Designation: A 450/A 450M – 04a

Standard Specification for

General Requirements for Carbon, Ferritic Alloy, and
Austenitic Alloy Steel Tubes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 450/A 450M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* be used independently of the other. Combining values from the

1.1 This specification2 covers a group of requirements two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi-
which, with the exceptions of 5.3 and Sections 6, 7, 18, 19, 20, cation. The inch-pound units shall apply unless the “M”
21, 22, 23, and 24, are mandatory requirements to the follow- designation (SI) of the product specification is specified in the
ing ASTM tubular product specifications:3 order.
Title of Specification ASTM DesignationA
2. Referenced Documents
Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon Steel and Carbon A 178/A 178M 2.1 ASTM Standards: 4
Manganese Steel Boiler Tubes
Seamless Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat- A 179/A 179M
A 178/A 178M Specification for Electric-Resistance-
Exchanger and Condenser Tubes Welded Carbon Steel and Carbon-Manganese Steel Boiler
Seamless Carbon Steel Boiler Tubes for High-Pressure A 192/A 192M and Superheater Tubes
Service
Seamless Medium-Carbon Steel Boiler and Super- A 210/A 210M
A 179/A 179M Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn
heater Tubes Low-Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger and Condenser Tubes
Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon Steel Heat- A 214/A 214M A 192/A 192M Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel
Exchanger and Condenser Tubes
Seamless and Electric-Welded Low-Alloy Steel Tubes A 423/A 423M
Boiler Tubes for High-Pressure Service
Electric-Resistance-Welded Coiled Steel Tubing for A 539 A 210/A 210M Specification for Seamless Medium-Carbon
Gas and Fuel Oil Lines Steel Boiler and Superheater Tubes
Seamless Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Feedwater Heater A 556/A 556M
Tubes A 214/A 214M Specification for Electric-Resistance-
Seamless, Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel Tubing for Hy- A 822 Welded Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger and Condenser
draulic System Service Tubes
A
These designations refer to the latest issue of the respective specifications. A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
1.2 One or more of Sections 5.3, 6, 7, 18, 19, 20, 21, 21.1, of Steel Products
23, and 24 apply when the product specification or purchase A 423/A 423M Specification for Seamless and Electric-
order has a requirement for the test or analysis described by Welded Low-Alloy Steel Tubes
these sections. A 530/A 530M Specification for General Requirements for
1.3 In case of conflict between a requirement of the product Specialized Carbon and Alloy Steel Pipe
specification and a requirement of this general requirement A 539 Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Coiled
specification only the requirement of the product specification Steel Tubing for Gas and Fuel Oil Lines5
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need be satisfied. A 556/A 556M Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn

1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units Carbon Steel Feedwater Heater Tubes
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the A 700 Practices for Packaging, Marking, and Loading
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Shipment
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for
Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
A 822 Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.09 on Carbon Steel Tubular Products.
4
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2004. Published October 2004. Originally For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as A 450/A 450M – 04. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
cation SA-450 in Section II of that Code. the ASTM website.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 01.01 and 01.04. Withdrawn.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 A 450/A 450M – 04a
Tubing for Hydraulic System Service 2 in. [50.8 mm] or less 2 % or less of specified outside diameter
A 941 Terminology Relating to Steel, Stainless Steel, Re- Greater than 2 in. [50.8 3 % or less of specified outside diameter
mm]
lated Alloys, and Ferroalloys Any 0.020 in. [0.5 mm] or less
D 3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
E 92 Test Method for Vickers Hardness of Metallic Mate- 3.2 Other defined terms—The definitions in Test Methods
rials and Definitions A 370, Test Methods, Practices, and Terminol-
E 213 Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Metal Pipe ogy A 751, and Terminology A 941 are applicable to this
and Tubing specification and to those listed in 1.1.
E 273 Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of the Weld 4. Process
Zone of Welded Pipe and Tubing
E 309 Practice for Eddy-Current Examination of Steel Tu- 4.1 The steel may be made by any process.
bular Products Using Magnetic Saturation 4.2 If a specific type of melting is required by the purchaser,
E 426 Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Exami- it shall be as stated on the purchase order.
nation of Seamless and Welded Tubular Products, Austen- 4.3 The primary melting may incorporate separate degas-
itic Stainless Steel, and Similar Alloys sing or refining and may be followed by secondary melting,
E 570 Practice for Flux Leakage Examination of Ferromag- such as electroslag remelting or vacuum-arc remelting.
netic Steel Tubular Products 4.4 Steel may be cast in ingots or may be strand cast. When
2.2 Federal Standard: steel of different grades is sequentially strand cast, identifica-
Fed. Std. No. 183 Continuous Identification Marking of Iron tion of the resultant transition material is required. The
and Steel Products6 producer shall remove the transition material by an established
2.3 Military Standards: procedure that positively separates the grades.
MIL-STD-271 Nondestructive Testing Requirements for 5. Chemical Composition
Metals6
MIL-STD-792 Identification Marking Requirements for 5.1 Samples for chemical analysis, and method of analysis
Special Purpose Equipment6 shall be in accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and
2.4 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Terminology A 751.
Section IX Welding Qualifications7 5.2 Heat Analysis—If the heat analysis reported by the steel
2.5 Steel Structures Painting Council: producer is not sufficiently complete for conformance with the
SSPC-SP 6 Surface Preparation Specification No. 6 Com- heat analysis requirements of the applicable product specifica-
mercial Blast Cleaning8 tion to be fully assessed, the manufacturer may complete the
2.6 Other Document: assessment of conformance with such heat analysis require-
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive ments by using a product analysis for the specified elements
Personnel Qualification and Certification. that were not reported by the steel producer, provided that
product analysis tolerances are not applied and the heat
3. Terminology analysis is not altered.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5.3 Product Analysis—Product analysis requirements and
3.1.1 remelted heat—in secondary melting, all of the ingots options, if any, are contained in the product specification.
remelted from a single primary heat. 6. Tensile Properties
3.1.2 thin-wall tube—a tube meeting the specified outside
diameter and specified wall thickness set forth as follows: 6.1 The material shall conform to the requirements as to
Specified Outside Specified Wall Thickness
tensile properties prescribed in the individual specification.
Diameter 6.2 The yield strength corresponding to a permanent offset
of 0.2 % of the gage length or to a total extension of 0.5 % of
the gage length under load shall be determined.
6
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, 6.3 If the percentage of elongation of any test specimen is
Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098.
7
less than that specified and any part of the fracture is more than
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME 3⁄4 in. [19.0 mm] from the center of the gage length, as
International Headquarters, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990.
8
Available from Steel Structures Painting Council (SSPC), 40 24th St., 6th indicated by scribe marks on the specimen before testing, a
Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4656. retest shall be allowed.

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 A 450/A 450M – 04a
7. Standard Weights TABLE 2 Permissible Variations in Wall ThicknessA

7.1 The calculated weight per foot, based upon a specified Wall Thickness, %

minimum wall thickness, shall be determined by the following 0.095 Over Over 0.150 Over
Outside [2.4] 0.095 to 0.180 0.180,
equation: Diameter, and to 0.150 [3.8 to [4.6]
W 5 C~D 2 t!t (1) in. [mm] Under [2.4 to 4.6], incl
3.8], incl
where: Over Under Over Under Over Under Over Under
C = 10.69 [0.0246615], Seamless, Hot-Finished Tubes
W = weight, lb/ft [kg/m], 4 [101.6] and 40 0 35 0 33 0 28 0
D = specified outside diameter, in. [mm], and under
t = specified minimum wall thickness, in. [mm] Over 4 ... ... 35 0 33 0 28 0
7.2 The permissible variations from the calculated weight [101.6]

per foot [kilogram per metre] shall be as prescribed in Table 1. Seamless, Cold-Finished Tubes
Over Under
8. Permissible Variations in Wall Thickness 11⁄2 [38.1] and 20 0
under
8.1 Variations from the specified minimum wall thickness Over 11⁄2 [38.1] 22 0
shall not exceed the amounts prescribed in Table 2.
Welded Tubes
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8.2 For tubes 2 in. [50.8 mm] and over in outside diameter
All sizes 18 0
and 0.220 in. [5.6 mm] and over in thickness, the variation in
A
wall thickness in any one cross section of any one tube shall These permissible variations in wall thickness apply only to tubes, except
internal-upset tubes, as rolled or cold-finished, and before swaging, expanding,
not exceed the following percentage of the actual mean wall at bending, polishing, or other fabricating operations.
the section. The actual mean wall is defined as the average of
the thickest and thinnest wall in that section. TABLE 3 Permissible Variations in Outside DiameterA
Seamless tubes 610 %
Outside Diameter, Permissible Variations, in. [mm]
Welded tubes 65 % in. [mm]
Over Under
8.3 When cold-finished tubes as ordered require wall thick-
nesses 3⁄4 in. [19.1 mm] or over, or an inside diameter 60 % or Hot-Finished Seamless Tubes
less of the outside diameter, the permissible variations in wall 4 [101.6] and under ⁄ [0.4]
1 64 ⁄
1 32 [0.8]
Over 4 to 71⁄2 [101.6 to 190.5], incl ⁄ [0.4]
1 64 ⁄
3 64 [1.2]
thickness for hot-finished tubes shall apply. Over 71⁄2 to 9 [190.5 to 228.6], incl 1⁄64 [0.4] ⁄
1 16 [1.6]
Welded Tubes and Cold-Finished Seamless Tubes
9. Permissible Variations in Outside Diameter
Under 1 [25.4] 0.004 [0.1] 0.004 [0.1]
9.1 Except as provided in 9.2 and 9.3, variations from the 1 to 11⁄2 [25.4 to 38.1], incl 0.006 [0.15] 0.006 [0.15]
specified outside diameter shall not exceed the amounts pre- Over 11⁄2 to 2 [38.1 to 50.8], excl 0.008 [0.2] 0.008 [0.2]
scribed in Table 3. 2 to 21⁄2 [50.8 to 63.5], excl 0.010 [0.25] 0.010 [0.25]
21⁄2 to 3 [63.5 to 76.2], excl 0.012 [0.3] 0.012 [0.3]
9.2 Thin-wall tubes usually develop significant ovality (out 3 to 4 [76.2 to 101.6], incl 0.015 [0.38] 0.015 [0.38]
of roundness) during final annealing, or straightening, or both. Over 4 to 71⁄2 [101.6 to 190.5], incl 0.015 [0.38] 0.025 [0.64]
Over 71⁄2 to 9 [190.5 to 228.6], incl 0.015 [0.38] 0.045 [1.14]
The diameter tolerances of Table 3 are not sufficient to provide
A
for additional ovality expected in thin-wall tubes, and, for such Except as provided in 9.2 and 9.3, these permissible variations include
out-of-roundness. These permissible variations in outside diameter apply to
tubes, are applicable only to the mean of the extreme (maxi- hot-finished seamless, welded and cold-finished seamless tubes before other
mum and minimum) outside diameter readings in any one cross fabricating operations such as upsetting, swaging, expanding, bending, or polish-
section. However, for thin wall tubes the difference in extreme ing.

outside diameter readings (ovality) in any one cross section

shall not exceed the following ovality allowances:
Outside Diameter Ovality Allowance 9.3 For cold-finished seamless austenitic and ferritic/
1 in. [25.4 mm] and under 0.020 in. [0.5 mm] austenitic tubes an ovality allowance is necessary for all sizes
Over 1 in. [25.4 mm] 2.0 % of specified outside diameter
less than 2 in. [50.8 mm] outside diameter since they are likely
to become out of round during their final heat treatment. In
such tubes, the maximum and minimum diameters at any cross
TABLE 1 Permissible Variations in Weight Per FootA section shall deviate from the nominal diameter by no more
Permissible Variation in Weight than 60.010 in. [60.25 mm]; however, the mean diameter at
Method of Manufacture per Foot, %
that cross section must still be within the given permissible
Over Under variation given in Table 3. In the event of conflict between the
Seamless, hot-finished 16 0 provisions of 9.3 and those of 9.2, the larger value of ovality
Seamless, cold-finished:
11⁄2 in. [38.1 mm] and under OD 12 0
tolerance shall apply.
Over 11⁄2 in. [38.1 mm] OD 13 0
Welded 10 0 10. Permissible Variations in Length
A
These permissible variations in weight apply to lots of 50 tubes or more in
sizes 4 in. [101.6 mm] and under in outside diameter, and to lots of 20 tubes or 10.1 Variations from the specified length shall not exceed
more in sizes over 4 in. [101.6 mm] in outside diameter. the amounts prescribed in Table 4.

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 A 450/A 450M – 04a
TABLE 4 Permissible Variations in LengthA double the original number from the same group or lot, each of
Method of Outside Cut Length, which shall conform to the requirements specified.
Manufacture Diameter, in. [mm]
in. [mm]
Over Under 15. Retreatment
Seamless, hot-finished All sizes ⁄
3 16 [5] 0 [0] 15.1 If the individual tubes or the tubes selected to represent
Seamless, cold- Under 2 [50.8] 1⁄8 [3] 0 [0]
finished 2 [50.8] and over 3⁄16 [5] 0 [0] any group or lot fail to conform to the test requirements, the
Welded Under 2 [50.8] 1⁄8 [3] 0 [0] individual tubes or the group or lot represented may be
2 [50.8] and over 3⁄16 [5] 0 [0]
retreated and resubmitted for test. Not more than two reheat
A
These permissible variations in length apply to tubes before bending. They treatments shall be permitted.
apply to cut lengths up to and including 24 ft [7.3 m]. For lengths greater than 24
ft [7.3 m], the above over-tolerances shall be increased by 1⁄8 in. [3 mm] for each
10 ft [3 m] or fraction thereof over 24 ft or 1⁄2 in. [13 mm], whichever is the lesser. 16. Test Specimens
16.1 Test specimens shall be taken from the ends of finished
tubes prior to upsetting, swaging, expanding, or other forming
11. Permissible Variations in Height of Flash on Electric-
operations, or being cut to length. They shall be smooth on the
Resistance-Welded Tubes
ends and free of burrs and flaws.
11.1 For tubes over 2 in. [50.8 mm] in outside diameter, or 16.2 If any test specimen shows flaws or defective machin-
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over 0.135 in. [3.44 mm] in wall thickness, the flash on the ing, it may be discarded and another specimen substituted.
inside of the tubes shall be mechanically removed by cutting to
a maximum height of 0.010 in. [0.25 mm] at any point on the 17. Method of Mechanical Testing
tube.
11.2 For tubes 2 in. [50.8 mm] and under in outside 17.1 The specimens and mechanical tests required shall be
diameter and 0.135 in. [3.4 mm] and under in wall thickness, made in accordance with Annex A2 of Test Methods and
the flash on the inside of the tube shall be mechanically Definitions A 370.
removed by cutting to a maximum height of 0.006 in. [0.15 17.2 Specimens shall be tested at room temperature.
mm] at any point on the tube. 17.3 Small or subsize specimens as described in Test
Methods and Definitions A 370 may be used only when there
12. Straightness and Finish is insufficient material to prepare one of the standard speci-
mens. When using small or subsize specimens, the largest one
12.1 Finished tubes shall be reasonably straight and have possible shall be used.
smooth ends free of burrs. They shall have a workmanlike
finish. Surface imperfections (see Note 1) may be removed by
18. Flattening Test
grinding, provided that a smooth curved surface is maintained,
and the wall thickness is not decreased to less than that 18.1 A section of tube not less than 2 1⁄2 in. [63 mm] in
permitted by this or the product specification. The outside length for seamless and not less than 4 in. [100 mm] in length
diameter at the point of grinding may be reduced by the amount for welded shall be flattened cold between parallel plates in two
so removed. steps. For welded tubes, the weld shall be placed 90° from the
direction of the applied force (at a point of maximum bending).
NOTE 1—An imperfection is any discontinuity or irregularity found in During the first step, which is a test for ductility, no cracks or
the tube.
breaks, except as provided for in 18.4, on the inside, outside, or
13. Repair by Welding end surfaces shall occur in seamless tubes, or on the inside or
outside surfaces of welded tubes, until the distance between the
13.1 Repair welding of base metal defects in tubing is
plates is less than the value of H calculated by the following
permissible only with the approval of the purchaser and with
equation:
the further understanding that the tube shall be marked “WR”
and the composition of the deposited filler metal shall be ~1 1 e!t
H 5 e 1 t/D (2)
suitable for the composition being welded. Defects shall be
thoroughly chipped or ground out before welding and each where:
repaired length shall be reheat treated or stress relieved as H = distance between flattening plates, in. [mm],
required by the applicable specification. Each length of re- t = specified wall thickness of the tube, in. [mm],
paired tube shall be tested hydrostatically as required by the D = specified outside diameter of the tube, in. [mm], and
product specification. e = deformation per unit length (constant for a given
13.2 Repair welding shall be performed using procedures grade of steel: 0.07 for medium-carbon steel (maxi-
and welders or welding operators that have been qualified in mum specified carbon 0.19 % or greater), 0.08 for
accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ferritic alloy steel, 0.09 for austenitic steel, and 0.09
Section IX. for low-carbon steel (maximum specified carbon
0.18 % or less)).
14. Retests
14.1 If the results of the mechanical tests of any group or lot During the second step, which is a test for soundness, the
do not conform to the requirements specified in the individual flattening shall be continued until the specimen breaks or the
specification, retests may be made on additional tubes of opposite walls of the tube meet. Evidence of laminated or

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 A 450/A 450M – 04a
unsound material, or of incomplete weld that is revealed during TABLE 6 Flange Requirements
the entire flattening test shall be cause for rejection. Outside Diameter of Tube, in. [mm] Width of Flange
18.2 Surface imperfections in the test specimens before To 21⁄2 [63.5], incl 15 % of OD
flattening, but revealed during the first step of the flattening Over 21⁄2 to 33⁄4 [63.5 to 95.2], incl 121⁄2 % of OD
Over 33⁄4 to 8 [95.2 to 203.2], incl 10 % of OD
test, shall be judged in accordance with the finish requirements.
18.3 Superficial ruptures resulting from surface imperfec-
tions shall not be cause for rejection. When Brinell hardness testing is used, a 10-mm ball with 3000,
18.4 When low D-to- t ratio tubular products are tested, 1500, or 500-kg load, or a 5-mm ball with 750-kg load may be
because the strain imposed due to geometry is unreasonably used, at the option of the manufacturer.
high on the inside surface at the six and twelve o’clock 22.2 For tubes less than 0.200 in. [5.1 mm] to and including
locations, cracks at these locations shall not be cause for 0.065 in. [1.7 mm] in wall thickness, the Rockwell hardness
rejection if the D to t ratio is less than 10. test shall be used.
19. Reverse Flattening Test 22.3 For tubes less than 0.065 in. [1.7 mm] in wall thick-
ness, the hardness test shall not be required.
19.1 A 5 in. [100 mm] in length of finished welded tubing in 22.4 The Brinell hardness test may be made on the outside
sizes down to and including 1⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] in outside of the tube near the end, on the outside of a specimen cut from
diameter shall be split longitudinally 90° on each side of the the tube, or on the wall cross section of a specimen cut from the
weld and the sample opened and flattened with the weld at the tube at the option of the manufacturer. This test shall be made
point of maximum bend. There shall be no evidence of cracks so that the distance from the center of the impression to the
or lack of penetration or overlaps resulting from flash removal edge of the specimen is at least 2.5 times the diameter of the
in the weld. impression.
20. Flaring Test 22.5 The Rockwell hardness test may be made on the inside
surface, on the wall cross section, or on a flat on the outside
20.1 A section of tube approximately 4 in. [100 mm] in surface at the option of the manufacturer.
length shall stand being flared with a tool having a 60° included 22.6 For tubes furnished with upset, swaged, or otherwise
angle until the tube at the mouth of the flare has been expanded formed ends, the hardness test shall be made as prescribed in
to the percentages specified in Table 5 without cracking or 22.1 and 22.2 on the outside of the tube near the end after the
showing imperfections rejectable under the provisions of the forming operation and heat treatment.
product specification. 22.7 For welded or brazed tubes, the hardness test shall be
21. Flange Test made away from the joints.
22.8 When the product specification provides for Vickers
21.1 A section of tube shall be capable of having a flange hardness, such testing shall be in accordance with Test Method
turned over at a right angle to the body of the tube without E 92.
cracking or showing imperfections rejectable under the provi-
sions of the product specification. The width of the flange for 23. Hydrostatic Test
carbon and alloy steels shall be not less than the percentages 23.1 Except as provided in 23.2 and 23.3, each tube shall be
specified in Table 6. For the austenitic grades, the width of the tested by the manufacturer to a minimum hydrostatic test
flange for all sizes listed in Table 6 shall be not less than 15 %. pressure determined by the following equation:
22. Hardness Test Inch2Pound Units: P 5 32000 t/D
SI Units: P 5 220.6t/D (3)
22.1 For tubes 0.200 in. [5.1 mm] and over in wall thick-
ness, either the Brinell or Rockwell hardness test shall be used. where:
P = hydrostatic test pressure, psi or MPa,
TABLE 5 Flaring Test Requirements t = specified wall thickness, in. or mm, and
D = specified outside diameter, in. or mm.
Minimum Expansion of Inside
Ratio of Inside Diameter, % 23.1.1 The hydrostatic test pressure determined by Eq 3
Diameter to Outside Carbon, Carbon- Other Ferritic
shall be rounded to the nearest 50 psi [0.5 MPa] for pressure
DiameterA Molybdenum, and Alloy Steels below 1000 psi [7 MPa], and to the nearest 100 psi [1 MPa] for
Austenitic Steels pressures 1000 psi [7 MPa] and above. The hydrostatic test
0.9 21 15 may be performed prior to cutting to final length, or prior to
0.8 22 17
0.7 25 19
upsetting, swaging, expanding, bending or other forming
0.6 30 23 operations, or both.
0.5 39 28 23.2 Regardless of the determination made by Eq 3, the
0.4 51 38
0.3 68 50
minimum hydrostatic test pressure required to satisfy these
A
requirements need not exceed the values given in Table 7. This
In determining the ratio of inside diameter to specified outside diameter, the
inside diameter shall be defined as the actual mean inside diameter of the material does not prohibit testing at higher pressures at manufacturer’s
tested. option or as provided in 23.3.

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 A 450/A 450M – 04a
TABLE 7 Hydrostatic Test Pressures calibration standards is only approximate. A purchaser inter-
Outside Diameter of Tube, in. [mm] Hydrostatic Test Pressure, psi [MPa] ested in ascertaining the nature (type, size, location, and
Under 1 [25.4] 1000 [7] orientation) of discontinuities that can be detected in the
1 to 11⁄2 [25.4 to 38.1], excl 1500 [10] specific application of these examinations should discuss this
11⁄2 to 2 [38.1 to 50.8], excl 2000 [14]
2 to 3 [50.8 to 76.2], excl 2500 [17]
with the manufacturer of the tubular product.
3 to 5 [76.2 to 127], excl 3500 [24] 25.2.2 The ultrasonic examination referred to in this speci-
5 [127] and over 4500 [31] fication is intended to detect longitudinal discontinuities having
a reflective area similar to or larger than the calibration
reference notches specified in 25.4. The examination may not
23.3 With concurrence of the manufacturer, a minimum detect circumferentially oriented imperfections or short, deep
hydrostatic test pressure in excess of the requirements of 23.2 defects.
or 23.1, or both, may be stated on the order. The tube wall 25.2.3 The eddy current examination referenced in this
stress shall be determined by the following equation: specification has the capability of detecting significant discon-
S 5 PD/2t (4) tinuities, especially of the short abrupt type. Practices E 309
and E 426 contain additional information regarding the capa-
where: bilities and limitations of eddy-current examination.
S = tube wall stress, psi or MPa, and all other symbols as 25.2.4 The flux leakage examination referred to in this
defined in 23.1.1. specification is capable of detecting the presence and location
23.4 The test pressure shall be held for a minimum of 5 s. of significant longitudinally or transversely oriented disconti-
23.5 If any tube shows leaks during the hydrostatic test, it nuities. The provisions of this specification only provide for
shall be rejected. longitudinal calibration for flux leakage. It should be recog-
23.6 The hydrostatic test may not be capable of testing the nized that different techniques should be employed to detect
end portion of the pipe. The lengths of pipe that cannot be differently oriented imperfections.
tested shall be determined by the manufacturer and, when
25.2.5 The hydrostatic test referred to in Section 22 is a test
specified in the purchase order, reported to the purchaser.
method provided for in many product specifications. This test
24. Air Underwater Pressure Test has the capability of finding defects of a size permitting the test
fluid to leak through the tube wall and may be either visually
24.1 When this test is employed, each tube, with internal
seen or detected by a loss of pressure. This test may not detect
surface clean and dry, shall be internally pressurized to 150 psi
very tight, through-the-wall defects or defects that extend an
[1000 kPa] minimum with clean and dry compressed air while
appreciable distance into the wall without complete penetra-
being submerged in clear water. The tube shall be well-lighted,
tion.
preferably by underwater illumination. Any evidence of air
25.2.6 A purchaser interested in ascertaining the nature
leakage of the pneumatic couplings shall be corrected prior to
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(type, size, location, and orientation) of discontinuities that can

testing. Inspection shall be made of the entire external surface
be detected in the specific application of these examinations
of the tube after holding the pressure for not less than 5 s after
should discuss this with the manufacturer of the tubular
the surface of the water has become calm. If any tube shows
products.
leakage during the air underwater test, it shall be rejected. Any
leaking areas may be cut out and the tube retested. 25.3 Time of Examination—Nondestructive examination for
specification acceptance shall be performed after all deforma-
25. Nondestructive Examination tion processing, heat treating, welding, and straightening op-
25.1 When nondestructive examination is specified by the erations. This requirement does not preclude additional testing
purchaser or the product specification, each tube shall be at earlier stages in the processing.
examined by a nondestructive examination method in accor- 25.4 Surface Condition:
dance with Practice E 213, Practice E 309 (for ferromagnetic 25.4.1 All surfaces shall be free of scale, dirt, grease, paint,
materials), Practice E 426 (for non-magnetic materials), or or other foreign material that could interfere with interpretation
Practice E 570. Upon agreement, Practice E 273 shall be of test results. The methods used for cleaning and preparing the
employed in addition to one of the full periphery tests. The surfaces for examination shall not be detrimental to the base
range of tube sizes that may be examined by each method shall metal or the surface finish.
be subject to the limitations in the scope of that practice. In 25.4.2 Excessive surface roughness or deep scratches can
case of conflict between these methods and practices and this produce signals that interfere with the test.
specification, the requirements of this specification shall pre- 25.5 Extent of Examination:
vail. 25.5.1 The relative motion of the tube and the transducer(s),
25.2 The following information is for the benefit of the user coil(s), or sensor(s) shall be such that the entire tube surface is
of this specification. scanned, except for end effects as noted in 25.5.2.
25.2.1 Calibration standards for the nondestructive electric 25.5.2 The existence of end effects is recognized, and the
test are convenient standards for calibration of nondestructive extent of such effects shall be determined by the manufacturer,
testing equipment only. For several reasons, including shape, and, if requested, shall be reported to the purchaser. Other
orientation, width, etc., the correlation between the signal nondestructive tests may be applied to the end areas, subject to
produced in the electric test from an imperfection and from agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer.

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25.6 Operator Qualifications: 25.8.4 For flux leakage testing, the longitudinal reference
25.6.1 The test unit operator shall be certified in accordance notches shall be straight-sided notches machined in a radial
with SNT TC-1-A, or an equivalent documented standard plane parallel to the tube axis on the inside and outside surfaces
agreeable to both purchaser and manufacturer. of the tube. Notch depth shall not exceed 121⁄2 % of the
25.7 Test Conditions: specified wall thickness or 0.004 in. (0.1 mm), whichever is
25.7.1 For examination by the ultrasonic method, the mini- greater. Notch length shall not exceed 1 in. (25.4 mm), and the
mum nominal transducer frequency shall be 2.0 MHz, and the width shall not exceed the depth. Outside and inside notches
maximum transducer size shall be 1.5 in. (38 mm). shall have sufficient separation to allow distinct identification
25.7.2 For eddy current testing, the excitation coil fre- of the signal from each notch.
quency shall be chosen to ensure adequate penetration, yet 25.8.5 More or smaller reference discontinuities, or both,
provide good signal-to-noise ratio. may be used by agreement between the purchaser and the
25.7.2.1 The maximum coil frequency shall be: manufacturer.
Specified Wall Thickness Maximum Frequency
25.9 Standardization Procedure:
<0.050 in. 100 KHz 25.9.1 The test apparatus shall be standardized at the
0.050 to 0.150 50 beginning and end of each series of tubes of the same specified
>0.150 10
size (diameter and wall thickness), grade and heat treatment
25.8 Reference Standards: condition, and at intervals not exceeding 4 h during the
25.8.1 Reference standards of convenient length shall be examination of such tubing. More frequent standardizations
prepared from a length of tube of the same grade, specified size may be performed at the manufacturer’s option or may be
(outside diameter and wall thickness), surface finish and heat required upon agreement between the purchaser and the
treatment condition as the tubing to be examined. manufacturer.
25.8.2 For eddy current testing, the reference standard shall 25.9.2 The test apparatus shall also be standardized after
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contain, at the option of the manufacturer, any one of the any change in test system settings, change of operator, equip-
following discontinuities: ment repair, or interruption due to power loss or shutdown.
25.8.2.1 Drilled Hole—The reference standard shall contain 25.9.3 The reference standard shall be passed through the
three or more holes, equally spaced circumferentially around test apparatus at the same speed and test system settings as the
the tube and longitudinally separated by a sufficient distance to tube to be tested, except that, at the manufacturer’s discretion,
allow distinct identification of the signal from each hole. The the tubes may be tested at a higher sensitivity.
holes shall be drilled radially and completely through the tube 25.9.4 The signal-to-noise ratio for the reference standard
wall, with care being taken to avoid distortion of the tube while shall be 2.5:1 or greater, and the reference signal amplitude for
drilling. The holes shall not be larger than 0.031 in. (0.8 mm) each discontinuity shall be at least 50 % of full scale of the
in diameter. As an alternative, the producer may choose to drill display. In establishing the noise level, extraneous signals from
one hole and run the calibration standard through the test coil identifiable surface imperfections on the reference standard
three times, rotating the tube approximately 120° each time. may be ignored. When reject filtering is used during UT
More passes with smaller angular increments may be used, testing, linearity must be demonstrated.
provided testing of the full 360° of the coil is obtained. For 25.9.5 If, upon any standardization, the reference signal
welded tubing, if the weld is visible, one of the multiple holes amplitude has decreased by 29 % (3.0 dB), the test apparatus
or the single hole shall be drilled in the weld. shall be considered out of standardization. The test system
25.8.2.2 Transverse Tangential Notch—Using a round tool settings may be changed, or the transducer(s), coil(s), or
or file with a 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) diameter, a notch shall be milled sensor(s) adjusted, and the unit restandardized, but all tubes
or filed tangential to the surface and transverse to the longitu- tested since the last acceptable standardization must be re-
dinal axis of the tube. Said notch shall have a depth not tested.
exceeding 121⁄2 % of the specified wall thickness of the tube or 25.10 Evaluation of Imperfections:
0.004 in. (0.1 mm), whichever is greater. 25.10.1 Tubing producing a test signal to or greater than the
25.8.2.3 Longitudinal Notch—A notch 0.031 in. (0.8 mm) lowest signal produced by the reference standard shall be
or less in width shall be machined in a radial plane parallel to designated suspect, shall be clearly marked or identified, and
the tube axis on the outside surface of the tube, to have a depth shall be separated from the acceptable tubing.
not exceeding 121⁄2 % of the specified wall thickness of the 25.10.2 Such suspect tubing shall be subject to one of the
tube or 0.004 in. (0.1 mm), whichever is greater. The length of following three dispositions:
the notch shall be compatible with the testing method. 25.10.2.1 The tubes may be rejected without further exami-
25.8.3 For ultrasonic testing, the reference ID and OD nation, at the discretion of the manufacturer.
notches shall be any one of the three common notch shapes 25.10.2.2 If the test signal was produced by imperfections
shown in Practice E 213, at the option of the manufacturer. The such as scratches, surface roughness, dings, straightener marks,
depth of the notches shall not exceed 121⁄2 % of the specified loose ID bead and cutting chips, steel die stamps, stop marks,
wall thickness of the tube or 0.004 in. (0.1 mm), whichever is tube reducer ripple, or chattered flash trim, the tubing may be
greater. The width of the notch shall not exceed two times the accepted or rejected depending on visual observation of the
depth. For welded tubing, the notches shall be placed in the severity of the imperfection, the type of signal it produces on
weld, if the weld is visible. the testing equipment used, or both.

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 A 450/A 450M – 04a
25.10.2.3 If the test signal was produced by imperfections 26.5 A test report, certificate of compliance, or similar
which cannot be identified, or was produced by cracks or document printed from or used in electronic form from an
crack-like imperfections, the tubing shall be rejected. electronic data interchange (EDI) transmission shall be re-
25.10.3 Any tubes with imperfections of the types in garded as having the same validity as a counterpart printed in
25.10.2.2 and 25.10.2.3, exceeding 0.004 in. (0.1 mm) or 121⁄2 the certifier’s facility. The content of the EDI transmitted
% of the specified minimum wall thickness (whichever is document shall meet the requirements of the invoked ASTM
greater) in depth shall be rejected. standard(s) and conform to any existing EDI agreement be-
25.10.4 Rejected tubes may be reconditioned and retested tween the purchaser and supplier. Notwithstanding the absence
providing the wall thickness is not decreased to less than that of a signature, the organization submitting the EDI transmis-
required by this or the product specification. If grinding is sion is responsible for the content of the report.
performed, the outside diameter in the area of grinding may be
reduced by the amount so removed. To be accepted, recondi- 27. Inspection
tioned tubes must pass the nondestructive examination by 27.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
which they were originally rejected. entry at all times while work on the contract of the purchaser
is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturer’s works
26. Certified Test Report that concern the manufacture of the material ordered. The
26.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities
producer or supplier shall furnish a certified test report certi- to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance
fying that the material was manufactured, sampled, tested and with this specification. All required tests and inspection shall
inspected in accordance with the specification, including year be made at the place of manufacture prior to shipment, unless
date, the supplementary requirements, and any other require- otherwise specified, and shall be conducted so as not to
ments designated in the purchase order or contract, and that the interfere unnecessarily with the operation of the works.
results met the requirements of that specification, the supple-
mentary requirements and the other requirements. A signature 28. Rejection
or notarization is not required on the certified test report, but 28.1 Each length of tubing received from the manufacturer
the document shall be dated and shall clearly identify the may be inspected by the purchaser and, if it does not meet the
organization submitting the report. requirements of the specification based on the inspection and
NOTE 2—Notwithstanding the absence of a signature or notarization, test method as outlined in the specification, the length may be
the organization submitting the report is responsible for the contents of the rejected and the manufacturer shall be notified. Disposition of
report. rejected tubing shall be a matter of agreement between the
26.2 In addition, the certified test report shall include the manufacturer and the purchaser.
following information and test results, when applicable: 28.2 Material that fails in any of the forming operations or
26.2.1 Heat Number, in the process of installation and is found to be defective shall
26.2.2 Heat Analysis, be set aside and the manufacturer shall be notified for mutual
26.2.3 Product Analysis, when specified, evaluation of the material’s suitability. Disposition of such
26.2.4 Tensile Properties, material shall be a matter for agreement.
26.2.5 Width of the gage length, when longitudinal strip
tension test specimens are used, 29. Product Marking
26.2.6 Flattening Test acceptable, 29.1 Each length of tube shall be legibly stenciled with the
26.2.7 Reverse Flattening Test acceptable, manufacturers’s name or brand, the specification number, and
26.2.8 Flaring Test acceptable, grade. The marking need not include the year date of the
26.2.9 Flange Test acceptable, specification. For tubes less than 11⁄4 in. [31.8 mm] in diameter
26.2.10 Hardness Test values, and tubes under 3 ft. [1 m] in length, the required information
26.2.11 Hydrostatic Test pressure, may be marked on a tag securely attached to the bundle or box
26.2.12 Non-destructive Electric Test method, in which the tubes are shipped.
26.2.13 Impact Test results, and 29.2 For austenitic tubes, the marking paint or ink shall not
26.2.14 Other test results or information required to be contain any harmful metal, or metal salts, such as zinc, lead, or
reported by the product specification. copper, which cause corrosive attack on heating.
26.3 Test results or information required to be reported by 29.3 When it is specified that certain requirements of a
supplementary requirements, or other requirements designated specification adopted by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
in the purchase order or contract shall be reported, but may be Committee are to be completed by the purchaser upon receipt
reported in a separate document. of the material, the manufacturer shall indicate that all require-
26.4 The certified test report shall include a statement of ments of the specification have not been completed by a letter
explanation for the letter added to the specification number such as X, Y, or Z, immediately following the specification
marked on the tubes (see 29.3), when all of the requirements of number. This letter may be removed after completion of all
the specification have not been completed. The purchaser must requirements in accordance with the specification. An expla-
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certify that all requirements of the specification have been nation of specification requirements to be completed is pro-
completed before removal of the letter (that is, X, Y, or Z). vided in Section 26.

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29.4 Bar Coding—In addition to the requirements in 29.1- 31.1.5 Sampling for Chemical Analysis— One sample for
29.3, bar coding is acceptable as a supplemental identification chemical analysis shall be selected from each of two tubes
method. The purchaser may specifiy in the order a specific bar chosen from each lot. A lot shall be all material poured from
coding system to be used. one heat.
31.1.6 Sampling for Tension and Bend Test— One sample
30. Packaging, Marking, and Loading shall be taken from each lot. A lot shall consist of all tube of the
30.1 When specified on the purchase order, packaging, same outside diameter and wall thickness manufactured during
marking, and loading for shipment shall be in accordance with an 8-h shift from the same heat of steel, and heat treated under
the procedures of Practices A 700. the same conditions of temperature and time in a single charge
in a batch type furnace, or heat treated under the same
31. Government Procurement condition in a continuous furnace, and presented for inspection
at the same time.
31.1 Scale Free Pipe:
31.1.7 Hydrostatic and Ultrasonic Tests— Each tube shall
31.1.1 When specified in the contract or order, the following be tested by the ultrasonic (when specified) and hydrostatic
requirements shall be considered in the inquiry contract or tests.
order, for agencies of the U.S. Government where scale free
31.1.8 Tube shall be free from heavy oxide or scale. The
tube is required. These requirements shall take precedence if
internal surface of hot finished ferritic steel tube shall be
there is a conflict between these requirements and the product
pickled or blast cleaned to a free of scale condition equivalent
specification.
to the CSa2 visual standard listed in SSPC-SP6. Cleaning shall
31.1.2 Tube shall be ordered to outside diameter (OD) and
be performed in accordance with a written procedure that has
wall thickness.
been shown to be effective. This procedure shall be available
31.1.3 Responsibility for Inspection— Unless otherwise for audit.
specified in the contract or purchase order, the manufacturer is
31.1.9 In addition to the marking in Specification A 530/
responsible for the performance of all inspection and test
A 530M, each length of tube 1⁄4 in. outside diameter and larger
requirements specified. The absence of any inspection require-
shall be marked with the following listed information. Marking
ments in the specification shall not relieve the contractor of the
shall be in accordance with FED-STD-183 and MIL-STD-792.
responsibility for ensuring that all products or supplies submit-
(a) Outside diameter, wall thickness, and length (b) Heat or lot
ted to the Government for acceptance comply with all require-
identification number.
ments of the contract. Sampling inspection, as part of the
manufacturing operations, is an acceptable practice to ascertain 31.1.10 Tube shall be straight to within the tolerances
conformance to requirements, however, this does not authorize specified in Table 8:
submission of known defective material, either indicated or 31.1.11 When specified, each tube shall be ultrasonically
actual, nor does it commit the Government to accept the examined in accordance with MIL-STD-271, except that the
material. Except as otherwise specified in the contract or notch depth in the calibration standard shall be 5 % of the wall
purchase order, the manufacturer may use his own or any other thickness or 0.005 in., whichever is greater. Any tube which
suitable facilities for the performance of the inspection and test produces an indication equal to or greater than 100 % of the

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requirements unless disapproved by the purchaser at the time indication from the calibration standard shall be rejected.
the order is placed. The purchaser shall have the right to 31.1.12 The tube shall be free from repair welds, welded
perform any of the inspections and tests set forth when such joints, laps, laminations, seams, visible cracks, tears, grooves,
inspections and tests are deemed necessary to ensure that the slivers, pits, and other imperfections detrimental to the tube as
material conforms to the prescribed requirements. determined by visual and ultrasonic examination, or alternate
31.1.4 Sampling for Flattening and Flaring Test and for tests, as specified.
Visual and Dimensional Examination—Minimum sampling for 31.1.13 Tube shall be uniform in quality and condition and
flattening and flaring tests and visual and dimensional exami- have a finish conforming to the best practice for standard
nation shall be as follows: quality tubing. Surface imperfections such as handling marks,
Lot Size (pieces per Sample Size
straightening marks, light mandrel and die marks, shallow pits,
lot) and scale pattern will not be considered injurious if the
2 to 8 Entire lot imperfections are removable within the tolerances specified for
9 to 90 8
91 to 150 12
151 to 280 19
281 to 500 21 TABLE 8 Straightness Tolerances
501 to 1200 27
1201 to 3200 35 Maximum Maximum
Specified Wall
3201 to 10 000 38 Specified OD (in.) Curvature in Any 3 Curvature in Total
Thickness (in.)
10 001 to 35 000 46 ft (in.) Length (in.)
Up to 5.0, incl Over 3 % OD to 0.030 0.010 3 length, ft
0.5, incl
In all cases, the acceptance number is zero and the rejection Over 5.0 to 8.0, Over 4 % OD to 0.045 0.015 3 length, ft
number is one. Rejected lots may be screened and resubmitted incl 0.75, incl
Over 8.0 to 12.75, Over 4 % OD to 0.060 0.020 3 length, ft
for visual and dimensional examination. All defective items incl. 1.0, incl
shall be replaced with acceptable items prior to lot acceptance

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 A 450/A 450M – 04a
wall thickness or 0.005 in., whichever is greater. The bottom of with MIL-STD-163 and commercial preservation and packing
imperfections shall be visible and the profile shall be rounded shall be in accordance with Practices A 700 or Practice D 3951.
and faired-in.
31.1.14 No weld repair by the manufacturer is permitted. 32. Keywords
31.1.15 Preservation shall be level A or commercial, and
packing shall be level A, B, or commercial, as specified. Level 32.1 alloy steel tube; austenitic stainless steel; carbon steel
A preservation and level A or B packing shall be in accordance tube; general delivery; stainless steel tube; steel tube

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
A 450/A 450M – 04, which may impact the use of this standard. (Approved October 1, 2004)

(1) Added 26.5.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
A 450/A 450M – 03, which may impact the use of this standard. (Approved March 1, 2004)

(1) Revised 5.2. (2) Deleted 5.2.1.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
A 450/A 450M – 02, which may impact the use of this standard. (Approved September 10, 2003)

(1) Added Terminology A 941 to Sections 3 and 8 as well as (2) Added Section 3, Terminology. Renumbered subsequent
Referenced Documents. sections accordingly.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk

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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
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