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Help CenterASME SA334 Seamless Alloy Steel Tube For Low Temperature and Cryogenic Service – Nickel Alloy Grades 3, 7, 8, 9, 11
Product Spotlights
For Low Temperature and Cryogenic Service – Nickel Alloy Grades 3, 7, 8, 9, 11
Minimum Wall Thickness – Tighter Tolerances than SA333
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
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ASME SA334 Seamless Alloy Steel Tube
For Low Temperature and Cryogenic Service – Nickel Alloy Grades 3, 7, 8, 9, 11
Minimum Wall Thickness – Tighter Tolerances than SA333
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
Product Overview
ASME SA334 / ASTM A334 seamless alloy steel tubes are specifically designed for low temperature and cryogenic service in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II. The alloy grades contain controlled amounts of nickel to achieve impact toughness at progressively lower temperatures, down to -196°C (-321°F) .
Nickel Alloy Grades Covered:
Grade 3 – 3.5% Nickel steel – Service down to -100°C (-150°F)
Grade 7 – 2.5% Nickel steel – Service down to -75°C (-100°F)
Grade 8 – 9% Nickel steel – Service down to -195°C (-320°F) – LNG standard
Grade 9 – 1.5% Nickel steel – Service down to -75°C (-100°F)
Grade 11 – 36% Nickel steel – Service down to -196°C (-321°F) – extreme cryogenic
⚠️ Important Note: For temperatures below -45°C, nickel alloy grades are required. Carbon steel (Grades 1 and 6) cannot be used for temperatures below -45°C due to Charpy impact limitations.
✅ ASME SA334 certified – Compliant with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
✅ Seamless construction – No weld seam – eliminates brittle fracture risk at cryogenic temperatures
✅ Nickel alloy grades – 1.5% Ni (Grade 9), 2.5% Ni (Grade 7), 3.5% Ni (Grade 3), 9% Ni (Grade 8), 36% Ni (Grade 11)
✅ Minimum wall thickness – No negative deviation – consistent tube integrity
✅ Charpy impact tested – Guaranteed toughness at specified service temperature
✅ 100% NDT and hydrostatic tested – Guaranteed integrity
✅ EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC + Impact Report provided
✅ Factory direct | Stock available for Grade 3, Grade 8 | Fast delivery
Key Specifications – Alloy Grades
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME SA334 / ASTM A334 |
| ASME Code | Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II |
| Product Type | Seamless Alloy Steel Tube – Low Temperature Service |
| Alloy Grades | 3 (3.5% Ni), 7 (2.5% Ni), 8 (9% Ni), 9 (1.5% Ni), 11 (36% Ni) |
| Wall Type | Minimum wall thickness (no negative deviation) |
| OD Range | 1/8″ – 5″ (3.2mm – 127mm) – typical heat exchanger sizes |
| Wall Thickness | 0.015″ – 0.500″ (0.4mm – 12.7mm) – minimum wall |
| Length | 3m – 12m (fixed or random) – heat exchanger tube lengths |
| Surface Finish | Black / Bare / Oiled / Bright annealed |
| End Finish | Plain / Beveled / Threaded |
📌 Note: Some product sizes may not be available because heavier wall thicknesses have an adverse effect on low-temperature impact properties .
Nickel Alloy Grades – Temperature Capability
| Grade | Nickel Content | Min Service Temp | Impact Test Temp | Charpy Energy (J) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | 1.5% Ni | -75°C (-100°F) | -75°C (-100°F) | ≥18 avg / 14 ind | Low-moderate cryogenic |
| Grade 7 | 2.5% Ni | -75°C (-100°F) | -75°C (-100°F) | ≥18 avg / 14 ind | Deeper low temperature |
| Grade 3 | 3.5% Ni | -100°C (-150°F) | -100°C (-150°F) | ≥18 avg / 14 ind | Medium cryogenic service |
| Grade 8 | 9% Ni | -195°C (-320°F) | -195°C (-320°F) | ≥20 avg / 16 ind | LNG, liquid nitrogen – most common alloy |
| Grade 11 | 36% Ni | -196°C (-321°F) | -196°C (-321°F) | ≥20 avg / 16 ind | Extreme cryogenic (liquid helium) |
💡 Grade 8 (9% Nickel) is the industry standard for LNG cryogenic service – provides excellent toughness down to -195°C. Grade 11 (36% Nickel) is used for extreme cryogenic applications down to -269°C in liquid helium service.
Why Nickel Alloys for Low Temperature Service?
| Temperature Range | Material | Nickel Content | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0°C to -45°C | Carbon steel (Grades 1/6) | 0% | Acceptable Charpy values |
| -45°C to -75°C | 1.5-2.5% Ni (Grades 9/7) | 1.5-2.5% | Nickel improves low temperature toughness |
| -75°C to -100°C | 3.5% Ni (Grade 3) | 3.5% | Higher nickel maintains ductile-to-brittle transition |
| -100°C to -195°C | 9% Ni (Grade 8) | 9% | Austenitic at cryogenic temperatures – excellent toughness |
| Below -195°C | 36% Ni (Grade 11) | 36% | Low thermal expansion + cryogenic toughness |
💡 Nickel is the key alloying element – it lowers the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature, allowing safe operation at cryogenic temperatures .
Chemical Composition – Alloy Grades (ASME SA334)
| Grade | C max | Mn max | P max | S max | Si | Ni | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 0.19 | 0.31-0.64 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.18-0.37 | 3.18-3.82 | — |
| Grade 7 | 0.19 | ≤0.90 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.13-0.32 | 2.03-2.57 | — |
| Grade 8 | 0.13 | ≤0.90 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.13-0.32 | 8.40-9.60 | — |
| Grade 9 | 0.20 | 0.40-1.06 | 0.025 | 0.025 | — | 1.60-2.24 | — |
| Grade 11 | 0.10 | ≤0.60 | 0.025 | 0.025 | ≤0.35 | 35.0-37.0 | — |
💡 Nickel content directly determines the minimum service temperature – higher nickel = lower service temperature = higher cost.
Mechanical Properties – Alloy Grades
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | ≥450 | ≥240 | ≥30 | — |
| Grade 7 | ≥450 | ≥240 | ≥30 | — |
| Grade 8 | ≥690 | ≥515 | ≥22 | — |
| Grade 9 | ≥435 | ≥315 | ≥28 | — |
| Grade 11 | ≥690 | ≥515 | ≥22 | — |
💡 Grade 8 and Grade 11 have significantly higher strength (≥690 MPa) due to their nickel alloying – suitable for higher pressure cryogenic service .
Low Temperature Charpy Impact Requirements
| Grade | Test Temp (°C) | Test Temp (°F) | Min Avg Energy (J) | Min Individual (J) | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | -100 | -150 | 18 | 14 | Transverse |
| Grade 7 | -75 | -100 | 18 | 14 | Transverse |
| Grade 8 | -195 | -320 | 20 | 16 | Transverse |
| Grade 9 | -75 | -100 | 20 | 16 | Transverse |
| Grade 11 | -196 | -321 | 20 | 16 | Transverse |
💡 Charpy impact testing is mandatory for all alloy grades – each heat treatment lot must be tested at the temperature specified for the grade .
Key Advantages – Alloy Grades
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Nickel alloying | Lowers ductile-to-brittle transition temperature – safe cryogenic service |
| Seamless construction | No weld seam – no brittle fracture initiation point at low temperature |
| Minimum wall thickness | No negative wall deviation – consistent tube integrity |
| Grade 8 (9% Ni) | Industry standard for LNG – excellent toughness at -195°C |
| Grade 11 (36% Ni) | Extreme cryogenic capability – liquid helium service |
| Charpy impact tested | Guaranteed toughness at service temperature – certified report |
| 100% NDT tested | Ultrasonic or eddy current – detects defects |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC + Impact Report with heat number |
Applications – Nickel Alloy Low Temperature Tubes
| Industry | Application | Recommended Grade | Service Temp | Tube Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LNG Terminals | Cryogenic heat exchangers | Grade 8 (9% Ni) | -160°C | 3/4″ – 2″ OD |
| LNG Carriers | Cargo heat exchangers | Grade 8 (9% Ni) | -160°C | 1″ – 1-1/2″ OD |
| Air Separation Units | Cryogenic heat exchangers (O2/N2/Ar) | Grade 8 (9% Ni) | -195°C | 1/2″ – 2″ OD |
| Petrochemical | Low temperature heat exchangers | Grade 3 (3.5% Ni) | -100°C | 3/4″ – 1-1/2″ OD |
| Cryogenic Storage | Transfer line tubing | Grade 8, Grade 11 | -195°C to -196°C | 1″ – 4″ OD |
| Refrigeration | Low temperature systems | Grade 3, Grade 7 | -75°C to -100°C | 1″ – 2″ OD |
| Liquid Helium Systems | Extreme cryogenic | Grade 11 (36% Ni) | -269°C | 1/2″ – 2″ OD |
| Cold Boxes | Cryogenic process equipment | Grade 8 (9% Ni) | -195°C | 1/2″ – 1-1/2″ OD |
| Research Facilities | Cryogenic instrumentation | Grade 8, Grade 11 | -196°C | 1/4″ – 1″ OD |
💡 Grade 8 (9% Nickel) is the most common alloy grade for LNG and cryogenic heat exchanger applications . Grade 11 is a specialty grade for extreme cryogenic requirements .
Available Sizes – Alloy Grades (Typical Heat Exchanger Sizes)
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | Typical WT (mm) | Available Grades | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ – 1/2″ | 6.4 – 12.7 | 0.8 – 1.6 | Grade 3, Grade 8 | Instrumentation |
| 1/2″ – 3/4″ | 12.7 – 19.1 | 1.0 – 2.5 | Grade 3, Grade 7, Grade 8 | Small cryogenic HE |
| 3/4″ – 1″ | 19.1 – 25.4 | 1.5 – 3.0 | Grade 3, Grade 8 | Standard cryogenic HE |
| 1-1/4″ – 1-1/2″ | 31.8 – 38.1 | 2.0 – 4.0 | Grade 8 | LNG heat exchangers |
| 2″ – 2-1/2″ | 50.8 – 63.5 | 2.5 – 5.0 | Grade 8, Grade 11 | Large cryogenic HE |
| 3″ – 5″ | 76.2 – 127.0 | 3.0 – 12.7 | Grade 8 | Special cryogenic |
💡 Most common sizes: 3/4″ (19.1mm), 1″ (25.4mm) OD for cryogenic heat exchanger tubes . Grade 8 (9% Ni) is the standard material for LNG service .
Grade Selection Guide – Alloy vs Carbon Steel
| Required Service Temp | Recommended Grade | Nickel Content | Material Cost | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0°C to -20°C | Carbon (Grade 1/6) | 0% | $ | General low temp |
| -20°C to -45°C | Carbon (Grade 1/6) | 0% | $ | Low temp |
| -45°C to -75°C | Grade 9 (1.5% Ni) or Grade 7 (2.5% Ni) | 1.5-2.5% | $$ | Deeper low temp |
| -75°C to -100°C | Grade 3 (3.5% Ni) | 3.5% | $$$ | Medium cryogenic |
| -100°C to -195°C | Grade 8 (9% Ni) | 9% | $$$$ | LNG cryogenic |
| Below -195°C | Grade 11 (36% Ni) | 36% | $$$$$ | Extreme cryogenic |
⚠️ Do NOT use carbon steel (Grades 1 or 6) below -45°C – carbon steel does not have sufficient Charpy impact toughness below this temperature .
Quality Testing & Inspection – Alloy Grades
| Test | Method | Standard | Coverage | Critical for Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charpy Impact Test | ASTM E23 | ASME SA334 | Per heat treatment lot | CRITICAL – verifies cryogenic toughness |
| Hydrostatic Test | Water pressure | ASME SA334 | 100% | Pressure integrity |
| Eddy Current (ECT) | Non-destructive | ASTM E309 | 100% | Surface defect detection |
| Tensile Test | ASTM E8 | ASME SA334 | Per heat | Strength verification |
| Hardness Test | Rockwell B/C | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Grade control |
| Flattening Test | Ductility | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Tube formability |
| Flaring Test | Expansion | ASME SA334 | Per lot | Tube end expansion |
| Dimensional Inspection | Micrometer | ASTM A450 | 100% | Size verification |
💡 ASME SA334 requires more comprehensive testing than SA333, including flattening test, flaring test, and hardness test in addition to impact testing .
Heat Treatment Requirements – Alloy Grades
| Grade | Required Heat Treatment | Temperature Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3, 7, 9 | Normalized or stress relieved | 1,550-1,700°F | Optimize microstructure for low temp |
| Grade 8 (9% Ni) | Quenched and tempered or double normalized and tempered | 1,750-1,850°F + 1,050-1,150°F | Achieve martensitic structure for -195°C service |
| Grade 11 (36% Ni) | Annealed | 1,600-1,800°F | Soft condition for extreme cryogenic |
⚠️ Proper heat treatment is essential for achieving low temperature impact properties – Grade 8 must be Q&T (quenched and tempered) .
Tube Tolerances – ASME SA334 Alloy Grades (Per ASTM A450)
OD Tolerances (Minimum Wall Tubes):
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | Tolerance (inch) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ±0.004″ | ±0.10 | ||
| 1/2″ – 1-1/2″ | 12.7 – 38.1 | ±0.005″ | ±0.13 |
| 1-1/2″ – 2-1/2″ | 38.1 – 63.5 | ±0.006″ | ±0.15 |
| 2-1/2″ – 5″ | 63.5 – 127.0 | ±0.008″ | ±0.20 |
Wall Thickness (Minimum Wall – No Negative Deviation):
| Condition | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| All sizes | No negative deviation (minimum wall) |
| Over tolerance | As specified (typically +20-25%) |
💡 Minimum wall thickness means the actual wall thickness will never be less than the specified value – critical for pressure integrity at cryogenic temperatures .
Welding Recommendations – Alloy Grades
| Grade | Preheat Required | PWHT Required | Low Hydrogen Required | Filler Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 (3.5% Ni) | 120°C min | Yes | Required | ER80S-Ni1 |
| Grade 7 (2.5% Ni) | 95°C min | Yes | Required | ER80S-Ni1 |
| Grade 8 (9% Ni) | 120°C min | Yes | Required | ENiCrFe-9 |
| Grade 9 (1.5% Ni) | 95°C min | Yes | Required | ER80S-Ni1 |
| Grade 11 (36% Ni) | Optional | No | Required | ERNiFeCr-1 |
⚠️ Nickel alloy grades require preheat, PWHT, and low hydrogen practices – failure to follow proper procedures can cause cracking in cryogenic service .
Mill Test Certificate – Alloy Grades
ASME SA334 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)
Low Temperature Impact Test Report – Included (Charpy values at specified temperature)
Flattening and Flaring Test Reports – Per ASTM A450 requirements
Heat Treatment Records – Quench & temper records for Grade 8
Traceability: Full traceability from melt to finished tube
Packaging & Shipping – Alloy Tubes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Hexagonal bundles with steel strapping |
| Protection | Plastic end caps + protective paper (Grade 8 requires clean, oil-free surface) |
| Marking | Stencil/spray with Grade, size, heat number, ASME SA334, impact test date |
| Documentation | MTC + Impact Report included |
| Lead time | 20–30 days (Grade 3, 7), 30–45 days (Grade 8), 45–60 days (Grade 11) |
| Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Guangzhou |
Why Choose Our ASME SA334 Alloy Tubes?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Low temperature alloy specialist | Dedicated line for nickel alloy grades (Grade 3, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 11) |
| Grade 8 (9% Ni) expert | Industry standard for LNG cryogenic heat exchangers – Q&T heat treatment |
| In-house impact testing | Cooling tanks from 0°C to -196°C – Charpy impact testing verified |
| Minimum wall thickness | No negative deviation – consistent tube integrity for cryogenic service |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC + Impact Report with heat number |
| Comprehensive testing | Charpy impact + tensile + hardness + flattening + flaring + ECT + hydrostatic |
| Welding support | Preheat and PWHT recommendations for nickel alloy grades |
| Global export | Shipped to LNG and cryogenic projects worldwide |
Contact for Quote – ASME SA334 Alloy Tubes
Please provide the following details for your low temperature alloy tube project:
Grade : 3 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 11
OD (inch / mm) : _______ (3/4″, 1″ most common for Grade 8)
Wall Thickness (mm) : _______
Length (m) : _______
Quantity : _______ (pieces / meters / tons)
Application : LNG heat exchanger / Cryogenic HE / Air separation / Other _______
Service Temperature : _______ °C
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 SA334 Alloy Grades
Q1: What are the alloy grades in ASME SA334?
A: Alloy grades include Grade 3 (3.5% Ni), Grade 7 (2.5% Ni), Grade 8 (9% Ni), Grade 9 (1.5% Ni), and Grade 11 (36% Ni) – all contain nickel for low temperature toughness .
Q2: What is the difference between carbon and alloy grades in SA334?
A: Carbon grades (1, 6) – service to -45°C only . Alloy grades (3, 7, 8, 9, 11) – service to -75°C, -100°C, -195°C, or -196°C depending on nickel content .
Q3: What is the most popular alloy grade for LNG service?
A: Grade 8 (9% Nickel steel) – industry standard for LNG heat exchangers and cryogenic service down to -195°C (-320°F).
Q4: What is Grade 11 used for?
A: Grade 11 (36% Nickel, Invar type) – used for extreme cryogenic applications including liquid helium service at temperatures approaching absolute zero (-269°C / -452°F).
Q5: Why is nickel added to these steels?
A: Nickel lowers the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature – allowing the steel to remain tough and ductile at cryogenic temperatures where carbon steel would be brittle .
Q6: What is the minimum service temperature for Grade 8?
A: -195°C (-320°F) – suitable for LNG and liquid nitrogen service .
Q7: Does Grade 8 require special heat treatment?
A: Yes – Grade 8 requires quenching and tempering (Q&T) or double normalizing and tempering to achieve the proper microstructure for cryogenic service.
Q8: What welding filler metal is required for Grade 8?
A: ENiCrFe-9 – a nickel-chromium-iron electrode specifically designed for welding 9% nickel steel to maintain cryogenic toughness.
Q9: Do you provide impact test reports?
A: Yes – Every batch includes a Charpy impact test report showing values at the specified test temperature .
Q10: Do you provide third-party inspection?
A: Yes. SGS, BV, TUV, DNV, or any customer-specified agency.
Q11: Do you offer free samples?
A: 30cm sample of Grade 3 or Grade 8 available on request. Grade 11 samples require lead time. Shipping fee applies.
Related Products – Low Temperature Systems
ASME SA334 – Low temperature tubes – carbon and alloy (this product)
ASME SA333 – Low temperature pipe (larger diameters)
ASME SA350 – Low temperature flanges (LF2, LF3, LF5)
ASME SA420 – Low temperature fittings (WPL3, WPL6, WPL9)
ASTM A450 – General requirements for carbon and alloy steel tubes
Tags: ASME SA334 Alloy Steel Tube Low Temperature Tube Cryogenic Tube Grade 8 Tube 9% Nickel Tube Grade 3 Tube Grade 11 Tube LNG Heat Exchanger Nickel Alloy Tube
Quick Reference – Nickel Alloy Grade Selection
| Service Temp | Grade | Nickel % | Tensile (MPa) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -45°C to -75°C | Grade 9 | 1.5% | ≥435 | Low temp HE |
| -45°C to -75°C | Grade 7 | 2.5% | ≥450 | Deeper low temp |
| -75°C to -100°C | Grade 3 | 3.5% | ≥450 | Medium cryogenic |
| -100°C to -195°C | Grade 8 | 9% | ≥690 | LNG cryogenic – most common |
| Below -195°C | Grade 11 | 36% | ≥690 | Extreme cryogenic |
Alloy Grade Chemical Comparison
| Grade | Ni % | C max | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | 1.5-2.2 | 0.20 | Low nickel, economic |
| Grade 7 | 2.0-2.6 | 0.19 | Medium nickel |
| Grade 3 | 3.2-3.8 | 0.19 | 3.5% nickel – common |
| Grade 8 | 8.4-9.6 | 0.13 | 9% nickel – LNG standard |
| Grade 11 | 35.0-37.0 | 0.10 | 36% nickel – Invar type |
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