What Is a Seamless Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger Tube?
A Seamless Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger Tube is a high-performance cylindrical tube meticulously crafted from a single, solid billet of stainless steel. It has no weld joint, ensuring superior structural integrity and reliability under high-stress, high-pressure and corrosive conditions.
These tubes are the core component of shell-and-tube heat exchangers, transferring heat efficiently between two or more fluids. The high-quality stainless chemistry provides exceptional resistance to corrosion, high temperature and stress, making them ideal for critical duty across many industries.
Seamless heat-exchanger tube standards we 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 heat-exchanger tubing.
- ASTM B161 / B163 / B167: nickel and nickel-alloy condenser and heat-exchanger tubing.
- ASTM B668: UNS N08028 seamless tubing.
- EN 10216-5 TC1 & TC2: European technical delivery conditions.
Key Features and Advantages
Stainless steel is designed to maintain its strength and integrity in challenging operational environments:
- Superior Corrosion Resistance: chromium-nickel-molybdenum chemistries (TP304/304L/316/316L/321/347 and more) resist pitting, crevice attack and stress corrosion cracking.
- High Pressure & Temperature Capability: the seamless bore carries high internal pressure with no weld seam as a weak point.
- Efficient Heat Transfer: a smooth, uninterrupted bore minimizes fouling and sustains heat-transfer performance.
- Stabilized and H Grades: titanium/niobium-stabilized grades and “H” grades for sustained elevated-temperature service.
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; tighter OD tolerances apply to cold-drawn 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.
Note: dimensional data above are based on the dimensional tolerance tables of ASTM A213/A213M and ASTM A1016/A1016M (general requirements), which also cover straightness and sizes outside this range. Always consult the latest official standard for design and procurement.
Common Industrial Applications
Seamless heat-exchanger tube is used wherever reliable heat transfer meets corrosive or high-pressure media:
Shell & Tube Exchangers
Heat exchangers, evaporators and condensers for various corrosive fluids.
Refining & Offshore
Cooling, heating and gas processing in refineries and offshore platforms.
Power & HRSG
Steam condensers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) and feed-water heaters.
Hygienic Processes
Pasteurization, sterilization and clean-room heating/cooling where hygiene and material purity are paramount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for ASTM A213 stainless steel heat exchanger 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 heat exchanger tube?
ASTM A213 / ASME SA213 is the governing specification for ASTM A213 stainless steel heat exchanger 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 heat-exchanger tube quotation, send the standard and grade, outside diameter, wall thickness (average or minimum wall), length, quantity, finish and required inspection documents. We will confirm the available size combination and delivery terms in the quotation.
