Designation: A 139/A 139M 04

Standard Specification for

Electric-Fusion (Arc)-Welded Steel Pipe (NPS 4 and Over)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 139/A 139M; 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 59 Practice for Sampling Steel and Iron for Determination

1.1 This specification covers five grades of electric-fusion of Chemical Composition4
(arc)-welded straight-seam or helical-seam steel pipe. Pipe of 2.2 American Welding Society Standard:5
NPS 4 (Note 1) and larger with nominal (average) wall AWS B2.1 Standard for Welding Procedure and Perfor-
thickness of 1.0 in. [25.4 mm] and less are covered. Listing of mance Qualifications Welding Handbook, Vol 1, 8th ed
standardized dimensions are for reference (Note 2). The grades 2.3 ASME Standards:6
of steel are pipe mill grades having mechanical properties ASME B36.10M Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe
which differ from standard plate grades. The pipe is intended ASME B36.19M Stainless Steel Pipe
for conveying liquid, gas, or vapor. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Section IX, Weld-
ing Qualifications
NOTE 1The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has
been substituted in this standard for such traditional terms as nominal 3. Ordering Information
diameter, size, and nominal size.
NOTE 2A comprehensive listing of standardized pipe dimensions is 3.1 Orders for material under this specification should
contained in ASME B36.10M2. include the following, as required, to describe the desired
NOTE 3The suitability of pipe for various purposes is somewhat material adequately:
dependent on its dimensions, properties, and conditions of service. For 3.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
example, for high-temperature service see applicable codes and Specifi- 3.1.2 Name of material (electric-fusion-(arc) welded steel
cation A 691. pipe),
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or in SI 3.1.3 Grade (Table 1),
units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, 3.1.4 Size (NPS, or outside diameter, and nominal wall
the SI units are shown in brackets. The values in each system thickness, or schedule number),
are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system is to be used 3.1.5 Lengths (specific or random, Section 17),
independently of the other. 3.1.6 End finish (Section 18),
3.1.7 Hydrostatic test pressure (Section 16, Note 8, and
2. Referenced Documents Note 9),
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 3.1.8 ASTM specification designation, and
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing 3.1.9 End use of material.
of Steel Products
A 691 Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Pipe, Elec- 4. Process
tric Fusion-Welded for High-Pressure Service at High 4.1 The steel shall be made by one or more of the following
Temperatures processes: open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace.
A 751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for 4.2 Steel may be cast in ingots or may be strand cast. When
Chemical Analysis of Steel Products steels of different grades are sequentially strand cast, identifi-
cation of the resultant transition material is required. The
producer shall remove the transition material by any estab-
1
lished procedure that positively separates the grades.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys , and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee NOTE 4The term basic-oxygen steelmaking is used generically to
A01.09 on Carbon Steel Tubular Products.
Current edition approved March 1, 2004. Published April 2004. Originally
approved in 1932. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as A 139 00.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.01. Withdrawn.
3 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American Welding Society, 550 NW LeJeune Rd., Miami, FL
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contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM 33135.
6
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Ave.,
the ASTM website. New York, NY 10016-5990.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 A 139/A 139M 04
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements 6. Chemical Composition
Element Composition, max, % 6.1 The steel shall conform to the chemical requirements
Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D Grade E prescribed in Table 1 and the chemical analysis shall be in
Carbon 0.25 0.26 0.28 0.30 0.30 accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology
Manganese 1.00 1.00 1.20 1.30 1.40 A 751.
Phosphorus 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035
Sulfur 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035
7. Tensile Requirements for the Steel
7.1 Longitudinal tension test specimens taken from the steel
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describe processes in which molten iron is refined to steel under a basic shall conform to the requirements as to tensile properties
slag in a cylindrical furnace lined with basic refractories, by directing a jet prescribed in Table 2. At the manufacturers option, the tension
of high-purity gaseous oxygen onto the surface of the hot metal bath. test specimen for sizes 858 in. [219.1 mm] in outside diameter
5. Manufacture and larger may be taken transversely as described in 19.4.
7.2 The yield point shall be determined by the drop of the
5.1 The longitudinal edges of the steel shall be shaped to beam, by the halt in the gage of the testing machine, by the use
give the most satisfactory results by the particular welding of dividers, or by other approved methods. The yield strength
process employed. The weld shall be made by automatic (Note corresponding to a permanent offset of 0.2 % of the gage length
5) means (except tack welds if used) and shall be of reasonably of the specimen, or to a total extension of 0.5 % of the gage
uniform width and height for the entire length of the pipe. length under load shall be determined.
NOTE 5Upon agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer,
manual welding by qualified procedure and welders may be used as an 8. Tensile Requirements of Production Welds
equal alternative under these specifications. 8.1 Reduced-section tension test specimens taken perpen-
5.2 All weld seams made in manufacturing pipe shall be dicularly across the weld in the pipe, with the weld reinforce-
made using complete joint penetration groove welds. ment removed, shall show a tensile strength not less than 95 %

TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements

Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D Grade E
Tensile strength, min, ksi [MPa] 48 [330] 60 [415] 60 [415] 60 [415] 66 [455]
Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa] 30 [205] 35 [240] 42 [290] 46 [315] 52 [360]
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, %:
Basic minimum elongation for walls 516 in. [7.9 mm] and over in 35 30 25 23 22
thickness, longitudinal strip tests
For longitudinal strips tests, a deduction for each 132-in. [0.8-mm] 1.75A 1.50A 1.25 1.50 2.0
decrease in wall thickness below 516 in. [7.9 mm] from the
basic minimum elongation of the following percentageA
Elongation in 8 in. or 200 mm, min, %B,C Inch Pound Units, 1500/specified minimum tensile strength (ksi)
SI Units, 10 300/specified minimum tensile strength [MPa]

A
The table below gives the computed minimum values.
B
For wall thicknesses 12 in. [12.7 mm] and greater, the elongation may be taken in 8 in. or 200 mm.
C
The elongation in 8 in. or 200 mm need not exceed 30 %.
Wall Thickness Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, %
in. mm Grade A Grade B
(0.312)
5 16 7.9 35.00 30.00
932 (0.281) 7.1 33.25 28.50
14 (0.250) 6.4 31.50 27.00
732 (0.219) 5.6 29.75 25.50
316 (0.188) 4.8 28.00 24.00
532 (0.156) 4.0 26.25 22.50
18 (0.125) 3.7 24.50 21.00
332 (0.094) 2.4 22.75 19.50
116 (0.062) 1.6 21.00 18.00

NoteThe above table gives the computed minimum elongation values for each 132-in. [0.8-mm] decrease in wall thickness. Where the wall thickness lies between two
values shown above, the minimum elongation value shall be determined by the following equation:
Grade Equation Equation
Inch-Pound Units SI Units

A E = 56t + 17.50 E = 2.20t + 17.50

B E = 48t + 15.00 E = 1.89t + 15.00
C E = 40t + 12.50 E = 1.57t + 12.50
D E = 48t + 8 E = 1.89t + 8
E E = 64t + 2 E = 2.52t + 2

where:
E = elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, %, and
t = actual thickness of specimen, in. [mm]

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 A 139/A 139M 04
of the minimum specified in Section 7. At the manufacturers 11.2 ThicknessThe minimum wall thickness at any point
option, the test may be made without removing the weld shall be not more than 12.5 % under the nominal wall thickness
reinforcement, in which case the tensile strength shall be not specified.
less than that specified in Section 7. 11.3 CircumferenceThe pipe shall be substantially round.
The outside circumference of the pipe shall not vary more than
9. Heat Analysis 61.0 %, but not exceeding 634 in. [19.0 mm], from the
9.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the nominal outside circumference based upon the diameter speci-
manufacturer to determine the percentages of the elements fied, except that the circumference at ends shall be sized, if
specified in Section 6. This analysis shall be made from a test necessary, to meet the requirements of Section 18.
ingot taken during the pouring of the heat. When requested by 11.4 StraightnessFinished pipe shall be commercially
the purchaser, the chemical composition thus determined shall straight. When specific straightness requirements are desired,
be reported to the purchaser or his representative, and shall the order should so state, and the tolerance shall be a matter of
conform to the requirements specified in Section 6. agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
10. Product Analysis 11.5 Ovality (Out-of-Roundness)The pipe diameter,
within 4.0 in. [100 mm] of ends, shall not vary more than 1 %
10.1 An analysis may be made by the purchaser on samples from the specified diameter as measured across any single
of pipe selected at random and shall conform to the require- plane with a bar gage, caliper, or other instrument capable of
ments specified in Section 6. Samples for chemical analysis, measuring actual diameter.
except for spectrochemical analysis, shall be taken in accor-
dance with Method E 59. The number of samples shall be 12. Finish
determined as follows:
12.1 Repair by WeldingThe manual, or automatic arc,
NPS Number of Samples Selected
Under 14 2 for each lot of 200 pipes or fraction thereof welding of injurious defects in the pipe wall, provided their
14 to 36, incl 2 for each lot of 100 pipes or fraction thereof depth does not exceed one third the specified wall thickness,
Over 36 2 for each 3000 ft or fraction thereof will be permitted. Defects in the welds, such as sweats or leaks,
10.2 RetestsIf the analysis of either length of pipe or shall be repaired or the piece rejected at the option of the
length of skelp does not conform to the requirements specified manufacturer. Repairs of this nature shall be made by com-
in Section 6, analyses of two additional lengths from the same pletely removing the defect, cleaning the cavity, and then
lot shall be made, each of which shall conform to the welding.
requirements specified. 12.2 All repaired pipe shall be tested hydrostatically in
accordance with Section 16.
11. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
11.1 MassThe specified mass per unit length shall be 13. Retests
calculated using the following equation: 13.1 If any specimen tested under Sections 8 or 15 fails to
M 5 C~D 2 t!t (1) meet the requirements, retests of two additional specimens
from the same lot of pipe shall be made, all of which shall meet
where: the specified requirements. If any of the retests fail to conform
C = 10.69 [0.02466], to the requirements, test specimens may be taken from each
M = mass per unit length, lb/ft [kg/m], untested pipe length, at the manufacturers option, and each
D = outside diameter, in. [mm], specified or calculated
specimen shall meet the requirements specified, or that pipe
(from inside diameter and wall thickness), and
shall be rejected.
t = specified wall thickness, in. (to 3 decimal places)
[mm] (to 2 decimal places)
14. Number of Production Test Specimens
NOTE 6The mass per unit length given in ASME B36.10M and 14.1 One longitudinal tension test specimen specified in
ASME B36.19M and the calculated mass given by the equation of 11.1 are
19.2 shall be made from the steel of each heat, or fraction
for carbon steel pipe. The mass per unit length of pipe made of ferritic
stainless steels may be about 5 % less, and that made of austenitic stainless thereof, used in the manufacture of the pipe.
steel about 2 % greater than the values given. The specified mass of an 14.2 One reduced-section production weld test specimen
individual pipe length shall be calculated as its specified mass per unit specified in 19.5 shall be taken from a length of pipe from each
length times its length. lot of 3000 ft (914 m) of pipe, or fraction thereof, of each size
11.1.1 The mass of any length of pipe shall not vary more and wall thickness.
than 10 % over its specified mass. 14.3 If any test specimen shows defective machining or
11.1.2 The mass of any length of pipe shall not vary more develops flaws not associated with the quality of the steel or the
than 5 % under the specified mass if the specified wall welding, it may be discarded and another specimen substituted.
thickness is 0.188 in. [4.78 mm] or less or more than 5.5 % 14.4 Each length of pipe shall be subjected to the hydro-
under if the specified wall thickness is greater than 0.188 in. static test specified in Section 16.
[4.78 mm].
11.1.3 The mass of a carload lot shall not vary more than 15. Qualification of Welding Procedure
1.75 % under the specified mass. A carload lot is considered to 15.1 Welding procedures shall be qualified in accordance
be a minimum of 40 000 lb [18 Mg] shipped on a conveyance. with the requirements of AWS B2.1; ASME Boiler and
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 A 139/A 139M 04
Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX; or other qualification pro-
cedures as noted in the American Welding Society Welding
Handbook. Tests and test values shall be as specified in 15.2
and 15.3.
15.2 Two reduced-section tension specimens made in accor-
dance with Fig. 1, with the weld reinforcement removed, shall
show a tensile strength not less than 100 % of the minimum
specified tensile strength of the grade of steel used. Metric Equivalents
15.3 Bend test specimens (two face-bend and two root-bend in.
1 16 112 6
or four side-bend as designated by the welding procedure mm 1.6 38 150

according to thickness) shall be prepared in accordance with

NOTE 1Weld reinforcement may or may not be removed flush with
Fig. 2 and shall withstand being bent 180 in a jig substantially the surface of the specimen.
in accordance with Fig. 3. The bend test shall be acceptable if NOTE 2Shown in Fig. 2 is a root- or face-bend specimen. Side-bend
no cracks or other defects exceeding 18 in. [3.2 mm] in any specimens shall have a thickness (T) of 38 in. (9.5 mm) and a width equal
direction are present in the weld metal or between the weld and to the pipe wall thickness.
the pipe metal after bending. Cracks that originate along the FIG. 2 Guided-Bend Test Specimen
edges of the specimens during testing, and that are less than 14
in. [6.4 mm] in any direction shall not be considered. (If
grade, or (2) to a fiber stress of 85 % or less of the specified minimum
necessary, the specimen shall be broken apart to permit
yield strength for the applicable pipe grade, provided that the test pressure
examination of the fracture.) does not exceed 2800 psi [19.3 MPa].
16. Hydrostatic Test (Note 7) 16.2 Test pressure shall be held for not less than 5 s, or for
16.1 Each length of pipe shall be tested by the manufacturer a longer time as agreed upon between the purchaser and the
to a hydrostatic pressure that will produce in the pipe wall a manufacturer.
stress of not less than 60 % of the specified minimum yield
17. Lengths
strength at room temperature. The pressure shall be determined
by the following equation: 17.1 Pipe lengths shall be supplied in accordance with the
following regular practice:
P 5 2St/D (2)
17.1.1 Specific lengths shall be as specified on the order
where: with a tolerance of 612 in. [12.7 mm], except that the shorter
P = hydrostatic test pressure, psi [MPa] (not to exceed lengths from which test coupons have been cut shall also be
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2800 psi [19.3 MPa] in any case) (Note 8), shipped.

S = 0.60 to 0.85 times the specified minimum yield 17.1.2 Unless otherwise specified random lengths shall be
strength of the grade of steel used in psi [MPa], furnished in lengths averaging 29 ft [8.9 m] or over, with a
t = specified wall thickness, in. [mm], and minimum length of 20 ft [6.1 m], but not more than 5 % may
D = specified outside diameter, in.[mm] be under 25 ft [7.6 m].
NOTE 7A hydrostatic sizing operation is not to be considered a
17.1.3 Pipe lengths containing circumferentially welded
hydrostatic test or a substitute for it. joints (Note 6) shall be permitted by agreement between the
NOTE 8When the diameter and wall thickness of pipe are such that purchaser and the manufacturer. Tests of these welded joints
the capacity limits of testing equipment are exceeded by these require- shall be made in accordance with the production weld tests
ments, the test pressures may be reduced by agreement between the described in Section 8. The number of production weld tests
purchaser and the manufacturer. shall be one for each lot of 100 joints or fraction thereof, but
NOTE 9Where specified in the purchase order, the pipe may be tested:
not less than one for each welder or welding operator.
(1) to 1.5 times the specified working pressure, provided the test pressure
does not exceed 2800 psi [19.3 MPa] or produce a fiber stress in excess of NOTE 10Circumferentially welded joints are defined for the purpose
85 % of the specified minimum yield strength for the applicable pipe of these specifications as a welded seam lying in one plane, used to join
lengths of straight pipe.

18. Ends
18.1 Pipe shall be furnished with plain right-angle cut or
beveled ends as specified. All burrs at the ends of pipe shall be
removed.
18.2 When pipe is specified to have the ends prepared for
field welding of circumferential joints, the ends shall be
beveled on the outside to an angle of 35, measured from a line
drawn perpendicular to the axis of the pipe, with a tolerance of
Metric Equivalents 6212 and with a width of root face (or flat at the end of the
in. 0.01 14 112 10 pipe) of 116 6 132 in. [1.6 6 0.8 mm]. Unless otherwise
mm 0.3 6.4 38 250 specified, the outside circumference of pipe ends for a distance
FIG. 1 Reduced-Section Tension Test Specimen of not less than 4 in. [101.6 mm] shall not vary more than

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A 139/A 139M 04

660 % of the nominal wall thickness of the pipe from the

nominal outside circumference based on the diameter speci-
fied, except that the tolerance shall be not less than 6316 in.
[4.8 mm].
18.3 Pipe ends for use with mechanical couplings shall have
tolerances within the limits required by the manufacturer of the
FIG. 5 Location of Transverse Tension Test Specimen in Ring Cut
type of coupling to be used. from Tubular Steel Products
18.4 Upon agreement between the purchaser and the manu-
facturer, the ends of the pipe may be sized within agreed-upon
19.5 Reduced-section tension test specimens shall be pre-
tolerances, if necessary to meet the requirements of special
pared in accordance with Fig. 1.
installations.
20. Inspection
19. Production Test Specimens and Methods of Testing
20.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
19.1 The test specimens and the tests required by these
entry, at all times while work on the contract of the purchaser
specifications shall conform to those described in Test Methods
is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturers works
and Definitions A 370.
that concern the manufacture of the material ordered. The
19.2 The longitudinal tension tests specimen of the steel
manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities
shall be taken from the end of the pipe in accordance with Fig.
to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance
4, or by agreement between the purchaser and the manufac-
with this specification. All tests and inspection shall be made at
turer, or may be taken from the skelp or plate, at a point which
the place of manufacture prior to shipment and, unless other-
will be approximately 90 of arc from the weld in the finished
wise specified, shall be so conducted as not to interfere
pipe.
unnecessarily with the operation of the works. If agreed upon,
19.3 If the tension test specimen is taken transversely, the
the manufacturer shall notify the purchaser in time so that he
specimen shall be taken in accordance with Fig. 5.
may have his inspector present to witness any part of the
19.4 The specimens for the reduced-section tension test of
manufacture or tests that may be desired.
production welds shall be taken perpendicularly across the
20.2 CertificationUpon request of the purchaser in the
weld at the end of the pipe. The test specimens shall have the
contract or order, a manufacturers certification that the mate-
weld approximately in the middle of the specimen. The
rial was manufactured and tested in accordance with this
specimens shall be straightened and tested at room tempera-
specification together with a report of the chemical and tensile
ture.
tests shall be furnished.
21. Rejection
21.1 Each length of pipe received from the manufacturer
may be inspected by the purchaser and, if it does not meet the
requirements of this specification based on the inspection and
FIG. 4 Location from Which Longitudinal Tension Test test method as outlined in the specification, the length may be
Specimens Are To Be Cut from Large Diameter Tubing rejected and the manufacturer shall be notified. Disposition of

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 A 139/A 139M 04
rejected pipe shall be a matter of agreement between the 23. Product Marking
manufacturer and the purchaser. 23.1 Each section of pipe shall be marked with the manu-
21.2 Pipe found in fabrication or in installation to be facturers distinguishing marking, the specification number, the
unsuitable for the intended use, under the scope and require- grade of pipe, and other marking if required and agreed upon
ments of this specification, may be set aside and the manufac- between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
turer notified. Such pipe shall be subject to mutual investiga-
23.2 Bar CodingIn addition to the requirements in 23.1,
tion as to the nature and severity of the deficiency and the
bar coding is acceptable as a supplemental identification
forming or installation, or both, conditions involved. Disposi-
method. The purchaser may specify in the order a specific bar
tion shall be a matter for agreement.
coding system to be used.
22. Protective Coating
22.1 If agreed upon between the purchaser and the manu- 24. Keywords
facturer, the pipe shall be given a protective coating of the kind 24.1 arc welded steel pipe; fusion welded steel pipe; steel
and in the manner specified by the purchaser. pipe; welded steel pipe
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SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
A 139 00, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved March 1, 2004)

(1) Revised Sections 1, 3, 7, 11, 16, 17, and 18, Table 2, and
Figures 1 and 2 to include rationalized SI units, creating a
combined standard.

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