ASTM A106 grade B pipe is the standard specification for seamless carbon steel pipe used for high-temperature services. It includes three grades: A, B, and C, with Grade B being commonly used. This type of pipe finds applications in various industries, including pipeline systems for oil and gas, water, and mineral slurry transmission. It is also used in boiler systems and for construction and structural purposes.

ASTM A106 Grade B Pipe Standard

 Scope

This specification covers seamless carbon steel pipe for high-temperature service(Note l)in NPS 1/8 to NPS 48 inclusive, with nominal(average)wall thickness as given in ANSI B 36.10.It shall be permissible to furnish pipe having other dimensions provided such pipe complies with all other requirements of this specification. Pipe ordered under this specification shall be suitable for bending, flanging, and similar forming operations, and for welding.When the steel is to be welded, it is presupposed that a welding procedure suitable to the grade of steel and intended use or service will be utilized(Note 2).

Note 1-It is suggested, consideration be given to possible graphitization.

Note 2-The purpose for which the pipe is to be used should be stated in the order, Grade A rather than Grade B or Grade C is the preferred grade for close coiling or cold bending. This note is not intended to prohibit the cold bending of Grade B seamless pipe.

ASTM A106 Grade B Pipe Specification

ASTM A106 carbon steel pipe specification is mainly applicable to seamless steel pipes size range of 1/8″ to 48″ (DN6 to DN1200). Wall thickness of these steel pipes must comply with ASME B36.10 standard.

Processing Method	Seamless and Welded
Size Range	1/8″- 48″ / DN6 – 1200
Thickness Schedule	SCH 10, SCH 20, SCH 40, STD, XS, SCH 100, SCH 120, SCH 160, XXS
Length	6m or 12 m or Random
Standard	ASME B36.10M
Surface Treatment	Blasting and Painting , Epoxy Powder FBE, 2PE, 3PE Coating
Material Grade	ASTM A106B / A53, API 5L B

ASTM A106 B Material Analysis

The carbon content range of ASTM A106 Grade B pipe is 0.3%. Carbon is a key element that affects the strength and hardness of steel. Within this content range, ASTM A106 B material can achieve good strength while maintaining a certain toughness.

	Grade A	Grade B	Grade C
Carbon max. %	0.25	0.30*	0.35*
*Manganese %	0.27 to 0.93	*0.29 to 1.06	*0.29 to 1.06
Phosphorous, max. %	0.035	0.035	0.035
Sulfur, max. %	0.035	0.035	0.035
Silicon, min.%	0.1	0.1	0.1
Chrome, max. %	0.4	0.4	0.4
Copper, max. %	0.4	0.4	0.4
Molybdenum, max. %	0.15	0.15	0.15
Nickel, max. %	0.4	0.4	0.4
Vanadium, max.%	0.08	0.08	0.08
*Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, for each reduction of 0.01% below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06% manganese above the specified maximum will be permitted up to a maximum of 1.65% (1.35% for ASME SA106).

The minimum tensile strength of ASTM A106 Grade B pipe is 415 MPa. Tensile strength is the maximum stress that a material can withstand during stretching. The tensile strength of A106 B ensures that the material will not break easily when subjected to tensile loads.

Mechanical Properties
Grade	Grade A		Grade B		Grade C
Tensile stength,min,psi	48000 [330]		60000 [415]		70000 [485]
Yield strength,min,psi[MPa]	30000 [205]		35000 [240]		40000 [275]
Direction	Longitudinal	Transverse	Longitudinal Transverse		Longitudinal Transverse
Elongation in 2 in.[50mm],min,%
Basic minimum elongation transverse strip tests,and for small sizes tested in full section	35	25	30	16.5	30	16.5
When standard round 2-in [50-mm]gage length test specimen is used	28	20	22	12	20	12
For longitudinal strip tests	A		A		A
For transverse strip tests,a deduction for each 1/32-in. [0.8-mm]decrease in wall thickness below 5/16 in. [7.9 mm]from the basic minimum elongation of the following percentage shall be made		1.25		1.00		1.00

Equivalent Material of ASTM A106 Grade B Carbon Steel Pipes

Former		New
Execution	Standard	Material	Standard	Material
Seamless	EN 10216-2	P265GH	ASTM A106	GRADE B

A106 Pipe vs A53 Pipe

		Grade A	Grade B	Grade C
ASTM A53	Tenside strength, min, psi (MPa)	48000(330)	60000(415)
	Yield strength, min, psi (MPa)	30000(205)	35000(240)
ASTM A106	Tenside strength, min, psi (MPa)	48000(330)	60000(415)	70000(485)
	Yield strength, min, psi (MPa)	30000(205)	35000(240)	40000(275)

Process

● Killed steel, with primary melting process being open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace, possibly combined with separate degassing or refining.

● Steel cast in ingots or strand cast is permissible.

● Hot-finished pipe need not be heat treated.

● Cold-drawn pipe shall be heat treated after the final cold draw pass.

ASTM A106 Grade B Carbon Steel Pipe Thickness Schedule 

DN	NPS	OD	SCH20	SCH30	STD	SCH40	SCH60	XS	80
6	1/8	10.3	–	1.45	1.73	1.73	–	2.41	2.41
8	1/4	13.7	–	1.85	2.24	2.24	–	3.02	3.02
10	3/8	17.1	–	1.85	2.31	2.31	–	3.20	3.20
15	1/2	21.3	–	2.41	2.77	2.77	–	3.73	3.73
20	3/4	26.7	–	2.41	2.87	2.87	–	3.91	3.91
25	1	33.4	–	2.90	3.38	3.38	–	4.55	4.55
32	11/4	42.2	–	2.97	3.56	3.56	–	4.85	4.85
40	11/2	48.3	–	3.18	3.68	3.68	–	5.08	5.08
50	2	60.3	–	3.18	3.91	3.91	–	5.54	5.54
65	21/2	73.0	–	4.78	5.16	5.16	–	7.01	7.01
80	3	88.9	–	4.78	5.49	5.49	–	7.62	7.62
90	31/2	101.6	–	4.78	5.74	5.74	–	8.08	8.08
100	4	114.3	–	4.78	6.02	6.02	–	8.56	8.56

Advantages of ASTM A106 Grade B Pipe

High-Temperature Resistance: ASTM A106 Grade B tubes are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for use in applications involving elevated operating temperatures.

Superior Strength: These tubes exhibit exceptional tensile strength and yield strength, ensuring structural integrity and longevity even in demanding conditions.

Corrosion Resistance: ASTM A106 Grade B tubes provide good resistance to corrosion, enhancing their durability and performance in corrosive environments.