ASTM A179 Seamless Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubes

ASTM A179 is a specification that covers minimum-wall thickness, seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for tubular heat exchangers, condensers, and other similar heat transfer applications. ASTM A179 tube is made from a high-quality carbon steel with excellent ductility and toughness. It is cold drawn to precise dimensional tolerances and is annealed to improve their mechanical properties. The tubing is available in a range of sizes and shapes, including round, square, and rectangular. Shijiazhuang Metalsin Pipeline Tech Co., Ltd is a professional supplier of ASTM A179 cold-drawn seamless tubes. We have been supplying quality tubes to many heat-exchanger and condenser manufacturers world wide.

These tubes are commonly used in various industrial applications, including chemical processing, oil and gas refineries, power generation, and other industries where efficient heat transfer is essential. The tubes are highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperatures and pressures. ASTM A179 tubes are not suitable for welding, and any welding must be performed prior to heat treatment. It is also recommended to perform a hydrostatic test or nondestructive electric test to ensure the tubes meet the required quality standards.

ASTM A179 seamless heat exchanger tubes, 44.45mm(O.D.) x 3.05mm(min. W.T.) x 6m, low carbon steel, cold-drawn, supplied to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Chemical Composition Requirements

The chemical composition of ASTM A179 tube is specified in the ASTM A179 standard, and it must comply with the following requirements:

• Carbon (C): 0.06-0.18%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.27-0.63%
• Phosphorus (P): 0.035% max
• Sulfur (S): 0.035% max

The composition ensures that the tubing has low carbon content and good ductility, making it suitable for cold forming and bending. The manganese content improves the strength and hardness of the tubing, while the low levels of phosphorus and sulfur help to maintain its ductility and prevent brittleness. Other elements, such as silicon (Si) and copper (Cu), may also be present in small amounts to improve the tubing’s mechanical properties or corrosion resistance. However, their maximum allowable limits are not specified in the ASTM A179 standard.

Mechanical Properties

ASTM A179 tube is a specification for seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel heat-exchanger and condenser tubes. The mechanical properties of ASTM A179 tube depend on its manufacturing process and heat treatment, but typically, it has the following mechanical properties:

• Tensile strength: 325 MPa (47,000 psi) minimum
• Yield strength: 180 MPa (26,000 psi) minimum
• Elongation: 35% minimum

These mechanical properties make ASTM A179 tube suitable for use in various industrial applications, including heat exchangers, condensers, and boilers, where it can withstand high temperatures and pressure. Additionally, ASTM A179 tube has excellent thermal conductivity, which makes it an ideal material for use in heat transfer applications.

Manufacture

The manufacturing process of ASTM A179 tube involves a combination of heating, cold drawing, annealing, cutting, finishing, and testing processes to produce a high-quality, seamless, and low-carbon steel heat-exchanger and condenser tube that meets the stringent requirements of ASTM A179.

The cold drawing workshop & facility for the manufacture of ASTM A179 seamless tubes, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.

Heat Treatment

The standard does not require any specific heat treatment for ASTM A179 tubes. However, some manufacturers may choose to subject the tubes to a heat treatment process to enhance their mechanical properties.One common heat treatment process is annealing. Annealing is used to improve the ductility, toughness, and overall mechanical properties of the material. Another heat treatment process is normalizing. Normalizing is used to refine the grain structure of the material, which can improve its strength, hardness, and toughness.

The heat treatment furnace for cold-drawn seamless tubes made to ASTM A179, with heat treating capacity of maximum tube length of 16m.

Tests & Inspections

ASTM A179 tubing must undergo various tests to ensure that it meets the required standards and specifications. Some of the common tests performed on ASTM A179 tubing include:

• Chemical analysis: This involves determining the chemical composition of the tubing to ensure that it meets the required standards.
• Tensile test: This test is used to measure the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the tubing to ensure that it meets the required mechanical properties.
• Flattening test: This test is used to determine the ability of the tubing to withstand deformation without cracking or rupturing.
• Flaring test: This test is used to determine the ability of the tubing to withstand flaring without cracking or rupturing.
• Hardness test: This test is used to measure the hardness of the tubing, which is an indication of its strength and durability.
• Hydrostatic test: This test is used to determine the ability of the tubing to withstand high-pressure fluids without leaking or rupturing.
• Non-destructive testing: This includes techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and magnetic particle inspection, which are used to detect any defects or flaws in the tubing without damaging it.

These tests are performed during the manufacturing process to ensure that the tubing meets the required standards and specifications.

How to order ASTM A179 tubes

When ordering ASTM A179 tubes, it is important to provide the following information to ensure that you receive the correct product:

• Quantity: The amount of tubes required for the specific application.
• Size: The outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness of the tubes.
• Length: The required length of the tubes.
• End finish: The desired end finish, such as plain or beveled.
• Heat treatment: Whether the tubes require a specific heat treatment, such as annealing.
• Certification and documentation: Any specific certifications required, such as mill test reports or inspection certificates.
• Application: The intended application of the tubes.
• Delivery requirements: Any specific delivery requirements.