A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
(OP)
Discharge of Main Air Compressors in 20'' and 24'' pipe to supply a Air Seperation Unit (ASU). Before the water wash towers and desorbers (alumina and molecular sieve).
Design Pressure 20 Bars, Operating Temperature 25 C, pipe is running on outside pipe rack (-30 C to 30 C).
Pipe Specs (Warm process & Utility Piping):
20'': A106 Gr B, Schedule 40
24'': A333 Gr 6, Schedule 40
Note: For diameter larger than 30'' and Design Pressure at 10 bars, specs call for API 5L Gr B Welded.
I'm new in this industry but considering the pressure, temperature and application, I don't see why not using A53 Gr B Welded. The substitution could have a major impact on the economics of the project.
Eric Fontaine, Project Engineer, Air Liquide Canada
Design Pressure 20 Bars, Operating Temperature 25 C, pipe is running on outside pipe rack (-30 C to 30 C).
Pipe Specs (Warm process & Utility Piping):
20'': A106 Gr B, Schedule 40
24'': A333 Gr 6, Schedule 40
Note: For diameter larger than 30'' and Design Pressure at 10 bars, specs call for API 5L Gr B Welded.
I'm new in this industry but considering the pressure, temperature and application, I don't see why not using A53 Gr B Welded. The substitution could have a major impact on the economics of the project.
Eric Fontaine, Project Engineer, Air Liquide Canada





RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
Therefore, there is no need for answer.
This site seems to be great. Sorry to bother with such a basic question.
Regards,
Eric Fontaine
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
i have only seen this used on low temperature service, e.g., below -20°F.
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
jt
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
I have used it extensively in orifice meter runs where notch toughness is a requirement. In this regard, the rating was to -45C.
The equivalent without notch toughness was ASTM A106 Grade B pipeline, this was used above the -15C limit.
I haven't specified A333 in a number of years, I know it is getting more difficult to source in Western Canada (i.e. Alberta)
Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
i personally prefer 304 SS if it is a small job since it is more obvious what it is and less likely to be replaced with an inferior material on a Saturday night 3rd shift.
especially in ammonia service where you have to worry about SCC, etc.
thanks for the update, btw.
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
Good poin't 'bout swing and graveyard shift maintenance work... A similar problem to yours arose when a carbon steel piping component was replaced. Only later (after the cracks) was it realized that it had been replaced with a Cr-Mo component but without Cr-Mo welding procedures / PWHT... Never thought I'd find myself recommending that we PMI CS components to ensure a lack of alloying elements.
jt
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
ASTM A 53 is not really suitable for service temperatures below ambient (especially -30 deg C) because of toughness concerns. ASME B&PV Code limits A/SA 53 to a minimum design metal temperature of -20 deg F. This pipe specification is for general service applications.
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
But ammonia service, a touch out of my comfort realm. You do have good answers here that will point in the right direction.
Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
RE: A106 Gr.B & A 333 Gr.6 Seamless vs A53 Gr.B Welded
Most process lines are specifed at +>-29C will be SA or A106 grade B