Nickel Seamless Pipe and Tube

B161: Standard Specification for Nickel Seamless Pipe and Tube

In critical applications demanding robust material performance, specifying the right components is paramount. ASTM B161 provides the essential framework for engineers and procurement specialists to confidently select and utilize nickel seamless pipe and tube, ensuring integrity and reliability in challenging operational environments.

What is B161?

ASTM B161 is an authoritative industry standard that defines comprehensive requirements for cold-worked seamless pipe and tube made from two grades of nickel: commercially pure nickel (UNS N02200) and low-carbon nickel (UNS N02201). Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures material consistency and performance for these vital components in various industrial sectors.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the material composition, mechanical properties, and testing requirements for nickel seamless pipe and tube intended for general industrial applications. It specifies acceptable chemical compositions and mechanical properties, including tensile strength and yield strength, for both annealed and stress-relieved conditions. While it primarily covers cold-worked products, it acknowledges the availability of hot-worked material with properties to be agreed upon separately. The standard explicitly focuses on material specifications and does not purport to address all safety concerns associated with its use.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Design Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Procurement Specialists.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Chemical Processing, Energy (including Oil & Gas and Nuclear), Aerospace, and any industry requiring corrosion-resistant or high-temperature piping systems.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but adoption is strongly recommended for ensuring quality and interoperability. Compliance is often mandated by project specifications or contractual agreements.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through internal quality assurance programs, customer audits, and third-party inspections, ensuring adherence to specified material properties and testing requirements.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires strict adherence to specified chemical composition limits for nickel content, along with controlled levels of impurities such as copper, iron, and carbon. Professionals must ensure that the mechanical properties, including minimum tensile and yield strengths and elongation, meet the criteria outlined for the material's condition (annealed or stress-relieved) and size. Key provisions include mandatory testing, such as hydrostatic or nondestructive electric testing, to verify the integrity of each pipe and tube. Furthermore, the standard mandates that material furnished must conform to the applicable general requirements outlined in ASTM B829, unless specifically modified within B161.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B161 is often used in conjunction with ASTM B829, Specification for General Requirements for Nickel and Nickel Alloys Seamless Pipe and Tube, which provides overarching requirements for testing and dimensional tolerances. For specific applications, particularly in the nuclear sector, engineers may also reference standards like USNRC-RDT Standards, which have previously incorporated B161. Understanding these complementary documents ensures a comprehensive approach to material selection and application.