ASTM A178 GR.A ERW Steel Pipe – Electric Resistance Welded Boiler Tube for High Pressure Service

Short Description:

Womic Steel supplies high quality ASTM A178 GR.A ERW steel pipe for boiler and high pressure applications. A178 GR.A boiler tube is widely used for boiler tubes, superheaters, heat exchangers, and condensers. Outside diameter from 12.7mm to 127mm (1/2″ to 5″), wall thickness from 1.5mm to 12.7mm, length up to 18m. Mill certificate, hydro test, UT/ET inspection, flaring and flattening tests available. Competitive price and fast delivery.

ERW Steel Pipe Size: Outside Diameter: 12.7mm-127mm (1/2″-5″), Wall Thickness: 1.5mm-12.7mm, Length: 6m, 12m or as required

Standard & Grade of ERW Steel Pipe: ASTM A178 GR.A; Also available GR.C, GR.D

Usage of ERW Steel Pipe: Boiler tubes, superheater tubes, heat exchanger tubes, condenser tubes, high pressure steam lines, power generation, industrial boilers, marine boilers, petrochemical plants

Womic Steel offering high quality & competitive prices of ASTM A178 GR.A ERW steel pipes, boiler tubes, pipe fittings. Mill certificate, hydro test, UT/ET inspection, flaring/flattening test, beveled end available. Fast delivery and best service.

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1. Womic Steel: Manufacturing Capabilities & Company Strength

Womic Steel Group is a premier manufacturer and global exporter with over 20 years of expertise in producing carbon, alloy, and stainless steel tubular products. Our state-of-the-art ERW pipe production facility specializes in small diameter boiler tubes for high pressure applications.

Production Size Range for ASTM A178 GR.A ERW Pipe: Outside diameter from 12.7mm to 127mm (1/2 inch to 5 inch) with wall thickness from 1.5mm to 12.7mm. Single random lengths of 6m, double random lengths of 12m, or custom lengths as required.

Quality Certifications & Regulatory Compliance:

ISO 9001:2015 Certified: Quality management system ensuring consistent product quality.

ASTM A178 Compliance: Full compliance with ASTM A178 Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon Steel and Carbon-Manganese Steel Boiler Tubes.

CE Marking (PED 2014/68/EU): Compliance with European Pressure Equipment Directive.

EN 10204 3.2 Certification: Inspection Certificate 3.2 validated by TÜV, LR, BV, or SGS.

Third-Party Inspection (TPI) Approvals: Products approved by SGS, BV, ABS, LR, DNV, TÜV.

Global Recognition: Trusted supplier to boiler manufacturers and power plants serving over 80 countries

2. ASTM A178 GR.A ERW Steel Pipe: Material Composition & Performance Characteristics

ASTM A178 GR.A is the most common grade in the A178 boiler tube standard. The standard covers electric-resistance-welded tubes made of carbon steel and carbon-manganese steel for boiler and superheater service. Grade A is the lowest carbon grade, offering excellent weldability and formability for boiler fabrication.

Compared to GR.C (higher carbon and manganese) and GR.D (carbon-manganese), GR.A provides the best formability for bending and expansion operations during boiler assembly. GR.A is suitable for moderate pressure boiler applications where maximum formability is required.

ASTM A178 GR.A ERW Steel Pipe Chemical Composition (Ladle Analysis, % by mass):

Element	C max	Mn max	P max	S max	Si max
GR.A	0.10	0.60	0.030	0.030	0.10

Note: Very low carbon content (0.10% max) provides excellent weldability and formability for boiler tube bending and expansion.

ASTM A178 GR.A ERW Steel Pipe Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature):

Grade	C max	Mn max	Tensile Strength	Yield Strength	Typical Application
GR.A	0.10	0.60	330 MPa	180 MPa	Moderate pressure, best formability
GR.C	0.18	0.90	415 MPa	220 MPa	Higher pressure, general use
GR.D	0.27	1.20	415 MPa	255 MPa	High pressure, higher strength

A178 Grade Comparison

3. ASTM A178 GR.A ERW Steel Pipe Dimensional Range & Standards Compliance

Item	Specification
Standard	ASTM A178/A178M
Grade	GR.A
Manufacturing Process	Electric Resistance Welding (ERW)
Outside Diameter Range	12.7mm – 127mm (1/2" – 5")
Wall Thickness Range	1.5mm – 12.7mm
Length	6m, 12m, or custom up to 18m
End Finish	Plain End / Beveled End
Surface Finish	Bare / Oiled / Black Coated
Special Tests	Flaring Test / Flattening Test / Hydrostatic Test

4. Available Dimensions & Specifications - ERW Steel Pipe

NB	Size	OD mm	SCH40S mm	SCH5S mm	SCH10S mm	SCH10 mm	SCH20 mm	SCH40 mm	SCH60 mm	XS/80S mm	SCH80 mm	SCH100 mm	SCH120 mm	SCH140 mm	SCH160 mm	SCHXXS mm
6	1/8”	10.29			1.24			1.73			2.41
8	1/4”	13.72			1.65			2.24			3.02
10	3/8”	17.15			1.65			2.31			3.20
15	1/2”	21.34	2.77	1.65	2.11			2.77		3.73	3.73				4.78	7.47
20	3/4”	26.67	2.87	1.65	2.11			2.87		3.91	3.91				5.56	7.82
25	1”	33.40	3.38	1.65	2.77			3.38		4.55	4.55				6.35	9.09
32	1 1/4”	42.16	3.56	1.65	2.77			3.56		4.85	4.85				6.35	9.70
40	1 1/2”	48.26	3.68	1.65	2.77			3.68		5.08	5.08				7.14	10.15
50	2”	60.33	3.91	1.65	2.77			3.91		5.54	5.54				9.74	11.07
65	2 1/2”	73.03	5.16	2.11	3.05			5.16		7.01	7.01				9.53	14.02
80	3”	88.90	5.49	2.11	3.05			5.49		7.62	7.62				11.13	15.24
90	3 1/2”	101.60	5.74	2.11	3.05			5.74		8.08	8.08
100	4”	114.30	6.02	2.11	3.05			6.02		8.56	8.56		11.12		13.49	17.12
125	5”	141.30	6.55	2.77	3.40			6.55		9.53	9.53		12.70		15.88	19.05
150	6”	168.27	7.11	2.77	3.40			7.11		10.97	10.97		14.27		18.26	21.95
200	8”	219.08	8.18	2.77	3.76		6.35	8.18	10.31	12.70	12.70	15.09	19.26	20.62	23.01	22.23
250	10”	273.05	9.27	3.40	4.19		6.35	9.27	12.70	12.70	15.09	19.26	21.44	25.40	28.58	25.40
300	12”	323.85	9.53	3.96	4.57		6.35	10.31	14.27	12.70	17.48	21.44	25.40	28.58	33.32	25.40
350	14”	355.60	9.53	3.96	4.78	6.35	7.92	11.13	15.09	12.70	19.05	23.83	27.79	31.75	35.71
400	16”	406.40	9.53	4.19	4.78	6.35	7.92	12.70	16.66	12.70	21.44	26.19	30.96	36.53	40.49
450	18”	457.20	9.53	4.19	4.78	6.35	7.92	14.27	19.05	12.70	23.83	29.36	34.93	39.67	45.24
500	20”	508.00	9.53	4.78	5.54	6.35	9.53	15.09	20.62	12.70	26.19	32.54	38.10	44.45	50.01
550	22”	558.80	9.53	4.78	5.54	6.35	9.53		22.23	12.70	28.58	34.93	41.28	47.63	53.98
600	24”	609.60	9.53	5.54	6.35	6.35	9.53	17.48	24.61	12.70	30.96	38.89	46.02	52.37	59.54
650	26”	660.40	9.53			7.92	12.70			12.70

Note: Wall thickness availability may vary based on pipe diameter and manufacturing capability. Custom dimensions outside this range available upon request.

5. Common ERW Steel Pipe Standards Manufactured by Womic Steel

Standard	Regular Grades	Typical Application
API 5L (Specification for Line Pipe)
API 5L PSL1 / PSL2	GR.B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70	Oil and gas transmission, onshore/offshore pipelines
ASTM Line Pipe & Structural Pipe
ASTM A53 (Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless)	GR.A, GR.B	Water, gas, steam, air, structural applications
ASTM A135 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe)	GR.A, GR.B	Water, gas, steam, refinery services
ASTM A252 (Specification for Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles)	GR.1, GR.2, GR.3	Foundation piling, marine piling, bridge foundation
ASTM A500 (Specification for Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing)	GR.A, GR.B, GR.C	Structural tubing, building frames, bridges
ASTM A501 (Specification for Hot-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing)	GR.A, GR.B	Heavy structural applications, columns, trusses
ASTM Boiler & Heat Exchanger (ERW)
ASTM A178 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon Steel and Carbon-Manganese Steel Boiler Tubes)	Grade A, C, D	Boiler tubes, superheater tubes
ASTM A214 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon Steel Heat Exchanger and Condenser Tubes)	—	Heat exchangers, condensers
ASTM A250 (Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Ferritic Alloy Steel Boiler and Superheater Tubes)	T1, T2, T5, T9, T11, T22	High temperature boiler and superheater
ASTM A334 (Specification for Seamless and Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel Tubes for Low-Temperature Service)	GR.1, GR.3, GR.6	Low temperature service, cryogenic
EN / DIN / BS Standards
EN 10217-1 (Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature properties)	P235TR1, P265TR1	Pressure vessels, boiler drums, high pressure piping
EN 10217-2 (Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties)	P235GH, P265GH, P295GH, P355GH	Elevated temperature, boiler tubes, heat exchangers
EN 10219-1 (Cold-formed welded steel hollow sections for structural purposes)	S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355K2H	Structural applications, building construction, bridges
EN 10210(Hot finished structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine grain steels)	S235JRH, S275J0H, S275J2H, S355J0H, S355J2H, S355K2H S420MH, S460MH	Hot formed seamless/welded hollow sections for structural purposes, building construction, bridges
EN 10025-2 (Hot-rolled products of structural steels - Non-alloy structural steels)	S235JR, S275JR, S355JR,	General structural steelwork, civil engineering
EN 10255 (Non-alloy steel tubes suitable for welding and threading)	S195T, S235JRTH	Water, gas, sewage, threaded pipe systems
EN 10305-2 (Steel tubes for precision applications - Welded cold drawn tubes)	E215, E235, E355	Precision applications, hydraulic cylinders
BS 1387 (Specification for screwed and socketed steel tubes and tubulars)	Class A, B, C	Water, gas, steam, scaffolding, threaded pipe
DIN 2458 (Welded steel tubes and fittings - General technical delivery conditions)	St37.0, St44.0, St52.0	General welded steel tubes, structural applications
ISO & Other Standards
ISO 3183 (Petroleum and natural gas industries - Steel pipe for pipeline transportation systems)	L245, L290, L360, L415	Oil and gas pipelines (ISO equivalent of API 5L)
ISO 65 (Steel tubes for water, gas, and sewage - Threaded tubes)	Medium, Heavy	Water, gas, sewage, threaded pipe
CSA G40.21 (Structural quality steel - Canadian standard)	44W, 50W	Structural applications (Canada)
AS 1163 (Structural steel hollow sections - Australian standard)	C250, C350, C450	Structural hollow sections (Australia)
GOST 10706 (Welded steel pipes for pipelines and structures - Russian standard)	St20, St35, St45	Pipelines, structural applications (Russia)

Usage: Oil and gas transmission, water and sewage, structural projects, scaffolding, piling foundation, high pressure fluid, chemical processing, power generation, construction, marine engineering, boiler tubes, heat exchangers, superheaters, condensers, low temperature service, precision applications, hydraulic cylinders, threaded pipe systems

6. Manufacturing Process - ERW / HFW Steel Pipe

Raw Material Inspection: Incoming steel coils are verified for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and surface quality. Each coil is assigned a unique heat number for full traceability.

Uncoiling & Leveling: Coils are uncoiled and leveled to flatten the strip and remove coil set, ensuring uniform flatness for consistent forming.

Edge Milling & Trimming: Both edges of the strip are milled to precise width tolerance (±0.5mm), creating a clean, parallel surface for high-quality weld formation.

Cold Forming: The leveled strip passes through forming rolls which gradually shape the flat strip into an open cylindrical tube shell.

High-Frequency Welding (HFW/ERW): High-frequency current (200-500 kHz) heats the mating edges to forging temperature (1,350-1,500°C). Squeeze rolls press the heated edges together, creating a forged weld without filler material.

Weld Bead Removal: Internal and external flash is removed by carbide scarfing blades while hot, producing a smooth surface with minimal weld reinforcement.

Sizing: The welded tube passes through sizing rolls to achieve precise OD tolerance (±0.5% to ±1.0%). Additional rolls produce square/rectangular shapes if required.

Heat Treatment (Optional): Normalizing at 890-930°C may be applied for enhanced ductility or stress relief, producing uniform ferrite-pearlite microstructure.

Cutting to Length: Pipe is cut to specified lengths using flying cut-off saws with precision control (±3mm).

Non-Destructive Testing:

● Ultrasonic Testing (UT): 100% inspection of weld seam and pipe body for laminations, inclusions, and lack of fusion.

● Eddy Current Testing (ET): Continuous on-line weld quality inspection.

● Hydrostatic Testing: Each pipe tested to 95% of SMYS for minimum 10 seconds.

End Finishing: Plain ends, beveled ends (30°-35° with 1.6mm landing), or threaded ends as per customer specification.

Final Inspection & Marking: Visual inspection, dimensional verification (OD, WT, length, straightness), and permanent marking per standard (grade, size, heat number, manufacturer).

7. Quality Control & Testing Procedures

Stage	Inspection Method	Purpose
Raw Material	Chemical Analysis (OES Spectrometer)	Verify compliance with API 5L composition limits
Raw Material	Tensile Testing	Verify yield, tensile strength, elongation
In-Process	Dimensional Inspection (Micrometers, Calipers)	Monitor OD, WT during forming and sizing
Weld Zone	Ultrasonic Testing (UT) - On-Line	Detect weld discontinuities, lack of fusion
Weld Zone	Eddy Current Testing (ET) - On-Line	Continuous weld seam quality monitoring
Weld Zone	Weld Seam Macro-Examination	Verify weld penetration and fusion geometry
Finished Pipe	Hydrostatic Testing (10 sec min at 95% SMYS)	Verify pressure integrity and leak-tightness
Finished Pipe	Ultrasonic Testing (UT) - Off-Line (Optional)	Full body laminar inspection
Finished Pipe	Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)	Surface crack detection (weld and HAZ)
Finished Pipe	Charpy V-Notch Impact Test	Verify low-temperature toughness (PSL2)
Finished Pipe	Hardness Test (HRC / HV10)	Verify maximum hardness limits (sour service)
Finished Pipe	Guided Bend Test (Face & Root)	Verify weld ductility and soundness
Finished Pipe	Flattening Test	Verify ductility and soundness of pipe body
Finished Pipe	Dimensional & Visual Inspection	Verify OD, WT, length, straightness, surface quality
Finished Pipe	Marking Verification	Ensure permanent marking per API 5L

Additional Tests for PSL2 / Sour Service:

● HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking) Test per NACE TM0284

● SSC (Sulfide Stress Cracking) Test per NACE TM0177 Method A

● CVN Impact Testing at -10°C, -20°C, or -46°C

● Hardness Verification (≤ 22 HRC / ≤ 248 HV10 for HIC resistant)

Quality Documentation:

● Mill Test Certificate per EN 10204 Type 2.2, 3.1, or 3.2

● Hydrostatic Test Report (pipe-by-pipe)

● UT / ET Inspection Report

● Traceability from heat number to finished pipe

8. Primary Applications ERW Steel Pipe

ERW pipes are essential components in oil & gas transmission and various industrial applications:

Oil & Gas Transmission: Long-distance onshore and offshore pipelines for crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products.

High-Pressure Fluid Transportation: Water injection lines, produced water disposal systems, and high-pressure fluid transfer in oilfields and processing facilities.

Onshore Pipeline Projects: Cross-country gathering lines, trunk lines, and distribution pipelines in oil and gas fields.

Offshore Pipeline Systems: Subsea flowlines, risers, and export pipelines for offshore platforms and subsea completions (with PSL2 and sour service options).

Sour Service Environments: Pipelines handling wet sour gas (H₂S containing) requiring PSL2 with supplementary requirements including HIC and SSC resistance per NACE standards.

Water Transmission: Large-diameter water supply pipelines, irrigation systems, and raw water transmission for municipal and industrial use.

Sewage & Wastewater Treatment: Effluent outfall lines, treatment plant piping, and sludge handling systems.

Industrial Structural Applications: Pipe racks, supports, bracing, and structural components in refineries, petrochemical plants, and industrial facilities.

Oil & Gas Processing Facilities: Flow lines, headers, manifolds, and interconnecting piping in processing plants and compressor stations.

EPC & Plant Piping: Process and utility piping in refineries, gas processing plants, chemical complexes, and power generation facilities.

9. Packaging & Shipping

ERW pipes are packaged and shipped with utmost care to ensure their protection during transit. Here is a description of the packaging and shipping process:

Packaging:

Protective Coating: Before packaging, pipes may be coated with a thin layer of anti-rust oil or protective varnish to prevent surface corrosion and oxidation during storage and transit. Bare finish also available for immediate coating application at destination.

Bundling: Pipes of similar dimensions and specifications are carefully bundled together in hexagonal or rectangular bundles. They are secured using steel straps (typically 3-5 straps per bundle) to prevent movement within the bundle.

End Caps: Plastic end caps (PE or PP) are placed on both ends of each pipe to protect beveled ends, plain ends, and threaded connections from impact damage, debris ingress, and moisture.

Padding and Cushioning: For premium export orders, padding materials such as foam rings or rubber strips may be used between pipe layers to prevent abrasion and coating damage during handling.

Wooden Crates or Cases: For thin-walled pipes, precision tubes, or premium coating orders, pipes may be packed in sturdy wooden crates or plywood cases to provide enhanced protection against external forces and rough handling.

Shipping:

Mode of Transportation: Pipes shipped via container vessels (20ft/40ft), bulk carriers, or rail freight depending on destination, volume, and urgency. Air freight available for sample or time-critical shipments.

Containerization: Small to medium orders loaded into standard shipping containers, protecting cargo from weather, moisture, and external contaminants during transit.

Bulk Vessel Loading: Large-volume orders (typically >200 tons) loaded directly into bulk carriers. Lifting beams and spreader bars prevent damage; dunnage and lashing secure cargo against sea motion.

Labeling & Documentation: Each bundle clearly labeled with grade, standard, dimensions, heat number, and handling instructions. Complete documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Origin, Mill Test Certificates) prepared for smooth customs clearance.

Secure Fastening: Bundles secured with steel strapping, dunnage bags, or timber bracing to prevent shifting, rolling, or damage during transit.

Tracking & Insurance: Container tracking numbers provided for real-time monitoring. Marine cargo insurance (All Risk or With Average) available upon request.

In summary, Womic Steel ensures that all ERW Steel pipes are packaged with industry-leading protective measures and shipped using reliable transportation methods to reach their destination in optimal condition. Proper packaging and shipping procedures are essential to preserving the integrity and quality of the delivered products.

10. Womic Steel Advantages & FAQ

Why Partner with Womic Steel?

One-Stop Shop: Complete range from API 5L ERW pipes to matching OEM pipe fittings (Elbows, Tees, Reducers, Flanges, Caps) in compatible material grades, including carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel.

Technical Compliance: Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 Type 2.2, 3.1, or 3.2) provided with every shipment, detailing exact chemical composition, mechanical test results, and non-destructive examination reports.

Value-Added Services: End beveling (30°-35°), threading & coupling, plastic caps installation, and anti-corrosion coating (FBE, 3LPE, 3LPP, Epoxy, Galvanizing) available in-house or through qualified partner facilities.

Competitive Logistics: Strategic partnership with global freight forwarders ensures optimized container loading (maximizing quantity per container) and cost-effective worldwide shipping with reliable transit times.

Inventory & Availability: Extensive stock of standard API 5L X52 sizes (2"-24" OD, Schedule 10-80) ensures short lead times and rapid response to urgent project requirements. Custom sizes produced on demand with typical lead time of 30-45 days.

Sour Service Capability: Full capability to supply PSL2 pipes with HIC and SSC testing per NACE standards for sour gas applications. Hardness controlled to ≤ 248 HV10 / ≤ 22 HRC.

Choose Womic Steel Group as your reliable partner for high-quality API 5L X52 ERW Steel Pipes and unbeatable delivery performance. Welcome to inquire!

Website: www.womicsteel.com

Email: sales@womicsteel.com

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat:

Victor: +86-15575100681

Jack: +86-18390957568

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between ASTM A178 GR.A, GR.C, and GR.D?

A: GR.A has lowest carbon (0.10% max) and strength (330 MPa tensile) - best formability for bending. GR.C has higher carbon (0.18% max) and strength (415 MPa) - most commonly used. GR.D has highest carbon (0.27% max) and strength (415 MPa with higher yield) - for high pressure applications.

Q: What is the difference between ASTM A178 (welded) and ASTM A179 (seamless) boiler tubes?

A: A178 is electric-resistance welded (ERW) - more cost-effective, suitable for most boiler applications. A179 is seamless cold-drawn - for higher pressure or where weld seam not permitted. Both are common in boiler and heat exchanger service.

Q: What tests are required for ASTM A178 boiler tubes?

A: Hydrostatic test (each tube), flattening test, flaring test, and transverse or longitudinal tension test. NDT (UT or ET) may be specified by customer. Womic Steel performs all required tests per ASTM A178.

Q: Can A178 GR.A be used for superheater tubes?

A: Yes, but limited to moderate temperatures. For higher temperature superheater service, GR.C or GR.D is recommended. GR.A is best for lower temperature boiler water wall and economizer tubes.

Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for A178 GR.A?

A: Typically up to 400°C (750°F) for continuous service. For higher temperatures, consider GR.C or alloy grades like A213 T11 or T22. Consult design code for specific temperature limits.

Q: What is the flaring test and why is it important?

A: Flaring test expands the tube end using a tapered mandrel to a specified percentage (typically 15-30%). It verifies ductility and soundness of the tube, ensuring no cracking during boiler tube expansion installation.

Q: Can you provide third-party inspection for A178 GR.A tubes?

A: Yes. Inspections by SGS, BV, TÜV, ABS, DNV, LR available. 3.2 certificates supplied upon request. Witnessing of hydrostatic test, flaring test, and flattening test available.

Q: What is the typical lead time for ASTM A178 GR.A tubes?

A: Stock sizes: 15-25 days. Custom sizes: 30-45 days. Third-party inspection adds 5-10 days. Rush orders available for small quantities.

Q: What documentation do you provide?

A: Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 Type 3.1), hydrostatic test report, flaring/flattening test report, dimensional report, packing list, invoice, bill of lading.

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A178 GR.A ERW Steel Pipe