ASME SA423 GR.1 Low Alloy Steel Welded Tube For Boiler and Superheater Application
ASME SA423 Grade 1 Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) tube is a low-alloy steel tube that is manufactured using the electric resistance welding process. This type of tube is part of the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) SA423 specification, which deals with low-alloy steel tubes that are intended for use in applications that require resistance to atmospheric corrosion. It is also designed for high-temperature and high-pressure service, particularly in boilers and heat exchangers.
Key Features:
1. Material Composition:
Chemical Requirements | |||
Composition, % | |||
Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | |
Carbon, max | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
Manganese | 0.55 max | 0.50–1.00 | 0.70–1.40 |
Phosphorus | 0.06–0.16 | 0.04 max | 0.020 max |
Sulfur, max | 0.060 | 0.05 | 0.020 |
Silicon | 0.10 min | ... | 0.55 max |
Copper | 0.20–0.60 | 0.30–1.00 | 0.25–0.45 |
Chromium | 0.24–1.31 | ... | ... |
Nickel | 0.20–0.70 | 0.40–1.10 | 0.50 max |
Molybdenum | ... | 0.10 min | 0.20 max |
Antimony | ... | ... | 0.05–0.15 |
2. Mechanical Properties of ASME SA423 Grade 1 ERW Tubes
Property | Grades 1 and 2 | Grade 3 |
Tensile Strength | 415 MPa (60,000 psi) | 380 MPa (55,000 psi) |
Yield Strength | 255 MPa (37,000 psi) | 230 MPa (33,000 psi) |
Elongation, min (%), (in 50 mm / 2 in) | 25 | 35 |
Hardness (Brinell/Rockwell) | ≤ 170 HBW / ≤ 87 HRB |
3. Standards & Specifications:
4. Testing & Inspection:
5. Advantages of SA423 Grade 1 ERW Tubes
Advantage | Description |
Cost-Effective | Cheaper than seamless tubes while maintaining high strength and durability. |
High-Temperature Resistance | Chromium-molybdenum (Cr-Mo) alloy provides excellent creep resistance at temperatures up to 450°C (850°F). |
Good Weldability | ERW process ensures a strong, uniform weld without filler metals, reducing defects. |
Consistent Quality | Precise dimensional control (OD, wall thickness) for reliable performance in pressure applications. |
Corrosion Resistance | Low-alloy steel composition resists oxidation and scaling in steam/high-heat environments. |
Easier Fabrication | ERW tubes can be easily bent, flared, and welded into complex systems. |
Faster Production | ERW manufacturing is quicker than seamless tube production, ensuring better availability. |
ASME Compliance | Meets strict Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) standards for safety and reliability. |
Comparison with Other Grades:
SA423 Grade 1 vs. SA213 T11/T22: While SA213 covers similar Cr-Mo alloys, SA423 Grade 1 is specifically for ERW tubes, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
Key Applications
ASME SA423 Grade 1 Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) tubes are designed for high-temperature and high-pressure environments, making them ideal for:
Boiler tubes in thermal power plants
Superheaters & reheaters (handling steam at elevated temperatures)
Heat exchangers & condensers
Refinery heat exchangers
High-temperature pipelines
Furnace components
Chemical processing units
Pressure vessels
Thermal fluid systems
Hot water supply pipelines
Steam distribution networks