As a crucial component of boiler systems, seamless carbon steel boiler tubes play a vital role in transferring heat and withstanding high pressure. The appropriate selection of boiler tube sizes is essential, as it directly impacts the boiler’s efficiency and safety. But how do you choose the right size for boiler tubes?
Boiler tubes are available in various sizes, which are determined by the specific application and pressure requirements. The tube sizes are typically defined by their outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT). Below is a general chart that outlines common sizes and specifications of seamless carbon steel boiler tubes (in mm):
Outer Diameter (OD) |
Wall Thickness (WT) |
Common Standards |
Application |
12.7 mm (1/2 inch) |
1.2 mm - 3.0 mm |
ASTM A192, A210, A213 |
Low-pressure boilers, heat exchangers |
15.9 mm (5/8 inch) |
1.2 mm - 3.5 mm |
ASTM A179, A210, A213 |
Heat exchangers, economizers |
19.05 mm (3/4 inch) |
1.5 mm - 4.0 mm |
ASTM A179, A210, A213 |
Low-pressure steam boilers |
25.4 mm (1 inch) |
1.6 mm - 4.5 mm |
ASTM A192, A210, A335 |
Power plant boilers |
31.75 mm (1-1/4 inch) |
2.0 mm - 5.0 mm |
ASTM A213, A335 |
High-pressure steam boilers |
38.1 mm (1-1/2 inch) |
2.2 mm - 5.6 mm |
ASTM A210, A213, A335 |
Medium and high-pressure boilers |
50.8 mm (2 inch) |
2.5 mm - 6.0 mm |
ASTM A210, A213, A335 |
High-pressure boilers, superheaters |
63.5 mm (2-1/2 inch) |
2.8 mm - 7.0 mm |
ASTM A213, A335 |
Superheater tubes |
76.2 mm (3 inch) |
3.0 mm - 8.0 mm |
ASTM A335, A213 |
High-temperature service |
88.9 mm (3-1/2 inch) |
3.2 mm - 10.0 mm |
ASTM A210, A335 |
High-pressure boilers |
101.6 mm (4 inch) |
3.5 mm - 12.0 mm |
ASTM A335, A213 |
Superheaters, reheaters |
114.3 mm (4-1/2 inch) |
4.0 mm - 14.0 mm |
ASTM A335, A213 |
Power plant steam systems |
127 mm (5 inch) |
4.5 mm - 16.0 mm |
ASTM A335 |
Steam pipelines, large industrial boilers |
Notes:
Outer Diameter (OD): This is the external diameter of the tube.
Wall Thickness (WT): The thickness of the tube wall, which determines its ability to handle pressure.
Common Standards: Boiler tubes adhere to international standards like ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), which ensure their quality and performance under specific conditions.