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Help CenterASME SA179 Seamless Cold-Drawn Low Carbon Steel Tube For Condenser Service
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For Condenser Service – Power Plant & Industrial Condensers
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
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ASME SA179 Seamless Cold-Drawn Low Carbon Steel Tube
For Condenser Service – Power Plant & Industrial Condensers
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
Product Overview
ASME SA179 / ASTM A179 seamless cold-drawn low carbon steel tubes are specifically designed for condenser service in power plants, refrigeration systems, and industrial condensers in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II.
Condenser tubes require:
Thin walls – For maximum heat transfer from steam to cooling water
Smooth internal surfaces – To maintain cooling water flow and minimize fouling
Excellent ductility – For rolling and expanding into tube sheets
Uniform wall thickness – For consistent heat transfer and tube life
Manufactured by the cold-drawing process, SA179 condenser tubes offer tight dimensional tolerances, smooth internal and external surfaces, and uniform wall thickness for optimal condensation efficiency.
✅ ASME SA179 certified – Compliant with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
✅ Seamless cold-drawn – No weld seam – no crevice corrosion
✅ Low carbon content (≤0.25%) – Excellent ductility for tube expansion
✅ Thin wall capability – 18-22 BWG for maximum heat transfer
✅ Smooth ID surface – Minimizes fouling and pressure drop
✅ 100% eddy current & hydrostatic tested – Guaranteed reliability
✅ EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC provided with full traceability
✅ Factory direct | Stock available | Fast delivery
Key Specifications – Condenser Tubes
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME SA179 / ASTM A179 |
| ASME Code | Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II |
| Product Type | Seamless Cold-Drawn Low Carbon Steel Tube |
| Primary Application | Surface Condensers (Power Plants) |
| OD Range | 1/2″ – 1-1/2″ (12.7mm – 38.1mm) – Condenser standard sizes |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5mm – 2.5mm (18-22 BWG typical for condensers) |
| Length | 5m – 19m (16-62 ft) – Condenser tube lengths |
| Surface Finish | Bright annealed / As-drawn / Oiled |
| End Finish | Plain (for rolling into tube sheets) |
| Tube Sheet Connection | Rolled / Expanded both ends |
Power Plant Condenser – Function & Tube Requirements
Condenser Function: Condenses exhaust steam from the steam turbine back into water, creating vacuum and maximizing turbine efficiency.
| Condenser Parameter | Typical Value | SA179 Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling water | Seawater, river water, cooling tower | Compatible (with treatment) |
| Tube side pressure | 15-50 PSI | Well within SA179 rating |
| Shell side pressure | Vacuum (1-5 PSI absolute) | Suitable |
| Condensing temperature | 40-50°C (104-122°F) | Suitable |
| Tube wall required | Thin (18-22 BWG) | Excellent |
| Length required | 30-60 ft (9-18m) | Available |
| Tube sheet expansion | Rolling required | Excellent (≤72 HRB) |
| Condenser duty | Up to 1,000 MW | Field proven |
Chemical Composition – ASME SA179 (Condenser Grade)
| Element | Requirement | Significance for Condenser |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.25% | Low carbon = good ductility for rolling |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.27% – 0.63% | Balanced strength, not excessive hardness |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035% | Low for corrosion resistance |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035% | Low for formability |
💡 Low carbon (≤0.25%) is critical for condenser tube rolling – ensures tubes can be expanded into tube sheets without cracking .
Mechanical Properties – ASME SA179 (Condenser Grade)
| Property | Value | Significance for Condenser |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 325 MPa (47,000 psi) | Adequate for condenser pressure |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 180 MPa (26,000 psi) | Low yield ensures good expansion |
| Elongation (in 2″) | ≥ 35% | Excellent ductility for rolling |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤ 72 | Soft – easy tube expansion, no over-rolling damage |
Standard Condenser Tube Sizes – SA179
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | BWG Gauge | WT (inch) | WT (mm) | Typical Condenser Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2″ | 12.70 | 20 BWG | 0.035″ | 0.89 | Small industrial condenser |
| 1/2″ | 12.70 | 18 BWG | 0.049″ | 1.24 | Small industrial condenser |
| 5/8″ | 15.88 | 22 BWG | 0.028″ | 0.71 | High efficiency condenser |
| 5/8″ | 15.88 | 20 BWG | 0.035″ | 0.89 | Small power plant |
| 5/8″ | 15.88 | 18 BWG | 0.049″ | 1.24 | Standard power plant – most common |
| 5/8″ | 15.88 | 16 BWG | 0.065″ | 1.65 | Heavy duty power plant |
| 3/4″ | 19.05 | 20 BWG | 0.035″ | 0.89 | Power plant / industrial |
| 3/4″ | 19.05 | 18 BWG | 0.049″ | 1.24 | Power plant / industrial |
| 3/4″ | 19.05 | 16 BWG | 0.065″ | 1.65 | Heavy duty condenser |
| 1″ | 25.40 | 18 BWG | 0.049″ | 1.24 | Large condenser |
| 1″ | 25.40 | 16 BWG | 0.065″ | 1.65 | Large heavy duty |
| 1-1/4″ | 31.75 | 16 BWG | 0.065″ | 1.65 | Special application |
| 1-1/2″ | 38.10 | 16 BWG | 0.065″ | 1.65 | Special application |
💡 5/8″ OD × 18 BWG (15.88mm × 1.24mm) is the industry standard for power plant surface condensers – represents approximately 70% of all condenser tube applications .
BWG Gauge Reference for Condenser Tubes
| BWG Gauge | WT (inch) | WT (mm) | Relative Heat Transfer | Relative Strength | Typical Condenser Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 BWG | 0.028″ | 0.71 | Highest | Lowest | High efficiency, clean water |
| 20 BWG | 0.035″ | 0.89 | High | Low | Standard efficiency |
| 18 BWG | 0.049″ | 1.24 | Medium | Standard | Most common – all purpose |
| 16 BWG | 0.065″ | 1.65 | Lower | Higher | Heavy duty, corrosive |
| 14 BWG | 0.083″ | 2.11 | Low | Highest | High pressure, severe service |
💡 Selection rule: Thinner wall = MORE heat transfer, LESS corrosion allowance . Thicker wall = LESS heat transfer, MORE corrosion allowance and strength . 18 BWG is the best balance for most condensers .
Condenser Tube Lengths – ASME SA179
| Length (ft) | Length (m) | Typical Condenser Size (MW) | Tube Sheet Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-20 ft | 4.9-6.1 m | Standard | |
| 20-30 ft | 6.1-9.1 m | 50-200 MW | Standard |
| 30-40 ft | 9.1-12.2 m | 200-600 MW | Most common |
| 40-50 ft | 12.2-15.2 m | 600-900 MW | Extended |
| 50-62 ft | 15.2-18.9 m | 900-1,300 MW | Special order |
💡 Typical power plant condenser tube length: 30-40 ft (9-12 meters) .
Key Advantages – For Condenser Service
| Feature | Benefit for Condenser |
|---|---|
| Seamless construction | No weld seam – no crevice corrosion in tube bundle |
| Low carbon (≤0.25%) | Excellent ductility for tube expansion into tube sheets |
| Low hardness (≤72 HRB) | Easy rolling – no cracking, consistent expansion |
| Thin wall capability (18-22 BWG) | Maximum heat transfer – condenses steam efficiently |
| Smooth ID surface | Minimizes cooling water pressure drop and fouling |
| Smooth OD surface | Promotes condensate film drainage |
| Uniform wall thickness | Consistent heat transfer across all tubes |
| Tight OD tolerance | Consistent tube-to-baffle hole clearance |
| 100% eddy current tested | Detects surface defects before installation |
| 100% hydrostatic tested | No leakage after rolling into tube sheets |
| EN 10204 3.1 MTC | Full traceability for quality verification |
Condenser Tube Manufacturing – Key Specifications
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| OD Tolerance | ±0.004″ (±0.10mm) on 5/8″ OD | Micrometer |
| WT Tolerance | ±0.004″ (±0.10mm) on 18 BWG | Micrometer |
| Straightness | 1/16″ in 5 ft (1.5mm in 1.5m) | Straight edge |
| Surface finish (ID) | Smooth, no scale | Visual / Endoscope |
| Surface finish (OD) | Smooth, no scale | Visual |
| End squareness | ±1° | Square gauge |
| Length tolerance | +1/8″ -0″ (+3mm -0mm) | Tape measure |
| Burr free ends | Required | Visual |
| Cleanliness | Free of oil, dirt, scale (bright annealed) | Visual |
Condenser Tube Installation – Rolling / Expanding
| Parameter | Recommended Value | SA179 Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Tube sheet material | Carbon steel (typical) | Excellent |
| Rolling depth | 2-3 times tube OD | Excellent |
| Expansion percentage | 5-12% wall reduction | Excellent |
| Torque requirement | Low (due to ≤72 HRB) | Excellent |
| Residual stress | Low (soft material) | Excellent |
| Cracking tendency | None (low carbon) | Excellent |
| Post-expansion inspection | Dye penetrant optional | Pass |
Condenser Tube Bundle – Quantity Reference
| Condenser Size (MW) | Tube OD (inch) | Tube Count (approx) | Length (ft) | Total Tube Length (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MW | 5/8″ | 8,000 | 30 | 45 miles |
| 300 MW | 5/8″ | 15,000 | 35 | 100 miles |
| 500 MW | 5/8″ | 22,000 | 38 | 158 miles |
| 800 MW | 5/8″ | 28,000 | 40 | 212 miles |
| 1,000 MW | 5/8″ | 32,000 | 45 | 273 miles |
💡 A single large condenser can contain over 200 miles (320 km) of SA179 tubing .
Quality Testing & Inspection – Condenser Tubes
| Test | Method | Standard | Coverage | Importance for Condenser |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eddy Current (ECT) | Non-destructive | ASTM E309 | 100% | Detects pinholes, cracks, inclusions |
| Hydrostatic Test | Water pressure | ASME SA179 | 100% | Ensures no leakage after rolling |
| Flattening Test | Ductility | ASME SA179 | Per batch | Ensures rolling capability |
| Flaring Test | Expansion | ASME SA179 | Per batch | Ensures tube end expansion |
| Tensile Test | Properties | ASTM E8 | Per batch | Verifies strength |
| Hardness Test | Rockwell B | ASTM E18 | Per batch | Ensures ≤72 HRB |
| OD Inspection | Micrometer | ASME SA179 | 100% | Tube-to-baffle fit |
| ID Inspection | Endoscope | ASME SA179 | Sample | Surface finish |
| Length Check | Measure | Customer spec | 100% | Exact tube length |
| Straightness Check | Straight edge | ASME SA179 | Sample | Easy bundling |
Mill Test Certificate – Condenser Tubes
ASME SA179 Certificate of Compliance – Standard
EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC – Provided with heat number
EN 10204 Type 3.2 – Available upon request (third-party: SGS, BV, TUV, DNV)
Traceability: Full traceability from melt to finished tube (heat number → tube → condenser bundle)
ECT report – 100% eddy current test results available
Hydrostatic test report – Test pressure and duration recorded
Dimensional report – OD, WT, length verification
Processing Services – Condenser Tubes
| Service | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Precision Cutting | Cut to exact condenser length (+1/8″ -0″) | Critical for tube sheet fit |
| Deburring | Removes burrs from cut ends | Prevents tube sheet damage |
| End Cleaning | Cleans ends for rolling | Ensures good seal |
| Marking | Heat number stenciled per bundle | Traceability |
| Bundling | Hexagonal bundles with steel strapping | Safe transport |
| Tube Sheet Templates | Sample tubes for fit verification | Quality assurance |
Packaging & Shipping – Condenser Tubes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Hexagonal bundles with steel strapping |
| Bundle length | Same as tube length |
| Bundle weight | 500-1,500 kg per bundle |
| Protection | Anti-rust oil + plastic end caps |
| Tube labeling | Heat number stenciled on each tube bundle |
| Documentation | MTC, ECT report, hydrostatic report, dimension report |
| Lead time | 7–15 days (stock sizes), 20–30 days (custom lengths) |
| Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Guangzhou |
Why Choose Our ASME SA179 Condenser Tubes?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| ASME Code certified | Compliant with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II |
| Condenser specialist | Dedicated production line for condenser tube sizes |
| Most common size in stock | 5/8″ OD × 18 BWG – ready to ship |
| Low hardness (≤72 HRB) | Easy tube rolling into tube sheets – no cracking |
| Smooth ID surface | Minimizes fouling and pressure drop |
| 100% ECT tested | Every tube inspected for surface defects |
| 100% hydrostatic tested | Guaranteed leak-free condensers |
| Precision cutting | Cut to exact condenser length |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC with heat number |
| Long length capability | Up to 18 meters (60 ft) |
| Fast delivery | Stock sizes shipped within 7-15 days |
| Global export | Shipped to power plants worldwide |
Contact for Quote – Condenser Tubes
Please provide the following details for your condenser project:
OD (inch / mm) : _______ (5/8″ is most common)
BWG Gauge : 18 / 20 / 22 / 16 (specify)
Length (ft / m) : _______
Quantity : _______ (pieces / meters / tons)
Condenser size (MW) : _______ (for reference)
Cooling water type : Fresh / River / Seawater / Cooling tower
End Finish : Plain (for rolling)
Inspection : Standard / Third-party (SGS/BV/TUV/DNV)
📧 Email: yjhtrade@gmail.com
📞 WhatsApp: +86 15106174543
🌐 Website: www.wuxihengzhihui.com
Reply within 24 hours.
FAQ – ASME SA179 Condenser Tubes
Q1: What is ASME SA179 used for in power plants?
A: ASME SA179 seamless cold-drawn low carbon steel tubes are used as condenser tubes in power plant surface condensers – they condense exhaust steam from the steam turbine back into water .
Q2: What is the most common condenser tube size?
A: 5/8″ (15.88mm) OD × 18 BWG (0.049″ / 1.24mm wall) is the industry standard for power plant surface condensers .
Q3: Why is 5/8″ OD the standard for condensers?
A: 5/8″ OD provides the best balance of heat transfer surface area, tube sheet strength, water flow characteristics, and vacuum integrity .
Q4: What is the difference between 18 BWG and 20 BWG?
A: 20 BWG is thinner (0.035″ / 0.89mm) – more heat transfer, less corrosion allowance . 18 BWG is thicker (0.049″ / 1.24mm) – better corrosion allowance and strength, standard for most power plants .
Q5: Why is low carbon important for condenser tubes?
A: Low carbon (≤0.25%) ensures excellent ductility for rolling tubes into tube sheets without cracking – critical for leak-free condensers .
Q6: What hardness is required for SA179 condenser tubes?
A: ≤72 HRB . This softness ensures consistent tube expansion without over-rolling damage or cracking .
Q7: What testing is required for condenser tubes?
A: 100% eddy current testing (ECT) to detect surface defects, and 100% hydrostatic testing to ensure no leakage after rolling .
Q8: How long are typical condenser tubes?
A: Power plant condenser tubes range from 30-40 ft (9-12 meters) for 200-600 MW units . Larger units may use up to 60 ft (18 meters) .
Q9: Can SA179 be used with seawater cooling?
A: Yes, with proper water treatment . For seawater, inhibitors or coatings may be required . For severe seawater, consider titanium or stainless steel .
Q10: Do you provide third-party inspection?
A: Yes. SGS, BV, TUV, DNV, or any customer-specified agency.
Q11: Can you supply full condenser tube bundles?
A: We supply tubes only – not complete bundled assemblies . Tubes are shipped in hexagonal bundles ready for installation .
Q12: Do you offer free samples?
A: 30cm sample available upon request for straight tube. Shipping fee applies.
Related Products – Condenser & Heat Exchanger
ASME SA179 – Condenser tubes (this product)
ASME SA179 U-bend – U-bend heat exchanger tubes
ASME SA192 – High pressure boiler tubes
ASME SA210 – Medium carbon boiler tubes
ASME SA213 – Alloy steel tubes (higher temp)
ASME SA334 – Low temperature tubes
Tags: ASME SA179 Condenser Tube Power Plant Condenser Surface Condenser Seamless Cold Drawn Tube SA179 Tube ASME Code Condenser Tubes for Power Plant
Quick Reference – Condenser Tube Sizes
| Parameter | Standard Value | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| OD | 5/8″ (15.88mm) | 3/4″, 1″ |
| BWG (most common) | 18 BWG (0.049″) | 20 BWG (thinner), 16 BWG (thicker) |
| WT | 1.24 mm | 0.89 mm / 1.65 mm |
| Length (standard) | 30-40 ft (9-12 m) | Up to 60 ft (18 m) |
| Material | SA179 Low Carbon | SA214 (welded – less common) |
| Hardness | ≤72 HRB | — |
| ECT | 100% | Required |
| Hydrostatic | 100% | Required |
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