ASTM A179
Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubes
ASTM A179 / ASME SA-179 seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for heat exchangers and condensers, available dual certified.
ASTM A179 heat exchanger tubes
OVERVIEW
The standard spec for carbon steel exchanger tubes.
ASTM A179 covers seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for tubular heat exchangers, condensers and similar heat-transfer equipment. ASME adopts it as SA-179 for work built to the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
The tubes are heat treated after the final cold draw and held to a low maximum hardness, so they expand cleanly into tubesheets. We supply A179 dual certified to ASME SA-179 where the order requires, in cut lengths, with eddy-current or hydrostatic testing and an MTR stating heat number and country of melt.
✓ Seamless, cold drawn, low carbon
✓ Dual certification to ASME SA-179
✓ Heat treated after the final cold draw
✓ Hardness 72 HRB max
✓ Cut lengths, ECT or hydro testing, full MTR
✓ Dual certification to ASME SA-179
✓ Heat treated after the final cold draw
✓ Hardness 72 HRB max
✓ Cut lengths, ECT or hydro testing, full MTR
ASTM A179 heat exchanger tubes
SPECIFICATION SUMMARY
What the standard requires.
Key requirements
| Requirement | ASTM A179 / ASME SA-179 |
|---|---|
| Scope | Seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel heat-exchanger and condenser tubes |
| OD range in the standard | 1/8 to 3 in (3.2 to 76.2 mm) |
| Carbon | 0.06 to 0.18% |
| Manganese | 0.27 to 0.63% |
| Phosphorus, max | 0.035% |
| Sulfur, max | 0.035% |
| Tensile strength, min | 47,000 psi (325 MPa) |
| Yield strength, min | 26,000 psi (180 MPa) |
| Elongation in 2 in, min | 35% |
| Hardness, max | 72 HRB |
| Heat treatment | 1,200°F (650°C) or higher after the final cold draw |
| Tests | Flattening, flaring, flange and hardness; hydrostatic or nondestructive electric test per ASTM A450 |
| Note | Values summarize the standard. Your purchase order governs the edition and any supplementary requirements. |
APPLICATIONS & INDUSTRIES
Where these tubes get used.
KEY PROPERTIES
Low carbon, low hardness, cold drawn.
CHEMISTRY
Low carbon
Carbon 0.06 to 0.18% for weldability and clean expansion into tubesheets.
CERTIFICATION
A179 / SA-179
Dual certified where the order requires it, with a full MTR.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Latest insights on heat exchanger tubes.
ARTICLE
ASTM A179 vs A213: Choosing the Right Heat Exchanger Tube Specification
When carbon steel A179 is enough and when the service calls for A213 alloy or stainless.
ARTICLE
Surface Finish Requirements for Heat Exchanger Tubes
How surface condition affects fouling, corrosion and tube-to-tubesheet joints.
ARTICLE
Why Tube Quality Matters in Heat Exchangers and Boilers
How tube defects show up in service, and what to check before you accept a shipment.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Often paired with.
RELATED
Boiler Pipes & Tubes
Carbon and chrome-moly tubes and pipes for boiler pressure parts.
RELATED
Cold Drawn Seamless
Precision sizes and tight tolerances from the cold-drawing route.
GET A QUOTE
Send your A179 tube spec.
Get a proposal in one business day.
OD, wall, cut length, quantity in feet, testing and certification (ASTM A179 or dual ASME SA-179): that’s all we need to send a technical and commercial proposal.