What are the differences between ASTM A106 pipe and ASTM A53 pipe?

As a whole

ASTM A53 seamless and welded steel pipe is a general, all-purpose pipe. Designed for coiling, bending and flanging, A53 carbon steel pipe is suitable for welding. The grades denote certain chemical and mechanical properties and should be noted in selection. A53 pipe is intended for mechanical and pressure applications and is also acceptable for ordinary uses in steam, water, gas and air lines, Low pressure systems, Structural applications, Mechanical components, Bollards, Casing, generator plants, refineries, compressor stations, natural gas transmission, and steam conduction.

ASTM A106 seamless steel pipe covers seamless carbon steel nominal wall pipe for high-temperature service, suitable for bending, flanging and similar forming operations. NPS 1-1/2 and under may be either hot finished or cold drawn. NPS 2 and larger shall be hot finished unless otherwise specified. Surface finish standards are outlined in the specification.

A106 pipe is always produced by the seamless method and can be bent, coiled and flanged and is intended for use in high temperature applications, Pressure systems, Mechanical components, Structural applications, Spreader bars.

Application

A 53 is a general steel pipe spec which covers galvanized pipe and black pipe. It is available in Type S (seamless), Type E (ERW, electric resistance welded longitudinal seam), and Type F (furnace welded).

A106 Gr. B is intended for high temperature service (up to 750 Deg F). It just applies to seamless steel pipe with killed steel. Pipe of NPS 1 1/2” and under may be either hot finished or cold drawn. Unless specified, pipe on and over NPS 2″ shall be furnished hot finished, while A53 and API 5L are not.

API 5L Gr. B (PSL-1) is mainly developed for Line pipes used in conveying gas, oil, and water in oil and gas industry. Either seamless steel pipe or welded pipe is OK.

Chemical compositions of ASTM A53 Pipes VS ASTM A106 Pipes:

The chemical composition difference between ASTM A106 and ASTM A53 can be obtained from the following table:

1.ASTM A106 contains silicon with a minimum content of 0.10%.ASTM A53 don’t contain silicon.Silicon as an alloying element improves heat resistance in ASTM A106 pipe,which is rated for high-temperature service.Without it,regular exposure to high temperatures can weaken pipe over time,increasing its risk of failure.

2.ASTM A53 and ASTM A106 have different manganese content.

3.ASTM A106 and ASTM A53 standards contain varying amounts of sulfur and phosphorus,and the maximum content of ASTM A106 standard is 0.035%.The content of sulfur and phosphorus in ASTM A53 was 0.05 and 0.045% respectively.These elements are normally considered impurities in steel,so their incorporation in piping is minimal. However, the trace amounts of these elements add machinability to steel pipe.