ASTM A213 VS .ASTM A249 Heat Exchanger Tube:Tolerances

When selecting stainless steel tubes for heat exchangers, dimensional tolerances play a critical role in system performance, weldability, and fit-up. Two of the most commonly specified ASTM standards are ASTM A213 and ASTM A249. While both are used in high-pressure, high-temperature, and corrosive environments, they differ significantly in manufacturing method and tolerance control.

 

ASTM A213 VS .ASTM A249 Heat Exchanger Tube

Specification	ASTM A213	ASTM A249
Tube Type	Seamless or Welded (cold-drawn)	Welded (and cold-worked if specified)
Application	Boilers, superheaters, heat exchangers	Heat exchangers, condensers, boiler tubes
Tolerance Tightness	Tighter (especially for OD and wall)	Less strict, more flexible
Manufacturing Process	Precision cold drawing	Automatic welding + cold working
Typical Grades	TP304, TP316, TP321, TP347	TP304, TP316, TP304L, TP316L

ASTM A213 VS .ASTM A249 Heat Exchanger Tube:Tolerances

Specification	Size OD Range Inches	Tolerances
		O.D.		Wall
		Plus	Minus	Plus	Minus
ASTM-A-249	Under 1.000	.004"	.004"	10%	l0%
ASME-SA-249	1.000 to 1.500	.006"	.006"	10%	10%
Welded & Cold Worked	1.501 to 1.999	.008"	.008"	l0%	10%
Heat Exchanger Tube	2.000 to 2.499	.010"	.010"	10%	10%
Average Wall	2.500 to 2.999	.012"	.012"	10%	10%
(see Note 1)	3.000 to 4.000	.015"	.015"	10%	10%
	4.001 to 5.000	.015"	.025"	10%	10%
ASTM-A-213	Under 1.000	.004"	.004"	20%	0%
ASME-SA-213	1.000 to 1.500	.006"	.005"	20%	0%
Cold Finished Seamless	1.501 to 1.999	.008"	.008"	22%	0%
Heat Exchanger Tube	2.000 to 2.499	.010"	.010"	22%	0%
Minimum Wall	2.500 to 2.999	.012"	.012"	22%	0%
(see Note 2 & 3)	3.000 to 4.000	.015"	.015"	22%	0%
	4.001 to 5.000	.015"	.025"	22%	0%
Notes (1) Also available in minimum wall + 18/-0%. (2) Also available in average wall ± 10% (3) Also available hot finished, see specification for tolerances.