suitable for low-pressure applications and offers both welded and seamless types, primarily used for water, gas, and steam lines.
In contrast, ASTM A106 is specifically designed for high-temperature and high-pressure service, providing only seamless pipes, suitable for oil and gas pipelines and chemical processing under severe conditions.
Both specifications include material grades A, B, and C, with Grade B being the most commonly used. ASTM A106 has stricter chemical composition and testing requirements to ensure strength and durability at elevated temperatures. Therefore, A53 is more suitable for general purposes, while A106 is ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure applications.
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