ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tubes Specification

Low Carbon Steel Seamless Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubes | Technical Specification PDF Download

The ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tubes Specification PDF provides a complete technical reference for seamless cold-drawn low carbon steel tubes used in heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat-transfer equipment. This specification covers chemical composition, mechanical properties, manufacturing process, dimensions and tolerances, testing requirements, and typical industrial applications.

ASTM A179 & ASME SA179 Standard Overview:

ASTM A179 is the standard specification for seamless cold-drawn low carbon steel tubes intended for heat exchanger and condenser service.

ASME SA179 is the ASME-adopted equivalent of ASTM A179 and is commonly specified for projects designed in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC).Identical with ASTM Specification ASTM A179

Both standards are technically equivalent in material requirements and performance.


Material Description

  • Material Type: Low Carbon Steel
  • Manufacturing Method: Seamless, Cold Drawn
  • Product Form: Steel Tubes
  • Surface Finish: Smooth inside and outside surface
  • Delivery Condition: Cold drawn, stress relieved if required

ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 tubes are specifically designed to provide excellent heat transfer efficiency and good mechanical integrity.


ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Chemical Composition (Maximum, %)

  • Carbon (C): ≤ 0.06
  • Manganese (Mn): 0.27 – 0.63
  • Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.035
  • Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.035

The low carbon content ensures good formability and weldability.


ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Mechanical Properties (Minimum Requirements)

  • Tensile Strength: ≥ 325 MPa
  • Yield Strength: ≥ 180 MPa
  • Elongation: ≥ 35%

These properties provide sufficient strength while maintaining high ductility for tube expansion and bending.


ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Manufacturing Process

ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 heat exchanger tubes are manufactured by:

  • Seamless hot piercing
  • Cold drawing to final size
  • Heat treatment or stress relieving (if specified)
  • Straightening and surface finishing
  • Final inspection and testing

The cold-drawn process ensures close dimensional control and a smooth internal surface.


ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Dimensions & Tolerances

ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 tubes are typically specified by Outside Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (WT).

Key dimensional controls include:

  • OD tolerance for proper tube-to-tubesheet fit
  • Minimum wall thickness requirements
  • Length options: random length or fixed cut length
  • Straightness and surface finish requirements

For heat exchanger service, tight dimensional tolerances are essential to ensure efficient assembly and operation.


ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Testing & Inspection

Each ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 tube may undergo:

  • Chemical analysis
  • Tensile testing
  • Flattening or flaring tests
  • Hydrostatic testing or non-destructive testing (eddy current)
  • Dimensional and visual inspection

Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1) are typically supplied with each batch.


Applications

  • Heat Exchangers
  • Condensers
  • Surface Coolers
  • Oil Coolers
  • Power Plant Equipment
  • Chemical & Petrochemical Processing

ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 tubes are widely used where efficient heat transfer and reliable performance are required.


Download ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tubes Specification PDF

Click below to download the complete ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tubes Specification PDF, including detailed technical requirements, tolerances, and testing procedures.

👉 Download ASTM A179 standard specification PDF

👉 Download ASME SA179 standard specification PDF

This PDF is provided for reference and educational purposes only.
ASTM/ASME standards are copyrighted by ASTM/ASME
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Products

ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Seamless Tube Products

ASTM A179 / ASME SA179 Seamless Fined Tube Products