What are the equivalent standards of ASTM A106?

ASTM A106 is one of the most commonly used standards for high-temperature seamless carbon steel pipes worldwide, and is widely applied in boilers, power plants, petrochemicals and oil refining industries.
In international procurement and engineering projects, engineers and purchasers often encounter such a question: What does ASTM A106 correspond to in other national standards?

This article will provide a complete equivalent standard comparison table, covering standards such as ASME, API, EN, DIN, BS, and JIS, and analyze the differences in their chemical composition and mechanical properties to help you make the right substitution and selection.

Introduction to ASTM A106
ASTM A106 is mainly applicable to seamless carbon steel pipes under high-temperature working conditions and is divided into three grades: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Among them, Grade B is the most common in the market.

Common applications

High-temperature conveying pipeline
Boiler and Heat Exchanger

Power generation system pipeline

Equivalent standard comparison table

Standard	Grade	Chemical Composition (max %, unless noted)	Mechanical Properties
ASTM A106	Gr. B	C ≤ 0.30, Mn 0.29–1.06, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.035, Si ≥ 0.10	Tensile ≥ 415 MPa, Yield ≥ 240 MPa, Elong ≥ 30%
ASME SA106	Gr. B	Same as ASTM A106	Same as ASTM A106
API 5L	Grade B	C ≤ 0.28, Mn ≤ 1.20, P ≤ 0.030, S ≤ 0.030	Tensile ≥ 415 MPa, Yield ≥ 245 MPa
EN 10216-2	P265GH	C ≤ 0.20, Mn 0.80–1.40, P ≤ 0.025, S ≤ 0.015	Tensile 410–530 MPa, Yield ≥ 265 MPa
DIN 17175	St45.8	C ≤ 0.21, Mn 0.40–1.20, P ≤ 0.025, S ≤ 0.025	Tensile 410–530 MPa, Yield ≥ 255 MPa
BS 3059 Pt.2	360	C ≤ 0.23, Mn 0.40–1.06, P ≤ 0.040, S ≤ 0.040	Tensile 360–500 MPa, Yield ≥ 235 MPa
JIS G3454	STPG410	C ≤ 0.25, Mn 0.30–0.90, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.035	Tensile ≥ 410 MPa, Yield ≥ 245 MPa

Precautions

Although these standard performances are similar, they cannot be completely equated and interchanged, especially when used in pressure vessels or high-temperature working conditions, the chemical composition, mechanical properties and design specification requirements need to be rechecked.
If it is a boiler or heat exchanger project, it is recommended to directly use ASTM A106 GR.B or high-temperature standard steel pipes of equal strength.

Key analysis

1. Chemical composition differences
EN 10216-2 P265GH has a lower carbon content, stricter control over phosphorus and sulfur content, and better welding performance.
Although API 5L Grade B has similar strength, it is mainly used in conveying pipelines rather than high-temperature boilers.

2. Differences in mechanical properties
The yield strength of the European standard (EN/DIN) is generally higher than that of ASTM A106 Gr.B (240 MPa).
The tensile strength requirement of BS 3059 Pt.2 360 is lower and it is not suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature substitution.

3. Application Precautions
ASTM A106 or EN 10216-2 P265GH is recommended for high-temperature working conditions.
API 5L Grade B is optional for oil and gas pipelines.
The boiler tubes can be selected as DIN 17175 St45.8 or BS 3059.

How does ASTM A106 GR.B compare with ASTM A53 GR.B?

The strength levels of ASTM A106 Gr.B and ASTM A53 Gr.B are similar. However, A106 B is specifically designed for high-temperature and high-pressure working conditions, only allows seamless manufacturing, has stricter chemical composition control (especially restrictions on silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur), and has better high-temperature resistance and oxidation resistance. It is applicable to high-temperature and pressure systems such as boilers, heat exchangers, petrochemicals, etc. A53B is positioned for normal temperature and low pressure conveying or structural applications. It can be seamless or welded, and has a relatively low manufacturing cost. However, it is not suitable to replace A106B in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

Summary

ASTM A106 Grade B has multiple equivalent standards worldwide. However, due to differences in chemical composition, mechanical properties and applications, careful evaluation must be conducted before substitution.

Read more：ASTM A106 vs ASTM A53 steel pipes