ASTM A338-84(2022)

Standard Specification for Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy duty service applications. The sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the fittings shall conform to the requirements specified. The iron shall be produced under constant control of chemical composition and physical properties. Records of the chemical composition of the iron and of the physical properties of the test specimens shall be systematically made and maintained.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy-duty service applications where fittings furnished in accordance with American National Standard for Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and 300 (ANSI B16.3) are not considered adequate.  
1.2 Service shall include up to 650 °F (345 °C).2  
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 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: 30-Sep-2022
• ICS: 23.040.40 - Metal fittings
• Technical Committee: A04 - Iron Castings
• Drafting Committee: A04.02 - Malleable and Ductile Iron Castings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99(2014) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99(2009) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99(2004) - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004
• Refers: ASTM A47/A47M-99 - Standard Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-1999

Overview

ASTM A338-84(2022) is an internationally recognized standard specification developed by ASTM International, focusing on malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts. This standard is specifically intended for components used in railroad, marine, and other heavy-duty service applications, where service temperatures can reach up to 650 °F (345 °C). ASTM A338-84(2022) provides comprehensive criteria for the manufacturing, quality control, and certification of malleable iron products to ensure safety, durability, and consistent performance in demanding environments.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: Covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts meant for assembly in environments where standard American National Standard for Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings (ANSI B16.3, Classes 150 and 300) do not suffice.
• Temperature Range: Suitable for applications with operating temperatures up to 650 °F (345 °C).
• Manufacturing Requirements:
  • Strict control of chemical composition and physical properties.
  • Systematic record-keeping of iron composition and test specimen properties.
  • Castings produced according to Specification A47/A47M for ferritic malleable iron.
• Dimensions and Tolerances:
  • All flanges and fittings must conform to size and shape specifications outlined in standards such as ANSI B16.3 and ANSI B2.1 for pipe threads.
• Surface Finish and Coating:
  • Hot-dip galvanized coatings must comply with ASTM A153/A153M standards, ensuring adequate corrosion protection.
• Product Marking and Certification:
  • Mandatory marking with manufacturer’s name or trademark.
  • Additional markings as specified by industry organizations such as the Manufacturers Standardization Society (SP-25-1936).
  • Certification of compliance with the standard available upon request.

Applications

ASTM A338-84(2022) is widely used by industries requiring robust and reliable iron components in challenging operational conditions. Core applications include:

• Railroad Equipment: Components for steam, hydraulic, and air systems in locomotives and railway infrastructure, where pressure and temperature demands exceed standard fitting specifications.
• Marine Engineering: Pipe fittings, flanges, and valve parts suitable for marine vessels and offshore installations with exposure to high pressures, corrosive environments, and elevated temperatures.
• Heavy-Duty Industrial Services: Facilities and equipment in sectors such as energy generation, chemical processing, and heavy manufacturing where service requirements surpass those of regular malleable iron fittings.
• Other Critical Infrastructure: Systems requiring long-term reliability, safety, and compliance with international standards for process piping and fluid control in high-stress settings.

By ensuring compliance with ASTM A338-84(2022), organizations demonstrate a commitment to product quality, operational safety, and longevity in demanding industrial environments.

Related Standards

ASTM A338-84(2022) references and works in conjunction with several other important standards:

• ASTM A47/A47M - Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
• ASTM A153/A153M - Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
• ANSI B16.3 - Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and 300
• ANSI B2.1 - Pipe Threads
• SP-25-1936 - Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges, and Unions (Manufacturers Standardization Society)
• Handbook H28, Section VI - Screw-Thread Standards for Federal Services

Keywords: malleable iron, pipe fittings, flanges, valve parts, heavy-duty service, railroad, marine, high temperature, ASTM standard, industrial piping, corrosion protection, quality certification.

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: A338 −84 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for
Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at
Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A338; 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 2.2 American National Standards:
B2.1 Pipe Threads
1.1 This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe
B16.3 Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and
fittings,andvalveparts,includingpartstobeassembledforuse
in railroad, marine, and other heavy-duty service applications
2.3 Other Standards:
where fittings furnished in accordance withAmerican National
Handbook H28, Section VI Screw-Thread Standards for
StandardforMalleableIronThreadedFittings,Classes150and
Federal Services, 1944
300 (ANSI B16.3) are not considered adequate.
SP-25-1936 Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings,
1.2 Service shall include up to 650 °F (345 °C).
Flanges, and Unions
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3. Process
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1 The castings shall be made in accordance with Specifi-
and are not considered standard.
cation A47/A47M.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Materials and Manufacture
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Thesizes,shapes,anddimensionsofthefittingscovered
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
by ANSI B16.3 shall conform to the requirements therein
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
specified.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2 Screwed pipe fittings, unions, union fittings, and globe
and angle valves that are covered by the various standards and
2. Referenced Documents
recommended practices as issued by theAssociation ofAmeri-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
can Railroads shall conform to the requirements therein speci-
A47/A47M Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Cast-
fied.
ings
4.3 All pipe threads, unless otherwise specified, shall be in
A153/A153M Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on
accordance with ANSI B2.1. (Standards for pipe threads are
Iron and Steel Hardware
also available in Section VI of Screw-Thread Standards for
Federal Services.)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.02 on Malleable and 4.4 Zinc coatings on fittings which are required to be
Ductile Iron Castings.
galvanized by the hot-dip process shall conform to the require-
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
ments for Class A castings as prescribed in Specification
approved in 1954. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A338 – 84 (2018).
DOI: 10.1520/A0338-84R22.
Based on Marshall, L. C., and Sommer, G. F., “Stress Rupture Properties of
Malleable Iron at Elevated Temperatures,” Proceedings, ASTM International, Vol Av
...