ASME SA334 Seamless and Welded Carbon Steel Tube For Low Temperature Service – Carbon Grades 1, 6
Product Spotlights
ASME SA334 Seamless and Welded Carbon Steel Tube
For Low Temperature Service – Carbon Grades 1, 6
Minimum Wall Thickness – Straight-Seam Welded – Heat Treated After Welding
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
Product Overview
ASME SA334 / ASTM A334 seamless and welded carbon steel tubes are specifically designed for low temperature service in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II. This specification covers minimum-wall-thickness tubes intended for use at low temperatures and in other applications requiring notch toughness.
Key manufacturing requirements:
Seamless process – Hot finished or cold drawn
Welding process – Straight-seam welded (electric-resistance-welded or electric-fusion-welded) with heat treatment after welding
Heat treatment – All tubes (seamless and welded) shall be treated to control their microstructure
Impact testing – Charpy V-notch testing mandatory for all grades
Carbon Steel Grades Covered:
Grade 1 – Carbon steel, service down to -45°C (-50°F)
Grade 6 – Carbon steel, most popular grade, service down to -45°C (-50°F)
⚠️ Important Note: Some product sizes may not be available under this specification because heavier wall thicknesses have an adverse effect on low-temperature impact properties.
📌 Welded Tube Note: For welded pipe, impact specimens shall be taken including the welded joint.
✅ ASME SA334 certified – Compliant with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
✅ Seamless or welded construction – Both options available under same specification
✅ Minimum wall thickness – No negative deviation – consistent tube integrity
✅ Charpy impact tested – Guaranteed toughness at specified service temperature (including weld seam for welded tubes)
✅ 100% NDT and hydrostatic tested – Guaranteed integrity
✅ EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC + Impact Report provided
✅ Factory direct | Stock available | Fast delivery
Key Specifications – Carbon Grades
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME SA334 / ASTM A334 |
| ASME Code | Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II |
| Product Type | Seamless and Welded Carbon Steel Tube – Low Temperature Service |
| Carbon Grades | Grade 1, Grade 6 |
| Wall Type | Minimum wall thickness (no negative deviation) |
| OD Range | 1/8″ – 5″ (3.2mm – 127mm) – typical heat exchanger sizes |
| Wall Thickness | 0.015″ – 0.500″ (0.4mm – 12.7mm) – minimum wall |
| Length | 3m – 12m (fixed or random) – heat exchanger tube lengths |
| Surface Finish | Black / Bare / Oiled |
| End Finish | Plain / Beveled / Threaded |
| Manufacturing | Seamless (hot finished/cold drawn) or Straight-seam welded (ERW/EFW) |
📌 Note: For tubing smaller than 1/2 in. [12.7 mm] in outside diameter, the elongation values given for strip specimens shall apply. Mechanical property requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] in outside diameter and with a wall thickness under 0.015 in. [0.4 mm].
Welded Tube Manufacturing – ASME SA334 Carbon Grades
| Feature | Requirement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Welding process | Straight-seam welded (ERW or EFW) | Consistent, high-quality weld seam |
| Heat treatment after welding | Required (normalized or stress relieved) | Controls microstructure, ensures weld seam impact toughness |
| Impact testing of weld | Required – specimens include welded joint | Verifies low temperature toughness of weld seam |
| NDT of weld seam | 100% ultrasonic or eddy current | Detects weld seam defects |
| Flange test (welded tubes) | Required per specification | Verifies weld seam ductility |
| Reverse flattening test | Required per specification | Weld seam integrity verification |
💡 Both seamless and welded tubes are fully accepted under ASME SA334 – the key requirement is proper heat treatment after welding and Charpy impact testing of the weld joint for welded tubes.
Carbon Steel Grades – Temperature Capability
| Grade | Material Type | Min Service Temp | Impact Test Temp | Charpy Energy (J) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Carbon steel | -45°C (-50°F) | -45°C (-50°F) | ≥18 avg / 14 ind | General low temperature service |
| Grade 6 | Carbon steel | -45°C (-50°F) | -45°C (-50°F) | ≥18 avg / 14 ind | Most popular – best value |
💡 Grade 6 is the most economical and widely used carbon steel grade for low temperature service down to -45°C (-50°F).
Chemical Composition – Carbon Grades (ASME SA334)
| Grade | C max | Mn | P max | S max | Si | Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 0.30 | 0.40-1.06 | 0.025 | 0.025 | — | — |
| Grade 6 | 0.30 | 0.29-1.06 | 0.025 | 0.025 | ≥0.10 | — |
📌 Note for Grade 1: Each reduction of 0.01% carbon below 0.30% permits an increase of 0.05% manganese above 1.06% up to a maximum of 1.35%.
Mechanical Properties – Carbon Grades
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | ≥380 | ≥205 | ≥35 | ≤163 |
| Grade 6 | ≥415 | ≥240 | ≥30 | — |
💡 Grade 6 has higher strength (≥415 MPa tensile) compared to Grade 1 (≥380 MPa) – preferred for most low temperature applications.
Low Temperature Charpy Impact Requirements – Carbon Grades
| Grade | Test Temp (°C) | Test Temp (°F) | Min Avg Energy (J) | Min Individual (J) | Test Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | -45 | -50 | 18 | 14 | Per heat treatment lot |
| Grade 6 | -45 | -50 | 18 | 14 | Per heat treatment lot |
💡 For welded tubes, impact specimens shall include the welded joint – this is a critical requirement that distinguishes SA334 welded tube from standard welded tube.
Key Advantages – Welded Carbon Steel Low Temperature Tubes
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Seamless or welded options | Both fully accepted under ASME SA334 – choose based on application and cost |
| Straight-seam welded | ERW provides consistent weld quality and economic advantage |
| Minimum wall thickness | No negative wall deviation – consistent tube integrity |
| Heat treated after welding | Stress relieved or normalized – ensures impact toughness of weld seam |
| Charpy impact tested – including weld joint | Guaranteed toughness at service temperature – certified report provided |
| Grade 6 most economical | Best value for -45°C service – most popular for general low temp |
| 100% NDT tested | UT or eddy current on base material and weld seam |
| Flange and reverse flattening tests | Specific tests for welded tubes to verify weld seam integrity |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC + Impact Report with heat number |
Seamless vs Welded – Selection Guide for ASME SA334 Carbon Grades
| Feature | Seamless Tube | Welded (ERW) Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Hot finished or cold drawn | Electric-resistance-welded |
| Weld seam | No weld seam | Straight-seam welded, heat treated |
| Impact testing of weld | Not applicable | Required including weld joint |
| Special tests | Flaring test | Flange test + reverse flattening test |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Lead time | Longer | Faster |
| Best application | High pressure, critical service | General low temperature service, cost-sensitive |
| Both accepted under ASME SA334 | Yes – fully compliant | Yes – fully compliant |
💡 Welded tube is fully accepted under ASME SA334 – provided it is straight-seam welded, heat treated after welding, and Charpy impact tested including the weld joint.
Applications – Low Temperature Carbon Steel Tubes (Grade 1 & Grade 6)
| Industry | Application | Recommended Grade | Service Temp | Tube Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrochemical | Low temperature heat exchangers | Grade 6 | -45°C | 3/4″ – 2″ OD |
| Refineries | Refrigeration system heat exchangers | Grade 6 | -45°C | 1″ – 2″ OD |
| Cold Climate | Arctic environment heat exchangers | Grade 6 | -45°C | 3/4″ – 1-1/2″ OD |
| HVAC | Low temperature chillers | Grade 1, Grade 6 | -20°C to -40°C | 1/2″ – 2″ OD |
| Industrial Refrigeration | Ammonia heat exchangers | Grade 6 | -40°C | 3/4″ – 1-1/2″ OD |
| Instrumentation | Low temperature sensing lines | Grade 6 | -45°C | 1/4″ – 1/2″ OD |
| Chemical Processing | Cold process heat exchangers | Grade 1 | -45°C | 3/4″ – 2″ OD |
| Power Generation | Cold reheat heat exchangers | Grade 6 | -20°C | 1″ – 2″ OD |
💡 Grade 6 is the preferred carbon steel grade for most low temperature heat exchanger applications due to its higher strength and widespread availability.
Available Sizes – Low Temperature Carbon Tubes (Typical Range)
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | Typical WT (mm) | Available Grades | Product Form | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8″ – 1/4″ | 3.2 – 6.4 | 0.4 – 1.0 | Grade 6 | Seamless or Welded | Instrumentation |
| 1/4″ – 1/2″ | 6.4 – 12.7 | 0.8 – 1.6 | Grade 6 | Seamless or Welded | Small heat exchangers |
| 1/2″ – 3/4″ | 12.7 – 19.1 | 1.0 – 2.5 | Grade 1, Grade 6 | Seamless or Welded | General low temp HE |
| 3/4″ – 1″ | 19.1 – 25.4 | 1.5 – 3.0 | Grade 6 | Seamless or Welded | Standard low temp HE |
| 1-1/4″ – 1-1/2″ | 31.8 – 38.1 | 2.0 – 4.0 | Grade 6 | Seamless | Larger heat exchangers |
| 2″ – 2-1/2″ | 50.8 – 63.5 | 2.5 – 5.0 | Grade 6 | Seamless | Large heat exchangers |
| 3″ – 5″ | 76.2 – 127.0 | 3.0 – 12.7 | Grade 6 | Seamless | Special applications |
💡 Most common sizes for low temperature heat exchangers: 3/4″ (19.1mm), 1″ (25.4mm), and 1-1/2″ (38.1mm) OD – available in both seamless and welded product forms.
Tube Tolerances – ASME SA334 (Per ASTM A450)
OD Tolerances (Cold Drawn):
| OD (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| ±0.10 | |
| 25.4 – 38.1 | ±0.15 |
| 38.1 – 50.8 | ±0.20 |
| 50.8 – 63.5 | ±0.25 |
| 63.5 – 76.2 | ±0.30 |
| 76.2 – 101.6 | ±0.38 |
Wall Thickness Tolerances (Minimum Wall – No Negative Deviation):
| Manufacturing | Condition | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Drawn | OD ≤38.1mm | +20% / -0 |
| Cold Drawn | OD >38.1mm | +22% / -0 |
| Hot Rolled | OD ≤101.6mm, WT ≤2.4mm | +40% / -0 |
💡 Minimum wall thickness means the actual wall thickness will never be less than the specified value – critical for pressure integrity at low temperatures.
Heat Treatment Requirements – ASME SA334 Carbon Grades
| Product Form | Heat Treatment Required | Temperature | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless tubes – all grades | Normalized or stress relieved | ≥845°C (1550°F) | Control microstructure, ensure impact properties |
| Welded (ERW) tubes | Normalized after welding | ≥845°C (1550°F) | Stress relieve weld seam, ensure uniform impact properties |
| Hot-finished seamless | Alternative: controlled hot working + furnace cool | 845-955°C finish range | Alternative to separate normalize treatment |
⚠️ Heat treatment after welding is mandatory for ERW pipe – normalized condition is required for low temperature impact properties.
Special Tests for Welded Tubes – ASME SA334
| Test | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Flange Test | Required for welded tubes | Verifies weld seam ductility and integrity |
| Reverse Flattening Test | Required for welded tubes | Weld seam integrity verification |
| Flaring Test | Required for seamless tubes | Tube end expansion capability |
| Hardness Test | Required per specification | Grade control |
| Impact Test | Required – including welded joint | Weld seam low temperature toughness |
💡 Welded tubes require additional testing beyond seamless tubes – flange test and reverse flattening test specifically for weld seam verification.
Quality Testing & Inspection – ASME SA334 Carbon Grades
| Test | Method | Standard | Coverage | Critical for Welded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charpy Impact Test | ASTM E23 | ASME SA334 | Per heat treatment lot | Specimens include welded joint |
| Hydrostatic Test | Water pressure | ASME SA334 | 100% | Pressure integrity |
| NDT (UT or ECT) | Non-destructive | ASTM | 100% | Weld seam and base material |
| Tensile Test | ASTM E8 | ASME SA334 | Per heat | Strength verification |
| Hardness Test | Rockwell/Brinell | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Grade control |
| Flattening Test | Ductility | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Tube formability |
| Flaring Test | Expansion | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Tube end expansion (seamless) |
| Flange Test | Weld seam | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Welded tube specific |
| Reverse Flattening Test | Weld seam | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Welded tube specific |
| Dimensional Inspection | Micrometer | ASTM A450 | 100% | Size verification |
💡 ASME SA334 requires more comprehensive testing for welded tubes – flange test and reverse flattening test are specific requirements.
Welding Recommendations for Field Installation – Carbon Grades
| Grade | Preheat Required | PWHT Required | Low Hydrogen Required | Filler Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1, 6 | Not required | Not required | Recommended | ER70S-2, E7018 |
| Special note | For Grade 6, ER80S-Ni1 (1% nickel) provides higher impact toughness at low temperatures | — | — | — |
💡 ER70S-2 or E7018 can pass impact testing at -50°F when properly welded. ER80S-Ni1 (1% nickel) is more conventional and provides higher impact toughness for low temperature applications.
Mill Test Certificate – Low Temperature Tubes
ASME SA334 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)
Low Temperature Impact Test Report – Included (Charpy values at specified temperature)
Weld seam test reports – Flange test and reverse flattening test results for welded tubes
Flaring/Flattening Test Reports – Per ASTM A450 requirements
Traceability: Full traceability from melt to finished tube
Packaging & Shipping – Low Temperature Tubes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Hexagonal bundles with steel strapping |
| Protection | Anti-rust oil + plastic end caps |
| Marking | Stencil/spray with Grade, size, heat number, ASME SA334, impact test date |
| Documentation | MTC + Impact Report included |
| Lead time | 7–15 days (stock Grade 6 seamless), 15–25 days (welded/custom) |
| Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Guangzhou |
Why Choose Our ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tubes?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Both seamless and welded available | Full range of manufacturing options under one specification |
| Welded tube specialist | ERW with full heat treatment and Charpy impact testing including weld joint |
| In-house impact testing | Cooling tanks for Charpy impact testing at -45°C and below |
| Minimum wall thickness | No negative deviation – consistent tube integrity |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC + Impact Report with heat number |
| 100% NDT tested | Eddy current + hydrostatic – weld seam NDT for welded tubes |
| Grade 6 in stock | Most popular grade for -45°C service – ready to ship |
| Full weld seam testing | Flange test + reverse flattening test per specification requirements |
| Global export | Shipped to low temperature projects worldwide |
| Flexible MOQ | Small orders accepted for Grade 6 stock sizes |
Contact for Quote – ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tubes
Please provide the following details for your low temperature tube project:
Grade : 1 / 6
Manufacturing : Seamless / Welded (ERW)
OD (inch / mm) : _______
Wall Thickness (mm) : _______
Length (m) : _______
Quantity : _______ (pieces / meters / tons)
Application : Heat exchanger / Instrumentation / Transfer line
Service Temperature : _______ °C
Inspection : Standard / Third-party (SGS/BV/TUV/DNV)
📧 Email: yjhtrade@gmail.com
📞 WhatsApp: +86 15106174543
🌐 Website:
Reply within 24 hours.
FAQ – ASME SA334 Seamless and Welded Low Temperature Tubes
Q1: Is ASME SA334 available as welded tube?
A: YES – ASME SA334 covers both seamless and straight-seam welded (ERW/EFW) carbon and alloy steel tubes for low temperature service.
Q2: Does welded tube require heat treatment for low temperature service?
A: YES – All welded tube shall be heat treated after welding (normalized) to control microstructure and ensure impact toughness of the weld seam.
Q3: Does the weld seam require impact testing?
A: YES – For welded pipe, impact specimens shall be taken including the welded joint. This is a critical requirement.
Q4: What are the additional tests for welded tubes?
A: Welded tubes require flange test and reverse flattening test in addition to the standard flattening and flaring tests.
Q5: What is the most common carbon grade for low temperature service?
A: Grade 6 – carbon steel, economical, suitable for -45°C service. Most widely used for low temperature heat exchangers.
Q6: What is the difference between seamless and welded ASME SA334 tube?
A: Seamless – no weld seam, higher cost, flaring test required. Welded – ERW with heat treatment, lower cost, flange test + reverse flattening test required.
Q7: What is the minimum service temperature for Grade 1 and Grade 6?
A: -45°C (-50°F) – both grades are Charpy impact tested at this temperature.
Q8: What filler metal is recommended for welding Grade 6?
A: ER70S-2 or E7018 can pass impact testing at -50°F when properly welded. ER80S-Ni1 (1% nickel) provides higher impact toughness.
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 of Grade 6 available (seamless or welded). Shipping fee applies.
Related Products – Low Temperature Systems
ASME SA334 – Low temperature tubes – seamless and welded (this product)
ASME SA333 – Low temperature pipe (larger diameters)
ASME SA350 – Low temperature flanges (LF1, LF2)
ASME SA420 – Low temperature fittings (WPL6)
ASME SA320 – Low temperature fasteners (L7, L7M)
Tags: ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tube Seamless Tube Welded Tube ERW Tube Grade 6 Tube Carbon Steel Tube ASME Code LTCS
Quick Reference – ASME SA334 Carbon Grade Selection
| Feature | Grade 1 | Grade 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Service Temp | -45°C (-50°F) | -45°C (-50°F) |
| Tensile Strength | ≥380 MPa | ≥415 MPa (higher) |
| Yield Strength | ≥205 MPa | ≥240 MPa (higher) |
| Hardness max | ≤163 HB | — |
| Cost | $ | $ |
| Popularity | Less common | Most popular |
Comparison – Seamless vs Welded ASME SA334 Grade 6
| Feature | Seamless | Welded (ERW) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Heat treatment | Normalized | Normalized after welding |
| Impact test | Required | Required – including weld joint |
| NDT requirement | 100% UT/ECT | 100% UT/ECT of weld seam |
| Flaring test | Required | Not applicable |
| Flange test | Not applicable | Required |
| Reverse flattening | Not applicable | Required |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Lead time | Longer | Faster |
| Best for | High pressure, critical | General low temperature service |
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