ASME SA249 TP304 Stainless Steel Welded Tube For Heat Exchanger and Condenser

A249 TP304 Welded Tubes refer to a specific type of stainless steel tubing that conforms to the ASTM A249/A249M standard, with the material grade TP304. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Chemical Composition of A249 TP304 (%)

The composition must meet the following limits (ASTM A249/A249M):

Note:

Low carbon (304L, ≤ 0.03% C) is available for improved weldability and corrosion resistance.

TP304H has higher carbon (0.04–0.10%) for high-temperature strength.

2. Mechanical Properties of A249 TP304

The required mechanical properties per ASTM A249:

Notes:

Tensile & Yield Strength: TP304 has good strength at both room and elevated temperatures.

Elongation: High ductility ensures good formability.

Hardness: Annealed condition ensures softness for welding and forming.

3. Additional Properties

• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to oxidation, acids, and chlorides (except in extreme conditions like high chloride + high temp).
• Weldability: Excellent (TIG, laser, or plasma welding preferred; post-weld annealing may be needed for critical applications).
• Temperature Range:
• Continuous Service: Up to 870°C (1600°F)
• Intermittent Service: Up to 925°C (1700°F)

4. Comparison with Other Grades

Conclusion

A249 TP304 welded tubes offer:
✔ High corrosion resistance (Cr-Ni content)
✔ Good mechanical strength & ductility
✔ Suitability for high-temperature service

A249 TP304 welded tubes are high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel tubes designed for high-temperature and high-pressure applications, particularly in boilers and heat exchangers. They offer excellent durability, weldability, and resistance to oxidation and corrosion.

ASTM A249 TP304 welded tubes are widely used in industries requiring corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and hygienic properties. Here are the key applications:

1. Heat Exchangers & Condensers

Shell & tube heat exchangers (for liquid/liquid or steam/fluid heat transfer)

Condenser tubes in power plants & refrigeration systems

Chemical processing heat exchangers (due to acid & chloride resistance)

Why TP304?
✔ Resists scaling & oxidation at high temps
✔ Handles corrosive fluids (coolants, steam, chemicals)

2. Boiler & Superheater Tubes

High-pressure steam boilers (power generation, industrial plants)

Superheater tubes (exposed to temps up to 870°C/1600°F)

Waste heat recovery systems

Why TP304?
✔ Retains strength at elevated temperatures
✔ Withstands thermal cycling

3. Food, Beverage & Pharmaceutical Industry

Sanitary tubing for milk, beer, juice processing

Biopharmaceutical piping (requires smooth, non-reactive surfaces)

Clean-in-place (CIP) systems

Why TP304?
✔ Easy to clean, FDA-compliant
✔ Resists organic acids (e.g., citric, lactic)

4. Oil, Gas & Petrochemical

Refinery heat exchangers

Offshore platform tubing (resists saltwater corrosion)

Chemical transport pipelines (mild acids, alkalis)

Why TP304?
✔ Good chloride resistance (better than carbon steel)
✔ Durability in harsh environments

5. Automotive & Aerospace

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers

Hydraulic & fuel lines

Aircraft fluid systems

Why TP304?
✔ Lightweight yet strong
✔ Fatigue-resistant for vibration-heavy applications

6. General Industrial & Architectural

Hydraulic/pneumatic tubing

Water treatment plants

Decorative handrails & facades (when polished)

Why TP304?
✔ Cost-effective vs. higher alloys (e.g., 316)
✔ Aesthetic appeal (polished/mirror finish)

Key Advantages of A249 TP304 Welded Tubes

✅ Corrosion-resistant (vs. carbon steel)
✅ High-pressure/temperature rated (per ASME Boiler Code)
✅ Easily welded & fabricated (TIG/Laser welded seams)
✅ Hygienic & non-reactive (ideal for food/pharma)