ASTM A358 TP304 is a specific grade of stainless steel pipe that falls under the ASTM A358 standard. The acronym "TP" stands for "Type," indicating that TP304 is a type of stainless steel known as Grade 304. The term "EFW" stands for "Electric Fusion Welded," which is a welding process used to manufacture pipes. In the context of ASTM standards, A358 pertains to electric fusion-welded austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel pipe suitable for high-temperature or corrosive service. This standard covers various grades of stainless steel, and TP304 is one of the most commonly used grades within this specification.
Grade TP304 stainless steel is composed of around 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel, which provides it with excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in various environments where oxidation and corrosion can occur. Its austenitic structure makes it highly ductile and easily formable, enabling it to withstand high pressures and temperatures. EFW is a welding technique that involves passing an electric current through the edges of the two pieces of metal to be joined, generating enough heat to melt them. This molten metal forms a weld joint as it cools and solidifies. EFW is commonly used for producing large-diameter pipes with wall thicknesses that might be impractical or uneconomical to achieve using other welding methods.
ASTM A358 TP304 EFW pipes find applications in a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, petrochemical, oil and gas, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and more. Their corrosion resistance, combined with their ability to handle high temperatures and pressures, makes them suitable for conveying fluids and gases in challenging environments. Manufacturers produce ASTM A358 TP304 EFW pipes in accordance with stringent quality control measures to ensure that the final product meets the required standards. These pipes undergo various tests, such as hydrostatic testing, non-destructive testing, and dimensional inspections, to verify their integrity and suitability for their intended applications.
Specification | Description |
Standard | ASTM A358 |
Grade | TP304 |
Type | Electric Fusion Welded (EFW) |
Composition | 18-20% Chromium, 8-10.5% Nickel |
Structure | Austenitic |
Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
Application | Chemical processing, Petrochemical, Oil and Gas, Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, etc. |
Welding Method | Electric Fusion Welding |
Diameter Range | Typically used for large-diameter pipes |
Wall Thickness | Varies according to application |
Tests | Hydrostatic, Non-destructive, Dimensional |
Element | Composition Range |
Chromium | 18.0 - 20.0% |
Nickel | 8.0 - 10.5% |
Carbon | 0.08% max |
Manganese | 2.0% max |
Silicon | 1.0% max |
Phosphorus | 0.045% max |
Sulfur | 0.03% max |
Property | Value |
Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75,000 psi) |
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 205 MPa (30,000 psi) |
Elongation | ≥ 35% |
Hardness (Brinell) | ≤ 201 HBW |
Hardness (Rockwell B) | ≤ 92 HRB |
Pharmaceutical Equipment | Chemical Equipment |
Sea Water Equipment | Heat Exchangers |
Heat Exchangers | Gas Processing |
Condensers | Specialty Chemicals |
Pulp and Paper Industry | Pharmaceuticals |
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