ASTM A312 Pipe
ASTM A312 Pipe Standard
What is the full name of the ASTM A312 standard? It stands for “Standard Specification for Seamless, Welded, and Severely Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipe.” A312 pipe is a standard specifically for austenitic stainless steel pipe. While its corrosion resistance is average, it is resistant to high temperatures and is widely used in industries such as chemical, petroleum, and construction.
This standard covers various grades of austenitic stainless steel, including 304, 304L, TP304H, 316, 316L, TP316H, TP321, etc.
ASTM A312 Pipe Size Chart
The following table provides ASTM A312 dimensions, including NPS, outside diameter tolerance, wall thickness, wall thickness tolerance, and standard lengths, along with common size examples.
PANPIPE is a comprehensive pipe manufacturing and sales company. If you require custom sizes for your project, please contact us below.
ASTM A312 Pipe Technical Requirements
Chemical Composition
The corrosion resistance, weldability and processing performance of ASTM A312 ss pipe are due to the addition of austenite-forming elements such as nickel, manganese and nitrogen. Different chemical composition requirements are required for pipes of different stainless steel grades.
- TP304 :
This is a general-purpose austenitic stainless steel with good formability and corrosion resistance.If you want to use it in food, construction and other fields, this brand is a good choice.
Carbon ≤0.08%
Manganese ≤2.0%
Phosphorus ≤0.045%
Sulfur ≤0.03%
Silicon ≤1.0%
Chromium 17.0-19.5%
Nickel 8.0-11.0%. - TP304L
This is a low-carbon version of TP304 with greater resistance to intergranular corrosion, commonly found in some large weldments where solution annealing is not possible.
Carbon ≤0.035%
Manganese ≤2.0%
Phosphorus ≤0.045%,
Sulfur ≤0.03%
Silicon ≤1.0%
Chromium 17.0-19.5%
Nickel 8.0-11.0%. - TP316
Since 316 has added molybdenum, it has better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. If your project contains chloride ions, you can use 316.
Carbon ≤ 0.03%
Manganese ≤ 2.0%
Phosphorus ≤ 0.045%
Sulfur ≤ 0.03%
Silicon ≤ 1.0%
Chromium 16.0–18.0%
Nickel 10.0–14.0%. - TP316L
This is a low-carbon version of 316. It not only has good resistance to intergranular corrosion, but also has good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. If your project is in the ocean or chemical engineering, then this grade is recommended.
Carbon ≤ 0.03%
Manganese ≤ 2.0%
Phosphorus ≤ 0.045%
Sulfur ≤ 0.03%
Silicon ≤ 1.0%
Chromium 16.0–18.0%
Nickel 10.0–14.0%.
Tension Test
This standard stipulates that the tensile test is a mandatory test and the tensile test is the core test of this standard. Two pipes are randomly selected from each batch for testing, and they must meet the requirements of the following table:
| Common brands | TP304 | TP304L | TP316 | TP316L |
| Minimum elongation (%) | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Minimum tensile strength (MPa) | 515 | 485 | 515 | 485 |
| Minimum yield strength (MPa) | 205 | 170 | 205 | 170 |
Hydrostatic Test
Each ASTM A312 pipe of PANPIPE must undergo a hydrostatic test to ensure the pipe’s pressure-bearing capacity and leak-free performance.
Nondestructive Test
Seamless pipes do not require non-destructive testing, but in order to ensure the quality of the welds, each welded pipe requires non-destructive testing.
ASTM A312 Application
- Chemical and petrochemical industries: This is the most common application of ASTM A312 pipe. A312 is resistant to high temperatures and high pressures and can transport a variety of corrosive fluids.
- Natural gas and oil industries: In this industry, A312 pipe serves both upstream and downstream applications, transporting corrosive oil and gas upstream and servicing various refinery equipment downstream.
- Food processing: TP304/L and TP316/L are primarily used in this industry. Their smooth interior surfaces are resistant to residue, easy to clean, and non-reactive with food.
- Building facilities: Used in fire sprinkler systems, domestic hot and cold water systems, railings, and other structures.