ASTM B546-19(2024)

Standard Specification for Electric Fusion-Welded Ni-Cr-Co-Mo Alloy, Ni-Fe-Cr-Si Alloy, Ni-Cr-Fe-Al Alloy, Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy, and Ni-Cr-Fe-Si Alloy Pipe

ABSTRACT
This specification covers electric fusion-welded nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy UNS N06617, nickel-iron-chromium-silicon alloys UNS N08330 and UNS N08332, Ni-Cr-Fe-Al Alloy (UNS N06603), Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy UNS N06025, and Ni-Cr-Fe-Si Alloy UNS N06045 pipe intended for heat resisting applications and general corrosive service. Two classes of pipes are covered: Class 1 and Class 2. The joints shall be double-welded, full-penetration welds. The weld shall be made either manually or automatically by an electric process involving the deposition of filler metal. Weld defects shall be repaired by removal to sound metal and rewelding. All pipe shall be furnished in the annealed condition. The material shall conform to the composition limits specified. Transverse tension test, transverse guided-bend weld test, pressure test, and chemical analysis shall be made to conform to the requirements specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers electric fusion-welded nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy UNS N06617, nickel-iron-chromium-silicon alloys UNS N08330 and UNS N08332, Ni-Cr-Fe-Al Alloy (UNS N06603), Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy UNS N06025, and Ni-Cr-Fe-Si Alloy UNS N06045 pipe intended for heat resisting applications and general corrosive service.  
1.2 This specification covers pipe in sizes 3 in. (76.2 mm) nominal diameter and larger and possessing a minimum wall thickness of 0.083 in. (2.11 mm).  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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: 31-Mar-2024
• ICS: 23.040.15 - Non-ferrous metal pipes
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.07 - Refined Nickel and Cobalt and Their Alloys

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B546-19 - Standard Specification for Electric Fusion-Welded Ni-Cr-Co-Mo Alloy, Ni-Fe-Cr-Si Alloy, Ni-Cr-Fe-Al Alloy, Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy, and Ni-Cr-Fe-Si Alloy Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024

Overview

ASTM B546-19(2024): Standard Specification for Electric Fusion-Welded Nickel-Chromium Alloy Pipe is a comprehensive standard developed by ASTM International. It specifies the requirements for electric fusion-welded pipe made from nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloys (UNS N06617), nickel-iron-chromium-silicon alloys (UNS N08330, UNS N08332), nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum alloys (UNS N06603), nickel-chromium-iron alloys (UNS N06025), and nickel-chromium-iron-silicon alloys (UNS N06045). These alloy pipes are intended for heat resisting applications and general corrosive service, supporting industries where durability and corrosion resistance are critical.

Pipes covered by this standard are designed for demanding environments and are supplied in annealed condition. They are available in sizes of 3 inches (76.2 mm) nominal diameter and larger, with wall thicknesses starting from 0.083 inches (2.11 mm).

Key Topics

• Material Coverage: UNS N06617, N08330, N08332, N06603, N06025, and N06045.
• Manufacturing Process: Pipes are produced by electric fusion welding, with double-welded, full-penetration joints.
• Classes of Pipe:
  • Class 1: All welded joints are 100% radiographically inspected for quality assurance.
  • Class 2: No radiographic examination is required.
• Testing Requirements:
  • Transverse tension and guided-bend weld tests
  • Hydrostatic pressure tests for each pipe length
  • Grain size and chemical analysis to verify compliance
• Weld Quality: Welds can be performed manually or automatically and must be free of significant defects. Any weld defects must be addressed by removal and rewelding, followed by appropriate inspection and heat treatment.
• Mechanical Properties: Minimum tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and hardness values must be met as per the standard.
• Surface Condition: All pipes must be supplied free from scale, and any weld repairs must be clearly marked.

Applications

ASTM B546-19(2024) electric fusion-welded Ni-Cr, Ni-Fe-Cr, and related alloy pipes are vital for industries requiring materials that withstand:

• Elevated temperatures and thermal cycling
• Highly corrosive environments
• Applications where both structural integrity and longevity are essential

Typical industries and uses include:

• Petrochemical and chemical processing - handling corrosive gases and liquids
• Power generation - superheaters, reheaters, and heat exchangers exposed to high temperatures
• Oil and gas - pipelining aggressive fluids
• Industrial furnaces - sections exposed to oxidizing and reducing atmospheres
• Aerospace - high-temperature environments

These alloy pipes offer enhanced heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength, making them ideal for critical service applications.

Related Standards

For complete compliance and best practices, users often reference ASTM B546-19(2024) alongside other relevant standards, including:

• ASTM B775 - General Requirements for Nickel and Nickel Alloy Welded Pipe
• ASTM B536 - Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Silicon Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip
• ASTM B168 - Specification for Nickel-Chromium Alloys commonly used in similar applications
• ASTM B899 - Terminology Relating to Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sections VIII and IX - Procedures for welding and pressure vessel construction
• ASTM E10 - Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
• ASTM E140 - Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals
• ASTM E1473 - Chemical Analysis of Nickel, Cobalt, and High-Temperature Alloys

Keywords: fusion-welded nickel alloy pipe, heat resistant alloy, ASTM B546, corrosion resistant pipe, UNS N06617, UNS N08330, welded pipe standard, industrial piping.

This standard ensures the reliability and safety of fusion-welded nickel alloy pipes in critical industrial operations, supporting compliance with internationally recognized best practices.

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: B546 − 19 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Electric Fusion-Welded Ni-Cr-Co-Mo Alloy, Ni-Fe-Cr-Si Alloy,
Ni-Cr-Fe-Al Alloy, Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy, and Ni-Cr-Fe-Si Alloy Pipe
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B546; 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 B168 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Aluminum Alloys
(UNS N06699), Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys (UNS
1.1 This specification covers electric fusion-welded nickel-
N06600, N06601, N06603, N06690, N06693, N06025,
chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy UNS N06617, nickel-
N06045, and N06696), Nickel-Chromium-Cobalt-
iron-chromium-silicon alloys UNS N08330 and UNS N08332,
Molybdenum Alloy (UNS N06617), Nickel-Iron-
Ni-Cr-Fe-Al Alloy (UNS N06603), Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy UNS
Chromium-Tungsten Alloy (UNS N06674), and
N06025, and Ni-Cr-Fe-Si Alloy UNS N06045 pipe intended
B536 Specification for Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Silicon Al-
for heat resisting applications and general corrosive service.
loys Plate, Sheet, and Strip
1.2 This specification covers pipe in sizes 3 in. (76.2 mm)
B775 Specification for General Requirements for Nickel and
nominal diameter and larger and possessing a minimum wall
Nickel Alloy Welded Pipe
thickness of 0.083 in. (2.11 mm).
B899 Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Al-
loys
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical E10 Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials
E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell
Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Sclero-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
scope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E1473 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Nickel,
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
Cobalt, and High-Temperature Alloys
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
2.2 ASME Standards:
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material
as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII Paragraph
safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the UW-51
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 Definitions—Definitions for terms defined in Terminol-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ogy B899 shall apply unless otherwise defined by the require-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ments of this document.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. General Requirement
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Material furnished in accordance with this specification
2.1 ASTM Standards:
shall conform to the applicable requirements of the current
edition of Specification B775 unless otherwise provided
herein.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
5. Classification
B02.07 on Refined Nickel and Cobalt and Their Alloys.
Current edition approved April 1, 2024. Published May 2024. Originally 5.1 Two classes of pipe are covered as follows:
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as B546 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/B0546-19R24.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
the ASTM website. www.asme.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B546 − 19 (2024)
5.1.1 Class 1—All welded joints to be 100 % inspected by 7.2.2 The weld shall be made either manually or automati-
radiography. cally by an electric process involving the deposition of filler
5.1.2 Class 2—No radiographic examination is required. metal.
7.2.3 The joint shall be reinforced at the center of the weld
6. Ordering Information on each side of the formed plate by a weld bead at least ⁄16 in.
(1.6 mm) but not more than ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm). This reinforce-
6.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all
ment (weld bead) may be removed at the manufacturer’s option
requirements that are necessary for the safe and satisfactory
or by agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
performance of material ordered under this specification.
The contour of the reinforcement (weld bead) shall be smooth,
Examples of such requirements include, but are not limited to,
with no valley or groove along the edge or in the center of the
the following:
weld, and the deposited metal shall be fused smoothly and
6.1.1 Alloy (Table 1),
uniformly into the formed-plate surface. The finish of the
6.1.2 ASTM designation and year of issue,
welded joint shall be reasonably smooth and free of
6.1.3 Class (see 5.1),
irregularities, grooves, or depressions.
6.1.4 Dimensions (standard pipe size and schedule),
7.2.4 Weld defects shall be repaired by removal to sound
6.1.5 Length (specific or random),
metal and rewelding. Subsequent heat treatment and inspection
6.1.6 Quantity (feet or number of pieces),
shall be as required on the original welds.
6.1.7 Whether type of filler metal and deposited composi-
tion is required (see 8.3),
7.3 Heat Treatment—All pipe shall be furnished in the
6.1.8 Samples for Product (Check) Analysis—State whether
annealed condition.
samples for product (check) analysis should be furnished, and
7.4 Surface Finish—The pipe shall be free from scale. When
6.1.9 Purchaser Inspection—If purchaser wishes to witness
bright annealing is used, descaling is not necessary.
tests or inspection of material at place of manufacture, the
purchase order must so state indicating which tests or inspec-
8. Chemical Composition
tions are to be witnessed.
8.1 The material shall conform to the composition limits
specified in Table 1. One test is required for each lot as defined
7. Materials and Manufacture
in Specification B775.
7.1 Materials—The UNS N08330 and UNS N08332 alloy
8.2 If a product analysis is performed, it shall meet the
plate material shall conform to the requirements of Specifica-
tion B536. The UNS N06617, UNS N06603, UNS N06025, chemistry limits prescribed in Table 1, subject to the analysis
tolerances specified in Table 1 of Specification B775.
and UNS N06045 alloy plate material shall conform to the
requirements of Specification B168.
8.3 The chromium and nickel content of the deposited weld
7.2 Welding: metal shall conform to the minimum chromium and nickel
7.2.1 The joints shall be double-welded, full-penetration contents required for the base metal. Note that the composition
welds made by qualified operators in accordance with proce- of the deposited weld metal may not be the same as the base
dures in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section metal. The user should establish suitability for his particular
IX. application. When specified in the purchase order (see 6.1.7),
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition Limits, %
Element
N08330 N08332 N06603 N06617 N06025 N06045
Carbon 0.08 max 0.05–0.10 0.20–0.40 0.05–0.15 0.15–0.25 0.05–0.12
Manganese 2.00 max 2.00 max 0.15 max 1.0 max 0.15 max 1.0 max
Phosphorus 0.03 max 0.03 max 0.20 max . 0.02 max 0.02 max
Sulfur 0.03 max 0.03 max 0.10 max 0.015 max 0.010 max 0.010 max
Silicon 0.75–1.50 0.75–1.50 0.50 max 1.0 max 0.
...