ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
(OP)
Good day,
I'm designing a new pipeline system using DEP SHELL piping class for Propane+Propylene service, they recommend to use ASTM A-333.
Is there any bad experience using ASTM A-106 Gr. B in this type of service?
I'm assuming that ASTM A-333 is recommended due to the cryogenic tempeture of the propylene.
Any thoughts about this?
I'm designing a new pipeline system using DEP SHELL piping class for Propane+Propylene service, they recommend to use ASTM A-333.
Is there any bad experience using ASTM A-106 Gr. B in this type of service?
I'm assuming that ASTM A-333 is recommended due to the cryogenic tempeture of the propylene.
Any thoughts about this?





RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
ASTM A106 is the standard specification for seamless carbon steel pipe for high temp service.
What is the design temp for this service?
There are some minor differences in the material chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat treatment as you can see here... http://www.shew-esteelpipe.com/news/the-difference...
My recommendation would be to just follow the DEPs. If the service temp is cryogenic then yes that would be the main reason for specifying ASTM A333.
I'm sure wiser and more experienced professionals will be along soon to give more insight.
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
Thanks,
Ehzin
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
What is the minimum design temperature for your system ?
ASTM A106-GRB carbon steel piping material is only used to -20F . A333 was developed specifically for low temperature service.
Are you working in accordance with P&IDs developed by a competent chemical engineer ? P&IDs should be specifying the types of materials used in various system.
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
Thank you all for your quick responses.
Design Temp= -50ºC / -58F
Design P= 38.3 Kgf/cm2 / 545Psi
Giving the fact that ASTM A-106 Gr. B is only used until -20F, it's clear that I can´t use this material as an alternative instead of A333.
After your responses I am much more clear about the differences between those materials, also I just did a deep look into the P&ID and in all the PP system is recommended A333.
Now I got another question:
How this temperature affect the selection of the valve type?
Thank you again.
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
Thanks,
Ehzin
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
Looking at the existing Propane Propylene piping system at plant I notice that the valves installed are type "Ball", is there any reason for this?
Is not allowed to installed gate valves on this service?
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
So, questions. What type of ball valve are they? Some people would consider an Orbit a ball valve although it is fairly unique. And what are some of the materials used such as O-rings, seats if any, and gaskets? Are they resilient or metal seated?
Thanks,
Ehzin
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
Thanks,
Ehzin
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
I specified ASTM A-333 considering the design temperature (-50ºC). However I was consulting to use A-106 Gr. B due to unavailability of A333, I made the consult to the Metallurgy department and they mentioned what 1gibson already mentioned above, the impact test are made at -45ºC.
So I necessary must use A333. Unless there's another way to evaluate the minimum temperature when I can use A106 with a specific thickness.
I was reading ASME B31.3 para. 323.3 Impact Test Methods and Acceptance criteriaand I found some curves that involve Thickness and Temperature, but I dont know how to use them.
I just thought that could be another way to determine if I can use ASTM A106 besides Impact test.
Thanks everybody for your help.
Blessings,
Roberto
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
A106 Gr. B material can be used to a low temp of -20C. Code B31.3 allows to use A106 Gr. B material at a temp below -20c and give temperature reduction. It is based on the Stress Ratio. How to calculate the stress ratio is defined in notes under Fig. 323.2.2B. While calculating by notes 1 and 2 is easy, it needs a stress designer/engineer to calculate the ration by note 3. The rule is very simple. In simple words, if the line pressure is lowered than the design pressure, the piping can be used at a lower temp. The limit to use this rule is up to -48C.
As because your temp is -50C, the code will require the base metal, weld metal and HAZ impact tested. Low temp filler wire/ electrodes are used to qualify weld metal/HAZ. Sometimes, piping classes don't recognize the small margin of -48C and -50C and set the MDMT at -50C. Impact testing at -50C will be required per Table 323.3.1. Minimum impact value requirements are given in Table 323.3.5
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
RE: ASTM A-106 FOR PROPANE-PROPYLENE SERVICE
As your design conditions itself are -50C/545psi, you are better off going for impact testing at -50C for base metal, weld metal and HAZ if you are using A106 Gr B. Weld metal and HAZ shall be qualified by a WPS then applying it to weld the piping. Follow the piping class to select all other piping materials.