What is the difference between A53 seamless and A106 seamless pipe?

ASTM A53 pipes and ASTM A106 pipes are very similar,they are the most commonly used carbon steel pipes for industry applications. Although the differences between ASTM A53 pipes and ASTM A106 pipes are few,they differ greatly in the time and place specified.To ensure that you are purchasing correct ASTM grade piping materials for your industrial applications,you need to understand the basic differences between the ASTM A53 and ASTM A106 standard specifications.

ASTM A53 and ASTM A106 Scope

ASTM A53 specification covers the steel pipe manufacturing types in seamless and welded, material in carbon steel, black steel. Surface natural, black, and hot-dipped galvanized zinc-coated steel pipe. Diameters range from NPS 1⁄8 to NPS 26 (10.3mm to 660mm), nominal wall thickness.

ASTM A106 standard specification covers the seamless carbon steel pipe, applied for high-temperature services.

Chemical compositions of ASTM A53 Pipes VS ASTM A106 Pipes:

The chemical composition difference between ASTM A106 and ASTM A53 can be obtained from the following table:

1.ASTM A106  contains silicon with a minimum content of 0.10%.ASTM A53 don’t contain silicon.Silicon as an alloying element improves heat resistance in ASTM A106 pipe,which is rated for high-temperature service.Without it,regular exposure to high temperatures can weaken pipe over time,increasing its risk of failure.

2. ASTM A53 and ASTM A106 have different manganese content.

3.ASTM A106 and ASTM A53 standards contain varying amounts of sulfur and phosphorus,and the maximum content of ASTM A106 standard is 0.035%.The content of sulfur and phosphorus in ASTM A53 was 0.05 and 0.045% respectively.These elements are normally considered impurities in steel,so their incorporation in piping is minimal. However, the trace amounts of these elements add machinability to steel pipe.

ASTM A106 Notes:

Total of Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, and V shall not exceed 1%;

If the carbon content is lower than the stipulated maximum carbon content, the content of manganese in A106 seamless steel tube can be increased by 0.06% above the stipulated maximum manganese content for every 0.01% reduction of carbon content, but the maximum content shall not exceed 1.35%.

Mechanical properties of ASTM A53 pipes and ASTM A106 pipes:

Applications of ASTM A53 pipes and ASTM A106 pipes:

Both pipes applied for mechanical and pressure systems, transporting steam, water, gas, and etc.

For ASTM A53 pipe application:

1. Construction, underground transportation, extraction of groundwater while building, steam water transportation, etc.

2. Bearing sets, machinery parts processing.

3. Electric application: Gas transmission, water power generation fluid pipeline.

4. Wind power plant anti-static tube etc.

5. Pipelines that required zinc coated.

For ASTM A106 pipe application:

ASTM A106 pipes are used on the places where the ASTM A53 pipes are failed to perform. For the high temperature services this pipe is used. There is a common difference between the welded pipe and the seamless pipe. ASTM A53 pipe is used for the welded pipe where the ASTM A106 pipe is used for seamless pipe.

BBN steel manufacture ASTM A53 seamless and welded steel pipes,ASTM A106 seamless steel pipes and steel pipes according to other standard specifications such as ASTM A312,ASTM A333,ASTM A335,API 5L,API 5CT,etc.If you want to know more about our pipeline products,please email me.