You use ASTM A790 when you need tough pipes for hard places. This ASTM rule is for duplex and super duplex stainless steel pipes. These pipes are special because they fight rust and cracking from stress. Many businesses use these pipes, like oil and gas, chemical plants, and ships. These pipes work well in seawater systems, heat exchangers, and storage tanks. They are great where strength and safety are very important.
Key Takeaways
- ASTM A790 pipes work well in hard places. They do not rust or crack easily. This makes them good for oil and gas jobs.
- You can pick seamless or welded pipes for your needs. Seamless pipes are strong and smooth. Welded pipes cost less for long pieces.
- Duplex and super duplex stainless steels mix ferritic and austenitic traits. These pipes are strong and tough. They do not corrode much, even in salty or chemical places.
- Always check the tests and heat treatments needed for your pipes. This helps make sure they are safe and good quality, especially under high pressure.
- Picking the right pipe size and grade is very important. It keeps the system safe and working well. Think about corrosion resistance and strength when you choose.
ASTM A790 Overview
ASTM Scope
ASTM A790 is used for pipes that do hard work. This rule is for seamless and welded pipes made from duplex and super duplex stainless steel. These pipes are good at stopping rust and cracks from stress. You see them in oil and gas plants, chemical factories, and ships.
Here is a table that shows what ASTM A790 is for:
| Objective/Scope | Description |
|---|---|
| General Purpose | Covers seamless and straight-seam welded ferritic/austenitic steel pipe for general corrosive service. |
| Temperature Sensitivity | These steels can become brittle if used for long periods at high temperatures. |
| Manufacturing Process | Pipes are made by seamless or automatic welding, with no filler metal added during welding. |
| Supplementary Requirements | You can ask for extra testing if you need more proof of quality. |
ASTM A790 is about pipes that fight rust and cracking. The rule also says to be careful with high heat for a long time. Always check the temperature rules before picking a pipe.
A790 Pipe Types
There are two main pipe types in ASTM A790: seamless and welded. Each type is made and tested in its own way.
Here is a table that compares seamless and welded pipes:
| Aspect | Seamless Pipe | Welded Pipe |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | Made using a seamless process, no filler metal during welding. | Made using automatic welding, no filler metal. |
| Heat Treatment | May get quenched or cooled quickly after hot forming. | No heat treatment after welding unless you ask for it. |
| Final Heat Treatment | Not needed if certain conditions are met and tested. | Needed unless the plate was heat-treated before welding. |
- Seamless pipes have a smooth look and strong build.
- Welded pipes cost less and can be made longer.
Pick the pipe that works best for you. If you want strong pipes and a nice finish, choose seamless. If you need long pipes and want to save money, welded pipes are good.
Tip: Always check what tests and heat treatments you need. ASTM A790 lets you ask for more tests if you want extra safety.
Duplex stainless steel pipes in ASTM A790 have a mix of ferritic and austenitic steel. This mix makes pipes strong and good at fighting rust. Super duplex grades, like UNS S32750 and S32760, protect even better in tough places.
Use these pipes when you need strong, safe, and long-lasting pipes. ASTM A790 helps you pick the right pipe for your job.
Duplex and Super Duplex Stainless Steel
Duplex stainless steel pipes are strong and safe for hard jobs. Duplex has both ferritic and austenitic steel mixed together. This mix makes the pipes tough and helps stop rust. Super duplex stainless steel is even better at these things. Super duplex pipes are used where there is high pressure and lots of salt, like on oil rigs and in chemical plants.
Duplex Microstructure
Duplex has a special inside structure. It has both ferrite and austenite inside. This mix gives the pipe more strength and toughness. Ferrite helps stop cracks from stress, especially in salty water. Austenite makes the pipe tough and lets it handle high heat. These pipes last longer and can stand up to strong chemicals.
Duplex steels are better at stopping rust, especially from chloride stress and pitting, and are stronger than regular austenitic stainless steels.
Here is why duplex stainless steel pipes are special:
- The two-part structure makes the pipe strong and tough.
- Ferrite gives strength and helps stop cracks from stress.
- Austenite makes the pipe bend without breaking and helps stop rust.
You can see what is in duplex stainless steel in this table:
| Element | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | < 0.04% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20% – 30% |
| Nickel (Ni) | < 9.5% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | Minor Alloying |
| Nitrogen (N) | Minor Alloying |
| Tungsten (W) | Minor Alloying |
| Copper (Cu) | Minor Alloying |
Duplex pipes usually have 20–30% chromium and 5–8% nickel. There are also small amounts of nitrogen and molybdenum. These help the pipe stay strong and fight rust.
Super Duplex Grades
Super duplex stainless steel protects even more. Super duplex pipes are used where there are strong chemicals and lots of salt. Grades like UNS S32750 and S32760 have more chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. This makes super duplex pipes stronger and better at stopping rust.
Here is a table that shows the difference between two super duplex grades:
| Alloy Grade | Chromium (%) | Nickel (%) | Molybdenum (%) | Copper (%) | Tungsten (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNS S32750 | 25 | 7 | 4 | 0.5 max | N/A |
| UNS S32760 | 25 | 7 | 3-4 | 0.5-1.0 | 0.5-1.0 |
- UNS S32750 has about 25% chromium, 7% nickel, and 4% molybdenum.
- UNS S32760 is almost the same but has copper and tungsten for more strength.
Super duplex pipes are stronger and better at stopping pitting and crevice corrosion. These pipes last longer in tough places.

Super duplex stainless steel, like UNS S32760, mixes the best parts of ferritic and austenitic grades. It has more chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen. This means super duplex pipes are better at stopping rust and cracking than regular duplex. They are also stronger and work better in salty water.
Here is a quick look at what makes super duplex pipe different:
- Super duplex pipe has more chromium and molybdenum to help stop rust.
- It is stronger and better at stopping cracks.
- Super duplex pipe lasts longer in places with lots of salt and chemicals.
ASTM A790 Features
Corrosion Resistance
ASTM A790 pipes protect well against rust and damage. They work great in salty places, like near the ocean or in chemical plants. Duplex and super duplex grades help stop pitting, crevice corrosion, and cracking from stress. This makes them a good pick for tough jobs.
Here is a table that shows how different pipe types do in salty places:
| Pipe Type | Corrosion Resistance | Environment |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A790 UNS S37500 | Exceptional pitting/stress corrosion resistance | Chloride-rich environments |
| ASTM A790 UNS S31803 | High corrosion resistance | Sea water and chloride ion rich environments |
Both duplex and super duplex pipes do well in hard conditions. The duplex structure helps keep cracks from starting when under stress. Super duplex grades, like UNS S32750, have more chromium, molybdenum, and nickel. This makes them even better at stopping pitting and crevice corrosion.
- ASTM A790 UNS S32750 super duplex pipes are made to be very strong and resist rust.
- They have 25% chromium, 4% molybdenum, and 7% nickel to help stop pitting and crevice corrosion.
- The duplex structure helps stop cracks from stress in salty places.
Tip: If you need pipes that fight rust in salty or chemical places, ASTM A790 pipes are a safe choice.
Mechanical Strength
ASTM A790 pipes are not just good at fighting rust. They are also very strong. Duplex and super duplex grades are stronger than regular stainless steel pipes. This means you can use thinner pipes and still be safe.
Here is a table that shows the strength of some common grades:
| Property | UNS S31803 (Duplex 2205) | UNS S32205 (Duplex 2205) | UNS S32750 (Super Duplex 2507) | UNS S32760 (Super Duplex) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset), min | 450 MPa (65 ksi) | 450 MPa (65 ksi) | 550 MPa (80 ksi) | 550 MPa (80 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength, min | 620 MPa (90 ksi) | 620 MPa (90 ksi) | 800 MPa (116 ksi) | 750 MPa (109 ksi) |

When you look at ASTM A790 duplex pipes and compare them to austenitic stainless steels like 316L or 317L, you see some big differences:
- Duplex stainless steel (ASTM A790) is stronger than austenitic grades like 316L and 317L.
- It is better at stopping cracks from stress.
- S32205 is great at stopping pitting and crevice corrosion in many tough places.
You get both strength and rust protection in one pipe. This makes ASTM A790 a smart choice for many jobs that need strong, long-lasting pipes.
A790 Manufacturing
Seamless Pipes
Seamless pipes are good for high-pressure jobs. The a790 standard tells how to make these pipes. Workers melt raw stuff and make billets. They roll billets to make seamless pipes. Cold drawing and annealing make pipes stronger. Here are some steps in the process:
- Get mother tubes ready.
- Pierce or extrude to make a hollow tube.
- Use mandrel or plug milling to stretch and shrink the tube.
After shaping, pipes get solution treatment and trimming. Workers inspect, clean, and pack the pipes. Every step helps pipes meet a790 rules for quality and strength.
Welded Pipes
Welded pipes cost less for long jobs. You start with steel plates or coils. Machines weld edges together with no filler metal. Automatic welding makes seams smooth. You can ask for heat treatment after welding. This helps pipes fight rust. Welded pipes are often longer. They work well for big projects.
Welded pipes help save money and time. They are great when you need lots of pipes for factories.
Quality Control
Quality control keeps a790 pipes safe and strong. Workers check raw stuff for chemicals and defects. They watch temperature to stop overheating. Rolling and perforation keep pipes the right size. Removing surface defects makes pipes smooth. Final checks look at how pipes look, their size, and strength. Non-destructive tests find hidden problems inside pipes.
Here is a table with common problems found during quality checks:
| Common Failure Modes | Description |
|---|---|
| Ferrite Content | Too much ferrite makes pipes weak and easy to break. |
| Hardness | If hardness is above hb290, pipes may break under stress. |
| Metallographic Structure | Bad structure causes defects and weak pipes. |
All good pipes get packed and labeled right. These steps help you trust a790 pipes in tough places.
A790 Applications
Oil and Gas
ASTM A790 pipes are used in oil and gas work. They are found on offshore rigs and in refineries. These pipes can handle high pressure and resist rust. ASTM A790 pipes must meet strict rules for safety. Here is a table that shows what matters:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Pipes have exact amounts of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen. This mix helps stop rust. |
| Mechanical Properties | Pipes need high yield and tensile strength. These numbers are much higher than regular stainless steel. |
| Manufacturing Methods | Pipes are made by seamless or automatic welding. No filler metal is used. |
| Testing & Quality Control | Pipes are tested with water, stretching, and flattening. Workers also use sound waves to check for problems. |
These pipes are safe and last a long time in oil and gas fields.
Marine Environments
Strong pipes are needed for marine places. Duplex and super duplex pipes work well in salty water. They have lots of chromium and molybdenum. This helps them fight rust. Here are some reasons these pipes are better:
- Pipes have lots of chromium and molybdenum.
- They resist rust in places with lots of chloride.
- These pipes last longer than other materials in the ocean.
Tip: Pick ASTM A790 pipes for seawater systems, shipbuilding, and offshore platforms. These pipes can handle tough marine conditions.
Chemical Processing
Chemical plants need pipes that can handle strong chemicals. Pipes must also stand up to high pressure. ASTM A790 pipes help solve these problems. Here are some main challenges:
- Pipes can crack from stress caused by chloride.
- You need strong pipes for hard jobs.
- Pipes must fight rust in tough chemical places.
You can use these pipes in reactors, heat exchangers, and tanks. They help keep your plant safe and working well.
Pulp and Paper
Pulp and paper factories need pipes that last. These places use chemicals that can hurt regular pipes. ASTM A790 duplex and super duplex pipes fight rust and last longer. You can use them in bleaching, digesters, and chemical recovery systems. These pipes help lower downtime and repair costs.
Note: ASTM A790 pipes give strong and safe solutions for many jobs. They work well in oil and gas, marine, chemical, and pulp and paper industries.
Sizes and Standards
Pipe Dimensions
You need to know the right pipe size for your project. ASTM A790 pipes come in many sizes and wall thicknesses. You can find pipes with small or large diameters. Some pipes have thick walls for high-pressure jobs. Here is a table that shows common sizes for duplex and super duplex pipes:
| Pipe Grade | Outside Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| UNS S31803 | 0.5″ – 24″ | 6mm – 30mm |
| UNS S32205 | Up to 250 MM | 0.3 MM to 50 MM |
| UNS S32205 | Up to 12 Inches NB | 0.020 Inches to 0.220 Inches |
You can choose pipes with outside diameters from half an inch to twenty-four inches. Wall thickness can range from very thin to very thick. This helps you match the pipe to your needs, whether you need strength or flexibility.
Tip: Always check the pipe size and wall thickness before you order. The right size keeps your system safe and strong.
Common Grades
You see several grades used in ASTM A790 pipes. Each grade has special features for different jobs. Here are the most common grades:
- UNS S31803
- UNS S32750
- UNS S32760
You can pick a grade based on how much strength and corrosion resistance you need. Super duplex grades like UNS S32750 and UNS S32760 work well in tough places with lots of salt or chemicals.
Related ASTM Standards
You may need to look at other ASTM standards when you work with duplex and super duplex pipes. These standards help you understand how pipes are made and tested. Here is a table that shows some important standards:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM A790 | Specifies elements and requirements for the manufacture of seamless and welded pipes. |
| ASTM A928 | Covers only electric fusion welded pipes, specifically for ferritic-austenitic stainless steel. |
You can use ASTM A790 for most jobs. ASTM A928 is important if you need electric fusion welded pipes. These standards help you make sure your pipes meet safety and quality rules.
Note: Knowing the right standards helps you choose the best pipe for your project. Always check which ASTM rules apply before you buy.
Comparing Pipe Materials
Duplex vs. Austenitic Stainless
When you compare duplex stainless steel to austenitic stainless steel, you see some clear differences. Duplex pipes give you better protection in tough places. You often find these pipes in places with lots of salt or chemicals. Here are some reasons why duplex stainless steel stands out:
- Duplex stainless steel has better corrosion resistance than austenitic stainless steel.
- It works well in harsh places with chlorides and sulfides.
- The balanced microstructure mixes the best parts of ferritic and austenitic stainless steels.
You can use duplex pipes when you need extra strength and rust protection. Austenitic stainless steel, like 304 or 316, works well for many jobs, but it does not handle salty or chemical-rich places as well as duplex.
Duplex vs. Carbon Steel
You may wonder how duplex pipes compare to carbon steel pipes. Duplex pipes last longer in places where rust is a problem. Carbon steel pipes can rust quickly if you do not protect them. Duplex pipes also have higher strength, so you can use thinner walls and still keep your system safe.
| Feature | Duplex Stainless Steel | Carbon Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Strength | High | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long | Short (if uncoated) |
| Maintenance | Low | High |
Note: If you want pipes that last and need less care, duplex stainless steel is a smart choice over carbon steel.
Cost and Performance
You might think duplex pipes cost more at first. That is true, but you save money over time. Duplex pipes need less repair and last longer. You also use less material because of their strength. Carbon steel costs less to buy, but you spend more on upkeep. Austenitic stainless steel sits between the two in price and performance.
- Duplex pipes give you a good balance of cost and long-term value.
- You get high strength, great corrosion resistance, and lower maintenance costs.
Choosing the right pipe helps you keep your system safe and your costs low.
You get strong pipes that last a long time with astm a790 duplex and super duplex pipes. These pipes do not rust or crack easily, even in hard places. They also do not wear away fast. Before you pick a pipe, think about a few things:
- How well the pipe fights rust and how strong it is
- If the pipe is seamless or welded
- What the temperature and pressure will be like
- If the pipe is tough and easy to weld
Choosing the right pipe helps keep things safe and working well. It is smart to ask suppliers or experts for help before you buy.
FAQ
What makes duplex and super duplex pipes different?
You see duplex pipes with a mix of ferrite and austenite. Super duplex pipes have more chromium and molybdenum. Super duplex pipes resist rust better and work well in salty or chemical-rich places.
Can you weld ASTM A790 pipes easily?
You can weld these pipes using standard methods. Duplex and super duplex pipes need careful heat control. This helps you avoid cracks and keeps the pipe strong.
Tip: Always check welding guidelines for your pipe grade.
Where do you use ASTM A790 pipes most?
You use these pipes in oil and gas, chemical plants, and marine systems. They work well in places with high pressure, salt, or strong chemicals.
| Industry | Common Use |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Pipelines, refineries |
| Marine | Seawater systems, ships |
| Chemical Plants | Reactors, tanks |
How do you choose between seamless and welded pipes?
You pick seamless pipes for high pressure and a smooth finish. Welded pipes cost less and come in longer lengths. Your choice depends on your project needs.
- Seamless: Strong, smooth, best for pressure.
- Welded: Cheaper, longer, good for big jobs.
