What is ASTM A106 Pipe?

ASTM A106 is the standard specification for seamless carbon steel pipe for high-temperature service. This specification exclusively covers seamless pipe. The ASTM A106 standard consists of three grades (A, B, and C) with progressively increasing strength levels to match different application requirements. The ASTM A106 Grade B pipe is the most popular grade as it is strong, flexible, and easy to weld. It handles bending and flanging well. This makes it ideal for compliated piping systems. A106 seamless pipe is used in refineries, power plants, chemical processing plants, and industrial steam systems that work at high temperatures. Materials that work well all the time are needed in these environments.

Comparison table of A106 Seamless Grades - A, B, C

The following table compares the three grades of ASTM A106 seamless carbon steel pipe:

Property Grade A Grade B Grade C
Tensile Strength (min) 330 MPa (48 ksi) 415 MPa (60 ksi) 485 MPa (70 ksi)
Yield Strength (min) 205 MPa (30 ksi) 240 MPa (35 ksi) 275 MPa (40 ksi)
Carbon Content (max) 0.25% 0.30%> 0.35%
Applications Lower temp service Most common use Higher strength needs

ASTM A106 Pipe Specifications

The A106 pipe spec covers seamless carbon steel pipe for high-temperature applications.

Standard ASTM A106 / ASME SA106
Types Seamless Only
Grades A, B, C
Pipes Size NPS 1/8" to NPS 48"
Thickness SCH 40, 80, 120, 160, XXS
Schedule SCH 40, SCH 80, SCH 160, SCH XS, SCH XXS, All Schedules
End Plain End (PE), Beveled End (BE)

Chemical Composition of A106 Carbon Steel Seamless Pipe

The chemical requirements for ASTM A106 seamless steel pipe provide consistent performance at elevated temperatures:

Element Grade A Grade B Grade C
Carbon (C) 0.25% max 0.30% max 0.35% max
Manganese (Mn) 0.27-0.93% 0.29-1.06% 0.29-1.06%
Phosphorus (P) 0.035% max 0.035% max 0.035% max
Sulfur (S) 0.035% max 0.035% max 0.035% max
Silicon (Si) 0.10% min 0.10% min 0.10% min

Mechanical Properties of A106 CS Pipe

The following mechanical properties represent tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation for pipe ASTM A106:

Property Grade A Grade B Grade C
Tensile Strength 330 MPa (48 ksi) 415 MPa (60 ksi) 485 MPa (70 ksi)
Yield Strength 205 MPa (30 ksi) 240 MPa (35 ksi) 275 MPa (40 ksi)
Elongation (min) 35% 30% 30%

A106 Pipe Schedule Chart

The ASTM A106 pipe schedule chart provides wall thickness values for different pipe sizes and schedules. These schedule numbers indicate increasing wall thickness.

NB Size OD 5S 40S 10S S60 S20 S10 S40 S80 XS/80S S120 S100 S160 S140 XXS
milimeter
15 1/2” 21.034 1.07 2.08 2.01       2.077 3.073 3.073     4.078   7.047
  1/4” 13.072     1.07       2.024 3.002            
32 1 1/4” 42.016 1.07 3.06 2.08       3.056 4.085 4.085     6.035   9.07
  1/8” 10.029     1.02       1.073 2.041            
20 3/4” 26.067 1.07 2.09 2.01       2.087 3.091 3.091     5.056   7.082
  3/8” 17.015     1.07       2.031 3.02            
25 1” 33.04 1.07 3.04 2.08       3.038 4.055 4.055     6.035   9.009
50 2” 60.033 1.07 3.09 2.08       3.091 5.054 5.054     9.074   11.01
65 2 1/2” 73.003 2.01 5.02 3.01       5.016 7.001 7.001     9.053   14
40 1 1/2” 48.026 1.07 3.07 2.08       3.068 5.008 5.008     7.014   10.02
80 3” 88.09 2.01 5.05 3.01       5.049 7.062 7.062     11.01   15.02
100 4” 114.03 2.01 6 3.01       6.002 8.056 8.056 11.01   13.05   17.01
90 3 1/2” 101.06 2.01 5.07 3.01       5.074 8.008 8.008          
125 5” 141.03 2.08 6.06 3.04       6.055 9.053 9.053 12.07   15.09   19.01
200 8” 219.01 2.08 8.02 3.08 10.03 6.04   8.018 12.07 12.07 19.03 15.01 23 20.06 22.02
250 10” 273.01 3.04 9.03 4.02 12.07 6.04   9.027 15.01 12.07 21.04 19.03 28.06 25.04 25.04
150 6” 168.03 2.08 7.01 3.04       7.011 11 10.097 14.03   18.03   22
300 12” 323.09 4 9.05 4.06 14.03 6.04   10.03 17.05 12.07 25.04 21.04 33.03 28.06 25.04
400 16” 406.04 4.02 9.05 4.08 16.07 7.09 6.04 12.07 21.04 12.07 31 26.02 40.05 36.05  
450 18” 457.02 4.02 9.05 4.08 19.01 7.09 6.04 14.03 23.08 12.07 34.09 29.04 45.02 39.07  
350 14” 355.06 4 9.05 4.08 15.01 7.09 6.04 11.01 19.01 12.07 27.08 23.08 35.07 31.08  
500 20” 508 4.08 9.05 5.05 20.06 9.05 6.04 15.01 26.02 12.07 38.01 32.05 50 44.05  
600 24” 609.06 5.05 9.05 6.04 24.06 9.05 6.04 17.05 31 12.07 46 38.09 59.05 52.04  
650 26” 660.04   9.05     13 7.09     12.07          
550 22” 558.08 4.08 9.05 5.05 22.02 9.05 6.04   28.06 12.07 41.03 34.09 54 47.06  
700 28” 711.02   9.05     13 7.09     12.07          
800 32” 812.08   9.05     13 7.09 17.05   12.07          
850 34” 863.06   9.05     13 7.09 17.05   12.07          
750 30” 762 6.04 9.05 7.09   13 7.09     12.07          
900 36” 914.04   9.05     13 7.09 19.01   12.07          

ASTM A106 Pipe Weight Chart

Weight changes based on size and schedule. This helps you determine shipping costs and how much weight a structure can hold.

Other Diameter Size WT Weight Inside Diameter of Pipe Schedule
Pipe #		 Gallon XXHY Standard to Modulus Section
    0.0147 1.009 0.0546 80 .00122 XHY .00478
0.084 1/2 0.0109 0.085 0.0622 40 .00158 STD .00407
    0.0188 1.031 0.0464 160 .00088   .00528
    0.0154 1.048 0.0742 80 .00225 XHY .00853
1.005 3/4 0.0113 1.013 0.0824 40 .00277 STD .00705
    0.0219 1.095 0.0612 160 .00153   .01006
    0.0179 2.017 0.0957 80 .00374 XHY .01606
1.0315 1 0.0133 1.068 1.0049 40 .00449 STD .01328
    0.0250 2.085 0.0815 160 .00271   .01904
    0.0191 3.000 1.0278 80 .00666 XHY .02913
1.066 1 1/4 0.0140 2.027 1.0380 40 .00777 STD .02346
    0.0250 3.077 1.0160 160 .00549   .03421
    0.0200 3.063 1.0500 80 .00918 XHY .04118
1.090 1 1/2 0.0145 2.072 1.0610 40 .01058 STD .03262
    0.0281 4.086 1.0338 160 .00730   .05079
    0.0154 3.066 2.0067 40 .01743 STD .05606
2.0375 2 0.0109 2.064 2.0157 10 .01898   .04205
    0.0218 5.003 1.0939 80 .01534 XHY .07309
    0.0281 6.029 1.0813   .01344   .08666
    0.0250 5.068 1.0875   .01434   .08045
    0.0344 7.047 1.0687 160 .01161   .09806
    0.0203 5.080 2.0469 40 .02487 STD.0 1.00640
    0.0216 6.014 2.0443   .02435   1.01169
2.0875 2 1/2 0.0120 3.053 2.0635 10 .02833   .06870
    0.0250 7.002 2.0375   .02301   1.02468
    0.0375 10.002 2.0125 160 .01842   1.06371
    0.0276 7.067 2.0323 80 .02202 XHY 1.03386
3.050 3 0.0120 4.034 3.0260   .04336   1.00411
    0.0172 6.012 3.0156   .04064   1.04265
    0.0156 5.058 3.0188   .04147   1.03122
    0.0188 6.066 3.0124   .03984   1.05342
    0.0250 8.069 3.0000   .03672   1.09372
    0.0216 7.058 3.0068 40 .03840 STD.0 1.07241
    0.0281 9.067 2.0938   .03521   2.01207
    0.0438 14.034 2.0624 160 .02811   2.08774
    0.0300 10.026 2.0900 80 .03431 XHY 2.02253
4.00 3 1/2 0.0120 4.098 3.0760 10 .05768   1.03776
    0.0250 10.002 3.0500   .04998   2.06001
    0.0281 11.017 3.0438   .04821   2.08562
    0.0226 9.012 3.0548 140 .05136 STD.0 2.03939
    0.0318 12.052 3.0364 80 .04617 XHY 3.01400
    0.0156 7.024 4.0188   .07156   2.02354
    0.0188 8.067 4.0124   .06942   2.06296
    1.0125 66.014 4.0375   .07809   23.01237
4.05 4 0.0120 5.062 4.0260 10 .07404   1.07612
    0.0203 9.032 4.0094   .06838   2.08173
    0.0237 10.080 4.0026 40 .06613 STD.0 3.02145
    0.0250 11.036 4.0000   .06528   3.03611
    0.0219 10.002 4.0062   .06725   3.00184
    0.0281 12.067 3.0938 60 .06326   3.07021
    0.0337 15.000 3.0826 80 .05972 XHY 4.02713
    0.0312 13.097 3.0876   .06126   4.00273
    0.0438 19.002 3.0624 120 .05361   5.01790
5.0563 5 0.0188 10.080 5.0187   1.00979   4.01161
    0.0531 22.053 3.0438 160 .04822   5.08997
    0.0219 12.051 5.0125   1.00716   4.07279
    0.0281 15.087 5.0001   1.00204   5.08644
    0.0312 17.051 4.0939   .099647   6.04074
    0.0258 14.063 5.0047 40 1.00391 STD.0 5.04500
    0.0375 20.080 4.0813 80 .09449 XHY 7.04300
    0.0344 19.019 4.0875   .09696   6.09358
    0.0500 27.006 4.0563 120 .08495   9.02534
6.0625 6 0.0109 7.059 6.0407 5 1.06748   3.05769
    0.0134 9.030 6.0357 10 1.06488   4.03475
    0.0625 32.099 4.0313 160 .07590   10.07976
    0.0156 10.079 6.0313   1.06260   5.00107
    0.0203 13.094 6.0219   1.05780   6.03804
    0.0219 15.000 6.0187   1.05620   6.08261
    0.0188 12.094 6.0249   1.05937   5.09351
    0.0250 17.004 6.0125   1.05306   7.06905
    0.0312 21.006 6.0001   1.04688   9.03416
    0.0344 23.010 5.0937   1.04391   10.0111
    0.0280 18.099 6.0065 40 1.05008 STD.0 8.04958
    0.0375 25.005 5.0875   1.04082   10.0893
    0.0500 32.074 5.0625   1.02909   13.0711
    0.0432 28.060 5.0761 80 1.03541 XHY 12.0224
    0.0625 40.009 5.0375   1.01787   16.01821
    0.0562 36.043 5.0501 120 1.02346   14.09806
    0.0864 53.021 4.0897   .09784 XXHY 20.0025
    0.0719 45.039 5.0187 160 1.00977   17.08243
    1.0000 60.013 4.0625   .08727   21.07719

Industries Using ASTM A106 Carbon Steel Pipe

ASTM A106 CS pipe is used in the following 6 industries that demand high-temperature service and reliable performance:

Oil & Gas Industry

A106 seamless pipe is used in high-temperature hydrocarbon transport, crude oil heating lines, steam injection systems, and refinery process piping where reliable performance is very important at high temperatures.

Power Generation Industry

This pipe is usually used in boiler piping, steam lines, superheater tubes and economiser connections. In power plant applications, ASTM A106 Grade B pipe handles steam temperatures up to 400°C (750°F).

Chemical Processing Industry

This seamless pipe is used in process piping for reactors, heat exchangers, and distillation columns. In the chemical manufacturing facilities, A106 pipe handles high-temperature process fluids.

HVAC & District Heating Systems

ASTM A106 pipe is used in hot water distribution, steam heating networks, and district heating systems where high-temperature fluid transport requires reliable, long-lasting piping materials.

Manufacturing & Industrial Processing

A106 CS pipes are used in manufacturing facilities for steam supply lines, process heating systems, and industrial boiler connections. High-temperature carbon steel piping is necessary for these applications.

Food & Beverage Processing

This pipe is used in steam supply systems for cooking, sterilization, and cleaning operations. A106 pipe provides reliable steam distribution in food processing facilities.

ASTM A106 vs A53 - Comparison

The following table highlights key differences between ASTM A106 and ASTM A53 pipe specifications:

Feature ASTM A106 ASTM A53
Type Seamless only Seamless/Welded
Service High temperature General purpose
Testing More rigorous Standard testing
Cost Higher Lower
Use Critical service General use

Testing & Certification

All our ASTM A106 pipes go through the following tests and certifications:

  • Tensile Test – Verifies the minimum tensile and yield strength requirements.
  • Hydrostatic Test – Confirms pressure integrity as per the ASTM requirements.
  • Flattening Test – Verifies ductility and weld soundness.
  • Bend Test – Confirms formability for bending operations.
  • EN 10204 / 3.1B MTC – Provides chemical and mechanical properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What temperature is A106 rated for?

    ASTM A106 is designed for continuous service temperatures up to approximately 400°C (750°F). The chrome-moly alloy grades such as ASTM A335 P11 or P22 are recommended for applications that need higher temperature service.

  • Is A106 pipe seamless only?

    Yes, ASTM A106 covers seamless pipe only. For welded pipe in similar applications, ASTM A53 Type E (ERW) or Type S (seamless) may be used for lower-temperature, general-purpose service.