Product Description
Welded Stainless Steel Pipe Size: Outside Diameter: 6.35mm – 1,219mm (1/4″ – 48″), Wall Thickness: 0.5mm – 50mm (Schedule 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S, 160, XXS), Length: 6m – 12m standard, custom lengths up to 24m
Standard & Grade of Welded Stainless Steel Pipe: ASTM A312 TP321; also ASME SA312; EN 10217-7 1.4541; Equivalent to AISI 321; also available TP321H (high carbon for elevated temperature creep strength)
Usage of Welded Stainless Steel Pipe: High-temperature chemical processing (425-870°C), refinery heater tubes and pigtails, superheater and reheater tubes, heat exchangers for hot hydrocarbon service, expansion joints and bellows, aircraft exhaust systems, thermal oxidizers, incinerators, furnace components, catalytic converter housings
Womic Steel offering high quality & competitive prices of ASTM A312 TP321 welded stainless steel pipe, high temperature stainless pipe, ERW stainless tube, EFW stainless pipe, heat resistant pipe. Mill certificate EN 10204 3.1/3.2, hydro test, UT, solution annealed, beveled/plain ends, pickled finish available. Factory direct supply for refinery, petrochemical, and high-temperature industrial projects worldwide.
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, stainless, and alloy steel tubular products. Our state-of-the-art stainless steel welded pipe production facility utilizes multiple advanced welding technologies:
ERW (Electric Resistance Welding) Line: For diameters from 6.35mm to 610mm (1/4″ – 24″), wall thickness from 0.5mm to 12.7mm. High-frequency welding process with online annealing. Ideal for small to medium diameter stainless pipes for general industrial and sanitary applications.
EFW (Electric Fusion Welding) Line: For diameters from 219mm to 1219mm (8″ – 48″), wall thickness from 4.0mm to 50mm. TIG (GTAW) root pass with SAW fill passes. Suitable for large diameter, heavy wall stainless pipes for high-pressure and high-temperature services.
LSAW / SAWL Line for Stainless: For diameters from 406mm to 1524mm (16″ – 60″), wall thickness up to 60mm. Submerged arc welding of rolled stainless plates. Used for large diameter stainless line pipe and structural applications.
All stainless steel welded pipes undergo solution annealing (heat treatment) to restore corrosion resistance and relieve welding stresses, followed by pickling and passivation to remove heat tint and scale.
Quality Certifications & Regulatory Compliance:
ISO 9001:2015 Certified for quality management in stainless pipe production
PED 2014/68/EU (CE Marking) for pressure equipment in European markets
EN 10204 3.2 Certification with third-party validation (TÜV, BV, SGS, LR)
Third-Party Inspection (TPI) approved by SGS, BV, ABS, DNV, TÜV
NORSOK M-650 (upon request for critical offshore applications)
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code compliance for Section I and VIII
Womic Steel supplies stainless welded pipes to over 80 countries across refinery, petrochemical, power generation, and high-temperature process industries.
Production Flexibility:
ERW: 6.35–610mm OD × 0.5–12.7mm WT × ≤ 12m
EFW: 219–1219mm OD × 4.0–50mm WT × ≤ 12m (longer upon request)
LSAW: 406–1524mm OD × 6.0–60mm WT × ≤ 18m
Finishing options: Annealed and pickled, bright annealed, polished (180# to 600#)
ASTM A312 TP321: Material Composition & Performance Characteristics
ASTM A312 TP321 is an austenitic stainless steel stabilized with titanium (Ti ≥ 5 × C%). Titanium combines with carbon to form titanium carbides, preventing chromium carbide precipitation (sensitization) during welding or exposure to temperatures in the range of 425-870°C. This makes TP321 ideal for continuous high-temperature service where 304L or 316L may suffer intergranular corrosion. TP321H (high carbon, 0.04-0.10% C) is available for enhanced creep strength at elevated temperatures.
Chemical Composition (Ladle Analysis, % by mass):
| Element | TP321 (ASTM A312) |
| C | ≤ 0.08 (TP321H: 0.04-0.10) |
| Mn | ≤ 2.00 |
| P | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
| Si | ≤ 1.00 |
| Cr | 17.0 – 19.0 |
| Ni | 9.0 – 12.0 |
| Ti | ≥ 5×C (minimum) |
| N | ≤ 0.10 |
Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature, Solution Annealed):
| Property | TP321 |
| Yield Strength (min, 0.2% offset) | 205 MPa (30,000 psi) |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 515 MPa (74,700 psi) |
| Elongation (min, 50mm gauge) | 35% |
| Hardness (max) | 90 HRB |
Physical Properties:
Density: 8.02 g/cm³
Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa (28 × 10⁶ psi) at room temperature, decreasing at elevated temperature
Thermal Conductivity: 15.7 W/m·K at 100°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 16.6 × 10⁻⁶/°C (0-100°C)
High-Temperature Properties (Typical – TP321H):
Allowable stress at 650°C: ≈ 50 MPa
Creep strength (100,000 hr rupture at 650°C): ≈ 70 MPa
Oxidation resistance: Excellent up to 900°C in air, intermittent service up to 870°C
Corrosion Resistance:
Excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding (no sensitization)
Good resistance to oxidizing acids and organic acids
Superior performance in high-temperature hydrocarbon service (coking, sulfidation)
Better creep resistance than 304/304L and 316/316L at elevated temperatures (≥ 550°C)
Resistance to polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking (common in refineries)
Dimensional Range & Standards Compliance
| Item | Specification |
| Standard | ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 (also A249, A358) |
| Manufacturing Processes | ERW, EFW, LSAW |
| Outside Diameter Range | ERW: 6.35 – 610mm; EFW/LSAW: 219 – 1524mm |
| Wall Thickness Range | ERW: 0.5 – 12.7mm; EFW/LSAW: 4.0 – 60mm |
| Schedule Range | 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S, 160, XXS (for NPS 1/8″ – 48″) |
| Length Range | Standard: 6m; Extended: 12m, 18m, up to 24m |
| End Finish | Plain End (PE), Beveled End (BE) |
| Surface Finish | Annealed & Pickled, Bright Annealed |
| Tolerances | OD: ±0.5% or ±3.2mm; WT: ±12.5% (per ASTM A999); Length: +50mm / -0mm |
Available Dimensions & Specifications – ASTM A312 TP321 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe (Selected Typical Sizes)
| NPS | OD (mm) | Schedule | WT (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Standard Length | Typical Application |
| 1/2″ | 21.3 | 40S | 2.77 | 1.27 | 6m | Instrument pigtails |
| 3/4″ | 26.7 | 40S | 2.87 | 1.69 | 6m | Thermowell sleeves |
| 1″ | 33.4 | 40S | 3.38 | 2.50 | 6m | Heater tubes |
| 1-1/2″ | 48.3 | 40S | 3.68 | 4.05 | 6m | Process lines |
| 2″ | 60.3 | 40S | 3.91 | 5.44 | 6m / 12m | Refinery piping |
| 3″ | 88.9 | 40S | 5.49 | 11.3 | 6m / 12m | Transfer lines |
| 4″ | 114.3 | 40S | 6.02 | 16.1 | 6m / 12m | Heater outlet |
| 6″ | 168.3 | 40S | 7.11 | 28.3 | 6m / 12m | High temp header |
| 8″ | 219.1 | 40S | 8.18 | 42.6 | 12m | Furnace tubes |
| 10″ | 273.0 | 40S | 9.27 | 60.3 | 12m | Hot gas duct |
| 12″ | 323.9 | 40S | 10.31 | 79.8 | 12m | Main header |
| 16″ | 406.4 | 40S | 12.70 | 123.4 | 12m | Expansion joint |
| 20″ | 508.0 | 40S | 15.09 | 183.5 | 12m | Thermal oxidizer |
| 24″ | 609.6 | 40S | 17.48 | 255.5 | 12m | Incinerator duct |
Custom dimensions outside these ranges available. TP321H (high carbon) available for enhanced creep strength above 550°C.
Common Stainless Steel Welded Pipe Standards & Grades Manufactured by Womic Steel
| Standard | Steel Grades | Typical Application | Welding Process |
| ASTM A312 | TP321, TP321H, TP347, TP347H | High temperature, sensitization resistant | ERW/EFW/LSAW |
| ASTM A358 | TP321, TP321H, TP347 | Electric fusion welded, high temperature | EFW |
| ASTM A249 | TP321, TP347 | Boiler, superheater, heat exchanger | ERW/EFW |
| ASTM A312 | TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L | General corrosive service | ERW/EFW/LSAW |
| ASTM A789 | S31803, S32205 (Duplex) | General service duplex | ERW/LSAW |
| EN 10217-7 | 1.4541 (321), 1.4550 (347) | Pressure purposes, high temp | SAW/ERW |
Usage: Refinery heater tubes, high-temperature chemical reactors, superheaters, catalytic reformers, thermal oxidizers, incinerators, furnace components.
Manufacturing Process – Welded Stainless Steel Pipe (ERW, EFW, LSAW)
Womic Steel employs three primary welding processes for stainless steel pipe production, selected based on diameter, wall thickness, and application requirements.
ERW (Electric Resistance Welding) Process – Small to Medium Diameter (6.35–610mm OD):
Raw Material (Strip/Coil) Inspection: Stainless steel strip is verified for chemical composition per ASTM A312, with titanium content confirmed (Ti ≥ 5×C). Each coil has a unique heat number for traceability.
Uncoiling & Leveling: Coil is uncoiled and passed through leveling rollers to ensure flatness.
Strip Edge Trimming: Edges are precision trimmed to ensure clean, parallel surfaces for consistent welding.
Forming: Continuous roll forming converts flat strip into a cylindrical shape.
High-Frequency Welding: Edges are heated by high-frequency induction and forged together under pressure – no filler metal is used. Welding speed: 10-60 m/min depending on diameter.
Seam Annealing: Weld seam is induction annealed to restore corrosion resistance.
Sizing & Straightening: Pipe is passed through sizing rollers for dimensional accuracy.
Cutting to Length: Automatic flying cut-off saw.
Non-Destructive Testing: Eddy current test (100%) per ASTM A312.
Solution Annealing (Heat Treatment): Full pipe is heated to 1010-1120°C (typically 1050-1100°C for 321) and rapidly cooled (water quench) to dissolve titanium carbides and restore corrosion resistance.
Hydrostatic Test (Mandatory for pressure service): Each pipe tested per ASTM A312.
Pickling & Passivation: Removal of heat tint and scale, restoration of passive oxide layer.
Final Inspection & Marking: Permanent marking per ASTM A312 (grade, size, heat number, manufacturer).
EFW (Electric Fusion Welding) Process – Large Diameter, Heavy Wall (219–1219mm OD, 4.0–50mm WT):
Plate Preparation: Stainless steel plate is cut to size, edges beveled (X or J bevel).Roll Forming: Plate is rolled into cylindrical shape using 3-roll or 4-roll bending machine.
Tack Welding: Temporary tacks maintain shape.
TIG (GTAW) Root Pass: Root pass using TIG welding with filler metal (matching TP321 composition) and backing gas (argon) to prevent oxidation.
SAW (Submerged Arc) Fill & Cap Passes: Multi-pass SAW for fill and cap layers (2-5 passes depending on wall thickness). Flux and wire are selected to maintain titanium content in weld metal.
Inner Weld (for large diameters): SAW welding from inside when accessible.
100% Radiographic Testing (Class 1, 3, 5): Per ASTM A358 requirements.
Solution Annealing: Full pipe heat treatment in car-bottom furnace (1050-1100°C), water quench.
Pickling & Passivation: Chemical treatment to restore passive layer.
Hydrostatic Test: Per ASTM A312/A358.
Dimensional Inspection & Marking.
LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding) for Stainless – Very Large Diameter, Heavy Wall (406–1524mm OD, 6.0–60mm WT):
UOE or JCOE forming using stainless steel plate
Double-sided SAW welding (inner and outer passes)
Full solution annealing after welding
Suitable for large diameter stainless pipelines for high-temperature service
Special Considerations for TP321 Welding:
Titanium stabilization requires careful control of heat input to avoid titanium nitride formation
Welding consumables must be TP321 matching (e.g., AWS A5.9 ER321)
Solution annealing temperature: 1050-1100°C (higher than 304 to fully dissolve titanium carbides)
Water quenching is mandatory to retain titanium in solution
Quality Control & Testing Procedures for ASTM A312 TP321 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
| Stage | Inspection Method | Purpose |
| Raw Material | Chemical Analysis (OES) | Verify TP321 composition (Ti ≥ 5×C, Cr 17-19%, Ni 9-12%) |
| Raw Material | Tensile Testing | Verify yield ≥ 205 MPa, tensile ≥ 515 MPa |
| Raw Material | Titanium Recovery Test | Ensure titanium not oxidized during melting |
| In-Process (ERW) | Weld Seam Monitoring | Real-time weld quality control |
| In-Process | Dimensional Inspection | Monitor OD, WT |
| Weld Zone (ERW) | Eddy Current Test (100%) | Detect weld discontinuities |
| Weld Zone (EFW/LSAW) | 100% Ultrasonic Testing (or PAUT) | Detect lack of fusion, slag, porosity |
| Weld Zone (EFW/LSAW) | Radiographic Testing (Class 1,3,5) | Verify weld penetration and quality |
| Weld Zone | Dye Penetrant Test (PT) | Surface crack detection |
| After Solution Annealing | Hardness Test | Verify proper heat treatment |
| Finished Pipe | Hydrostatic Test (Mandatory) | Pressure integrity – 85-100% SMYS |
| Finished Pipe | Flattening Test (for ERW) | Verify weld ductility |
| Finished Pipe | Flange Test (for ERW) | Expand pipe diameter to check weld integrity |
| Finished Pipe | Intergranular Corrosion Test (Practice E) | Detect sensitization – mandatory for TP321 qualification |
| Finished Pipe | PMI (Positive Material Identification) | Confirm grade and Ti content |
| Finished Pipe | Visual & Surface Inspection | Check for surface defects, heat tint |
| Finished Pipe | Marking Verification | Permanent marking per ASTM A312 |
Optional Tests for Critical High-Temperature Service:
Elevated temperature tensile test (e.g., at 650°C)
Creep and rupture testing (long-term)
Grain size measurement (ASTM E112) – TP321H typically ASTM 5-7
High-temperature oxidation test
Primary Applications – ASTM A312 TP321 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
Refinery heater tubes and pigtails: Fired heater radiant and convection sections, transfer lines, and catalyst lines. TP321 resists sensitization from repeated thermal cycling.
Chemical processing (high temperature): Handling hot hydrocarbons (pyrolysis), acetic acid at elevated temperatures, and other processes in the sensitization range (425-870°C).
Superheater and reheater tubes: Fossil fuel power plants and heat recovery steam generators (HRSG). TP321H offers superior creep strength.
Heat exchangers: Shell and tube heat exchangers with hot hydrocarbon or sulfur-containing service where 316L may suffer sulfidation.
Expansion joints and bellows: Thin-wall corrugated expansions joints require the ductility and high-temperature fatigue resistance of 321.
Thermal oxidizers and incinerators: Ducting and stacks handling hot combustion gases up to 900°C.
Catalytic converter housings: Automotive and industrial catalytic systems operating at 600-800°C.
Aircraft exhaust systems: High-temperature engine exhaust components requiring oxidation resistance.
Furnace components: Radiant tubes, muffles, and retorts in heat treating furnaces.
Packaging & Shipping – ASTM A312 TP321 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
Packaging for Stainless Steel Welded Pipes:
Anti-corrosion protection: Pipes are oiled or coated with VCI paper. For high-temperature service, no oil residue is preferred (plastic wrap only).
End caps: Heavy-duty plastic end caps protect beveled ends.
Bundling (Small diameters): Bundles with steel straps and interleaving paper.
Individual packaging (Large diameters): Plastic film wrap with end caps.
Wooden crates: For polished or critical grades, custom wooden crates used.
Shipping:
Containers for ≤ 610mm, break-bulk for larger diameters, flat racks for extra long lengths.
Documentation: MTC 3.1/3.2, hydrotest report, eddy current/UT reports, PMI report, IGC test report (if specified), dimensional report, packing list, COO.
Womic Steel Advantages & FAQ – ASTM A312 TP321 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
Why Partner with Womic Steel for TP321 Welded Pipe?
Complete Range of Sizes: ERW 1/4″ – 24″, EFW/LSAW 8″ – 60″.
Full solution annealing (1050-1100°C) with water quench.
Intergranular corrosion testing per ASTM A262 Practice E available.
TP321H (high carbon) for elevated temperature creep strength.
Global Certification: ISO 9001, PED (CE), EN 10204 Type 3.2.
Competitive lead times: 25-35 days for ERW, 35-50 days for EFW/LSAW.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – ASTM A312 TP321 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
Q: What is the difference between TP321 and TP304L for high-temperature service?
A: TP321 contains titanium (Ti ≥ 5×C%) which stabilizes carbon, preventing chromium carbide precipitation during welding and high-temperature exposure (425-870°C). TP304L relies on low carbon (0.03% max) to avoid sensitization, but at temperatures above 550°C, even low carbon grades can precipitate carbides over time. For continuous service above 550°C, TP321 is recommended. For intermittent service or frequent thermal cycling, TP321 is superior.
Q: What is TP321H and when should it be used?
A: TP321H has higher carbon content (0.04-0.10% vs ≤ 0.08% for standard 321) and is specifically intended for elevated temperature service where creep strength is important. It has higher allowable stress values in ASME Section I and VIII for temperatures above 550°C. Use TP321H for superheater tubes, fired heater radiant coils, and other high-stress, high-temperature applications.
Q: Is solution annealing required for TP321 welded pipe?
A: Yes, ASTM A312 requires solution annealing for TP321. The heat treatment dissolves titanium carbides formed during welding and ensures titanium is available to combine with carbon during service. Typical solution annealing temperature: 1050-1100°C, followed by rapid cooling (water quench). Womic performs full solution annealing on all TP321 pipes.
Q: Can TP321 be welded without post-weld heat treatment?
A: Yes. TP321 is designed to be used in the as-welded condition without post-weld heat treatment. The titanium stabilization prevents sensitization in the weld heat-affected zone (HAZ). However, full solution annealing of the pipe (before fabrication) is required. For field welding, no PWHT is needed, making TP321 attractive for refinery turnarounds.
Q: What is the maximum service temperature for TP321?
A: TP321 has good oxidation resistance up to 900°C in air (intermittent service). For continuous service, 870°C is typical. For pressure-containing applications, allowable stress values per ASME B31.3 go up to 815°C (1500°F) for TP321. Beyond 900°C, scaling becomes significant; nickel-based alloys are recommended.
Q: Do you provide intergranular corrosion testing?
A: Yes. We perform ASTM A262 Practice E (copper sulfate-sulfuric acid) or Practice C (nitric acid) to verify resistance to sensitization. This is often required for refinery and petrochemical applications. Testing is available with third-party witness.
Q: What is the typical lead time for TP321 welded stainless steel pipe?
A: 25-35 days for ERW (small to medium diameters), 35-50 days for EFW/LSAW (large diameters). TP321H may require longer lead time due to specialty plate availability. Intergranular corrosion testing adds 7-10 days. Third-party inspection adds 7-14 days.
Project Reference – Gulf Coast Refinery Heater Tube Replacement (USA)
Country: United States (Texas, Gulf Coast refinery)
Standard & Grade: ASTM A312 TP321 (welded) – with supplementary TP321H for radiant section
Dimensions & Quantity:
OD 88.9mm (3″) × Schedule 40S (5.49mm WT) – 1,500 meters (approx. 17 tons) – ERW process
OD 114.3mm (4″) × Schedule 40S (6.02mm WT) – 800 meters (approx. 13 tons) – ERW process
OD 168.3mm (6″) × Schedule 40S (7.11mm WT) – 400 meters (approx. 11 tons) – EFW process (radiant section, TP321H)
OD 219.1mm (8″) × Schedule 40S (8.18mm WT) – 200 meters (approx. 9 tons) – EFW process
Total: 2,900 meters, approx. 50 tons
Specifications: ASTM A312 TP321 solution annealed and pickled, beveled ends. Hydrostatic testing. 100% UT for EFW pipes, eddy current for ERW. PMI on every pipe. Mandatory intergranular corrosion test per ASTM A262 Practice E (no attack). For TP321H (6″ radiant section): enhanced creep testing at 650°C (spec rupture strength > 50 MPa at 100,000 hr). Radiographic testing (100%) for EFW pipes. Third-party inspection by TÜV USA.
Application: Replacement of fired heater convection and radiant sections in a crude oil refinery (delayed coker unit). The 3″ and 4″ pipes were for convection section (temperature 450-600°C). The 6″ TP321H pipes were for radiant section directly exposed to flame (650-800°C). The 8″ pipes were for outlet manifold. Process fluid: hydrocarbon vapor with trace H₂S and chlorides. Operating pressure 2.5 MPa.
Engineering Context: The previous heater tubes (304H) failed after 8 years due to sensitization and sigma phase embrittlement caused by frequent thermal cycling (unit starts/stops). TP321 was selected for its titanium stabilization, which prevents chromium carbide precipitation even after repeated heating/cooling through the sensitization range. TP321H in the radiant section provides higher creep strength at 650-750°C.
Technical Challenges & Solutions:
Preventing sensitization during welding and service – TP321 requires careful solution annealing after welding to dissolve titanium carbides. Womic performed solution annealing at 1080°C ± 10°C, water quenched. Intergranular corrosion test (A262 Practice E) on weld samples showed no attack (passed with 0.0 mm/min corrosion rate). The client's metallurgist confirmed titanium stabilization was effective.
High-temperature creep strength for radiant section (6″ TP321H) – The radiant section operates at 750°C metal temperature. Standard TP321 would have reduced creep life. Womic supplied TP321H with carbon content 0.06-0.08% and grain size ASTM 5-6 (controlled). We performed elevated temperature tensile test at 650°C: yield 115 MPa, tensile 280 MPa (above minimum required). Creep rupture test (1,000 hr at 650°C, 70 MPa) showed no rupture. The client accepted the material.
Weld oxidation and heat tint control – Field welding of TP321 in refinery environment requires backing gas (argon) to prevent internal oxidation (sugar scale). Womic provided mill-annealed pipes with clean bevels and suggested welding procedure: GTAW root pass with argon backing, followed by SMAW fill. We supplied 50 weld coupons for procedure qualification. All coupons passed radiographic and PT inspection.
PMI verification for TP321 vs 304/316 – The client required 100% PMI due to risk of mixing with common 304/316. Womic performed XRF on every pipe (both ends). Titanium peak was confirmed in all pipes. No mis-identification occurred.
Large diameter 8″ pipe straightness for manifold fabrication – The 8″ outlet manifold required straightness of 2mm per 3m for proper fit-up with flanges. Womic used a roller straightening machine and laser alignment. Final straightness achieved 1.0-1.5mm per 3m.
Logistics to active refinery (turnaround schedule) – The heater replacement was scheduled during a 6-week turnaround (strict timeline). Womic delivered all pipes in a single shipment (50 tons) 2 weeks before turnaround start. Pipes were shipped from Shanghai to Houston, then trucked to refinery. Just-in-time delivery allowed immediate installation.
Result: The fired heater was successfully restarted after turnaround. After 18 months of operation (including several thermal cycles), inspection showed no signs of sensitization, cracking, or creep deformation. The client has standardized on TP321 for all coker unit heater tubes for future turnarounds. Womic Steel is now a preferred supplier for this refinery's high-temperature stainless piping needs.
Contact:
Website: www.womicsteel.com
E-mail: sales@womicsteel.com
Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat:
Victor: +86 15575100681
Jack: +86 18390957568
Womic Steel – Your reliable partner for ASTM A312 TP321 welded stainless steel pipes for high-temperature refinery, petrochemical, and power generation applications worldwide.











