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Help CenterASME SA179 Seamless Cold-Drawn Low Carbon Steel Tube For Heat Exchanger & Condenser
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ASME SA179 Seamless Cold-Drawn Low Carbon Steel Tube
For Heat Exchanger & Condenser – ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
Product Overview
ASME SA179 / ASTM A179 seamless cold-drawn low carbon steel tubes are specifically designed for heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer apparatus in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II.
Manufactured by the cold-drawing process, these tubes offer tight dimensional tolerances, smooth internal and external surfaces, and uniform wall thickness for optimal heat transfer efficiency. The low carbon content provides excellent ductility for tube expanding, U-bending, and rolling into tubesheets.
✅ ASME SA179 certified – Compliant with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
✅ Seamless cold-drawn – No weld seam – uniform wall thickness
✅ Low carbon content (≤0.25%) – Excellent ductility and formability
✅ Smooth ID & OD surface – Optimal heat transfer efficiency
✅ Tight dimensional tolerances – Easy rolling and tube expansion
✅ 100% hydrostatic & eddy current tested – Guaranteed reliability
✅ EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC provided with full traceability
✅ Factory direct | Stock available | U-bends available | Fast delivery
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME SA179 / ASTM A179 |
| ASME Code | Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II |
| Product Type | Seamless Cold-Drawn Low Carbon Steel Tube |
| Application | Heat Exchangers, Condensers, Heat Transfer Apparatus |
| OD Range | 1/8″ – 3″ (3.2mm – 76.2mm) |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5mm – 3mm (BWG Gauge 10-22) (thicker on request) |
| Length | 3m – 12m (fixed or random) |
| Surface Finish | Bright annealed / As-drawn / Oiled |
| End Finish | Plain / Beveled / Expanded |
| Form | Straight tubes / U-bend tubes |
Chemical Composition – ASME SA179
| Element | Requirement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.25% | Ensures ductility for tube expansion |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.27% – 0.63% | Provides strength, not excessive hardness |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% | Low for good formability |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% | Low for good formability |
💡 Low carbon content (≤0.25%) is critical for heat exchanger tube ductility – allows tube rolling, expanding, and tight radius U-bending without cracking.
Mechanical Properties – ASME SA179
| Property | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 325 MPa (47,000 psi) | Adequate for typical HE pressures |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 180 MPa (26,000 psi) | Low yield ensures good expansion |
| Elongation (in 2″) | ≥ 35% | Excellent ductility |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤ 72 | Soft – easy to roll into tubesheets |
Dimensional Tolerances – ASME SA179 (Heat Exchanger Grade)
Cold-Drawn OD Tolerances:
| OD (mm) | Tolerance (mm) | OD (inch) | Tolerance (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ±0.10 | ±0.004″ | ||
| 25.4 – 38.1 | ±0.13 | 1″ – 1.5″ | ±0.005″ |
| 38.1 – 50.8 | ±0.15 | 1.5″ – 2″ | ±0.006″ |
| 50.8 – 76.2 | ±0.20 | 2″ – 3″ | ±0.008″ |
Wall Thickness Tolerances:
| WT (mm) | Tolerance (mm) | BWG Gauge | Tolerance (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ±0.10 | ±0.004″ | ||
| 2.0 – 3.0 | ±0.12 | 14-10 BWG | ±0.005″ |
| > 3.0 | ±0.15 | > 10 BWG | ±0.006″ |
Key Advantages – For Heat Exchanger Applications
| Feature | Benefit for Heat Exchanger |
|---|---|
| Cold-drawn seamless process | No weld seam – no crevice corrosion in tube bundle |
| Low carbon (≤0.25%) | Excellent ductility for tube expansion into tubesheet |
| Smooth ID surface | Minimizes fouling – maintains heat transfer efficiency |
| Smooth OD surface | Good contact with baffles – no abrasion |
| Tight OD tolerance | Consistent tube-to-baffle hole fit |
| Tight WT tolerance | Predictable flow area and pressure drop calculations |
| 100% hydrostatic tested | No leaks in tube bundle |
| 100% eddy current tested | No surface defects – critical for heat transfer |
| ≤72 HRB hardness | Soft – easy rolling, no work hardening issues |
| U-bend capability | Can be cold bent into U-tubes for floating head design |
ASME SA179 vs Other Heat Exchanger Tube Materials
| Property | SA179 (Low Carbon) | SA192 (Boiler) | SA214 (Welded) | SA213 (Alloy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Seamless cold-drawn | Seamless | ERW welded | Seamless alloy |
| Carbon content | ≤0.25% | 0.06-0.18% | Low | Varies |
| Yield strength | ≥180 MPa | ≥180 MPa | ≥180 MPa | ≥205-415 MPa |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤72 | ≤77 | ≤72 | Varies |
| Ductility (Elong %) | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥30% |
| U-bend capability | Excellent | Good | Not recommended | Good |
| Tube expansion | Excellent | Good | Fair (weld concern) | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Standard | Standard | Lower at weld | Higher |
| Cost | Medium | Medium | Lower | Higher |
| Application | Heat Exchangers | Boilers | Non-critical | High temp |
💡 SA179 is the standard material for most shell and tube heat exchangers due to its excellent combination of ductility, uniformity, and cost .
Available Sizes – Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubes (Stock)
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | BWG Gauge | WT (mm) | WT (inch) | Connection Method | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 6.35 | 20, 22 | 0.8 – 1.0 | 0.028-0.035 | Rolled | Small heat exchangers |
| 3/8″ | 9.53 | 18, 20 | 1.0 – 1.2 | 0.035-0.049 | Rolled | Instrumentation coolers |
| 1/2″ | 12.70 | 16, 18 | 1.2 – 1.6 | 0.049-0.065 | Rolled | Small process HE |
| 5/8″ | 15.88 | 16, 18 | 1.2 – 1.6 | 0.049-0.065 | Rolled | Power plant condensers – most common |
| 3/4″ | 19.05 | 14, 16 | 1.6 – 2.1 | 0.065-0.083 | Rolled / Weld | General heat exchangers |
| 7/8″ | 22.23 | 14, 15 | 1.8 – 2.4 | 0.072-0.095 | Rolled / Weld | Industrial heat exchangers |
| 1″ | 25.40 | 12, 14 | 2.1 – 2.8 | 0.083-0.109 | Weld / Roll | Shell & tube – most common |
| 1-1/4″ | 31.75 | 12, 13 | 2.4 – 3.2 | 0.095-0.125 | Weld | Large heat exchangers |
| 1-1/2″ | 38.10 | 10, 11, 12 | 2.8 – 3.4 | 0.109-0.134 | Weld | Industrial process |
| 2″ | 50.80 | 10, 11 | 3.0 – 3.5 | 0.120-0.134 | Weld | Very large HE |
| 2-1/2″ | 63.50 | 8, 9, 10 | 3.4 – 4.0 | 0.134-0.156 | Weld | Special application |
| 3″ | 76.20 | 8, 9 | 3.5 – 4.0 | 0.138-0.156 | Weld | Special application |
💡 Most common heat exchanger sizes: 5/8″ (15.88mm) OD for condensers, 1″ (25.4mm) OD for shell & tube heat exchangers .
BWG Gauge to Wall Thickness – Reference for Heat Exchanger Tubes
| BWG Gauge | WT (inch) | WT (mm) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 BWG | 0.134″ | 3.40 mm | Heavy duty, high pressure |
| 11 BWG | 0.120″ | 3.05 mm | Heavy duty |
| 12 BWG | 0.109″ | 2.77 mm | High pressure |
| 13 BWG | 0.095″ | 2.41 mm | Standard pressure |
| 14 BWG | 0.083″ | 2.11 mm | Standard shell & tube |
| 15 BWG | 0.072″ | 1.83 mm | Thinner wall |
| 16 BWG | 0.065″ | 1.65 mm | Standard condenser |
| 17 BWG | 0.058″ | 1.47 mm | Thin wall |
| 18 BWG | 0.049″ | 1.24 mm | Power plant condenser (most common) |
| 19 BWG | 0.042″ | 1.07 mm | Very thin |
| 20 BWG | 0.035″ | 0.89 mm | Light duty |
| 21 BWG | 0.032″ | 0.81 mm | Very light |
| 22 BWG | 0.028″ | 0.71 mm | Maximum heat transfer |
Key Applications – Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubes
| Industry | Equipment | Tube Size | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Generation | Surface Condenser (power plant) | 5/8″ OD, 18 BWG | Rolled |
| Power Generation | Feedwater Heater | 5/8″ or 3/4″ OD | Rolled / Weld |
| Power Generation | Low Pressure Heater | 3/4″ – 1″ OD | Rolled |
| Chemical Processing | Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger | 1″ OD, 14 BWG | Rolled / Weld |
| Petrochemical | Process Cooler | 3/4″ – 1-1/4″ OD | Weld |
| HVAC | Chiller Evaporator | 1/2″ – 3/4″ OD | Rolled |
| HVAC | Chiller Condenser | 5/8″ – 3/4″ OD | Rolled |
| Refrigeration | Condenser Coil | 1/2″ – 5/8″ OD | Rolled |
| Marine | Oil Cooler | 5/8″ – 3/4″ OD | Rolled |
| Marine | Fresh Water Generator | 5/8″ OD | Rolled |
| Pharmaceutical | Sterile Heat Exchanger | 1/2″ – 1″ OD | Weld |
| Food Processing | Pasteurizer | 3/4″ – 1″ OD | Rolled |
Quality Testing & Inspection – Heat Exchanger Tubes
| Test | Method | Standard | Coverage | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrostatic Test | Water pressure | ASME SA179 | 100% | Leak-free tube bundle |
| Eddy Current (ECT) | Non-destructive | ASTM E309 | 100% | Detects surface defects |
| Flattening Test | Ductility | ASME SA179 | Per batch | Ensures rolling capability |
| Flaring Test | Expansion | ASME SA179 | Per batch | Ensures tube expansion |
| Tensile Test | Properties | ASTM E8 | Per batch | Verifies strength |
| Hardness Test | Rockwell B | ASTM E18 | Per batch | Ensures ≤72 HRB |
| Dimensional Inspection | Micrometer | ASME SA179 | 100% | Tube-to-baffle fit |
| Surface Finish | Visual | ASME SA179 | 100% | Smooth ID/OD |
| Length Check | Measure | Customer spec | 100% | Exact tube length |
Tube End Finish Options – For Tube-to-Tubesheet Joints
| End Finish | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Plain End | Standard square cut | For welding or rolling |
| Beveled End | Beveled for weld prep | For welded tube-to-tubesheet |
| Rolled End | Slightly expanded end | For mechanical rolling connection |
| Swaged / Reduced End | Reduced OD at end | For installation with reduced tube sheet |
U-Bend Heat Exchanger Tubes – ASME SA179
| Feature | Capability |
|---|---|
| Minimum bend radius | Typically 1.5× OD (tighter possible with stress relief) |
| Maximum tube OD for U-bend | Up to 2″ (50.8mm) standard |
| Leg length tolerance | ±1.6mm (±1/16″) |
| Bend angle | 180° standard (custom available) |
| Stress relief | After bending – removes residual stress |
| Applications | Floating head heat exchangers, thermal expansion accommodation |
💡 U-bend tubes allow the tube bundle to be removed from the shell – essential for maintenance in fouling services .
Tube Expansion Recommendations
| Tube OD (inch) | Recommended Roller Type | Expansion Depth (inch) |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8″ | Light duty roller | 2″-3″ |
| 3/4″ | Standard roller | 2″-3″ |
| 1″ | Heavy duty roller | 3″-4″ |
| 1-1/4″ | Heavy duty roller | 3″-4″ |
💡 SA179’s low hardness (≤72 HRB) ensures consistent tube expansion without over-rolling or cracking .
Mill Test Certificate – ASME SA179
ASME SA179 Certificate of Compliance – Standard
EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC – Provided with heat number
EN 10204 Type 3.2 – Available upon request (third-party: SGS, BV, TUV, DNV)
Traceability: Full traceability from melt to finished tube (heat number → tube → bundle)
Test report includes: Heat analysis, tensile results, flattening/flaring results, hardness
Processing Services – Heat Exchanger Tubes
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Precision Cutting | Cut to exact length (dead length) |
| U-Bending | U-bend tubes for removable bundles |
| End Swaging | Rolled or reduced end for tubesheet insertion |
| Beveling | For weld prep |
| Cleaning | Degreasing, bright annealing |
| Marking | Heat number per tube or bundle |
Packaging & Shipping – Heat Exchanger Tubes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Hexagonal bundles with steel strapping |
| Bundle weight | 500-1,500 kg per bundle |
| Protection | Anti-rust oil + plastic end caps |
| Tube labeling | Heat number stenciled on each tube |
| Marking | Grade, size, heat number, standard |
| Lead time | 7–15 days (stock sizes), 20–30 days (U-bends / custom) |
| Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Guangzhou |
Why Choose Our ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tubes?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| ASME Code certified | Compliant with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II |
| Cold drawn specialist | Dedicated cold drawing line for heat exchanger tubes |
| Low carbon (≤0.25%) | Excellent ductility for rolling and U-bending |
| Smooth ID/OD | Optimal heat transfer – minimal fouling |
| Tight tolerances | Consistent tube-to-baffle and tube fit |
| Soft material (≤72 HRB) | Easy tube expansion into tubesheets |
| 100% ECT + hydrostatic | Leak-free tube bundles |
| U-bend capability | Floating head design support |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC with heat number |
| Stock availability | Common sizes (5/8″, 1″) ready to ship |
| Global export | Shipped to heat exchanger manufacturers worldwide |
Contact for Quote – ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tubes
Please provide the following details for your heat exchanger project:
OD (inch / mm) : _______
BWG Gauge / WT (mm) : _______
Length (m) : _______
Quantity : _______ (pieces / meters / tons)
Configuration : Straight tube / U-bend
End Finish : Plain / Beveled / Rolled
Surface : Bright annealed / As-drawn / Oiled
Inspection : Standard / Third-party (SGS/BV/TUV/DNV)
📧 Email: yjhtrade@gmail.com
📞 WhatsApp: +86 15106174543
🌐 Website: www.wuxihengzhihui.com
Reply within 24 hours.
FAQ – ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tubes
Q1: What is ASME SA179 used for?
A: ASME SA179 seamless cold-drawn low carbon steel tubes are specifically designed for heat exchangers, condensers, and heat transfer equipment .
Q2: Why is SA179 preferred over SA192 for heat exchangers?
A: SA179 has lower carbon (≤0.25%) and lower hardness (≤72 HRB) than SA192 . This provides better ductility for rolling tubes into tubesheets and for U-bending.
Q3: What is the difference between ASME SA179 and ASTM A179?
A: ASME SA179 is the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code version – required for ASME stamping . ASTM A179 is the standard specification – acceptable for non-code projects.
Q4: What is the most common size for power plant condensers?
A: 5/8″ (15.88mm) OD, 18 BWG (0.049″ / 1.24mm wall) is the industry standard for surface condensers .
Q5: What is the most common size for shell & tube heat exchangers?
A: 1″ (25.4mm) OD, 14 BWG (0.083″ / 2.11mm wall) is the most common for general shell & tube heat exchangers .
Q6: Can SA179 be bent into U-tubes?
A: Yes . SA179’s low carbon content (≤0.25%) provides excellent ductility for U-bending. Minimum bend radius typically 1.5× OD . Stress relief is recommended after bending .
Q7: Can SA179 tubes be welded?
A: Yes . SA179 can be welded using standard carbon steel procedures (GTAW, SMAW). For thin wall tubes (
Q8: Does SA179 require impact testing?
A: No . SA179 is for standard temperature heat transfer (typically up to 400°C / 750°F). For low temperature service (below -45°C), use ASME SA334 .
Q9: Do you provide third-party inspection?
A: Yes. SGS, BV, TUV, DNV, or any customer-specified agency.
Q10: Do you offer free samples?
A: 30cm sample available upon request for straight tube. Shipping fee applies. U-bent samples available on request (cost applies).
Related Products – Heat Exchanger & Condenser
ASME SA179 – Heat exchanger & condenser tubes (this product)
ASME SA192 – High pressure boiler tubes
ASME SA210 – Medium carbon boiler tubes
ASME SA213 – Alloy steel heat exchanger tubes (T5, T11, T22)
ASME SA334 – Low temperature heat exchanger tubes
ASME SA214 – Welded heat exchanger tubes
Tags: ASME SA179 Heat Exchanger Tube Condenser Tube Seamless Cold Drawn Tube Low Carbon Steel Tube SA179 Tube ASME Code Power Plant Condenser Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
Quick Reference – SA179 for Heat Exchangers
| Application | Common OD | Common BWG | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power plant condenser | 5/8″ (15.88mm) | 18 BWG | Rolled |
| Feedwater heater | 5/8″ or 3/4″ | 16, 18 BWG | Rolled / Weld |
| Shell & tube heat exchanger | 1″ (25.4mm) | 14 BWG | Rolled / Weld |
| Small industrial HE | 3/4″ | 14, 16 BWG | Rolled |
| HVAC chiller | 1/2″ – 3/4″ | 16, 18 BWG | Rolled |
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