ASTM A48 gray iron castings are intended for general engineering use where tensile strength is of major

consideration, such as in actuator yokes. Castings are classified on the basis of tensile strength of the iron in separately cast test bars. In ASTM A48, each class is designated by a number followed by a letter. The number indicates the minimum tensile strength of the iron (in ksi) in a separately cast test bar, and the letter indicates the as-cast size of the test bar. ASTM A126 gray iron castings are used for valve pressure retaining parts, pipe fittings and flanges. Class B is the intermediate class in ASTM A126 with 31 ksi (214 MPa) minimum tensile strength. Class C is the strongest class in ASTM A126, with 41 ksi (283 MPa) minimum tensile strength. Fisher practice is to limit Class B iron to castings having wall sections less than 1/2" (12.7 mm), while Class C iron castings are used for wall thickness greater than 1/2" (12.7 mm). It should be noted that gray cast iron is an inherently brittle material at all usable temperatures. Care should be taken when specifying gray iron for hazardous service or where impact loading may be experienced. ANSI B31.1 (Power Piping Code) does not allow the use of cast iron for oil or flammable fluids within the boiler plant structure. ANSI B31.3 (Chemical Plant and Petrolem Refinery Piping Code) does not allow its use under "severe cyclic conditions" above ground within process unit limits in hydrocarbon or other flammable fluid service at temperatures above 300F (150C), nor at gage pressures above 150 psi (1.0 MPa). It limits its use in other locations to a maximum pressure of 400 psi (2.76 MPa).