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304 SS vs A333 CS for low temperature ethylene

304 SS vs A333 CS for low temperature ethylene

304 SS vs A333 CS for low temperature ethylene

(OP)
Hi. We bring in ethylene through a 2" sch 160 pipeline, at pressures up to 1400 psig. The pipeline is A53 carbon steel, with a minimum temperature rating of -20F.

In the event of a sudden depressurization, the temperature could drop as low as -40F. So we want to replace the pipeline with something rated for a lower temperature.

That seems to leave me with a choice of A333 carbon steel or austenitic stainless. Is one preferable over the other? I'm particularly confused about Charpy testing -- various readings seem to contradict each other as to whether I need to do it on one or the other, or both. What do y'all think?

Many thanks,

John

RE: 304 SS vs A333 CS for low temperature ethylene

Macossay,

Changing to an austenitic stainless would easily alleviate the concerns with respect to low temperature.  It would be a significant cost compared to carbon steel.  The real question comes how low of a temperature do you need to go to?  If the limit is -40F like you list, A333 gr 6 mated to A350-LF2 fittings using an appropriate weld procedure would have little problem meeting the B31.3 code requirements for that low of a temperature.

Regards,
EJL

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