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ASTM A358 Stainless Steel EFW Pipe Specification
What is ASTM A358?
ASTM A358 (ASME SA358) is the standard specification for electric fusion welded (EFW) austenitic chromium nickel stainless steel pipes intended for high-temperature and corrosive service. The specification defines the manufacturing process chemical composition mechanical properties heat treatment dimensions testing inspection and weld quality requirements to ensure reliable performance in critical industrial applications.
ASTM A358 covers several classes of electric fusion welded stainless steel pipes manufactured from plate material in grades including TP304 TP304L TP316 TP316L TP321 TP347 and TP310S. These pipes provide excellent corrosion resistance high strength weld integrity and long service life making them suitable for large diameter piping systems operating under demanding temperature and pressure conditions.
ASTM A358 stainless steel pipes are widely used in oil and gas petrochemical chemical processing power generation refineries fertilizer plants pulp and paper marine and offshore industries. Kamal Steels supplies ASTM A358 EFW stainless steel pipes in various grades sizes wall thicknesses and classes with Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1) third-party inspection and customized project requirements for domestic and international applications.
ASTM A358 EFW Pipe Specification
ASTM A358 covers electric fusion welded stainless steel pipes manufactured from austenitic stainless steel plate. The specification is designed for applications involving elevated temperatures, corrosive fluids and large diameter piping systems.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A358 / ASME SA358 |
| Pipe Type | Electric Fusion Welded (EFW) |
| Manufacturing Method | Fusion Welded from Stainless Steel Plate |
| Size Range | 8" NB to 120" NB |
| Wall Thickness | 5 mm to 50 mm |
| Length | Random, Double Random & Custom Length |
| Classes | Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 & Class 5 |
| Grades | TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, TP347, TP310S |
| Ends | Plain End, Bevel End |
| Surface Finish | Pickled, Annealed, Polished |
ASTM A358 Pipe Classes
ASTM A358 stainless steel pipes are classified according to their welding method and the level of radiographic examination performed during manufacturing. Choosing the appropriate class depends on the project's pressure requirements, service conditions, inspection standards, and applicable engineering specifications.
| Pipe Class | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Double welded with complete radiographic examination. | Critical process piping requiring the highest inspection level. |
| Class 2 | Double welded without complete radiographic examination. | General industrial piping where full radiography is not specified. |
| Class 3 | Single welded with complete radiographic examination. | High-pressure and high-temperature services requiring weld verification. |
| Class 4 | Single welded without complete radiographic examination. | Standard industrial applications with less stringent inspection requirements. |
| Class 5 | Double welded with spot radiographic examination. | Projects requiring partial weld inspection to meet specific specifications. |
Note: The appropriate ASTM A358 pipe class should be selected based on project specifications, operating pressure and temperature, inspection requirements and applicable design codes. Full radiographic examination is generally specified for critical services where weld integrity is essential.
ASTM A358 Grades
| ASTM A358 Grade | Typical Application / Features |
|---|---|
| TP304 Pipe | General corrosion-resistant service for industrial process piping. |
| TP304L Pipe | Low-carbon grade with improved weldability and reduced carbide precipitation. |
| TP316 Pipe | Provides enhanced resistance to chlorides and aggressive chemical environments. |
| TP316L Pipe | Low-carbon 316 grade for corrosive service and welded piping systems. |
| TP321 Pipe | Titanium-stabilized grade suitable for elevated-temperature applications. |
| TP347 Pipe | Niobium-stabilized grade offering excellent performance in high-temperature service. |
| TP310S Pipe | High chromium-nickel alloy designed for exceptional heat and oxidation resistance. |
Types of ASTM A358 Stainless Steel Pipes
ASTM A358 stainless steel pipes are manufactured using the electric fusion welded (EFW) process and are available in different classes and grades to suit high-temperature, corrosive, and pressure applications. These pipes are widely used in chemical processing, petrochemical plants, power generation, and refinery industries.
| Pipe Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 1 EFW Pipe | Double welded by processes employing filler metal, followed by complete radiographic examination of the weld. |
| Class 2 EFW Pipe | Double welded using filler metal without mandatory radiographic examination. |
| Class 3 EFW Pipe | Single welded using filler metal with complete radiographic examination of the weld. |
| Class 4 EFW Pipe | Same as Class 3 with additional weld inspection and testing requirements. |
| Class 5 EFW Pipe | Double welded using filler metal with radiographic examination and enhanced quality requirements. |
TP304 vs TP316
| Comparison | TP304 | TP316 |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent for general industrial environments. | Superior resistance to chlorides, chemicals, and marine environments. |
| Composition | 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel. | 16–18% Chromium, 10–14% Nickel, 2–3% Molybdenum. |
| High Temperature Performance | Suitable for moderate high-temperature applications. | Better performance in high-temperature and corrosive services. |
| Typical Applications | Food processing, water systems, and general industrial piping. | Chemical processing, marine equipment, petrochemical plants, and offshore piping. |
| Cost | More economical. | Higher cost due to molybdenum content. |
Choose TP304 when cost-effective corrosion resistance is sufficient for general industrial applications. Choose TP316 when the piping system is exposed to chlorides, seawater, or aggressive chemicals where enhanced corrosion resistance and longer service life are required.
ASTM A358 Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A358 EFW stainless steel pipes depends on the selected material grade. The table below shows the typical composition of commonly supplied grades.
| Grade | Carbon (C) Max % | Chromium (Cr) % | Nickel (Ni) % | Molybdenum (Mo) % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP304 | 0.08 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–11.0 | — |
| TP304L | 0.03 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–12.0 | — |
| TP316 | 0.08 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | 2.0–3.0 |
| TP316L | 0.03 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | 2.0–3.0 |
Note: Chemical composition varies by ASTM A358 grade. Additional grades such as TP321, TP347, and TP310S are available on request.
ASTM A358 Mechanical Properties
ASTM A358 stainless steel pipes are manufactured to satisfy minimum mechanical property requirements specified by ASTM standards. Typical values for commonly supplied grades are shown below.
| Grade | Tensile Strength (Min MPa) | Yield Strength (Min MPa) | Elongation (Min %) | Hardness (Max HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP304 | 515 | 205 | 35 | 192 |
| TP304L | 485 | 170 | 35 | 192 |
| TP316 | 515 | 205 | 35 | 217 |
| TP316L | 485 | 170 | 35 | 217 |
Note: Mechanical properties shown are typical minimum values for annealed ASTM A358 stainless steel pipes. Actual requirements may vary depending on the material grade, pipe class, and applicable ASTM specification.
ASTM A358 Equivalent Grades
| ASTM A358 Grade | UNS Number | Werkstoff No. |
|---|---|---|
| TP304 | S30400 | 1.4301 |
| TP304L | S30403 | 1.4306 / 1.4307 |
| TP316 | S31600 | 1.4401 |
| TP316L | S31603 | 1.4404 |
| TP321 | S32100 | 1.4541 |
| TP347 | S34700 | 1.4550 |
| TP310S | S31008 | 1.4845 |
ASTM A358 Pipe Size Chart
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | Outside Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 21.3 mm | 3 mm – 12 mm | 6 Meters |
| 1" | 33.4 mm | 3 mm – 12 mm | 6 Meters |
| 2" | 60.3 mm | 3 mm – 16 mm | 6 Meters |
| 4" | 114.3 mm | 3 mm – 20 mm | 6 Meters |
| 6" | 168.3 mm | 3 mm – 25 mm | 6 Meters |
| 8" | 219.1 mm | 4 mm – 30 mm | 6 Meters |
| 10" | 273.0 mm | 4 mm – 35 mm | 6 Meters |
| 12" | 323.9 mm | 5 mm – 40 mm | 6 Meters |
| 16" | 406.4 mm | 6 mm – 45 mm | 6 Meters |
| 20" | 508.0 mm | 6 mm – 50 mm | 6 Meters |
| 24" | 609.6 mm | 6 mm – 50 mm | 6 Meters |
ASTM A358 Pipe Schedule Chart
ASTM A358 Electric Fusion Welded (EFW) stainless steel pipes are manufactured in a wide range of wall thicknesses to suit low, medium and high-pressure applications. The most commonly supplied schedules are listed below.
| Pipe Schedule | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| SCH 5S | Light wall piping systems |
| SCH 10S | Low-pressure process piping |
| SCH 20 | General industrial applications |
| SCH 40S | Standard process and utility piping |
| SCH 60 | Medium-pressure services |
| SCH 80S | High-pressure industrial piping |
| SCH 100 | Heavy wall pressure applications |
| SCH 120 | Severe service conditions |
| SCH 160 | High-pressure and critical systems |
| XXS | Extra heavy-duty applications |
ASTM A358 Heat Treatment and Testing
| Inspection / Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Solution Annealing | Performed according to ASTM A358 specification and material grade. |
| Hydrostatic / NDT Testing | Hydrostatic or non-destructive electric testing verifies pipe integrity. |
| Radiographic Examination | Weld seams are radiographically examined where required by the specification. |
| Dimensional Inspection | Outside diameter, wall thickness and straightness are inspected. |
| PMI Testing | Positive Material Identification (PMI) available on request. |
| Mill Test Certificate | EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate supplied with material. |
| Third-Party Inspection | Inspection available by SGS, TUV, BV, DNV, Lloyd's and other agencies. |
ASTM A358 Pipe Applications
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Transmission pipelines, process piping and offshore facilities. |
| Petrochemical | High-temperature and corrosion-resistant process piping. |
| Chemical Processing | Handling corrosive chemicals and aggressive fluids. |
| Power Plants | Boiler, condenser and steam piping systems. |
| Refineries | Process lines and pressure piping. |
| Heat Exchangers | Fluid transfer and heat exchange systems. |
| Marine & Offshore | Seawater handling and offshore platforms. |
| Water Treatment | Desalination and water processing plants. |
| Food & Pharma | Hygienic processing and sanitary piping systems. |
| LNG & Cryogenic | Low-temperature process piping applications. |
Advantages of ASTM A358 Stainless Steel Pipes
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent performance in corrosive industrial environments. |
| High Strength | Suitable for demanding pressure applications. |
| Heat Resistance | Performs reliably at elevated temperatures. |
| Welded Construction | Ideal for large-diameter piping systems. |
| Excellent Weldability | Easy fabrication and installation. |
| Long Service Life | Low maintenance and reduced replacement costs. |
| Smooth Surface Finish | Improves flow efficiency and reduces pressure loss. |
| Multiple Grades | Available in TP304, TP304L, TP316L, TP321, TP347, TP310S and more. |
| Quality Assurance | Supplied with MTC, EN 10204 3.1 and third-party inspection reports. |
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM A358 is a specification for Electric Fusion Welded (EFW) austenitic stainless steel pipes intended for high-temperature, corrosive and pressure-containing applications.
ASTM A312 covers seamless and welded stainless steel pipes, whereas ASTM A358 specifically covers electric fusion welded stainless steel pipes manufactured from stainless steel plate.
EFW stands for Electric Fusion Welded. ASTM A358 pipes are produced by fusion welding stainless steel plates to create large-diameter pipes with excellent strength and corrosion resistance.
Common ASTM A358 grades include TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, TP347 and TP310S stainless steel pipes for various industrial applications.
ASTM A358 pipe classes define welding and radiographic testing requirements. Class 1 pipes are fully radiographed double-welded pipes, while Class 5 pipes are double-welded pipes with spot radiographic examination.
ASTM A358 pipes are widely used in petrochemical plants, oil refineries, power generation facilities, chemical processing industries, offshore projects and water treatment systems.
ASTM A358 pipes are generally manufactured in larger diameters ranging from 8 inches to 120 inches and above, depending on project requirements and fabrication capabilities.
Yes, ASTM A358 stainless steel pipes are specifically designed for elevated-temperature applications and offer excellent oxidation resistance and mechanical strength.