A Sa179 Tube is a high-performance, corrosion-resistant tube used in oil and gas pipelines, petrochemical plants, and gas distribution systems. Its resistance to corrosion and oxidation makes it the perfect choice for various applications. The SA179 Tube can be made of copper, stainless steel, or aluminum, depending on the application. The main difference between them is the thickness and the material of the wall, which is why it is essential to choose the correct type for your specific need.
About ASTM A179 Grade
A179 or ASTM A179 is a standard-grade carbon steel tube. Its main features are excellent tensile strength and good corrosion resistance. Moreover, it offers improved elongation.
A179 steel tubing is used in many industrial applications. Some examples include condensers, tubular heat exchangers, and industrial pipelines. Also they are used in the chemical and petroleum industries. These tubes have thick, dense zinc layers that help prevent corrosion and prevent the formation of impurities.
Moreover, the 304 stainless steel alloy provides tubes with high-end elasticity. This enables them to withstand pitting, stress crack corrosion, and chloride environment.
SA 179 steel tube is available in various dimensions and specifications in India. You can also choose to get the tubes cut-manufactured to your requirements.
ASME SA 179 Specifications
The ASME SA 179 tube is a cold-drawn seamless steel tube. It is used in a wide range of applications & is commonly found in chemical, food machinery, and petroleum industries.
This grade of steel tube has good oxidation and crevice corrosion resistance. It is also resistant to acid.
These tubes are also known to have high yield strength. The tensile strength of this particular grade is also a vital attribute. For instance, they can be manufactured to a specific diameter and length. Other options include bending, pickling, and U-bending.
Some typical uses of the SA 179 grade include heat exchangers and tubular heat exchangers. They are also used in condensers.
Hydrostatic test
You should perform hydrostatic testing if you have a tube made according to the standard ASME A179. This will check for any material cracks, defects, or other flaws.
The test will be conducted on both the shell and tube sides. You will be required to have a test hose and sufficient test pressure. However, you must be sure that there is no leakage or pressure drop at the test hose.
When you are doing hydrostatic testing, the material should be completely free of scale. You can apply water and soap solution to the tube sheet. It is also possible to substitute this test with a non-destructive electrical test.
Non-destructive electric test
Eddy current test is a non-destructive testing method. It is used to inspect the internal corrosion of tubes. The corrosion damage is instantly detected, and the extent of the damage is documented.
Depending on the size and shape of the tube, different types of non-destructive testing methods can be used. For example, an ultrasonic probe is used if the tube is tiny. Alternatively, a rotating eddy current probe is supplementary to a standard bobbin probe. A probe drive system inserts the eddy current probe into the tube. The electrical impedance of the eddy current probe during the test is measured to determine the degradation morphology.
Compared with conventional NDT techniques, eddy current is compact and portable. Using an eddy current instrument is convenient for inspections on-site. In addition, the data is automatically stored on a data disk. This information is kept as a backup for future reference.
Heat treatment
The ASME SA179 Tube is a low-carbon steel tube with many applications. It is an iron-base austenitic alloy highly resistant to chloride stress corrosion cracking. Also, other valuable properties include excellent resistance to sulfuric and phosphoric acids.
ASME SA179 tubes are manufactured with a diameter of 1/8” to 3”. They are used in various industrial pipelines for conveying high-temperature gases.
ASME SA179 Tubes can be heat treated in various ways. Moreover, heat treatment improves the mechanical properties of the tubes. These processes can generally increase the tube's temperature to more than 1000°F. However, this increases costs and can lead to a less attractive appearance.
Finished tubes must be free of scale. This is achieved through the use of inert gases such as Nitrogen. These gases are also used to prevent harmful chemicals from reaching the surface of the tubes.
