Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe

A135/A135M - 09: Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe

For engineers and designers working with steel piping systems, understanding material specifications is paramount to ensuring project success, safety, and longevity. ASTM A135/A135M - 09, the "Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe," provides an essential framework for procuring and utilizing this common and versatile material. This authoritative standard ensures that ERW steel pipe meets stringent requirements for mechanical properties, dimensional tolerances, and manufacturing integrity, making it a cornerstone for various industrial applications.

What is A135/A135M - 09?

ASTM A135/A135M - 09 is a comprehensive industry-leading standard that defines the requirements for two grades of electric-resistance-welded (ERW) steel pipe. Originating from ASTM International, this specification ensures that ERW steel pipe is manufactured to consistent quality and performance standards for a wide range of industrial and utility applications. Its primary purpose is to provide purchasers with a clear benchmark for ordering and quality assurance of ERW steel pipe.

Scope & Purpose

This proven standard governs the manufacture and performance of electric-resistance-welded steel pipe in nominal sizes ranging from NPS 2 to NPS 30, with specific limitations on wall thickness depending on the nominal size. It covers pipe intended for conveying fluids and gases, with Grade A specifically noted as suitable for flanging and bending, while Grade B also offers good performance. The standard specifies requirements for material composition, mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and testing methods. Notably, it does not cover pipe with dimensions outside the specified ranges unless explicitly agreed upon by the manufacturer and purchaser.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, Production Engineers, Procurement Specialists, and Design Engineers.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Construction, Energy (oil, gas, and power generation), and Utilities (water and wastewater).
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but often made mandatory through contractual agreements and project specifications.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced by quality assurance departments, third-party inspection agencies, and regulatory bodies where applicable.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that ERW steel pipe be manufactured from specific steel grades (A and B) with defined chemical composition limits. Professionals must ensure that the pipe meets specified minimum tensile strength and yield strength requirements, as detailed in the standard's tables. Key provisions include adherence to dimensional tolerances for outside diameter and wall thickness, and the performance of various tests, including hydrostatic testing and mechanical property evaluations. The standard also outlines acceptable methods for heat treatment of the weld seam in Grade B pipe to prevent untempered martensite.

Related Standards & References

To ensure comprehensive application and integration, A135/A135M - 09 frequently references other essential ASTM standards. These include ASTM A370, which provides detailed test methods for mechanical testing of steel products, crucial for verifying tensile and yield strength. ASME B36.10M is a critical reference for standardized dimensions of welded and seamless wrought steel pipe, ensuring compatibility and interchangeability. Additionally, ASTM A751 is referenced for chemical analysis of steel products, ensuring material composition