ASTM A178 / ASME SA178 Tubes are minimum-wall-thickness, electric resistance welded (ERW) carbon steel and carbon-manganese steel tubes designed to be used in boilers, boiler flues, super-heater flues, heat exchangers, condensers and pressure-containing parts exposed to high temperatures and high pressures. The standard is based on dimensional homogeneity, regulated metallurgy, and weld health, and these tubes are applicable in incessant thermal and pressure cycling circumstances.
In line with varying requirements of the working environment, there are three grades of ASME SA178 tubing namely Grade A, Grade C, and Grade D which provide certain strength and chemical properties. ASTM A178 boiler tubes are commonly used in power generation, process heating and industrial thermal systems where their characteristic of good mechanical service and heat transfer make them a common choice according to the requirements of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes, ASTM A178 Welded Steel Boiler and Superheater Tubes Manufacturer & Supplier in USA
USA Piping Solution is a reputable manufacturer, stockist, and supplier of ASTM A178 and ASME SA178 carbon steel boiler and superheater tubes in USA serving EPC contractors, boiler manufacturers and end-users of industries. We offer ERW carbon steel tubes in regular stock quantities, and for projects also, in quantities required.
In our production and supply process, we focus on the traceability of the material and its dimensional and ASTM and ASME standards. The quality documentation of all SA178 tubes is provided with in-depth quality documentation, such as Mill Test Certificates (MTCs), chemical and mechanical tests, and inspection records to confirm that the tubes meet the requirements of international projects and codes.
With strong inventory support, export capability, and quality-driven sourcing, USA Piping Solution serves as a dependable supply partner for ASME SA178 carbon steel boiler tubes used in critical thermal and pressure applications.
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ASTM A178 / ASME SA178 Tube Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A178 / ASME SA178 |
| Manufacturing Process | Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) |
| Grades Supplied | Grade A, Grade C, Grade D |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Outside Diameter | 6.00 mm to 114.30 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.85 mm to 12.00 mm |
| Length | Single Random, Double Random, Required Length, Custom Cut |
| End Finish | Plain End, Beveled End |
| Surface Finish | Black Finish, Oiled, Galvanized (on request) |
| Testing | Eddy Current, Hydrostatic, Chemical & Mechanical Tests |
Chemical Composition of ASME SA 178 Boiler Tubes
| Element | Grade A (Low Carbon) | Grade C (Medium Carbon) | Grade D (Carbon–Manganese) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.06 – 0.18 | 0.35 max | 0.27 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.27 – 0.63 | 0.80 max | 1.20 – 1.80 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 max | 0.035 max | 0.035 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 max | 0.035 max | 0.035 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.25 max | Not specified | 0.10 – 0.40 |
Material Properties of ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes
| Property | Grade A | Grade C | Grade D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 47,000 psi [325 MPa] | 60,000 psi [415 MPa] | 70,000 psi [485 MPa] |
| Yield Strength | 26,000 psi [180 MPa] | 37,000 psi [255 MPa] | 40,000 psi [275 MPa] |
| Elongation in 2" (50 mm) | 35% | 30% | 30% |
| Hardness (Max) | 77 HRB | 85 HRB | 89 HRB |
Types of ASME SA178 Boiler Tubes
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SA178 Material & Grades
ASME SA178 tubes are made of carbon steel and carbon-manganese steel with grade development being made to meet the needs of various boiler operating pressures and temperatures. Grade A is a low-carbon grade of steel with great weldability, moderate ductility, and consistent operation between low and moderate pressure boiler and heat exchanger services. Its regulated carbon content can be easily fabricated and its quality of weld remains consistent, so it is applicable to the auxiliary boilers, low-pressure steam lines, and thermal equipment that are subjected to moderate service conditions.
As compared to Grade A, SA178 Grade C is stronger in mechanical strength because it has more carbon and manganese. This grade offers better internal pressure resistance and higher operating temperature and is the grade of choice in industrial heat exchangers, boiler flues and process heating systems. Grade C is strong yet formable, and one can be useful in medium-pressure boiler installations.
High-pressure, high-temperature boiler operating environments Grade D of ASTM A178 is the highest grade of strength. Grade D tubes provide high quality in terms of tensile properties and carbon-manganese content, which provide high load bearing capacity and stability under heat, which makes them highly applicable in power generation plants, superheaters as well as other important boiler parts where safety margin and long-term service is of great significance.
Why ASTM A178 Tubes Are Used in Boilers
ASTM A178 ERW tubes are designed in a way that is focused on the services of boilers and heat exchangers, where pressure containment and efficient heat transfer are the main factors. Through the electric resistance welding (ERW) process of manufacturing, uniformity of wall thickness and dimensional consistency are achieved, which has a direct positive impact on thermal efficiency and mechanical reliability in boiler systems. The inner smooth surface of ASTM A178 tubes lowers the resistance to flow and the chances of localised over heating, scaling and erosion in long service.
ASME SA178 boiler tubes have a good weld integrity, predictable mechanical performance and lower cost of production, particularly when large quantities of boiler tubes are needed, as is the case in large installations of boilers. These properties render the ASTM A178 tubes especially useful in continuous thermal cycling, in non-steady pressure operation, and in long term operation which is characteristic of industrial boilers, power plants and process heating systems.
ASTM A178 vs ASTM A179 vs ASTM A210
| Standard | Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A178 | ERW | Boilers & Heat Exchangers |
| ASTM A179 | Seamless | Heat Exchangers |
| ASTM A210 | Seamless | High-Pressure Boilers |
Applications of ASME SA178 Carbon Steel Tubes
- Industrial Boilers
- Heat Exchangers
- Condensers
- Power Plants
- Petrochemical Refineries
- Sugar & Fertilizer Plants
- Thermal Processing Units
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Frequently Asked Questions About ASME SA178 Tubes
Is ASTM A178 suitable for boiler applications?
Yes, ASTM A178 tubes are specifically manufactured for boiler and heat exchanger service under pressure and temperature conditions.
What is SA178A material?
SA178A is a carbon steel grade with good weldability and mechanical strength, commonly used in low to medium pressure boilers.
What is the difference between ASTM A178 and A210?
ASTM A178 tubes are electric resistance welded (ERW), while ASTM A210 tubes are seamless and typically used for higher-pressure boiler systems.
Are ASME SA178 tubes available in custom sizes?
Yes, SA178 tubes are available in custom diameters, wall thicknesses, and cut lengths as per project requirements.
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