ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe Manufacturer & Supplier

USA Piping Solution is a trusted national supplier specializing in ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe. This crucial material, specified under both ASTM and ASME standards, addresses the need for reliable seamless and welded steel pipe in low-temperature environments. We maintain a significant US-based inventory, enabling rapid fulfillment for critical projects across sectors like oil & gas and power generation where cold-weather performance is key. For certified ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe combined with competitive pricing and knowledgeable support, turn to USA Piping Solution.

Understanding ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe

What distinguishes ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe? Its principal function is dependable operation in low-temperature settings, specifically rated for service down to -50°F (-45°C). The governing standards, ASTM A333 and ASME SA333, outline the requirements for carbon steel pipes intended for such conditions. The key factor setting Grade 6 apart from standard carbon steels is its verified notch toughness when subjected to sub-zero temperatures. This toughness is confirmed through mandatory Charpy V-notch impact testing.

Standard carbon steel grades, like ASTM A106 or A53, risk becoming brittle and failing under stress when temperatures fall significantly. In contrast, ASTM A333 Grade 6 undergoes specific manufacturing routes, including controlled heat treatments (often normalizing or quenching and tempering). These processes cultivate a fine-grained microstructure that helps the steel maintain ductility and resist brittle fracture in cold service.

The ASME SA333 Grade 6 Pipe standard aligns technically with ASTM A333 and is frequently invoked for projects under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. As an essential Low-Temperature Carbon Steel Pipe, it underpins the safety and integrity of systems handling refrigerated media, operating in cold climates, or involved in processes demanding sub-zero capability, thereby mitigating the risks linked to low-temperature embrittlement.

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe Specifications

Meeting precise technical specifications is essential when selecting materials for low-temperature applications. USA Piping Solution supplies ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe manufactured in strict accordance with these industry standards to ensure reliable and safe operation.

Technical Specifications Profile

Category	Details
Applicable Standards	ASTM A333 / ASME SA333
Material Designation	Grade 6 (Gr. 6)
Manufacturing Methods	Seamless (SMLS) or Welded (commonly ERW). Seamless is often preferred for critical pressure duties.
Size Range Coverage	Nominal Pipe Sizes (NPS) from 1/8” to 36”. Availability may vary for heavier wall sizes due to impact property considerations.
Wall Thickness Options	Schedules 10 through XXS per ASME B36.10M, including 40 (STD) and 80 (XS).
End Preparations	PE: Plain Ends – square-cut or slightly chamfered BE: Beveled Ends – angled as per ASME B16.25 TE: Threaded Ends – available on request
Standard Lengths	SRL: 17 ft – 24 ft (approx. 5.2 m – 7.3 m) DRL: 36 ft – 44 ft (approx. 11 m – 13.4 m) Custom: Cut-to-length available
Dimensional Reference	ASME B36.10M
Manufacturing Tolerances	As per ASTM A999/A999M: OD, wall thickness (min. -12.5%), and weight
Required Heat Treatment	Includes Normalizing or Quenching and Tempering for low-temperature toughness

Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties

The suitability of ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe for cold service is directly tied to its carefully controlled chemical makeup and its proven mechanical performance, especially impact resistance at low temperatures.

Chemical Composition Requirements (% by Weight)

The formulation for Grade 6 aims to deliver strength and weldability while maximizing low-temperature toughness.

Element	Grade 6 Limit (%)	Role in Material Characteristics
Carbon (C)	0.30 max	Affects strength and hardness; controlled to maintain toughness.
Manganese (Mn)	0.29 – 1.06	A primary contributor to strength and essential for low-temperature toughness.
Phosphorus (P)	0.025 max	Impurity limited to prevent embrittlement, particularly in cold conditions.
Sulfur (S)	0.025 max	Restricted to improve toughness and ensure good weldability.
Silicon (Si)	0.10 min	Functions as a deoxidizing agent, contributing to steel cleanliness.

Note: Grade 6 represents a specific carbon-manganese steel formulation within A333. Other grades in the standard utilize different alloying elements (like Nickel) to achieve toughness certification at even lower temperatures.

Mechanical Property Requirements (Minimum Values)

While demonstrating adequate strength at ambient temperature is necessary, the critical factor is verified toughness at the designated low temperature.

Property	Minimum Requirement (Grade 6)	Description of Mechanical Behavior
Tensile Strength	60,000 psi (415 MPa)	The maximum pulling stress the material withstands before fracture.
Yield Strength	35,000 psi (240 MPa)	The stress level causing the onset of permanent deformation.
Elongation	≥ 30% (in 2 inches, typical)	Indicates the material's ability to stretch before breaking; a measure of ductility.
Impact Toughness	Mandatory Test - See Below	Essential: The material's capacity to absorb impact energy without brittle failure.

Mandatory Low-Temperature Impact Testing (Charpy V-Notch):
This test provides the crucial verification of the material's suitability for the intended service.

• Specified Test Temperature (Grade 6): Impact tests are performed at -50°F (-45°C).
• Test Method: Standardized notched specimens are broken by a calibrated pendulum impact; the energy absorbed during fracture is measured.
• Acceptance Criteria: The standard mandates minimum absorbed energy values (average and single specimen, in Joules or ft-lbf) to confirm sufficient resistance to brittle fracture at the test temperature.
• Quality Assurance: This testing is conducted on representative samples from each production heat and heat-treatment lot.

Other mandatory mechanical evaluations typically include flattening tests (for ductility and weld assessment in welded pipe) and hydrostatic or non-destructive testing (NDE) to confirm pressure containment capability.

Available Manufacturing Types and Forms

While primarily supplied as round pipe for fluid transport, ASTM A333 Grade 6 materials can be produced via different methods and may encompass related forms:

• Seamless (SMLS) Pipe: Manufactured from solid billets, resulting in a product without a longitudinal weld. This process yields high structural integrity and uniform properties, making A333 Gr 6 Seamless Pipe a frequent choice for critical systems.
• Welded Pipe:
• Electric Resistance Welded (ERW): Produced by forming steel strip/plate and welding the seam longitudinally using electrical resistance. Post-weld heat treatment is a standard requirement under A333 to optimize the weld zone's low-temperature properties.
• Other Welding Processes: Fusion welding methods like EFW or SAW might be applicable under certain conditions detailed in related specifications, though less common for standard A333 inventory.
• Fabricated Pipe: Larger diameter sections sometimes constructed from plate, although typically governed by different standards than mill-produced A333 pipe.

Common Configurations:

• Round Pipe: The standard cylindrical profile used for conveying fluids and gases in process and utility piping.
• Square/Rectangular Shapes: ASTM A333 focuses on pressure pipe. While structural hollow sections (HSS) might use similar steel chemistry for cold environments, they generally fall under separate specifications (e.g., ASTM A500 with supplemental requirements). Availability should be confirmed.
• Hexagonal Shapes: Not a standard configuration within the scope of ASTM A333 pressure pipe.

USA Piping Solution focuses on supplying high-quality Seamless and ERW round pipes meeting the full requirements of ASTM A333 Grade 6.

Principal Applications and Industries Served

The proven low-temperature toughness of ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe dictates its use in sectors where cold conditions are a significant operational factor:

• Oil and Gas Operations: Essential for upstream and midstream infrastructure in cold climates, including wellsite piping, gathering lines, and processing units handling fluids down to -50°F / -45°C.
• Pipeline Systems: Utilized for segments of pipelines exposed to low ambient temperatures or carrying chilled products requiring materials resistant to brittle fracture.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facilities: Applicable in specific process areas where temperatures remain within the operational envelope of Grade 6. (Note: Lower cryogenic temperatures often necessitate different A333 grades or alternative materials).
• Petrochemical and Chemical Plants: Integrated into cooling systems, reactors, and process lines that operate at sub-zero temperatures.
• Industrial Refrigeration: A standard material for piping in large-scale refrigeration systems, cold storage warehouses, and associated equipment.
• Power Generation: Employed in power plant projects situated in cold regions or for specific auxiliary systems requiring low-temperature resilience.
• Gas Compression Facilities: Used in piping related to gas compression cycles, particularly after cooling stages.

Fundamentally, the specification of ASME SA333 Grade 6 Pipe is driven by the engineering requirement to ensure system safety and prevent material failure due to embrittlement when operating temperatures fall below the capability of conventional carbon steels.

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe Size Chart and Weight Chart

Reliable dimensional and weight data are necessary for accurate design, material handling, and installation. This chart provides nominal values for common ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe sizes. Weights are theoretical estimates.

NPS (in)	OD (in)	Schedule	Wall Thk (in)	Weight (lbs/ft)	Weight ( kg/m )
1/2"	0.840	40 STD	0.109	0.85	1.27
1/2"	0.840	80 XS	0.147	1.09	1.62
1"	1.315	40 STD	0.133	1.68	2.50
1"	1.315	80 XS	0.179	2.17	3.24
2"	2.375	40 STD	0.154	3.66	5.44
2"	2.375	80 XS	0.218	5.03	7.48
3"	3.500	40 STD	0.216	7.58	11.29
3"	3.500	80 XS	0.300	10.26	15.27
4"	4.500	40 STD	0.237	10.80	16.07
4"	4.500	80 XS	0.337	15.00	22.32
6"	6.625	40 STD	0.280	18.99	28.26
6"	6.625	80 XS	0.432	28.60	42.56
8"	8.625	40 STD	0.322	28.58	42.55
8"	8.625	80 XS	0.500	43.43	64.63
12"	12.750	40 STD	0.406	53.57	79.73
12"	12.750	80 XS	0.500*	65.48*	97.45*
16"	16.000	STD	0.375*	62.64*	93.22*
16"	16.000	40	0.500	82.85	123.30
16"	16.000	XS	0.500*	82.85*	123.30*
16"	16.000	80	0.656	107.74	160.34
24"	24.000	STD	0.375*	94.71*	141.00*
24"	24.000	40	0.688	171.47	255.18
24"	24.000	XS	0.500*	125.61*	186.93*
24"	24.000	80	0.969	238.64	355.14

Note: Wall thicknesses for STD and XS designations may differ from Sch 40 and Sch 80, particularly in sizes NPS 12" and above. Referencing ASME B36.10M ensures accuracy.

Certification and Compliance: Documenting Low-Temperature Readiness

Verification through certification and comprehensive documentation is essential for materials intended for demanding low-temperature service. USA Piping Solution provides ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe with complete quality assurance documentation.

• Standards Compliance: All pipe conforms fully to ASTM A333 / ASME SA333 requirements, covering chemical analysis, mechanical properties (including impact testing), heat treatment, dimensions, and testing protocols.
• Mill Test Certification (MTC/CMTR): Each shipment includes detailed Mill Test Certificates (typically EN 10204 3.1), providing traceability via heat number. These documents report actual chemical composition, tensile and hardness test results, and critically, the Charpy V-notch impact test values achieved at -45°C (-50°F), validating compliance.
• Quality System Adherence (ISO 9001:2015): Our operational framework aligns with ISO 9001 standards, ensuring consistent quality control measures are applied throughout our supply chain.
• Mandatory Markings: Pipe lengths are clearly marked according to A333 specifications, displaying: Manufacturer ID, Specification & Grade (e.g., SA333 GR. 6), Process (SMLS/WLD), Size & Schedule, Heat Number, Test Confirmation (HT/NDE), and Impact Test Temperature (-50F/-45C).

This rigorous documentation process provides the necessary verification for using these materials safely and effectively in their intended low-temperature roles.

Why USA Piping Solution is Your Ideal Source for ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipes

Selecting a supplier proficient in low-temperature materials offers significant benefits. USA Piping Solution presents several advantages as your source for ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe:

• Expertise in Low-Temperature Materials: Our team possesses detailed knowledge of ASTM A333/ASME SA333 requirements, ensuring the provision of technically compliant materials.
• Extensive US-Based Inventory: Maintaining significant stock levels of ASTM A333 Grade 6 pipe allows for reduced lead times and rapid response to project needs.
• Efficient National Distribution: Our established logistics network facilitates timely and reliable delivery to locations across the United States.
• Competitive Pricing Strategy: Through strategic mill partnerships and operational efficiency, we offer strong market value for certified low-temperature pipe.
• Commitment to Quality: We employ stringent vendor qualification processes and thorough documentation review (MTC validation) to guarantee material conformance and reliability.
• Coordination of Added Services: We can manage supplementary requirements such as precision cutting, specialized coatings, or additional non-destructive examination upon request.
• Professional Client Support: Our technically informed sales and support personnel provide responsive and knowledgeable assistance throughout the procurement process.

Exploring Related Products for Various Temperatures

USA Piping Solution also supplies carbon steel pipes suited for different temperature ranges and applications:

We can assist in evaluating these different standards to help select the most appropriate material for your specific operational parameters.

Secure Your Supply of Certified ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe

For systems requiring proven performance and safety in low-temperature conditions, rely on ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe supplied by USA Piping Solution. We deliver certified Low-Temperature Carbon Steel Pipe from our comprehensive US inventory, supported by technical proficiency and dependable service. Ensure the reliability of your cold service applications with materials sourced from a trusted supplier.

Please contact USA Piping Solution to discuss your ASTM A333 Grade 6 Pipe needs and receive a detailed, competitive quotation.

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