ASTM A179

ASTM A179 Seamless Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger and Condenser Tubes

This specification covers minimum-wall-thickness, seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for tubular heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer apparatus.

This specification covers tubes 1/8 to 3 in. [3.2 to 76.2mm], inclusive, in outside diameter.

Ordering Information

  1. Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
  2. Name of material (seamless tubes),
  3. Manufacture (cold-drawn),
  4. Size (outside diameter and minimum wall thickness),
  5. Length (specific or random),
  6. Optional requirements,
  7. Test report required (Certification Section of Specification A 450/A 450M),
  8. Specification number, and
  9. Special requirements.

Manufacture

Tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall be cold drawn.

Heat Treatment

Tubes shall be heat treated after the final cold draw pass at a temperature of 1200°F [650°C] or higher.

Chemical Composition

Carbon, %            0.06–0.18

Manganese, %         0.27–0.63

Phosphorus, max, %    0.035

Sulfur, max, %        0.035

Hardness Requirements

The tubes shall have a hardness number not exceeding 72 HRB.

Mechanical Tests Required

Flattening Test – One flattening test shall be made on specimens from each of two tubes from each lot or fraction thereof.

Flaring Test – One flaring test shall be made on specimens from each of two tubes from each lot or fraction thereof.

Hardness Test – Rockwell hardness tests shall be made on specimens from two tubes from each lot.

Hydrostatic Test – Each tube shall be subjected to the hydrostatic test, or, instead of this test, a nondestructive electric test may be used when specified by the purchaser.