Introduction

ASTM SA-105 is a standard specification for forged carbon steel piping components, particularly suited for high-temperature service. The grade covers forged carbon steel bars, fittings, flanges, and other parts intended primarily for ambient- and high-temperature service in pressure systems. ASTM SA-105 carbon steel exhibits excellent mechanical strength, toughness, and machinability, making it highly suitable for demanding industrial and structural applications.

Properties of ASTM SA-105 Grade:

  • Excellent mechanical strength
  • Good toughness and impact resistance
  • Suitable for high-temperature service up to 500°C
  • Good forgeability and weldability
  • Moderate corrosion resistance (requires protective measures)
  • Can be heat treated for enhanced properties
  • High dimensional stability

Uses/Applications of ASTM SA-105 Grade:

  • Forged piping components such as flanges, fittings, valves
  • High-pressure service pipelines
  • Oil & Gas industry equipment (wellhead parts, manifolds)
  • Petrochemical and refinery plants
  • Power generation facilities (boilers, heat exchangers)
  • Structural components for high-temperature and high-stress environments

Chemical Composition (Typical):

Element Content (%)
Carbon (C) 0.35 max
Manganese (Mn) 0.60 – 1.05
Phosphorus (P) 0.035 max
Sulfur (S) 0.040 max
Silicon (Si) 0.10 – 0.35
Copper (Cu) 0.40 max (if specified)
Nickel (Ni) 0.40 max
Chromium (Cr) 0.30 max
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.12 max
Vanadium (V) 0.08 max
Iron (Fe) Balance

Mechanical Properties (Typical):

Tensile Strength 485 MPa min
Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 250 MPa min
Elongation (in 50 mm) 22% min
Reduction of Area 30% min
Impact Strength (Charpy V-Notch at room temp) ≥ 27 Joules (typical)
Hardness (HB) ≤ 187 HB (in normalized condition)

Physical Properties:

Property Value
Density 7.85 g/cm³
Modulus of Elasticity 200 – 210 GPa
Thermal Conductivity ~43 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity ~480 J/kg·K
Electrical Resistivity ~0.15 µΩ·m

Forging:

Forging of ASTM SA-105 material is performed between 900°C and 1200°C:

  • Start forging at around 1180°C – 1200°C.
  • Finish forging above 900°C to prevent unwanted phase transformation.
  • After forging, cool parts slowly and uniformly, preferably in a furnace or covered medium.

Normalizing may be necessary to refine grain structure and relieve internal stresses.

Heat Treatment:

  • Normalization: Heat to 900°C – 950°C and cool in still air; mandatory for large forgings or if specified.
  • Annealing: Heat to 850°C – 920°C, hold sufficiently, then slow furnace cool to soften and improve machinability.
  • Stress Relieving: Optional, heat to 600°C – 680°C after welding or forging if needed.
  • Hardening and Tempering: Not commonly applied unless otherwise required for special applications.

Dimensional Tolerances:

  • Produced as per standard tolerances under ASTM A29, ASTM A105, and relevant ASME standards.
  • Cold finished bars can achieve tighter tolerances following ASTM A108 specifications.
  • Forged fittings and flanges conform to ASME B16.5, ASME B16.11, or client-specific drawings.

Machinability:

  • ASTM SA-105 has good machinability in normalized condition.
  • Machining practices using carbide-tipped tools and appropriate coolants are recommended.
  • The typical machinability rating is approximately 60% – 65% compared to free-cutting steels.

Corrosion Resistance:

  • As a plain carbon steel, ASTM SA-105 offers limited corrosion resistance.
  • Protective coatings like painting, galvanizing, or other surface treatments are necessary for corrosive environments.
  • Not suitable for severe corrosive or marine environments without protective measures.

Weldability:

  • ASTM SA-105 exhibits good weldability using conventional techniques (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW).
  • Preheating to 150°C – 300°C is recommended for heavy sections.
  • Low-hydrogen electrodes are advisable to prevent hydrogen cracking.
  • Post-weld heat treatment may be specified to relieve stresses and enhance mechanical properties for critical service.

Available Form:

  • Hot Rolled Round Bars
  • Forged Bars (Round, Square, Flat)
  • Forged Flanges and Fittings
  • Cold Finished Bars
  • Custom-cut pieces and shapes as per requirement
  • Delivered in normalized, annealed, or forged conditions

Conclusion:

ASTM SA-105 carbon steel is a robust and dependable material choice for the manufacturing of piping components and fittings used under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Its excellent mechanical properties, forgeability, and weldability ensure it meets the demands of critical industrial applications. Proper handling, protection, and heat treatment further enhance its service life and performance.

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