Part - Ii: Chapter - 3. Piping Materials

Professional Training and Consultation
ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course
PART - II
CHAPTER - 3. PIPING MATERIALS
Generic Description
Classification of materials by generic description involves the grouping of

materials into broad categories according to certain attributes such as general
composition, mechanical properties, product form, or end use.
There are no precise rules governing which attributes to apply in defining

material groups, and the level of detail afforded the classification system
depends largely on the level of detail needed to communicate specific ideas.
Consequently, materials may be generically grouped according to very broad
characteristics, for example metal or nonmetal, ferrous or nonferrous, or cast or
wrought. Alternatively, materials may be placed in more narrowly defined generic
groups such as mild steel, 3XX series stainless steel, or NiCrMo alloy.
With piping materials, generic grouping based on alloy content is most popular.
These groups usually reflect the primary alloy content, and may include varying
levels of complexity depending upon the extent to which one needs to
communicate specific material needs.
Table below gives an indication of the progression from simple generic

descriptors, to complex generic descriptors, which may involve some elements of
a standardized classification system (e.g., 300 series austenitic stainless steel or
Cr-Mo alloy steels etc.).
Levels of Generic Classification of Materials
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Simple Intermediate Complex
Carbon Low Carbon Steel Fully Killed, Low Carbon Steel

Steel
Low Alloy Cr-Mo Steel 2 ¼ Cr-1Mo Steel

Steel
Stainless 300 Series Austenitic Stainless

Austenitic Stainless Steel
Steel
Steel
Nickel Alloy High Nickel Alloy NiCrMo Alloy
Generic material descriptions are frequently used during the early stages of a
project, including project definition, conceptual design, front end design,
preliminary design, process design, and/or budget estimation. For materials
selection purposes during these stages, the user must be aware of Code
requirements, but is not looking for a precise solution for each piping system.
Common ASTM Carbon Steel Piping Materials
For everyday work, most piping systems are constructed from carbon steel.
Material designations are seemingly inconsistent and random and, for the most
part, knowledge of specifications and grades can only be gained with experience.
Nevertheless, for practical guidance, specification and grade designations can be
grouped according to product form and notch toughness properties, as in Table
below.
45
Common ASTM Carbon Steel Piping Material Specifications and Grades
Product ASTM Materials ASTM Materials

See Note(s)
without Impact Tests with Impact Tests
Forms
Pipe A 53 Gr. B A 333 Gr. 1
2
A 106 Gr.B A 333 Gr. 6
Flanges & Forged
A 105 A 350 Gr. LF2
Fittings 3
A 234 Gr. WPB

Wrought Fittings A 420 Gr. WPL6
A 216 Gr. WCB A 352 Gr. LCB

Castings
A 216 Gr. WCC A 352 Gr. LCC
A 193 Gr. B7 A 320 Gr. L7
Bolts, Studs, and
4,5
Cap Screws
A 193 Gr. B7M A 320 Gr. L7M
A 194 Gr. 2H A 194 Gr. 7
Nuts 4,5
A 194 Gr. 2HM A 194 Gr. 7M
Material Requirements of B31.3
Materials considerations are specifically covered in B31.3 Chapter III, but there
are also material references in many other chapters. In fact, after stating the
obvious in the first sentences of Chapter III (that “limitations and required
qualifications for materials are based on their inherent properties”) [323], B31.3
continues by referring back to 300(d) in Chapter 1.
46
Fluid Service Categories
Pertains to most piping covered by the Code and

Normal Fluid Service
includes piping not classified within the other fluid
services listed below [¶300.2].
Service in which the fluid is nonflammable,

nontoxic, and not damaging to human tissue; the
design pressure does not exceed 150 psig (1030
Category D Service
kPag); and the design temperature is from -20ºF
(-29ºC) TO 366ºF (186ºC)[¶300.2].
Service in which a single exposure to a very small

quantity of toxic fluid can produce serious
Category M Service
irreversible harm on breathing or body contact,
even when prompt restorative measures are
taken [¶300.2].
Service which applies when designated by the

owner, typically for pressures in excess of that
High Pressure (K) Service
allowed by ASME B16.5 Class 2500 rating, for the
specified design temperature and material group
[¶k300(a)].
Materials and Specifications [323.1]
47
B31.3 classifies materials as listed, unlisted, unknown, or reclaimed, and places

conditions on the used of such materials.
In most cases, Code users deal with listed materials. These may be considered
as materials, which are “pre-qualified” for Code use based on inherent properties
and listed in B31.3 Tables A-1 and A-2. For pressure design purposes, the Code
provides stress values for the listed materials as a function of temperature (since
mechanical behavior is temperature dependent). However, the suitability of a
particular material for a particular fluid service is beyond the scope of the Code .
A materials specialist should be consulted to ensure correct materials selection
for a fluid service.
Temperature Limitations [323.2]
B31.3 recognizes that material properties and behavior in service are

temperature dependent. A significant portion of b31.3 Chapter III deals with
temperature limitations for materials, in particular lower temperature limits where
impact testing may apply. The Code also imposes cautionary and restrictive
temperature limits in Tables A-1 and A-2, and requires designers to verify that
materials are suitable for service throughout the operating temperature range
Upper Temperature Limits [323.2.1]
Upper temperature limits for listed limited materials are the maximum
temperatures for which a stress value or rating is shown directly in or referenced
by the Code. The Code may also provide notes to the stress value tables,
precautionary information in Appendix F, and /or restrictions within the text of
Code. For example, from Table A-1, the upper temperature limit for ASTM A 106
48
Grade B pipe is 1100ºF even though there are two notes pertaining to use of the
material above 800ºF and 900ºF, respectively.
Of course, the Code does permit use of listed materials at temperatures above
the maximum indicated by the stress value or rating, provided there is no
prohibition in the Code [¶323.2.2(a)] and provided the designer verifies the
serviceability of the material [¶323.2.1(b)]. Verification would typically involve
material specialists with an engineering background and a “sound scientific
program carried out in accordance with recognized technology” [¶323.2.4].
Lower Temperature Limits and Impact Testing [323.2.2]
Lower temperature limits for materials are established as a means of controlling

risk of brittle fracture. Terms frequently used in lower temperature limit
discussions include notch sensitivity, impact testing, Charpy testing, and notch
brittleness.
For must Code users, the basic question to be answered is: “Do I need to use
impact tested materials”, answering the question can be complex and
convoluted; however, the basic steps to determining the answer are listed below
and are discussed in detail in the following paragraphs.
a. Select the design minimum temperature for the piping. This may involve
process engineering and or heat transfer specialists, and consideration of
ambient temperature effects.
b. Obtain the minimum permissible temperature for the proposed piping

materials according to B31.3 rules.
49
a. Follow the instructions of B31.3 to determine whether impact tests are

required (e.g., Table 323.2.2).
b. If impact tests are required, consult the additional requirements of B31.3
regarding impact test methods and acceptance criteria.
Common Code Paragraphs Relating to Notch Toughness and

Low Temperature Requirements
For the convenience of users of the guide, several clauses and tables applicable
to B31.3 impact testing requirement are listed in Table below.
B31.3 Clauses and Tables Applicable to Impact Testing
Clause or Description
Table
301.3.1 Design Minimum Temperature
301.9 Reduced Ductility Effects
302.2.4(h) Allowances for Pressure and Temperature Variations (below the
minimum temperature shown in Appendix A)
323.2 Temperature Limitations
323.2.2 Lower Temperature Limits, Listed Materials
323.3 Impact Testing Methods and Acceptance Criteria
Table 323.3.1 Impact Testing Requirements for Metals
Table 323.2.2 Requirements for Low Temperature Toughness Tests for Metals
Table 323.3.5 Minimum Required Charpy V-Notch Impact Values
B31.3 Code Considerations
50
As indicated earlier in this chapter, the B31.3 Code is concerned with pressure
integrity (safety). This is manifest, for example, through provision of allowable
design stresses as a function of temperature, rules for notch toughness
evaluation and brittle fracture avoidance, restrictions for various fluid service
categories, requirements for weld procedure qualifications, restrictions on
forming and bending practices, examination requirements, and numerous
prohibitions, limitations, conditions, and precautionary measures scattered
throughout the Code.
Although Code issues must be considered in the material selection process, the
Code does not instruct the user on how to select specific materials. ¶300( c)(6)
states: “Compatibility of materials with the service and hazards from instability of
contained fluids are not within the scope of this Code. See Para. F323”. The first
sentence of ¶F323(a) states: “Selection of materials to resist deterioration in
service is not within the scope of this Code”. Clearly, the technical issues related
to materials selection must be considered by personnel with specific training in
this area.
51

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Professional Training and Consultation

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

Classification of materials by generic description involves the grouping of

There are no precise rules governing which attributes to apply in defining

Table below gives an indication of the progression from simple generic

Simple Intermediate Complex

Carbon Low Carbon Steel Fully Killed, Low Carbon Steel

Low Alloy Cr-Mo Steel 2 ¼ Cr-1Mo Steel

Stainless 300 Series Austenitic Stainless

Nickel Alloy High Nickel Alloy NiCrMo Alloy

Common ASTM Carbon Steel Piping Materials

Common ASTM Carbon Steel Piping Material Specifications and Grades

Product ASTM Materials ASTM Materials

A 234 Gr. WPB

A 216 Gr. WCB A 352 Gr. LCB

Material Requirements of B31.3

Fluid Service Categories

Pertains to most piping covered by the Code and

Service in which the fluid is nonflammable,

Service in which a single exposure to a very small

Service which applies when designated by the

Materials and Specifications [323.1]

B31.3 classifies materials as listed, unlisted, unknown, or reclaimed, and places

Temperature Limitations [323.2]

B31.3 recognizes that material properties and behavior in service are

Upper Temperature Limits [323.2.1]

Lower Temperature Limits and Impact Testing [323.2.2]

Lower temperature limits for materials are established as a means of controlling

b. Obtain the minimum permissible temperature for the proposed piping

a. Follow the instructions of B31.3 to determine whether impact tests are

Common Code Paragraphs Relating to Notch Toughness and

B31.3 Clauses and Tables Applicable to Impact Testing

B31.3 Code Considerations

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