Designation: A 333/A 333M – 04a

Standard Specification for

Seamless and Welded Steel Pipe for Low-Temperature
Service1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 333/A 333M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* E 23 Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of

1.1 This specification2 covers nominal (average) wall seam- Metallic Materials
less and welded carbon and alloy steel pipe intended for use at 3. Ordering Information
low temperatures. Several grades of ferritic steel are included
as listed in Table 1. Some product sizes may not be available 3.1 Orders for material under this specification should
under this specification because heavier wall thicknesses have include the following, as required, to describe the material
an adverse affect on low-temperature impact properties. adequately:
1.2 Supplementary Requirement S1 of an optional nature is 3.1.1 Quantity (feet, centimetres, or number of lengths),
provided. This shall apply only when specified by the pur- 3.1.2 Name of material (seamless or welded pipe),
chaser. 3.1.3 Grade (Table 1),
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units 3.1.4 Size (NPS or outside diameter and schedule number of
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the average wall thickness),
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each 3.1.5 Lengths (specific or random) (Section 9), (see the
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must Permissible Variations in Length section of Specification
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the A 999/A 999M),
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi- 3.1.6 End finish (see the Ends section of Specification
cation. The inch-pound units shall apply unless the “M” A 999/A 999M),
designation of this specification is specified in the order. 3.1.7 Optional requirements, (see the Heat Analysis require-
ment in the Chemical Composition section of A 999/A 999M,
NOTE 1—The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has the Repair by Welding section, and the section on Nondestruc-
been substituted in this standard for such traditional terms as “nominal
tive Test Requirements),
diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.”
3.1.8 Test report required, (see the Certification section of
2. Referenced Documents Specification A 999/A 999M),
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 3.1.9 Specification designation, and
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing 3.1.10 Special requirements or exceptions to this specifica-
of Steel Products tion.
A 999/A 999M Specification for General Requirements for 4. Materials and Manufacture
Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe
4.1 Manufacture—The pipe shall be made by the seamless
A 671 Specification for Electric-Fusion-Welded Steel Pipe
or welding process with the addition of no filler metal in the
for Atmospheric and Lower Temperatures
welding operation. Grade 4 shall be made by the seamless
process.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, NOTE 2—For electric-fusion-welded pipe, with filler metal added, see
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
Specification A 671.
A01.10 on Stainless and Alloy Steel Tubular Products.
Current edition approved May 1, 2004. Published June 2004. Originally 4.2 Heat Treatment:
approved in 1950. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as A 333/A 333M – 04.
2 4.2.1 All seamless and welded pipe, other than Grades 8 and
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi-
cation SA-333 in Section II of that Code. 11, shall be treated to control their microstructure in accor-
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or dance with one of the following methods:
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. 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.

1
 A 333/A 333M – 04a
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Element
Grade 1A Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 6A Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11
Carbon, max 0.30 0.19 0.12 0.30 0.19 0.13 0.20 0.20 0.10
Manganese 0.40–1.06 0.31–0.64 0.50–1.05 0.29–1.06 0.90 max 0.90 max 0.40–1.06 1.15–1.50 0.60 max
Phosphorus, max 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.035 0.025
Sulfur, max 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.015 0.025
Silicon ... 0.18–0.37 0.08–0.37 0.10 min 0.13–0.32 0.13–0.32 ... 0.10–0.35 0.35 max
Nickel ... 3.18–3.82 0.47–0.98 ... 2.03–2.57 8.40–9.60 1.60–2.24 0.25 max 35.0–37.0
Chromium ... ... 0.44–1.01 ... ... ... ... 0.15 max 0.50 max
Copper ... ... 0.40–0.75 ... ... ... 0.75–1.25 0.15 max ...
Aluminum ... ... 0.04–0.30 ... ... ... ... 0.06 max ...
Vanadium, max ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.12 ...
Columbium, max ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.05 ...
Molybdenum, max ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.05 0.50 max
Cobalt ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.50 max
A
For each reduction of 0.01 % carbon below 0.30 %, an increase of 0.05 % manganese above 1.06 % would be permitted to a maximum of 1.35 % manganese.

4.2.1.1 Normalize by heating to a uniform temperature of 4.2.3 Whether to anneal Grade 11 pipe is per agreement
not less than 1500°F [815°C] and cool in air or in the cooling between purchaser and supplier. When Grade 11 pipe is
chamber of an atmosphere controlled furnace. annealed, it shall be normalized in the range of 1400 to 1600°F
4.2.1.2 Normalize as in 4.2.1.1, and, at the discretion of the [760 to 870°C].
manufacturer, reheat to a suitable tempering temperature. 4.2.4 Material from which test specimens are obtained shall
4.2.1.3 For the seamless process only, reheat and control hot be in the same condition of heat treatment as the pipe
working and the temperature of the hot-finishing operation to a furnished. Material from which specimens are to be taken shall
finishing temperature range from 1550 to 1750°F [845 to be heat treated prior to preparation of the specimens.
945°C] and cool in air or in a controlled atmosphere furnace 4.2.5 When specified in the order the test specimens shall be
from an initial temperature of not less than 1550°F [845°C]. taken from full thickness test pieces which have been stress
relieved after having been removed from the heat-treated pipe.
4.2.1.4 Treat as in 4.2.1.3 and, at the discretion of the The test pieces shall be gradually and uniformly heated to the
manufacturer, reheat to a suitable tempering temperature. prescribed temperature, held at that temperature for a period of
4.2.1.5 Seamless pipe of Grades 1, 6, and 10 may be heat time in accordance with Table 2, and then furnace cooled at a
treated by heating to a uniform temperature of not less than temperature not exceeding 600°F [315°C]. Grade 8 shall be
1500°F [815°C], followed by quenching in liquid and reheating cooled at a minimum rate of 300°F [165°C]/h in air or water to
to a suitable tempering temperature, in place of any of the other a temperature not exceeding 600°F [315°C].
heat treatments provided for in 4.2.1.
4.2.2 Grade 8 pipe shall be heat treated by the manufacturer 5. Chemical Composition
by either of the following methods: 5.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements as to
4.2.2.1 Quenched and Tempered—Heat to a uniform tem- chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
perature of 1475 6 25°F [800 6 15°C]; hold at this tempera- 5.2 When Grades 1, 6, or 10 are ordered under this
ture for a minimum time in the ratio of 1 h/in. [2 min/mm] of specification, supplying an alloy grade that specifically re-
thickness, but in no case less than 15 min; quench by quires the addition of any element other than those listed for
immersion in circulating water. Reheat until the pipe attains a the ordered grade in Table 1 is not permitted. However, the
uniform temperature within the range from 1050 to 1125°F addition of elements required for the deoxidation of the steel is
[565 to 605°C]; hold at this temperature for a minimum time in permitted.
the ratio of 1 h/in. [2 min/mm] of thickness, but in no case less
than 15 min; cool in air or water quench at a rate no less than
300°F [165°C]/h. TABLE 2 Stress Relieving of Test Pieces
4.2.2.2 Double Normalized and Tempered—Heat to a uni- Metal TemperatureA,B Minimum Holding Time,
h/in. [min/mm]
form temperature of 1650 6 25°F [900 6 15°C]; hold at this Grades 1, 3, 6, 7, and 10 Grade 4C
of Thickness
temperature for a minimum time in the ratio of 1 h/in. [2 °F °C °F °C
min/mm] of thickness, but in no case less than 15 min; cool in 1100 600 1150 620 1 [2.4]
air. Reheat until the pipe attains a uniform temperature of 1450 1050 565 1100 600 2 [4.7]
6 25°F [790 6 15°C]; hold at this temperature for a minimum 1000 540 1050 565 3 [7.1]
A
time in the ratio of 1 h/in. [2 min/mm] of thickness, but in no For intermediate temperatures, the holding time shall be determined by
straight-line interpolation.
case less than 15 min; cool in air. Reheat to a uniform B
Grade 8 shall be stress relieved at 1025 to 1085°F, [550 to 585°C], held for a
temperature within the range from 1050 to 1125°F [565 to minimum time of 2 h for thickness up to 1.0 in. [25.4 mm], plus a minimum of 1 h
605°C]; hold at this temperature for a minimum time of 1 h/in. for each additional inch [25.4 mm] of thickness and cooled at a minimum rate of
300°F [165°C]/h in air or water to a temperature not exceeding 600°F [315°C].
[2 min/mm] of thickness but in no case less than 15 min; cool C
Unless otherwise specified, Grade 4 shall be stress relieved at 1150°F
in air or water quench at a rate not less than 300°F [165°C]/h. [620°C].

2
 A 333/A 333M – 04a
6. Product Analysis average of 35 ft (Note 3) and a minimum length of 22 ft (Note
6.1 At the request of the purchaser, an analysis of one billet 3) with 5 % 16 to 22 ft (Note 3).
or two samples of flat-rolled stock from each heat or of two NOTE 3—This value(s) applies when the inch-pound designation of this
pipes from each lot shall be made by the manufacturer. A lot of specification is the basis of purchase. When the “M” designation of this
pipe shall consist of the following: specification is the basis of purchase, the corresponding metric value(s)
NPS Designator Length of Pipe in Lot shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer and purchaser.
Under 2 400 or fraction thereof
2 to 6 200 or fraction thereof 10. Workmanship, Finish and Appearance
Over 6 100 or fraction thereof
10.1 The pipe manufacturer shall explore a sufficient num-
6.2 The results of these analyses shall be reported to the ber of visual surface imperfections to provide reasonable
purchaser or the purchaser’s representative and shall conform assurance that they have been properly evaluated with respect
to the requirements specified. to depth. Exploration of all surface imperfections is not
6.3 If the analysis of one of the tests specified in 6.1 does required but may be necessary to ensure compliance with 10.2.
not conform to the requirements specified, an analysis of each 10.2 Surface imperfections that penetrate more than 12½ %
billet or pipe from the same heat or lot may be made, and all of the nominal wall thickness or encroach on the minimum
billets or pipe conforming to the requirements shall be ac- wall thickness shall be considered defects. Pipe with such
cepted. defects shall be given one of the following dispositions:
7. Tensile Requirements 10.2.1 The defect may be removed by grinding provided
that the remaining wall thickness is within specified limits.
7.1 The material shall conform to the requirements as to 10.2.2 Repaired in accordance with the repair welding
tensile properties prescribed in Table 3. provisions of 10.5.
8. Impact Requirements 10.2.3 The section of pipe containing the defect may be cut
off within the limits of requirements on length.
8.1 For Grades 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10, the notched-bar 10.2.4 The defective pipe may be rejected.
impact properties of each set of three impact specimens,
10.3 To provide a workmanlike finish and basis for evalu-
including specimens for the welded joint in welded pipe with
ating conformance with 10.2, the pipe manufacturer shall
wall thicknesses of 0.120 in. [3 mm] and larger, when tested at
remove by grinding the following:
temperatures in conformance with 14.1 shall be not less than
10.3.1 Mechanical marks, abrasions and pits, any of which
the values prescribed in Table 4. The impact test is not required
imperfections are deeper than 1⁄16 in. [1.6 mm], and
for Grade 11.
10.3.2 Visual imperfections commonly referred to as scabs,
8.1.1 If the impact value of one specimen is below the
seams, laps, tears, or slivers found by exploration in accor-
minimum value, or the impact values of two specimens are less
dance with 10.1 to be deeper than 5 % of the nominal wall
than the minimum average value but not below the minimum
thickness.
value permitted on a single specimen, a retest shall be allowed.
10.4 At the purchaser’s discretion, pipe shall be subject to
The retest shall consist of breaking three additional specimens
rejection if surface imperfections acceptable under 10.2 are not
and each specimen must equal or exceed the required average
scattered, but appear over a large area in excess of what is
value. When an erratic result is caused by a defective speci-
considered a workmanlike finish. Disposition of such pipe shall
men, or there is uncertainty in test procedures, a retest will be
be a matter of agreement between the manufacturer and the
allowed.
purchaser.
8.2 For Grade 8 each of the notched bar impact specimens
10.5 When imperfections or defects are removed by grind-
shall display a lateral expansion opposite the notch of not less
ing, a smooth curved surface shall be maintained, and the wall
than 0.015 in. [0.38 mm].
thickness shall not be decreased below that permitted by this
8.2.1 When the average lateral expansion value for the three
specification. The outside diameter at the point of grinding may
impact specimens equals or exceeds 0.015 in. [0.38 mm] and
be reduced by the amount so removed.
the value for one specimen is below 0.015 in. [0.38 mm] but
not below 0.010 in. [0.25 mm], a retest of three additional 10.5.1 Wall thickness measurements shall be made with a
specimens may be made. The lateral expansion of each of the mechanical caliper or with a properly calibrated nondestructive
retest specimens must equal or exceed 0.015 in. [0.38 mm]. testing device of appropriate accuracy. In case of dispute, the
8.2.2 Lateral expansion values shall be determined by the measurement determined by use of the mechanical caliper shall
procedure in Test Methods and Definitions A 370. govern.
8.2.3 The values of absorbed energy in foot-pounds and the 10.6 Weld repair shall be permitted only subject to the
fracture appearance in percentage shear shall be recorded for approval of the purchaser and in accordance with Specification
information. A record of these values shall be retained for a A 999/A 999M.
period of at least 2 years. 10.7 The finished pipe shall be reasonably straight.

9. Lengths 11. General Requirements

9.1 If definite lengths are not required, pipe may be ordered 11.1 Material furnished to this specification shall conform to
in single random lengths of 16 to 22 ft (Note 3) with 5 % 12 to the applicable requirements of the current edition of Specifi-
16 ft (Note 3), or in double random lengths with a minimum cation A 999/A 999M unless otherwise provided herein.

3
 A 333/A 333M – 04a
TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements
Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11
psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa psi MPa
Tensile strength, min 55 000 380 65 000 450 60 000 415 60 000 415 65 000 450 100 000 690 63 000 435 80 000 550 65 000 450
Yield strength, min 30 000 205 35 000 240 35 000 240 35 000 240 35 000 240 75 000 515 46 000 315 65 000 450 35 000 240
Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi-
tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal
Elongation in 2 in. or 50
mm, (or 4D), min, %:
Basic minimum 35 25 30 20 30 16.5 30 16.5 30 22 22 ... 28 ... 22 ... 18A
elongation for walls 5⁄16
in. [8 mm] and over in
thickness, strip tests,
and for all small sizes
tested in full section
When standard round 28 20 22 14 22 12 22 12 22 14 16 ... ... ... 16 ... ...
2-in. or 50-mm gage
length or proportionally
smaller size test
specimen with the gage
length equal to 4D (4
times the diameter) is
used
For strip tests, a 1.75B 1.25B 1.50B 1.00B 1.50B 1.00B 1.50B 1.00B 1.50B 1.00B 1.25B ... 1.50B ... 1.25B ... ...
deduction for each 1⁄32
in. [0.8 mm] decrease in
wall thickness below 5⁄16
in. [8 mm] from the
basic minimum
elongation of the
following percentage
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, %C
Wall Thickness
Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10
in. mm Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans- Longi- Trans-
tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse tudinal verse
⁄
5 16 (0.312) 8 35 25 30 20 30 16 30 16 30 22 22 ... 28 ... 22 ...
⁄
9 32 (0.281) 7.2 33 24 28 19 28 15 28 15 28 21 21 ... 26 ... 21 ...
14⁄ (0.250) 6.4 32 23 27 18 27 15 27 15 27 20 20 ... 25 ... 20 ...
7⁄32 (0.219) 5.6 30 ... 26 ... 26 ... 26 ... 26 ... 18 ... 24 ... 18 ...
3⁄16 (0.188) 4.8 28 ... 24 ... 24 ... 24 ... 24 ... 17 ... 22 ... 17 ...
5⁄32 (0.156) 4 26 ... 22 ... 22 ... 22 ... 22 ... 16 ... 20 ... 16 ...
1⁄8 (0.125) 3.2 25 ... 21 ... 21 ... 21 ... 21 ... 15 ... 19 ... 15 ...
3⁄32 (0.094) 2.4 23 ... 20 ... 20 ... 20 ... 20 ... 13 ... 18 ... 13 ...
1⁄16 (0.062) 1.6 21 ... 18 ... 18 ... 18 ... 18 ... 12 ... 16 ... 12 ...
A
Elongation of Grade 11 is for all walls and small sizes tested in full section.
B
The following table gives the calculated minimum values.
C
Calculated elongation requirements shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
Note—The preceding table gives the computed minimum elongation values for each 1⁄32-in. [0.80-mm] decrease in wall thickness. Where the wall thickness lies between
two values shown above, the minimum elongation value is determined by the following equation:
Grade Direction of Test Equation
1 Longitudinal E = 56t + 17.50 [E = 2.19t + 17.50]
Transverse E = 40t + 12.50 [E = 1.56t + 12.50]
3 Longitudinal E = 48t + 15.00 [E = 1.87t + 15.00]
Transverse E = 32t + 10.00 [E = 1.25t + 10.00]
4 Longitudinal E = 48t + 15.00 [E = 1.87t + 15.00]
Transverse E = 32t + 6.50 [E = 1.25t+ 6.50]
6 Longitudinal E = 48t + 15.00 [E = 1.87t + 15.00]
Transverse E = 32t + 6.50 [E = 1.25t + 6.50]
7 Longitudinal E = 48t + 15.00 [E = 1.87t + 15.00]
Transverse E = 32t + 11.00 [E = 1.25t + 11.00]
8 and 10 Longitudinal E = 40t + 9.50 [E = 1.56t + 9.50]
9 Longitudinal E = 48t + 13.00 [E = 1.87t + 13.00]
where:
E = elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, in %, and
t = actual thickness of specimen, in. [mm].

4
 A 333/A 333M – 04a
TABLE 4 Impact Requirements for Grades 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 along the notch larger than 0.394 in. [10 mm] or smaller than
Minimum Average Notched Minimum Notched Bar 0.099 in. [2.5 mm] are not provided for in this specification.
Bar Impact Value of Impact Value of One 13.2 Test specimens shall be obtained so that the longitudi-
Size of Each Set of Three Specimen Only of
Specimen, mm SpecimensA a SetA nal axis of the specimen is parallel to the longitudinal axis of
ft·lbf J ft·lbf J
the pipe while the axis of the notch shall be perpendicular to
the surface. On wall thicknesses of 1 in. [25 mm] or less, the
10 by 10 13 18 10 14
10 by 7.5 10 14 8 11 specimens shall be obtained with their axial plane located at the
10 by 6.67 9 12 7 9 midpoint; on wall thicknesses over 1 in. [25 mm], the speci-
10 by 5 7 9 5 7 mens shall be obtained with their axial plane located 1⁄2 in.
10 by 3.33 5 7 3 4
10 by 2.5 4 5 3 4 [12.5 mm] from the outer surface.
A
Straight line interpolation for intermediate values is permitted.
13.3 When testing welds the specimen shall be, whenever
diameter and thickness permit, transverse to the longitudinal
axis of the pipe with the notch of the specimen in the welded
12. Mechanical Testing joint and perpendicular to the surface. When diameter and
thickness do not permit obtaining transverse specimens, longi-
12.1 Sampling—For mechanical testing, the term “lot” ap- tudinal specimens in accordance with 13.2 shall be obtained;
plies to all pipe of the same nominal size and wall thickness (or the bottom of the notch shall be located at the weld joint.
schedule) that is produced from the same heat of steel and
subjected to the same finishing treatment in a continuous 14. Impact Test
furnace. If the final heat treatment is in a batch-type furnace, 14.1 Except when the size of the finished pipe is insufficient
the lot shall include only those pipes that are heat treated in the to permit obtaining subsize impact specimens, all material
same furnace charge. furnished to this specification and marked in accordance with
12.2 Transverse or Longitudinal Tensile Test and Flattening Section 16 shall be tested for impact resistance at the minimum
Test—For material heat treated in a batch-type furnace, tests temperature for the respective grades as shown in Table 5.
shall be made on 5 % of the pipe from each lot. If heat treated 14.1.1 Special impact tests on individual lots of material
by the continuous process, tests shall be made on a sufficient may be made at other temperatures as agreed upon between the
number of pipe to constitute 5 % of the lot, but in no case less manufacturer and the purchaser.
than 2 pipes. 14.1.2 When subsize Charpy impact specimens are used and
12.3 Hydrostatic Test—Each length of pipe shall be sub- the width along the notch is less than 80 % of the actual wall
jected to the hydrostatic test. thickness of the original material, the specified Charpy impact
12.4 Impact Test—One notched bar impact test, consisting test temperature for Grades 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 shall be
of breaking three specimens, shall be made from each heat lower than the minimum temperature shown in Table 5 for the
represented in a heat-treatment load on specimens taken from respective grade. Under these circumstances the temperature
the finished pipe. This test shall represent only pipe from the reduction values shall be by an amount equal to the difference
same heat and the same heat-treatment load, the wall thick- (as shown in Table 6) between the temperature reduction
nesses of which do not exceed by more than 1⁄4 in. [6.3 mm] the corresponding to the actual material thickness and the tempera-
wall thicknesses of the pipe from which the test specimens are ture reduction corresponding to the Charpy specimen width
taken. If heat treatment is performed in continuous or batch- actually tested. Appendix X1 shows some examples of how the
type furnaces controlled within a 50°F [30°C] range and temperature reductions are determined.
equipped with recording pyrometers so that complete records 14.2 The notched bar impact test shall be made in accor-
of heat treatment are available, then one test from each heat in dance with the procedure for the simple beam, Charpy-type test
a continuous run only shall be required instead of one test from of Test Methods E 23.
each heat in each heat-treatment load. 14.3 Impact tests specified for temperatures lower than 70°F
12.5 Impact Tests (Welded Pipe)—On welded pipe, addi- [20°C] should be made with the following precautions. The
tional impact tests of the same number as required in 12.3 or impact test specimens as well as the handling tongs shall be
12.4 shall be made to test the weld. cooled a sufficient time in a suitable container so that both
12.6 Specimens showing defects while being machined or reach the desired temperature. The temperature shall be mea-
prior to testing may be discarded and replacements shall be sured with thermocouples, thermometers, or any other suitable
considered as original specimens.
12.7 Results obtained from these tests shall be reported to TABLE 5 Impact Temperature
the purchaser or his representative. Minimum Impact Test Temperature
Grade
°F °C
13. Specimens for Impact Test 1 −50 −45
13.1 Notched bar impact specimens shall be of the simple 3 −150 −100
4 −150 −100
beam, Charpy-type, in accordance with Test Methods E 23, 6 −50 −45
Type A with a V notch. Standard specimens 10 by 10 mm in 7 −100 −75
cross section shall be used unless the material to be tested is of 8 −320 −195
9 −100 −75
insufficient thickness, in which case the largest obtainable 10 −75 −60
subsize specimens shall be used. Charpy specimens of width

5
 A 333/A 333M – 04a
TABLE 6 Impact Temperature Reduction 0.004 in. (0.1 mm) or 12½ % of the specified wall thickness
Specimen Width Along Notch or Actual Temperature Reduction, (whichever is greater).
Material Thickness Degrees ColderA 15.3.2 Visual Imperfections:
in. mm °F °C 15.3.2.1 Scratches,
0.394 10 (standard size) 0 0 15.3.2.2 Surface roughness,
0.354 9 0 0 15.3.2.3 Dings,
0.315 8 0 0
0.295 7.5 (3⁄4 std. size) 5 3 15.3.2.4 Straightener marks,
0.276 7 8 4 15.3.2.5 Cutting chips,
0.262 6.67 (2⁄3 std. size) 10 5 15.3.2.6 Steel die stamps,
0.236 6 15 8
0.197 5 (1⁄2 std. size) 20 11 15.3.2.7 Stop marks, or
0.158 4 30 17 15.3.2.8 Pipe reducer ripple.
0.131 3.33 (1⁄3 std. size) 35 19
0.118 3 40 22
0.099 2.5 (1⁄4 std. size) 50 28 16. Product Marking
A
Straight line interpolation for intermediate values is permitted. 16.1 Except as modified in 16.1.1, in addition to the
marking prescribed in Specification A 999/A 999M, the mark-
devices and shall be controlled within 3°F [2°C]. The speci- ing shall include whether hot finished, cold drawn, seamless or
mens shall be quickly transferred from the cooling device to welded, the schedule number and the letters “LT” followed by
the anvil of the Charpy impact testing machine and broken with the temperature at which the impact tests were made, except
a time lapse of not more than 5 s. when a lower test temperature is required because of reduced
specimen size, in which case, the higher impact test tempera-
15. Hydrostatic or Nondestructive Electric Test ture applicable to a full-size specimen should be marked.
15.1 Each pipe shall be subjected to the nondestructive 16.1.1 When the size of the finished pipe is insufficient to
electric test or the hydrostatic test. The type of test to be used obtain subsize impact specimens, the marking shall not include
shall be at the option of the manufacturer, unless otherwise the letters “LT” followed by an indicated test temperature
specified in the purchase order. unless Supplementary Requirement S1 is specified.
15.2 The hydrostatic test shall be in accordance with Speci- 16.1.2 When the pipe is furnished in the quenched and
fication A 999/A 999M. tempered condition, the marking shall include the letters “QT,”
15.3 Nondestructive Electric Test—Nondestructive electric and the heat treatment condition shall be reported to the
tests shall be in accordance with Specification A 999/A 999M, purchaser or his representative.
with the following addition:
15.3.1 If the test signals were produced by visual imperfec- 17. Keywords
tions (listed in 15.3.2), the pipe may be accepted based on 17.1 low; low temperature service; seamless steel pipe;
visual examination, provided the imperfection is less than stainless steel pipe; steel pipe; temperature service applications

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirement shall apply only when specified by the purchaser in the
contract or order.

S1. Subsize Impact Specimens

S1.1 When the size of the finished pipe is insufficient to
permit obtaining subsize impact specimens, testing shall be a
matter of agreement between the manufacturer and the
purchaser.

6
 A 333/A 333M – 04a
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. DETERMINATION OF TEMPERATURE REDUCTIONS

X1.1 Under the circumstances stated in 14.1.2, the impact required reduction in test temperature is computed by taking
test temperatures specified in Table 5 must be lowered. The the difference between the temperature reduction values shown
following examples are offered to describe the application of in Table 6 for the actual pipe thickness and the specimen width
the provisions of 14.1.2. used.
X1.1.1 When subsize specimens are used (see 10.1) and the X1.1.2.1 For example, if the pipe were 0.262 in. [6.67 mm]
width along the notch of the subsize specimen in 80 % or thick and the width along the Charpy specimen notch was 3.33
greater of the actual wall thickness of the original material, the mm (1/3 standard size), the test temperature would have to be
provisions of 14.1.2 do not apply. lowered by 25°F [14°C]. That is, the temperature reduction
X1.1.1.1 For example, if the actual wall thickness of pipe corresponding to the subsize specimen is 35°F [19°C]; the
was 0.200 in. [5.0 mm] and the width along the notch of the temperature reduction corresponding to the actual pipe thick-
largest subsize specimen obtainable is 0.160 in. [4 mm] or ness is 10°F [5°C]; the difference between these two values is
greater, no reduction in test temperature is required. the required reduction in test temperature.
X1.1.2 When the width along the subsize specimen notch is
less than 80 % of the actual wall thickness of the pipe, the

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
A 333/A 333M – 04, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved May 1, 2004)

(1) Replaced all references to Note 4 in 9.1 with Note 3. (2) Revised Section 12 to incorporate Note 4 into the text.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue, A 333/A 333M – 99,
that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved March 1, 2004)

(1) Replaced Specification A 530/A 530M with Specification A 999/A 999M in Sections 3, 11, 15, and 16.
A 999/A 999M in the Referenced Documents. (3) Extensively revised Section 15.
(2) Replaced Specification A 530/A 530M with Specification

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