Boiler pipes are essential components in steam boilers used for power generation and industrial heating. Based on their pressure-bearing capabilities, they are categorized into low-pressure, medium-pressure, and high-pressure boiler tubes. Each category differs significantly in terms of material selection, manufacturing standards, and usage scenarios.
Low-Pressure Boiler Pipes
Applications: Designed for systems with operating pressures not exceeding 15 psi (1.03 MPa), these tubes are suitable for applications with moderate thermal and mechanical demands.
Materials: Common materials include ASTM A179 and ASTM A192, known for their excellent thermal conductivity and stable performance under low-pressure steam conditions.
Typical Uses: These are widely used in heating systems, small-scale industrial equipment, domestic hot water supply, and food processing machinery.
Medium-Pressure Boiler Pipes
Applications: Suitable for working pressures between 15–100 psi (1.03–6.89 MPa), offering a balance between performance and cost.
Materials: Materials such as ASTM A210 and ASTM A213 are commonly used, offering improved mechanical strength and temperature resistance.
Typical Uses: Medium-pressure boiler tubes are applied in chemical processing, power plants, ship auxiliary boilers, and medium-scale industrial boilers.
High-Pressure Boiler Pipes
Applications: Designed to withstand pressures exceeding 100 psi (6.89 MPa), high-pressure boiler tubes operate under extreme conditions.
Materials: Common choices include ASTM A192, ASTM A210, ASTM A213, and ASTM A335. These materials provide high tensile strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior thermal stability.
Typical Uses: Widely used in thermal power plants and large-scale industrial settings where high-temperature, high-pressure steam drives turbines for electricity generation.
Material Selection Considerations
In addition to pressure, factors like operating temperature, corrosion environment, and mechanical strength must be considered when choosing boiler tube materials. Both welded steel pipes and seamless steel pipes are used in boiler construction. Seamless pipes are generally preferred for high-pressure environments due to their strength and uniformity, while welded steel pipes offer cost-efficiency and are suitable for low- to medium-pressure applications with proper welding and inspection standards.
Key Selection Tips for Boiler Pipes
Pressure & Temperature Requirements:
For low-pressure applications, carbon steel like 20# (ASTM A192) is cost-effective. For high-temperature and high-pressure use, alloy steels such as 12Cr1MoVG or T91/P91 are essential.
Corrosive Media:
In environments containing corrosive gases (e.g., sulfur-containing flue gas from coal combustion), corrosion-resistant materials must be selected for high-pressure boilers.
Welding Process Control:
High-pressure welded steel pipes require preheating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) to minimize the risk of cold cracking and ensure long-term structural reliability.
United Steel Industry As the most important steel pipe manufacturer and exporter in China, in the past 20 years, we have completed more than 100 projects, with partners in more than 100 countries, and established relationships with oil and gas and EPC companies in many countries business relationship.
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