ASTM A135 Pipe – Grade A & B ERW Steel Pipes & Tubes | Corten Steel Tube

Welcome to Corten Steel Tube, your premier source for high-quality ASTM A135 Pipe. This specification covers electric-resistance-welded (ERW) steel pipe intended for conveying gas, vapor, water, or other liquids at low pressures. It’s also widely used in structural applications. Whether you need Grade A or Grade B, Corten Steel Tube offers a comprehensive inventory, expert support, and fast nationwide delivery to meet your project demands for reliable ASTM A135 ERW Pipe.

What is ASTM A135 Pipe?

The ASTM A135 Pipe standard specifically governs two grades (A and B) of Electric Resistance Welded steel pipe. This manufacturing method involves forming steel coils into a cylindrical shape and welding the seam using an electric current, resulting in a strong, consistent, and cost-effective pipe. ASTM A135 Pipe is primarily designed for low-pressure conveyance systems such as HVAC ducting, fire protection sprinkler systems, and general water piping, as well as light-duty structural elements. Its predictable dimensions and reliable performance make it a staple in commercial and industrial construction.

ASTM A135 Grade A vs Grade B Specifications

Understanding the difference between Grade A and Grade B is crucial for selecting the right pipe for your application. Both fall under the ASTM A135 Pipe standard but offer distinct mechanical properties:

Specification	ASTM A135 Grade A	ASTM A135 Grade B
Standard	ASTM A135	ASTM A135
Grade	A	B
Application	Low-pressure liquid, gas, or steam lines	Higher-pressure and structural applications
Tensile Strength	≥ 48,000 psi (330 MPa)	≥ 60,000 psi (415 MPa)
Yield Strength	≥ 30,000 psi (205 MPa)	≥ 35,000 psi (240 MPa)
Wall Thickness Range	Schedule 10 to Schedule 40	Schedule 10 to Schedule 40
Pipe Type	ERW (Electric Resistance Welded)	ERW (Electric Resistance Welded)
Test Requirement	Hydrostatic / Nondestructive Testing	Hydrostatic / Nondestructive Testing
Weld Seam Type	Furnace-butt weld or electric-resistance weld	Electric-resistance weld

ASTM A135 Grade A Pipe & Tube

ASTM A135 Grade A Pipe is characterized by its lower minimum tensile strength (48,000 psi / 330 MPa) and yield strength (30,000 psi / 205 MPa). This makes it more ductile and easier to form or bend.

Key Features: Excellent formability, suitable for lower stress applications.
Common Uses: Often employed in light-duty structural components, low-pressure water lines, and general fabrication where high strength isn’t the primary requirement.
Availability: Available in a range of standard sizes, wall thicknesses (including Schedule 10 Pipe), and subject to standard dimensional tolerances under ASTM A135.

ASTM A135 Grade B Pipe & Tube

ASTM A135 Grade B Tube and Pipe offers higher strength compared to Grade A, with a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi (415 MPa) and yield strength of 35,000 psi (240 MPa). This increased strength allows it to handle moderately higher pressures and loads.

Key Features: Higher tensile and yield strength, suitable for more demanding low-pressure and structural uses.
Common Uses: Frequently specified for fire protection sprinkler systems (often meeting UL/FM requirements), HVAC systems, and structural applications requiring greater load-bearing capacity than Grade A.
Availability: Offered in various sizes and wall thicknesses, including common schedules used in fire protection and mechanical systems. Dimensional tolerances are per the ASTM A135 standard.

ERW Pipe Manufacturing Process

The Electric Resistance Welded Pipe (ERW) process used for ASTM A135 Pipe is efficient and produces high-quality tubing. Here’s a simplified overview:

Slitting: A wide steel coil is precisely slit into narrower strips based on the desired pipe circumference.
Forming: The strip passes through a series of rollers that gradually shape it into a round tube.
Welding: High-frequency electric current is applied to the edges of the strip. The resistance generates intense heat, melting the edges, which are then forged together under pressure to create a strong longitudinal weld seam – no filler metal is needed.
Sizing: The welded tube passes through more rollers to achieve the exact final diameter and roundness specified.
Finishing: The pipe is cut to length, inspected, potentially heat-treated (though often supplied as-welded for A135), and may undergo end finishing like threading or grooving if required.

Advantages of ERW for A135: Compared to seamless pipe (often overkill for A135 applications), ERW offers excellent wall thickness consistency, smooth surfaces, faster production, and significant cost savings, making it ideal for the intended low-pressure and structural uses.

Benefits of ASTM A135 Grade A & B Pipes

Choosing ASTM A135 Pipe provides several advantages for relevant projects:

Cost-Effective: The ERW manufacturing process is highly efficient, resulting in lower material costs compared to seamless alternatives.
Consistent Wall Thickness: ERW pipes generally have more uniform wall thickness than seamless pipes of comparable size.
Smooth Weld Seam: Modern ERW techniques produce a smooth, reliable internal and external weld seam suitable for fluid conveyance.
Lightweight: Relative to higher-pressure rated pipes, A135 offers a good strength-to-weight ratio, easing handling and installation.
Fit for Purpose: Specifically designed and tested for low-pressure liquid/gas conveyance and structural use, ensuring reliable performance in these applications.

Applications and Industries Served

ASTM A135 ERW Pipe is versatile and found in numerous critical applications across various sectors:

Fire Protection Systems: Widely used for sprinkler system piping (especially Grade B), meeting stringent safety standards.
HVAC Systems: Ideal for low-pressure ductwork, refrigerant lines, and hydronic heating/cooling pipes.
Structural Applications: Used in construction for lightweight framing, support columns, handrails, and other structural elements where high strength isn’t paramount.
General Mechanical Uses: Employed in machinery frames, conveyors, and various fabricated assemblies.

Have questions about A135 Corten steel Pipe? Get in touch with us for more information!

Size Chart and Weight Chart

Corten Steel Tube stocks ASTM A135 Pipe in a wide range of sizes and schedules to meet diverse project needs. Below is a representative sample. Please contact us for availability of specific dimensions, including Schedule 10 Pipe and other wall thicknesses.

Nominal Pipe Size (NPS)	Outer Diameter (OD) (in)	Wall Thickness (in)	Schedule	Weight (lbs/ft)	Grade Availability
1″	1.315	0.109	10	1.44	A, B
1-1/4″	1.660	0.109	10	1.84	A, B
2″	2.375	0.109	10	2.64	A, B
3″	3.500	0.120	10	4.33	A, B
4″	4.500	0.120	10	5.59	A, B
6″	6.625	0.134	10	9.29	A, B

Certifications and Compliance

Quality and compliance are paramount at Corten Steel Tube. Our ASTM A135 Pipe inventory meets rigorous standards

ASTM A135 Standard: All pipes conform to the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and testing requirements outlined in the ASTM A135 specification.
ISO 9001: Our quality management system is certified, ensuring consistent product quality and reliable processes.
UL Listed / FM Approved: We stock ASTM A135 Grade B Tube suitable for fire protection, often carrying UL Listing and FM Approval (please specify if required).
Material Test Reports (MTRs): Full traceability is provided with comprehensive MTRs available upon request, detailing chemical analysis and mechanical testing results for your specific order.

Why Choose Corten Steel Tube for ASTM A135 Pipe?

Partnering with Corten Steel Tube for your ASTM A135 Pipe needs ensures:

Nationwide Inventory: Extensive stock of Grade A and Grade B pipes across multiple locations for fast delivery anywhere in the USA.
Custom Services: Value-added services including precision cutting-to-length, threading, grooving, and custom coatings to meet your exact specifications.
Experienced Support: Our knowledgeable sales team understands ASTM standards and can help you select the right pipe for your application.
Quick Turnaround: We specialize in fulfilling both small and large volume orders efficiently, minimizing project delays.
Reliability: We are committed to providing high-quality, compliant ASTM A135 ERW Pipe you can trust for critical applications.

FAQs

What is the difference between ASTM A135 Grade A and Grade B?

Grade B has higher yield and tensile strength than Grade A, making it suitable for high-pressure applications.

Can ASTM A135 pipes be used for structural applications?

Yes, especially Grade B pipes are commonly used in structural and mechanical tubing.

Is Corten Steel compatible with ASTM A135 standards?

Yes, ASTM A135 pipes and tubes can be manufactured using Corten Steel for enhanced corrosion resistance.

What sizes are available in ASTM A135 pipes and tubes?

Standard sizes range from NPS 1/8” to 5” in various thicknesses and schedules.

What is the difference between ASME SA135 and ASTM A135?

ASTM A135 covers ERW pipes for low-pressure use. ASME SA135 is its ASME version, meeting BPVC standards, ideal for pressure vessels and regulated applications.

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Need high-quality ASTM A135 Grade A or B Pipes delivered quickly and reliably? Look no further. Corten Steel Tube is your trusted national supplier for ASTM A135 Pipe and a wide range of Electric Resistance Welded Pipe solutions. Get the right product, on time, every time.