Titanium Pipes Titanium Welded Tubes ASTM B338 Gr2 Gr5 Gr7 for
Medical and Industrial Uses
1. Overview of ASTM B338
ASTM B338 specifies requirements for titanium tubes in various
grades, including commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys.
The tubes can be either seamless or welded, and they are designed
for use in high-performance environments.
Material Grades:Common grades include CP (Commercially Pure)
titanium grades (Grade 1 to Grade 4) and alloyed grades (e.g.,
Grade 5, Ti-6Al-4V). Each grade offers different properties, such
as strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
Applications:
- The specification is primarily used in industries that require high
strength-to-weight ratios and excellent corrosion resistance, such
as aerospace, chemical processing, marine engineering, and medical
applications.
Manufacturing Processes:
- The tubes are produced through processes like hot working, cold
working, and heat treatment to meet specific mechanical properties
and dimensions. They may also undergo inspections for quality
assurance.
Standards and Testing:
- ASTM B338 outlines requirements for testing mechanical properties,
corrosion resistance, and dimensions, ensuring that the tubes meet
industry standards for performance and safety.
Specifications:
- The standard provides detailed requirements for tube dimensions,
wall thicknesses, tolerances, and surface finishes, ensuring that
they meet the rigorous demands of their intended applications.
2. Benefits of ASTM B338 Titanium Tubes
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to a wide range of
corrosive environments, including seawater and acidic conditions.
- Lightweight: Lower density compared to steel, making them suitable
for applications where weight savings are critical.
- Strength: High tensile strength and fatigue resistance, ideal for
demanding applications.
- Biocompatibility: Suitable for medical applications, as they do not
react adversely with bodily tissues.
3. ASTM B338 Gr5 Titanium Seamless Pipes:
Grade 5 is an alloyed titanium with aluminum and vanadium. This is
one of the most popular grades for high-strength applications due
to its increased tensile strength compared to Grade 2.
Corrosion Resistance: While still highly resistant to corrosion,
Gr5 titanium has superior strength and thermal stability, which
make it suitable for demanding applications like aerospace and
high-temperature environments.
Applications: Used extensively in aerospace, marine engineering,
power generation, and chemical industries that require both
strength and corrosion resistance.
Advantages: Excellent choice for applications that need high
strength and resistance to fatigue and creep at elevated
temperatures.
4. ASTM B338 Gr7 Titanium Seamless Pipes:
Grade 7 is a Grade 2 titanium alloy with palladium added, improving
its resistance to corrosion, particularly in aggressive
environments like hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and other harsh
chemical environments.
Corrosion Resistance: Outstanding resistance to corrosion,
particularly in environments where other titanium grades may be
compromised, making it ideal for chemical plants and refineries.
Applications: Best for chemical processing, pharmaceutical
industries, and industries dealing with highly corrosive chemicals
or high-temperature processing.
Advantages: Offers superior corrosion resistance compared to Grade
2, especially in chemical and acidic environments.
| Item | Standard | Material | Size(mm) |
Heat exchanger And Condenser tube | ASTMB338,ASTMB337, ASTMB861 | Grade1,2,3 | OD(5-114)X(0.3—10)XL1200mmMax |
| Corrosion Resistant Tubes | ASTMB338 | Grade7,Grade12 | OD(5-114)X(0.5—4.5)Xlength 12000mmMax |
| BikeFrame/Wheelchair/Exhaust tube/Pipes |
ASTMB338 | Gr9/Ti3Al2v5 | OD(38.1—44.5)X(0.9-3.15)X(L1000—2000MM) |
| Automobile&MotorCycle Exhaust Tube/Pipes | ASTMB337/338 | Gr1,Gr2,Gr9 | OD(38.1—88.9)X1.2X(L1000—2000mm) |
| Marine Industry | ASTM/AMS | Gr2,Gr5,Gr7,Gr12 | OD(23.1-210)X(W0.5-6.0)X(L1000-6000mm)
|
Chemical Composition of ASME SB338 Ti Gr 2 Seamless Pipe
| Grade | C | N | O | H | Ti | V | Al | Fe |
|---|
| Titanium Grade 1 | .08 Max | .03 Max | .18 Max | .015 Max | Bal | | | .20 Max |
|---|
| Titanium Grade 2 | 0.1 max | 0.03 max | 0.25 max | 0.015 max | 99.2 min | | | 0.3 max |
|---|
| Titanium Grade 4 | .08 Max | .05 Max | .40 Max | .015 Max | Bal | | | .50 Max |
|---|
| Titanium Grade 5 | 0.10 max | 0.05 max | 0.20 max | 0.015 max | 90 min | 3.5-4.5 | 5.5-6.75 max | 0.40 max |
|---|
| Titanium Grade 7 | .08 Max | .03 Max | .25 Max | .015 Max | Bal | | | .30 Max |
|---|
| Titanium Grade 9 | .08 Max | .03 Max | .15 Max | .015 Max | - | | | .25 Max |
|---|
| Titanium Grade 12 | .08 Max | .03 Max | .25 Max | 0.15 Max | - | | | .30 Max |
|---|
5. Manufacturing Processes of Titanium Seamless Pipes
The production of titanium seamless pipes involves advanced
manufacturing techniques that ensure high-quality and precision.
The process typically begins with the selection of titanium
billets, which are then heated and pierced to form a hollow tube.
The next step involves elongating the tube through rotary piercing
or extrusion methods, resulting in a seamless pipe with consistent
wall thickness. This manufacturing process not only enhances the
material's mechanical properties but also eliminates the weaknesses
associated with welded joints, resulting in a product that is both
reliable and durable.
Hot working techniques are commonly employed during the
manufacturing process to enhance the mechanical properties of
titanium. By applying heat and deformation, manufacturers can
improve the microstructure of the titanium, resulting in enhanced
strength and ductility. After forming, the pipes undergo a series
of heat treatments to optimize their properties further. These
processes are critical in ensuring that the final product meets
stringent industry standards and specifications.
Quality control is paramount in the manufacturing of titanium
seamless pipes, as the integrity of the final product is essential
for safe operation in heat exchangers. Manufacturers conduct
rigorous testing, including non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
such as ultrasonic and eddy current inspections, to detect any
potential flaws. This commitment to quality ensures that titanium
seamless pipes can withstand the rigors of industrial applications
and deliver optimal performance.
6. Future Trends in Titanium Seamless Pipe Technology
As industries continue to evolve, the demand for titanium seamless
pipes in heat exchangers is expected to grow. Ongoing research and
development efforts are focused on enhancing the properties of
titanium alloys, enabling them to perform even better under extreme
conditions. Innovations in manufacturing techniques, such as
additive manufacturing, are also opening new avenues for producing
complex geometries and tailored designs that meet specific
application requirements. These advancements will likely lead to
increased adoption of titanium seamless pipes in various
industries.
Sustainability is becoming a significant driver in material
selection, and titanium's recyclability contributes to its appeal
in modern applications. As industries strive to reduce their
environmental footprint, the use of durable and recyclable
materials like titanium will become increasingly important. Future
developments may focus on improving recycling processes for
titanium, ensuring that it remains a sustainable option for heat
exchangers and other critical applications.
Digitalization and smart technologies are also set to revolutionize
the way heat exchangers are designed and monitored. Integrating
sensors and real-time monitoring systems into titanium seamless
pipe designs could provide valuable insights into performance and
condition over time. Such advancements would not only enhance
operational efficiency but also enable predictive maintenance
strategies, ultimately leading to reduced operational costs and
improved reliability.
7. Titanium Tube Sizes
| Wall Thickness | Titanium Tube Sizes ( O.D.) |
|---|
| .010 | 1/16" , 1/8" , 3/16" |
| .020 | 1/16" , 1/8" , 3/16" , 1/4" , 5/16" , 3/8" |
| .012 | 1/8" |
| .016 | 1/8" , 3/16" |
| .028 | 1/8" , 3/16" , 1/4" , 5/16" , 3/8" , 1/2" , 3/4" , 1" , 1 1/2" , 2" |
| .035 | 1/8" , 3/16" , 1/4" , 5/16" , 3/8" , 7/16" , 1/2" , 16" , 5/8" ,
3/4" , 7/8" , 1" , 1 1/4" , 1 1/2" , 1 5/8" , 2" , 2 1/4" |
| .049 | 3/16" , 1/4" , 5/16" , 3/8" , 1/2" , 16" , 5/8" , 3/4" , 7/8" , 1"
, 1 1/8" , 1 1/4" , 1 1/2" , 1 5/8" , 2" , 2 1/4" |
| .065 | 1/4" , 5/16" , 3/8" , 1/2" , 16" , 5/8" , 3/4" , 7/8" , 1" , 1 1/4"
, 1 1/2" , 1 5/8" , 1 3/4" , 2" , 2 1/2" , 3" |
| .083 | 1/4" , 3/8" , 1/2" , 5/8" , 3/4" , 7/8" , 1" , 1 1/4" , 1 1/2" , 1
5/8" , 1 7/8" , 2" , 2 1/2" ,3" |
| .095 | 1/2" , 5/8" , 1" , 1 1/4" , 1 1/2" , 2" |
| .109 | 1/2" , 3/4" , 1" , 1 1/4" , 1 1/2" , 2" |
| .120 | 1/2" , 5/8" , 3/4" , 7/8" , 1" , 1 1/4" , 1 1/2" , 2" , 2 1/4" , 2
1/2" , 3" |
| .125 | 3/4" , 1" , 1 1/4" , 1 1/2" , 2" , 3" , 3 1/4" |
| .134 | 1" |
| .250 | 3" |
| .375 | 3 1/2" |
In summary, ASTM B338 Gr2, Gr5, Gr7, and Gr20 titanium seamless
pipes provide unmatched durability, strength, and corrosion
resistance across a variety of critical and demanding industrial
sectors. Their ability to perform under extreme conditions makes
them the ultimate choice for industries such as chemical,
aerospace, marine, and power generation.
