ASTM A179/A179M-24

Standard Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger and Condenser Tubes

ABSTRACT
This specification covers minimum-wall thickness, seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for tubular heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer apparatus. Tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall be cold drawn. Heat and product analysis shall be performed wherein steel materials shall conform to required chemical compositions of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. The steel materials shall also undergo hardness test, flattening test, flaring test, flange test, and hydrostatic test.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers minimum-wall-thickness, seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for tubular heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer apparatus.  
1.2 This specification covers tubes 1/8 to 3 in. [3.2 to 76.2 mm], inclusive, in outside diameter.  
Note 1: Tubing smaller in outside diameter and having a thinner wall than indicated in this specification is available. Mechanical property requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] in outside diameter or with a wall thickness under 0.015 in. [0.4 mm].  
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. The inch-pound units shall apply unless the “M” designation of this specification is specified in the order.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 23.040.10 - Iron and steel pipes
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.09 - Carbon Steel Tubular Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A179/A179M-19 - Standard Specification for Seamless Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger and Condenser Tubes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D3370-18 - Standard Practices for Sampling Water from Flowing Process Streams
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM A450/A450M-23 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Tubes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM A498/A498M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger Tubes with Integral Fins
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM F1155-10(2019) - Standard Practice for Selection and Application of Piping System Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM A179/A179M-24 is the internationally recognized standard specification developed by ASTM for seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes, specifically designed for heat exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer applications. This standard defines requirements for minimum wall thickness, material composition, manufacturing methods, and testing protocols to ensure quality and reliability. The tubes covered range from 1/8 inch to 3 inches (3.2 to 76.2 mm) in outside diameter and are used extensively in mechanical and process industries where efficient heat transfer is critical.

Key Topics

• Material and Manufacture

  • Tubes must be produced using a seamless process and subsequently cold drawn.
  • Final heat treatment is required at a temperature of 1200°F (650°C) or higher to achieve desired mechanical properties.
  • The finished product must be free of scale, with slight oxidation permissible.

• Chemical Composition

  • Low-carbon steel with defined limits: carbon (0.06–0.18%), manganese (0.27–0.63%), and maximum limits for phosphorus and sulfur (each ≤ 0.035%).
  • No addition of alloying elements beyond those specified is permitted.

• Testing Requirements

  • Comprehensive mechanical testing ensures product suitability, including:
    • Hardness Test: Maximum of 72 HRBW.
    • Flattening and Flaring Tests: To assess ductility and workability.
    • Flange Test: Optional, depending on wall thickness and diameter.
    • Hydrostatic or Nondestructive Electric Test: Each tube is tested to ensure pressure integrity.
  • Product analysis must confirm chemical composition on a sample basis, with protocols in place for further testing if required.

• Marking and Traceability

  • Tubes are marked as per ASTM A450/A450M requirements, with additional purchaser-specific information if requested.

Applications

Seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes manufactured in accordance with ASTM A179/A179M-24 are widely used in:

• Heat Exchangers: Essential for efficient transfer of heat in power generation, petrochemical, and refrigeration systems.
• Condensers: Integral components in steam, gas, and chemical processing plants.
• Other Heat Transfer Equipment: Used in air preheaters and similar thermal devices.
• Industrial and Engineering Projects: Particularly where high precision, corrosion resistance, and mechanical performance are required.

These tubes provide optimal performance where clean, smooth, and uniform surfaces are necessary for efficient heat transfer and resistance to pressure.

Related Standards

• ASTM A450/A450M: General requirements for carbon and low alloy steel tubes, referenced for additional manufacturing and quality guidelines.
• SA-179 (ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code): Parallel specification used for pressure vessel applications.
• Other ASTM Steel Tube Standards: For different grades, wall thicknesses, or applications, including ASTM A192/A192M and ASTM A213/A213M.

Practical Value

Adherence to ASTM A179/A179M-24 ensures:

• Consistent product quality and performance in demanding industrial environments.
• Enhanced safety and lifecycle of heat transfer equipment.
• Compliance with global procurement, engineering, and regulatory requirements.

Keywords: ASTM A179/A179M-24, seamless cold-drawn tubes, low-carbon steel, heat exchanger tubes, condenser tubes, steel tube standards, industrial heat transfer.

By following this standard, manufacturers, engineers, and end-users can assure the manufacture, selection, and use of high-quality seamless steel tubes tailored for thermal transfer efficiency and structural integrity.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A179/A179M − 24 Used in USNRC-RDT Standards
Standard Specification for
Seamless Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger
and Condenser Tubes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A179/A179M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for material under this specification should
1.1 This specification covers minimum-wall-thickness,
include the following, as required, to describe the desired
seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for tubular heat
material adequately:
exchangers, condensers, and similar heat transfer apparatus.
3.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
1.2 This specification covers tubes ⁄8 to 3 in. [3.2 to 76.2
3.1.2 Name of material (seamless tubes),
mm], inclusive, in outside diameter.
3.1.3 Manufacture (cold-drawn),
3.1.4 Size (outside diameter and minimum wall thickness),
NOTE 1—Tubing smaller in outside diameter and having a thinner wall
than indicated in this specification is available. Mechanical property
3.1.5 Length (specific or random),
requirements do not apply to tubing smaller than ⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] in outside
3.1.6 Optional requirements (product analysis, Section 9,
diameter or with a wall thickness under 0.015 in. [0.4 mm].
flange test, 11.3),
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
3.1.7 Test report required (Certification Section of Specifi-
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
cation A450/A450M),
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
3.1.8 Specification number, and
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
3.1.9 Special requirements.
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
4. General Requirements
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi-
cation. The inch-pound units shall apply unless the “M”
4.1 Material furnished under this specification shall con-
designation of this specification is specified in the order.
form to the applicable requirements of the current edition of
Specification A450/A450M, unless otherwise provided herein.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Manufacture
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
be cold drawn.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Heat Treatment
6.1 Tubes shall be heat treated after the final cold draw pass
2. Referenced Documents
at a temperature of 1200°F [650°C] or higher.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A450/A450M Specification for General Requirements for 7. Surface Condition
Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Tubes
7.1 Finished tubes shall be free of scale. A slight amount of
oxidation will not be considered as scale.
8. Chemical Composition
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
8.1 The steel shall conform to the following requirements as
A01.09 on Carbon Steel Tubular Products.
to chemical composition:
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
approved in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as A179/A179M – 19.
Carbon, % 0.06–0.18
DOI: 10.1520/A0179_A0179M-24. Manganese, % 0.27–0.63
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- Phosphorus, max, % 0.035
cation SA-179 in Section II of that Code. Sulfur, max, % 0.035
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
8.2 Supplying an alloy grade that specifically requires the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
addition of any element other than those listed in 8.1 is not
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. permitted.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A179/A179M − 19 A179/A179M − 24 Used in USNRC-RDT Standards
Standard Specification for
Seamless Cold-Drawn Low-Carbon Steel Heat-Exchanger
and Condenser Tubes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A179/A179M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers minimum-wall-thickness, seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for tubular heat exchangers,
condensers, and similar heat transfer apparatus.
1.2 This specification covers tubes ⁄8 to 3 in. [3.2 to 76.2 mm], inclusive, in outside diameter.
NOTE 1—Tubing smaller in outside diameter and having a thinner wall than indicated in this specification is available. Mechanical property requirements
do not apply to tubing smaller than ⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] in outside diameter or with a wall thickness under 0.015 in. [0.4 mm].
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units
are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used
independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. The
inch-pound units shall apply unless the “M” designation of this specification is specified in the order.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A450/A450M Specification for General Requirements for Carbon and Low Alloy Steel Tubes
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for material under this specification should include the following, as required, to describe the desired material
adequately:
3.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.09
on Carbon Steel Tubular Products.
Current edition approved May 1, 2019March 1, 2024. Published May 2019March 2024. Originally approved in 1935. Last previous edition approved in 20122019 as
A179/A179M – 90a (2012).A179/A179M – 19. DOI: 10.1520/A0179_A0179M-19.10.1520/A0179_A0179M-24.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specification SA-179 in Section II of that Code.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A179/A179M − 24
3.1.2 Name of material (seamless tubes),
3.1.3 Manufacture (cold-drawn),
3.1.4 Size (outside diameter and minimum wall thickness),
3.1.5 Length (specific or random),
3.1.6 Optional requirements (product analysis, Section 9, flange test, 11.3),
3.1.7 Test report required (Certification Section of Specification A450/A450M),
3.1.8 Specification number, and
3.1.9 Special requirements.
4. General Requirements
4.1 Material furnished under this specification shall conform to the applicable requirements of the current edition of Specification
A450/A450M, unless otherwise provided herein.
5. Manufacture
5.1 Tubes shall be made by the seamless process and shall be cold drawn.
6. Heat Treatment
6.1 Tubes shall be heat treated after the final cold draw pass at a temperature of 1200°F [650°C] or higher.
7. Surface Condition
7.1 Finished tubes shall be free of scale. A slight amount of oxidation will not be considered as scale.
8. Chemical Composition
8.1 The steel shall conform to the following requirements as to chemical composition:
Carbon, % 0.06–0.18
Manganese, % 0.27–0.63
Phosphorus, max, % 0.035
Sulfur, max, % 0.035
8.2 Supplying an alloy grade that specifically requires the addition of any element other than those listed in 8.1 is not permitted.
9. Product
...