ASME SA213 TP304 Stainless Steel Seamless Tube For Boiler
ASME SA213 TP304 (UNS S30400) is an austenitic stainless steel seamless tube standard specifically designated for boiler, superheater, and heat exchanger service. This specification covers minimum-wall-thickness tubes operating in high-temperature, high-pressure environments where corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity are critical.
Yuhong Group Co., Ltd. supplies ASME SA213 TP304 seamless tubes with full material traceability and third-party inspection support (ABS, DNV, BV, PED, GOST). With over 25 years in austenitic stainless steel and nickel alloy tube manufacturing, we maintain particular expertise in boiler tube applications where grain size control and solution annealing parameters directly influence service life.
Chemical Composition (ASTM A213 / ASME SA213)
| Element |
Composition (%) |
Standard Requirement |
| Carbon (C) |
≤ 0.08 |
Max |
| Manganese (Mn) |
≤ 2.00 |
Max |
| Phosphorus (P) |
≤ 0.045 |
Max |
| Sulfur (S) |
≤ 0.030 |
Max |
| Silicon (Si) |
≤ 1.00 |
Max |
| Chromium (Cr) |
18.0 - 20.0 |
Range |
| Nickel (Ni) |
8.0 - 11.0 |
Range |
UNS Designation: S30400 | Werkstoff NR: 1.4301 | Equivalent GB: 06Cr19Ni10
Mechanical Properties (As Solution Annealed)
| Property |
Value |
Requirement |
| Tensile Strength (min) |
515 MPa (75 ksi) |
ASTM A213 |
| Yield Strength (min) |
205 MPa (30 ksi) |
0.2% offset |
| Elongation (min) |
35% (in 2 in. or 50 mm) |
Longitudinal |
| Hardness (max) |
192 HBW / 90 HRB |
Brinell / Rockwell |
| Solution Treatment Temp. |
1040°C (1900°F) min |
Water quench or rapid cool |
Source: ASTM A213 / ASME SA213 specification requirements
Manufacturing Process and Quality Control
Production Route
- Process: Seamless - hot finished or cold finished, as specified
- Heat Treatment: Solution annealing required for all TP304 tubes; grain size control per ASTM E112
- Surface Finish: Pickled, bright annealed, or polished options available
Mandatory Testing (Per ASME SA213)
Each tube lot undergoes the following inspections:
- Chemical composition analysis with PMI (Positive Material Identification) verification
- Tension test - tensile and yield strength confirmation
- Hardness test - Brinell or Rockwell per specification
- Flattening test - verifies ductility and soundness
- Flaring test - assesses workability for tube expansion
- Hydrostatic test or nondestructive electric test (eddy current / ultrasonic)
- Dimensional inspection - OD, WT, length tolerance verification
- Intergranular corrosion test - when specified in purchase order
Critical Manufacturing Considerations
- Solution annealing temperature must reach a minimum of 1040 °C to ensure complete carbide dissolution and optimal corrosion resistance
- Rapid cooling (water quench) is essential to prevent sensitization and maintain intergranular corrosion resistance
- Cold finishing provides tighter dimensional tolerances: ±0.10 mm for OD < 25.4 mm, ±0.15 mm for 25.4-38.1 mm
Supplementary Manufacturing Capability
Yuhong Group offers integrated manufacturing support for complete heat exchanger and boiler tube assemblies:
| Component / Service |
Capability / Grade Availability |
| U-Bend Tubes |
Custom radius, up to 15.24 m leg length |
| Tube Bundles |
Complete assembly with tube sheets and baffles |
| Tube Sheets |
Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy grades |
| Baffles / Support Plates |
Custom drilling and machining |
| Finned Tubes |
Enhanced surface area for heat transfer efficiency |
| Head / Channel |
Pressure vessel components |
| MTC Certification |
EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 with TPI (BV, SGS, DNV, ABS) |
The company supplies complete pressure part assemblies with material compatibility across all heat exchanger components, ensuring consistent metallurgical and dimensional coordination.
Dimensional Scope (ASME SA213)
| Parameter |
Range |
| Outside Diameter |
3.2 mm - 127 mm (1/8″ - 5″) |
| Wall Thickness |
0.4 mm - 12.7 mm (0.015″ - 0.500″) minimum wall |
| Length |
Custom up to 32 meters (straight); U-bend available |
Per ASME SA213 specification - sizes outside this range may be furnished with special agreement
Application Scope
ASME SA213 TP304 seamless tubes are specified for:
- Boiler tubes - water-tube and fire-tube boiler superheater sections
- Heat exchangers - shell-and-tube, U-tube, and fixed-tube-sheet designs
- Condensers - steam surface condensers and auxiliary systems
- Pressure vessels - internal tubing in high-temperature service
- Petrochemical plants - process heaters and reformer tubes
- Power generation - conventional and combined-cycle plants
- Refinery service - crude and vacuum unit heat transfer
Temperature limitation: Intermittent service to 870 °C; continuous service to 920°C (reduced oxidation resistance above 800°C)
Frequently Asked Technical Questions
How does TP304 differ from TP304L for boiler service?
The carbon content difference is the key: TP304 has 0.08% max C (higher strength at elevated temperatures), while TP304L has 0.035% max C (better weldability). For boiler applications above 525°C, TP304 is preferred because the carbon content contributes to high-temperature creep strength; 304L may not meet the minimum strength requirements at elevated temperatures.
What is the solution annealing temperature specified for SA213 TP304?
ASME SA213 requires solution treatment at a minimum temperature of 1040°C (1900°F), followed by rapid cooling (water or other rapid quench media) to maintain corrosion resistance and prevent sensitization.
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