ASME SA334 Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Tube For Low Temperature Service – Grades 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11
Product Spotlights
For Low Temperature Service – Grades 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11
Minimum Wall Thickness – Tighter Tolerances than SA333
ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
ASME SA334 Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Tube
For Low Temperature Service – Grades 1, 3, 6, 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 carbon and alloy steel tubes are specifically designed for low temperature service in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II. This specification covers minimum-wall-thickness tubes intended for use at low temperatures and in other applications requiring notch toughness .
Key differences from ASME SA333:
Minimum wall thickness – No negative wall deviation (SA333 is average wall)
Smaller size range – Typical OD up to 5 inches (12.7 – 127mm)
Tighter tolerances – More precise for heat exchanger applications
Heat exchanger focus – Tubes vs pipes for fluid transport
Available Grades:
Grade 1 – Carbon steel, service down to -45°C (-50°F)
Grade 3 – 3.5% Nickel steel, service down to -100°C (-150°F)
Grade 6 – Carbon steel, most popular grade, service down to -45°C (-50°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: Some product sizes may not be available under this specification because heavier wall thicknesses have an adverse effect on low-temperature impact properties .
✅ ASME SA334 certified – Compliant with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II
✅ Seamless construction – No weld seam – eliminates brittle fracture risk at low temperature
✅ Minimum wall thickness – No negative deviation – consistent tube integrity
✅ Charpy impact tested – Guaranteed toughness at specified service temperature
✅ Full range of nickel grades – Grade 6 (-45°C), Grade 3 (-100°C), Grade 8 (-195°C)
✅ 100% NDT and hydrostatic tested – Guaranteed integrity
✅ EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC + Impact Report provided
✅ Factory direct | Stock available | Fast delivery
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME SA334 / ASTM A334 |
| ASME Code | Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section II |
| Product Type | Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Tube – Low Temperature Service |
| Wall Type | Minimum wall thickness (no negative deviation) |
| Grades | 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 |
| 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 |
📌 Size note: ASME SA334 is designed for smaller diameter tubes (typical heat exchanger sizes), while ASME SA333 covers larger diameter pipes .
ASME SA334 vs ASME SA333 – Key Differences
| Feature | ASME SA334 (Tube) | ASME SA333 (Pipe) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Form | Tube (smaller OD, typically ≤5″) | Pipe (larger OD, up to 24″+) |
| Wall Thickness Definition | Minimum wall thickness | Average wall thickness |
| Tolerances | Tighter (per ASTM A450) | Standard (per ASTM A530) |
| Typical Application | Heat exchangers, condensers, instrumentation | Main cryogenic transfer lines |
| Size Range | 1/8″ – 5″ (3.2-127mm) | 1/2″ – 24″ (DN15-DN600) |
| Reference Standard | ASTM A450 | ASTM A530 |
| Impact Testing | Required | Required |
💡 Selection rule: Use ASME SA334 for heat exchanger tubes and ASME SA333 for main transfer piping .
Grades & Temperature Capability – Low Temperature Service
| Grade | Material Type | Min Service Temp | Impact Test Temp | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Carbon steel | -45°C (-50°F) | -45°C (-50°F) | Low temperature heat exchangers |
| Grade 3 | 3.5% Nickel | -100°C (-150°F) | -100°C (-150°F) | Medium cryogenic service |
| Grade 6 | Carbon steel | -45°C (-50°F) | -45°C (-50°F) | Most popular – best value |
| Grade 7 | 2.5% Nickel | -75°C (-100°F) | -75°C (-100°F) | Deeper low temperature |
| Grade 8 | 9% Nickel | -195°C (-320°F) | -195°C (-320°F) | LNG heat exchangers / cryogenic |
| Grade 9 | 1.5% Nickel | -75°C (-100°F) | -75°C (-100°F) | Low temperature vessels |
| Grade 11 | 36% Nickel | -196°C (-321°F) | -196°C (-321°F) | Extreme cryogenic |
💡 Grade 6 is the most economical for service down to -45°C. Grade 8 (9% Nickel) is required for LNG cryogenic service at -195°C.
📌 Note: Not all grades are available in all sizes. Grades 1, 3, and 6 are the most commonly supplied .
Chemical Composition – ASME SA334 Grades
| Grade | C max | Mn | P max | S max | Si | Ni | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 0.30 | 0.40-1.06 | 0.025 | 0.025 | — | — | — |
| Grade 3 | 0.19 | 0.31-0.64 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.18-0.37 | 3.18-3.82 | — |
| Grade 6 | 0.30 | 0.29-1.06 | 0.025 | 0.025 | ≥0.10 | — | — |
| 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 is the key differentiator – higher nickel = lower allowable service temperature. For Grade 1, each reduction of 0.01% carbon below 0.30% permits an increase of 0.05% manganese above 1.06% to a maximum of 1.35% .
Mechanical Properties – ASME SA334 Grades
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | ≥380 | ≥205 | ≥35 | — |
| Grade 3 | ≥450 | ≥240 | ≥30 | — |
| Grade 6 | ≥415 | ≥240 | ≥30 | — |
| Grade 7 | ≥450 | ≥240 | ≥30 | — |
| Grade 8 | ≥690 | ≥515 | ≥22 | — |
| Grade 9 | ≥435 | ≥315 | ≥28 | — |
| Grade 11 | ≥690 | ≥515 | ≥22 | — |
📌 Note: For tubing smaller than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in outside diameter, the elongation values for strip specimens apply. Mechanical property requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) in outside diameter with a wall thickness under 0.015 inch (0.4 mm) .
Low Temperature Charpy Impact Requirements
| Grade | Test Temp (°C) | Test Temp (°F) | Min Avg Energy (J) | Min Individual (J) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | -45 | -50 | 18 | 14 |
| Grade 3 | -100 | -150 | 18 | 14 |
| Grade 6 | -45 | -50 | 18 | 14 |
| Grade 7 | -75 | -100 | 18 | 14 |
| Grade 8 | -195 | -320 | 20 | 16 |
| Grade 9 | -75 | -100 | 20 | 16 |
| Grade 11 | -196 | -321 | 20 | 16 |
💡 Charpy impact testing is mandatory for all ASME SA334 grades – each heat treatment lot must be tested to verify low temperature toughness.
Key Advantages – ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tubes
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Seamless construction | No weld seam – no brittle fracture initiation point at low temperature |
| Minimum wall thickness | No negative wall deviation – consistent tube integrity |
| Charpy impact tested | Guaranteed toughness at service temperature – certified report provided |
| Nickel alloy grades | Grade 3 (3.5% Ni), Grade 8 (9% Ni), Grade 11 (36% Ni) for extreme low temp |
| Tighter tolerances than SA333 | Precision dimensions per ASTM A450 – ideal for heat exchangers |
| 100% NDT tested | Ultrasonic or eddy current – detects defects |
| Grade 6 most economical | Best value for -45°C service – most popular for general low temp |
| Grade 8 LNG standard | Industry standard for LNG cryogenic heat exchangers |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC + Impact Report with heat number |
Typical Applications – ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tubes
| Industry | Application | Recommended Grade | Tube Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| LNG Terminals | Cryogenic heat exchangers | Grade 8 | 3/4″ – 2″ OD |
| Air Separation Units | Cryogenic heat exchangers (O2/N2/Ar) | Grade 8 | 1/2″ – 2″ OD |
| Petrochemical | Low temperature heat exchangers | Grade 3, Grade 6 | 3/4″ – 2″ OD |
| Cryogenic Storage | Transfer line tubing | Grade 8, Grade 11 | 1″ – 4″ OD |
| Instrumentation | Low temperature sensing lines | Grade 6 | 1/4″ – 1/2″ OD |
| Heat Exchangers | Shell and tube low temperature service | Grade 1, Grade 6 | 3/4″ – 1-1/2″ OD |
| Refineries | Refrigeration system heat exchangers | Grade 3 | 1″ – 2″ OD |
| Cold Boxes | Cryogenic process equipment | Grade 8 | 1/2″ – 2″ OD |
💡 ASME SA334 tubes are the preferred choice for low temperature heat exchanger applications where smaller diameters and tighter tolerances are required .
Available Sizes – Low Temperature Tubes (Typical Range)
| OD (inch) | OD (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Typical Grade | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8″ – 1/4″ | 3.2 – 6.4 | 0.4 – 1.0 | Grade 6 | Instrumentation |
| 1/4″ – 1/2″ | 6.4 – 12.7 | 0.8 – 1.6 | Grade 6 | Small heat exchangers |
| 1/2″ – 3/4″ | 12.7 – 19.1 | 1.0 – 2.5 | Grade 6, Grade 3 | General low temp HE |
| 3/4″ – 1″ | 19.1 – 25.4 | 1.5 – 3.0 | Grade 6, Grade 8 | Standard heat exchanger |
| 1-1/4″ – 1-1/2″ | 31.8 – 38.1 | 2.0 – 4.0 | Grade 3, Grade 8 | Cryogenic heat exchangers |
| 2″ – 2-1/2″ | 50.8 – 63.5 | 2.5 – 5.0 | Grade 8, Grade 11 | LNG heat exchangers |
| 3″ – 5″ | 76.2 – 127.0 | 3.0 – 12.7 | Grade 8 | Larger cryogenic tubing |
💡 Most common sizes for low temperature heat exchangers: 3/4″ (19.1mm), 1″ (25.4mm), and 1-1/2″ (38.1mm) OD – industry standard for shell and tube heat exchangers.
Tube Tolerances – ASME SA334 (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 Tolerances (Minimum Wall):
| Condition | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| All sizes | No negative deviation (minimum wall) |
| Over tolerance | As specified (typically +20-25%) |
💡 Minimum wall thickness means no negative deviation – the actual wall thickness will never be less than the specified value .
Quality Testing & Inspection – ASME SA334
| Test | Method | Standard | Coverage | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charpy Impact Test | ASTM E23 | ASME SA334 | Per heat treatment lot | CRITICAL – verifies low temp toughness |
| Hydrostatic Test | Water pressure | ASME SA334 | 100% | Pressure integrity |
| Eddy Current (ECT) | Non-destructive | ASTM E309 | 100% (or UT) | Surface defect detection |
| Ultrasonic (UT) | Optional | ASTM E213 | On request | Internal 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 – ASME SA334
| Grade | Heat Treatment Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1, 6 | Normalized or stress relieved | Control microstructure for low temp toughness |
| Grade 3, 7, 9 | Normalized or stress relieved | Ensure impact properties at low temp |
| Grade 8 (9% Ni) | Quenched and tempered or double normalized and tempered | Achieve proper microstructure for -195°C |
| Grade 11 (36% Ni) | Annealed | Soft condition for extreme cryogenic |
⚠️ Proper heat treatment is essential for achieving low temperature impact properties – all ASME SA334 tubes must be thermally treated .
Welding Recommendations for Tube Installation
| Grade | Preheat Required | PWHT Required | Low Hydrogen Required | Filler Metal Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1, 6 | Not required | Not required | Recommended | ER70S-2, E7018 |
| Grade 3 (3.5% Ni) | Required (120°C min) | Required | Required | ER80S-Ni1 |
| Grade 7 (2.5% Ni) | Required (95°C min) | Required | Required | ER80S-Ni1 |
| Grade 8 (9% Ni) | Required (120°C min) | Required | Required | ENiCrFe-9 |
| Grade 11 (36% Ni) | Optional | Not required | Required | ERNiFeCr-1 |
⚠️ Nickel alloy grades require preheat, PWHT, and low hydrogen practices – failure to follow proper procedures can cause cracking in low temperature service.
Mill Test Certificate – Low Temperature Tubes
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
Traceability: Full traceability from melt to finished tube (heat number → tube)
Packaging & Shipping – Low Temperature Tubes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Hexagonal bundles with steel strapping |
| Protection | Anti-rust oil + plastic end caps |
| Marking | Stencil/spray with Grade, size, heat number, ASME SA334, impact test date |
| Documentation | MTC + Impact Report included |
| Lead time | 15–25 days (stock Grade 6), 25–35 days (Grade 3, 7), 35–50 days (Grade 8, 11) |
| Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Guangzhou |
Why Choose Our ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tubes?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Low temperature tube specialist | Dedicated line for ASME SA334 grades (Grade 6, Grade 3, Grade 8, Grade 11) |
| 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 |
| Tighter tolerances than SA333 | Precision dimensions per ASTM A450 – ideal for heat exchangers |
| Full traceability | EN 10204 3.1 MTC + Impact Report with heat number |
| 100% NDT tested | Eddy current + hydrostatic testing |
| Grade 6 in stock | Most popular grade for -45°C service – ready to ship |
| Grade 8 available | 9% Nickel – industry standard for LNG cryogenic heat exchangers |
| Flattening and flaring tested | Ensures formability for tube-to-tubesheet expansion |
| Global export | Shipped to low temperature and cryogenic projects worldwide |
| Flexible MOQ | Small orders accepted for Grade 6 stock sizes |
Contact for Quote – ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tubes
Please provide the following details for your low temperature tube project:
Grade : 1 / 3 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 11
OD (inch / mm) : _______ (3/4″, 1″, 1-1/2″ most common)
Wall Thickness (mm) : _______
Length (m) : _______
Quantity : _______ (pieces / meters / tons)
End Finish : Plain (for rolling) / Beveled (for welding)
Application : Heat exchanger / Instrumentation / Transfer line
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 Low Temperature Tubes
Q1: What is ASME SA334 used for?
A: ASME SA334 seamless tubes are used for low temperature and cryogenic service in heat exchangers, condensers, instrumentation, and small-bore transfer lines .
Q2: What is the difference between ASME SA334 and ASME SA333?
A: SA334 (Tube) – smaller OD (≤5″), minimum wall thickness, tighter tolerances, more comprehensive testing (flattening/flaring/hardness). SA333 (Pipe) – larger OD (≤24″+), average wall thickness, standard tolerances .
Q3: What is the most popular grade for low temperature service?
A: Grade 6 – carbon steel, economical, suitable for -45°C service. Most widely used for low temperature heat exchangers.
Q4: What grade is used for LNG cryogenic service?
A: Grade 8 (9% Nickel steel) – industry standard for LNG heat exchangers and cryogenic service down to -195°C (-320°F).
Q5: What is the difference between minimum wall and average wall?
A: Minimum wall – actual wall thickness will never be less than specified (no negative deviation). Average wall – average of measurements must meet specification, but individual measurements can be below .
Q6: Does ASME SA334 require impact testing?
A: YES – Charpy V-notch impact testing is mandatory for all ASME SA334 grades .
Q7: What testing does ASME SA334 require beyond SA333?
A: ASME SA334 requires flattening test, flaring test, and additional hardness testing not required for SA333 .
Q8: What is the most common size for low temperature heat exchangers?
A: 3/4″ (19.1mm), 1″ (25.4mm), and 1-1/2″ (38.1mm) OD with 14 BWG or 16 BWG wall thickness.
Q9: Can ASME SA334 tubes be U-bent for heat exchangers?
A: Yes – Grade 6 and nickel grades can be U-bent. Minimum bend radius: 1.5× OD for carbon grades, 2.0× OD for nickel grades.
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 6 available. Grade 8 samples available on request. Shipping fee applies.
Related Products – Low Temperature Systems
ASME SA334 – Low temperature tubes (this product)
ASME SA333 – Low temperature pipe (larger diameters)
ASME SA350 – Low temperature flanges (LF1, LF2, LF3)
ASME SA420 – Low temperature fittings (WPL6, WPL9, WPL3)
ASTM A450 – General requirements for carbon steel tubes
Tags: ASME SA334 Low Temperature Tube Cryogenic Tube Seamless Tube Grade 6 Tube Grade 8 Tube 9% Nickel Tube LNG Heat Exchanger ASME Code SA334 Grade 6
Quick Reference – ASME SA334 Grade Selection
| Service Temp | Grade | Wall Type | Tolerances | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -45°C (-50°F) | Grade 6 | Minimum | Tight | Low temp heat exchangers – most common |
| -60°C (-75°F) | Grade 4 | Minimum | Tight | Moderate low temp |
| -75°C (-100°F) | Grade 7, 9 | Minimum | Tight | Deeper low temp |
| -100°C (-150°F) | Grade 3 | Minimum | Tight | Medium cryogenic |
| -195°C (-320°F) | Grade 8 | Minimum | Tight | LNG cryogenic heat exchangers |
| -196°C (-321°F) | Grade 11 | Minimum | Tight | Extreme cryogenic |
Comparison – ASME SA334 vs ASME SA333
| Feature | ASME SA334 (Tube) | ASME SA333 (Pipe) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Form | Tube | Pipe |
| OD Range | 1/8″ – 5″ (3.2-127mm) | 1/2″ – 24″+ |
| Wall Thickness | Minimum wall | Average wall |
| Tolerances | Tighter (ASTM A450) | Standard (ASTM A530) |
| Required Tests | Tensile, Impact, Hardness, Flattening, Flaring | Tensile, Impact |
| Typical Application | Heat exchangers, condensers | Main transfer pipelines |
| Reference | ASTM A450 | ASTM A530 |
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