A181 covers the carbon steel forgings used for general-purpose piping. Two classes of material are covered, Classes 60 and 70, and classified according to their mechanical properties. Forging is made at above critical temperature and air cooled.
I have always used A105 for low grade CS weld flanges. I can't confirm that A181 has the same fabrication and testing requirements as does A105, which is specifically stated to be compatible for use in pressure systems at ambient and higher-temperature service conditions. A181 is only for "General Purpose Piping".
A105 covers standards for forged carbon steel piping components, that is, flanges, fittings, valves, and similar parts, for use in pressure systems at ambient and higher-temperature service conditions. Materials shall be subjected to heat treatment (annealing, normalizing, tempering, or quenching). Material shall conform to carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum and vanadium contents. The forgings shall be subjected to tension, hardness and hydrostatic tests, with the latter applicable when required. Material shall adhere to tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, reduction of area, and hardness requirements. Guidelines for retreatment, repair by welding, and product marking are given. Forging is Normalized.
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