What Is a Seamless Stainless Steel Boiler Tube?
A Seamless Stainless Steel Boiler Tube is a high-performance cylindrical piping component engineered from a single solid billet of premium stainless steel. Manufactured without any welded joints, it offers superior structural integrity, which is mission-critical for safety in extreme high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Boiler tubes are core components in industrial boilers, superheaters, and economizers, designed to contain and transfer intense thermal energy to water for steam production. Our boiler tubes provide exceptional resistance to oxidation, localized corrosion and high-temperature creep, making them the ideal choice for modern power generation and heavy process industries.
Leading boiler tube standards & specifications we manufacture and supply to:
- ASTM A213 / ASME SA213: seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy-steel boiler, superheater and heat-exchanger tubes.
- ASTM A789 / ASME SA789: seamless duplex stainless steel tubing for general service.
- ASTM B163 / B167: nickel and nickel-alloy (Inconel, Monel) solutions for extreme thermal service.
- EN 10216-5 TC1/TC2: European standard for seamless stainless steel tubes for pressure purposes.
- NACE MR0175: available for sour-gas environment applications.
Key Features and Advantages
The seamless structure removes the longitudinal weld and its heat-affected zone, which is what gives boiler tubes their defining advantages:
- Extreme Thermal & Pressure Tolerance: uniform wall thickness safely handles internal pressures that would rupture welded alternatives.
- Superior Creep Strength: the “H” grade series (304H, 310H, 316H, 321H, 347H) is heat-treated to resist long-term deformation at elevated temperature.
- Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance: chromium-nickel austenitic chemistry resists scaling and flue-gas corrosion at sustained operating temperature.
- Enhanced Fatigue Strength: no weld seam and no heat-affected zone means better resistance to thermal-cycling and vibration stresses.
Product Specifications and Data
Equivalent Grade
| UNS | Common grade name | EN material number | EN steel name | JIS grade | GB/T grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S30400 | 304 | 1.4301 | X5CrNi18-10 | SUS304 | 06Cr19Ni10 / 0Cr18Ni9 |
| S30403 | 304L | 1.4307 | X2CrNi18-9 | SUS304L | 022Cr19Ni10 / 00Cr19Ni10 |
| S30409 | 304H | 1.4948 | X6CrNi18-10 | SUS304HTB (tube) | 07Cr19Ni10 |
| S30908 | 309S | 1.4833 | X12CrNi23-13 | SUS309S | 06Cr23Ni13 / 0Cr23Ni13 |
| S31008 | 310S | 1.4845 | X8CrNi25-21 | SUS310S | 06Cr25Ni20 / 0Cr25Ni20 |
| S31600 | 316 | 1.4401 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | SUS316 | 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 / 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
| S31603 | 316L | 1.4404 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | SUS316L | 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 / 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 |
| S31635 | 316Ti | 1.4571 | X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 | SUS316Ti | 06Cr17Ni12Mo2Ti |
| S31700 | 317 | – (direct EN match not confirmed) | Not listed in grade index | SUS317 | 06Cr19Ni13Mo3 |
| S31703 | 317L | 1.4438 | X2CrNiMo18-15-4 | SUS317L | 022Cr19Ni13Mo3 / 00Cr19Ni13Mo3 |
| S32100 | 321 | 1.4541 | X6CrNiTi18-10 | SUS321 | 06Cr18Ni11Ti / 0Cr18Ni10Ti |
| S34700 | 347 | 1.4550 | X6CrNiNb18-10 | SUS347 | 06Cr18Ni11Nb / 0Cr18Ni11Nb |
| S32109 | 321H | 1.4940 (approx.) | X7CrNiTi18-10 | SUS321HTB (product suffix to verify) | 07Cr19Ni11Ti |
| S34709 | 347H | 1.4912 (approx.) | X7CrNiNb18-10 | SUS347HTB (product suffix to verify) | 07Cr18Ni11Nb |
Grade correspondence does not make ASTM, ASME, EN, JIS and GB delivery requirements interchangeable. Confirm chemistry, heat treatment, mechanical properties, dimensions, testing and certification against the purchase specification. Approximate or unconfirmed correspondences retain their qualification. See the grade designation index.
Chemical Composition
Chemical requirements per ASTM A213/A213M. Single values are maximum content unless a range is indicated. For stabilized grades, “5×C min” means the minimum titanium or niobium content must be at least 5 times the carbon content; actual product analysis may permit slight deviations per the specification tolerance rules.
| Grade | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP304 | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 18.00–20.00 | 8.00–11.00 | — | — |
| TP304L | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 18.00–20.00 | 8.00–12.00 | — | — |
| TP304H | 0.04–0.10 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 18.00–20.00 | 8.00–11.00 | — | — |
| TP309S | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 22.00–24.00 | 12.00–15.00 | — | — |
| TP310S | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 24.00–26.00 | 19.00–22.00 | — | — |
| TP316 | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 16.00–18.00 | 10.00–14.00 | 2.00–3.00 | — |
| TP316L | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 16.00–18.00 | 10.00–14.00 | 2.00–3.00 | — |
| TP316Ti | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.75 | 16.00–18.00 | 10.00–14.00 | 2.00–3.00 | Ti: 5×(C+N)–0.70 |
| TP317 | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 18.00–20.00 | 11.00–15.00 | 3.00–4.00 | — |
| TP317L | ≤ 0.035 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 18.00–20.00 | 11.00–15.00 | 3.00–4.00 | — |
| TP321 | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 17.00–19.00 | 9.00–12.00 | — | Ti: 5×(C+N)–0.70 |
| TP321H | 0.04–0.10 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 17.00–19.00 | 9.00–12.00 | — | Ti: 4x(C+N)–0.70 |
| TP347 | ≤ 0.080 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 17.00–20.00 | 9.00–13.00 | — | Nb: 10×C–1.10 |
| TP347H | 0.04–0.10 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 1.00 | 17.00–19.00 | 9.00–13.00 | — | Nb: 8×C–1.10 |
Mechanical Requirements
Tensile, yield and elongation requirements per ASTM A213/A213M in the specified heat-treatment condition.
| Grade | Condition | Tensile Strength Min, MPa (ksi) | Yield Strength Min, MPa (ksi) | Elongation Min, % | Heat Treatment Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP304 | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP304L | Annealed | 485 (70) | 170 (25) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP304H | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP309S | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP310S | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP316 | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP316L | Annealed | 485 (70) | 170 (25) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP316Ti | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP317 | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP317L | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP321 | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP321H | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP347 | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| TP347H | Annealed | 515 (75) | 205 (30) | 35 | 1040°C (1900°F) min |
| T11 | Norm. & Tempered | 415 (60) | 205 (30) | 30 | Norm. 1900°F + Temper 1200°F min |
| T22 | Norm. & Tempered | 415 (60) | 205 (30) | 30 | Norm. 1900°F + Temper 1250°F min |
| T91 | Norm. & Tempered | 585 (85) | 415 (60) | 20 | Norm. 1900°F + Temper 1350°F min |
Size Tolerance Chart
Permissible variations per ASTM A213/A213M for hot-finished (HFD) and cold-finished (CFD) tubes:
| Standard | OD (D), mm | OD Tolerance (mm) | Thickness (S), mm | Thickness Tolerance | Length | Length Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A213 HFD | D≤100 | +0.4 / -0.8 | D<100, S≤2.4 | +40% / 0 | HFD, all size | +5 / 0 |
| A213 HFD | D≤100 | +0.4 / -1.2 | D<100, 2.4≤S≤3.8 | +35% / 0 | HFD, all size | +5 / 0 |
| A213 HFD | D≤100 | +0.4 / -1.6 | D<100, 3.8≤S≤4.6 | +33% / 0 | HFD, all size | +5 / 0 |
| A213 HFD | 100 | +0.4 / -1.2 | D>100, 2.4≤S≤3.8 | +35% / 0 | HFD, all size | +5 / 0 |
| A213 HFD | 200 | +0.4 / -1.6 | D>100, 3.8≤S≤4.6 | +33% / 0 | HFD, all size | +5 / 0 |
| A213 HFD | 200 | +0.4 / -1.6 | D>100, S>4.6 | +28% / 0 | HFD, all size | +5 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | D<25 | ±0.10 | D≤38.1 | +20% / 0 | CFD, D<50.8 | +3 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | 25≤D≤40 | ±0.15 | D≤38.1 | +20% / 0 | CFD, D<50.8 | +3 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | 40 | ±0.20 | D≤38.1 | +20% / 0 | CFD, D<50.8 | +3 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | 50≤D<65 | ±0.25 | D≤38.1 | +20% / 0 | CFD, D<50.8 | +3 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | 65≤D<75 | ±0.30 | D>38.1 | +22% / 0 | CFD, D≥50.8 | +5 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | 75≤D≤100 | ±0.38 | D>38.1 | +22% / 0 | CFD, D≥50.8 | +5 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | 100 | +0.38 / -0.64 | D>38.1 | +22% / 0 | CFD, D≥50.8 | +5 / 0 |
| A213 CFD | 200 | +0.38 / -1.14 | D>38.1 | +22% / 0 | CFD, D≥50.8 | +5 / 0 |
Length Tolerance
- For tubes ordered to a specific cut length: cold-finished (CFD) +3 mm / −0 mm; hot-finished (HFD) +5 mm / −0 mm.
- Tube is normally supplied in mill lengths or specific cut lengths as agreed in the order.
Note: dimensional data above are summarized from ASTM A213/A213M and the general requirements of ASTM A1016/A1016M. The full and most current specification document must always be consulted for official design and procurement purposes.
Common Industrial Applications
Seamless stainless steel boiler tubes are specified wherever sustained high pressure and high temperature meet corrosive media:
Power Generation
Critical for superheaters and reheaters in ultra-supercritical (USC) power plants.
Petrochemical & Refining
Process heaters, heat exchangers and reformers handling high-temperature streams.
HRSG Systems
A vital component in Heat Recovery Steam Generators for combined-cycle power plants.
Waste-to-Energy
High-durability tubes for corrosive municipal waste incineration boilers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for ASTM A213 stainless steel boiler tube?
The overall range is OD 6–257 mm; WT 0.5–35 mm. Requirements outside this range are reviewed against mill capability on request.
Which specification governs ASTM A213 stainless steel boiler tube?
ASTM A213 / ASME SA213 is the governing specification for ASTM A213 stainless steel boiler tube. The edition in force at order time is stated on the quotation and purchase order; chemistry, mechanical properties, heat treatment, dimensions and testing are reported against the ordered standard and material heat.
What inspection documents are provided?
Each order is documented with a mill test certificate stating heat chemistry and mechanical test results. EN 10204 3.1 certification, hydrostatic testing, eddy-current or ultrasonic inspection and PMI are performed when specified in the purchase order.
Ready to Request a Quotation?
For a seamless stainless steel boiler tube quotation, send the standard and grade (e.g. ASTM A213 TP304H), outside diameter, wall thickness (average or minimum wall), length, quantity, heat-treatment condition and required inspection documents. We will confirm the available size combination and delivery terms in the quotation.
