USA Piping Solution is a top manufacturer & supplier of Stainless Steel 904L Welded Tubes for Chemical Plant, Process Industries & Offshore applications in USA as well as worldwide. SS 904L Welded Tubes (UNS N08904 / W.Nr. 1.4539) are manufactured from the cold-rolled 904L stainless steel strip, into tubes, processed using either ERW or EFW and then solution annealed to restore the microstructure. The welded manufacturing route offers a wider range of diameters and wall thickness at competitive price points and is the most common tube type in use for the manufacture of bundles for heat exchangers, condenser tubing and large diameter process pipework, where the service requirements do not specifically call for seamless construction. Our SS 904L Welded Tubes meet ASTM B673, ASTM A249 TP904L, ASTM A269 TP904L, and ASTM A554 TP904L standards. All tubes are completely post-weld annealed prior to shipment, dimensionally checked and NDT.
ASTM B673 SS 904L Welded Tube Specifications
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Grade | SS 904L Welded Tubes, UNS N08904, W.Nr. 1.4539, ASTM B673 TP904L |
Primary Standard | ASTM B673 / ASME SB673 (Welded 904L Pipes) |
Additional Standards | ASTM A249 TP904L, ASTM A269 TP904L, ASTM A554 TP904L, ASTM A409 TP904L, ASTM A688 TP904L |
Manufacturing Method | ERW (Electric Resistance Welded); EFW (Electric Fusion Welded) |
OD Range (ERW) | 1/2 NB to 24 NB (12.7 mm to 610 mm) |
OD Range (EFW / LSAW) | 6 NB to 100 NB (150 mm to 2500 mm) |
Schedule | SCH5, SCH10, SCH20, STD, SCH40, SCH80, XS, SCH120, SCH160, XXS |
Post-weld Treatment | Solution Annealed (full anneal to restore microstructure) |
Surface Finish | Annealed and Pickled (AP), Bright Annealed (BA), No.4 Polished |
End Finish | Plain End, Beveled End, Threaded |
Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2; SGS, TUV, DNV, ABS, LLOYDS |
Chemical Composition
Element | C | Cr | Ni | Mo | Cu | Mn | Si | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SS 904L | max 0.02 | 19-23 | 23-28 | 4-5 | 1-2 | max 2.0 | max 1.0 | max 0.045 | max 0.035 |
Mechanical Properties
Property | Minimum Value |
|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 490 MPa (71 ksi) |
Yield Strength (0.2% proof) | 220 MPa (32 ksi) |
Elongation in 50 mm | 36% |
Brinell Hardness (HB) | 150 max typical |
Density | 8000 kg/m3 |
Thermal Conductivity at 100 C | 13.0 W/m.K |
Stainless Steel 904L Welded Tubes Equivalent Grade
STANDARD | WERKSTOFF NR. | UNS | JIS | BS | EN | EURONORM NAME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SS 904L | 1.4539 | N08904 | – | 904S13 | – | X1NiCrMoCuN25-20-5 |
SS 904L Pipe Schedule List (Welded)
Nominal Size | OD (in) | Available Schedules |
|---|---|---|
1/2 in | 0.840 | SCH5, SCH10, SCH40, SCH80, SCH160, XXH |
3/4 in | 1.050 | SCH10, SCH40, SCH80, SCH160, XXH |
1 in | 1.315 | SCH5, SCH10, SCH40, SCH80, SCH160, XXH |
2 in | 2.375 | SCH5, SCH10, SCH40, SCH80, SCH160, XXH |
4 in | 4.500 | SCH5, SCH10, SCH40, SCH80, SCH160 |
6 in | 6.625 | SCH5, SCH10, SCH40, SCH80, SCH120, SCH160 |
8 in | 8.625 | SCH5, SCH10, SCH40, SCH80, SCH120, SCH160 |
12 in | 12.750 | SCH10, SCH20, SCH40, SCH80 |
16 in | 16.000 | SCH10, SCH40 |
24 in | 24.000 | SCH40 and special |
Get Pricing for SS 904L Welded Tubes | Bulk Orders Welcome | Contact USA Piping Solution
Request a QuoteTypes of Stainless Steel 904L Welded Tubes
- SS 904L ERW Welded Round Tubes
- SS 904L EFW / LSAW Large Diameter Welded Pipes / Tubes
- SS 904L ASTM A249 Boiler, Superheater, and Condenser Welded Tubes
- SS 904L ASTM A269 General Service Welded Tubes
- SS 904L ASTM A554 Mechanical / Ornamental Welded Tubes
- SS 904L ASTM A688 Feedwater Heater Welded Tubes
- SS 904L ASTM A409 Large Diameter Welded Tubes
- SS 904L Square and Rectangular Welded Tubes
Testing and Quality Control for SS 904L Welded Tubes
Test | Method / Standard |
|---|---|
Hydrostatic Test | ASTM B673 / B677 hydrostatic proof test |
Eddy Current Testing (ECT) | Non-destructive seam integrity check |
Flattening Test | Per ASTM A249 / A269 |
Flare / Reverse Bend Test | Seam integrity verification |
Tensile and Yield Test | Per heat batch per standard |
Chemical Analysis | Per heat / lot; certified composition |
IGC Test (Intergranular Corrosion) | Per ASTM A262 Practice E as specified |
Radiographic Examination | Per EFW welds on request |
Dimensional Inspection | OD, WT, Length, Straightness per tolerances |
Applications of SS 904L Welded Tubes
- Chemical plant heat exchangers, condensers, and boilers (ASTM A249 TP904L)
- Feedwater heater tube bundles in power plants (ASTM A688 TP904L)
- Sulfuric acid plant heat exchangers (medium pressure service)
- Seawater condenser systems and desalination plant evaporators
- Pharmaceutical production piping (hygienic grade)
- Pulp and paper bleach plant process lines
- Pollution control scrubber vessels and ductwork
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the cost difference between SS 904L welded and seamless tubes for a 500-tube condenser bundle at 1 inch OD x 0.065 inch wall? Is the premium for seamless justified?
A: SS 904L seamless tubes typically cost 15 to 25% more than welded equivalents in this size. For condenser bundles under moderate pressure and non-corrosive-to-seam service, welded tubes per ASTM A249 TP904L are fully acceptable and substantially reduce project cost. We can quote both for comparison.
Q2: Can SS 904L welded tubes per ASTM A249 be used in an ASME Section VIII Div.1 pressure vessel as heat exchanger tubes? What code section applies?
A: Yes. SS 904L welded tubes meeting ASME SA249 TP904L are accepted under ASME Section VIII Div.1 for heat exchanger tubes. The applicable allowable stress values are listed in ASME Section II Part D. We supply with SA249-compliant MTRs and ASME markings on request.
Q3: Does full solution annealing after ERW welding restore the corrosion resistance of SS 904L welded tubes
to the same level as seamless in a seawater cooler application?
A: Yes. Full solution annealing at 1100 to 1150 C followed by rapid quenching restores the sensitized microstructure of the weld zone, making corrosion performance of annealed ERW tubes comparable to seamless in most seawater cooler applications. All our SS 904L welded tubes are supplied fully annealed.
Q4: We need SS 904L welded tubes with eddy current testing (ECT) reports for a condensate return line quality
plan. Can you provide ECT certification from an accredited lab?
A: Yes. SS 904L welded tubes with eddy current test certificates from NABL or equivalent accredited testing laboratories are available. ECT is performed as a production test per ASTM B673 / B677 requirements. Reports are issued alongside EN 10204 3.1 MTRs as a standard supply option.
Q5: Our project specification requires SS 904L welded tubes with positive material identification (PMI) testing
before dispatch. Can you accommodate PMI on every tube piece and provide reports?
A: Yes. 100% PMI testing using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) or OES (optical emission spectrometry) on individual tube pieces is available as a value-added service. PMI reports confirming chemical composition per heat are provided. Please specify this requirement at the time of placing your purchase order.
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SS 904L Welded Tubes - ASTM B673, A249, A688 in Stock
Solution-annealed ERW and EFW tubes with ECT, PMI, IGC, and ASME certification. Cost-effective alternative to seamless for heat exchangers and condensers. Get your quote now from USA Piping Solution.
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