A106 vs. A53 — Welded vs. seamless steel pipe
If you read the ASTM and ASME standards for A106 and A53 pipe, you’d quickly observe how similar they are in terms of chemical makeup and manufacture. The most important difference is that pipe meeting the A106 standard must be seamless while pipe meeting A53 can either be seamless or welded.
Welded seam pipe is made by curling a steel plate into a cylinder and then joining the edges via a weld. Seamless pipe is made by piercing cylindrical bars of steel through the middle while it’s hot, creating the same shape but without a seam.
The reason for the difference lies in the suitable applications for each type. A53 pipe is best suited for transport of air, water, steam and oil in low- and medium pressure applications across the industrial spectrum. It’s also commonly used as structural steel.
A106 pipe is formulated specifically for high-temperature and high-pressure service, usually in power generation applications. High-pressure, high-heat service environments put added stress on pipe, so seamless pipe types are preferred in those settings since they’re at less risk of failure under stress than their welded counterparts.
A53 Pipe vs A106 Pipe – Scope
ASTM A53 is Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless.
ASTM A106 is Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service.
A53 Pipe vs A106 Pipe – Applied Type of Pipe
A 53 can be welded seam or seamless depending on how it is specificed for purchase. It is a general steel pipe spec and covers galvanized pipe as well as black pipe. A106 is a similar pipe in chemical composition but is intened for high temperature service (up to 750 Degs F). It is a seamless pipe. At least in the US, there is usually A53 for welded pipe while A106 is seamless. If you ask for A53 in the US they will quote A106 as an alternate.
ASTM A53 pipe application:
1. Construction, underground transportation, extraction of ground water while building, steam water transportation etc.
2. Bearing sets, machinery parts processing.
3. Electric application: Gas transmission, water power generation fluid pipeline.
4. Wind power plant anti-static tube etc.
5. Pipelines that required zinc coated.
ASTM A106 pipe application:
Especially for high temperature services that up to 750°F, and it could substitute ASTM A53 pipe in most of the cases. In some country at least in United States, usually ASTM A53 is for welded pipe while ASTM A106 is for seamless pipe. And if client asked for ASTM A53 they will also offer A106. In China, manufacturer will offer the pipe that comply to three standards ASTM A53 B / ASTM A106 B / API 5L B.