Designation: B163 − 11´2 www.TubingChina.

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Standard Specification for

Seamless Nickel and Nickel Alloy Condenser and Heat-
Exchanger Tubes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B163; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

ε1 NOTE—Title was corrected editorially in November 2012.

ε2 NOTE—Yield strength heading for units in Table 3 was corrected editorially in March 2015.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification2 covers seamless tubes of nickel and 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
nickel alloys, as shown in Table 1, for use in condenser and B829 Specification for General Requirements for Nickel and
heat-exchanger service. Nickel Alloys Seamless Pipe and Tube
B880 Specification for General Requirements for Chemical
1.2 This specification covers outside diameter and average Check Analysis Limits for Nickel, Nickel Alloys and
wall, or outside diameter and minimum wall tube. Cobalt Alloys
1.2.1 The sizes covered by this specification are 3 in. (76.2 E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
mm) and under in outside diameter with minimum wall E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
thicknesses of 0.148 in. (3.76 mm) and under, and with average terials
wall thicknesses of 0.165 in. (4.19 mm) and under. E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
1.3 Tube shall be furnished in the alloys and conditions as E76 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Nickel-Copper
shown in Table 2. For small diameter and light wall tube Alloys (Withdrawn 2003)4
(converter sizes), see Appendix X2. E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Sclero-
and are not considered standard. scope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness
E1473 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Nickel,
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the Cobalt, and High-Temperature Alloys
test method portion, Section 12, of this specification. This
2.2 Federal Standards:5
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
Fed. Std. No. 102 Preservation, Packaging and Packing
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user Levels
of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet Fed. Std. No. 182 Continuous Identification Marking of
(MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloys
manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and health
practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limi- 2.3 Military Standard:5
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
tations prior to use.

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

 TABLE 1 Chemical RequirementsA
Composition,%
N02200 N02201 N04400 N06025 N06045 N06600 N06601 N06603 N06686 N06690
Nickel 99.0 minB 99.0 minB 63.0 minB remainderB 45.0 minB 72.0 minB 58.0–63.0 remainderB remainderB 58.0 minB
Copper 0.25 0.25 28.0–34.0 0.1 0.3 0.5 1.0 0.5 ... 0.5
Molybdenum ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15.0–17.0 ...
Iron 0.40 0.40 2.5 8.0–11.0 21.0–25.0 6.0–10.0 remainderB 8.0–11.0 5.0 7.0–11.0
Manganese 0.35 0.35 2.0 0.15 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.15 0.75 0.5
Carbon 0.15 0.02 0.3 0.15–0.25 0.05–0.12 0.15 0.10 0.20–0.40 0.010 0.05
Silicon 0.35 0.35 0.5 0.5 2.5–3.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.08 0.5
Sulfur 0.01 0.01 0.024 0.010 0.010 0.015 0.015 0.010 0.02 0.015
Chromium ... ... ... 24.0–26.0 26.0–29.0 14.0–17.0 21.0–25.0 24.0–26.0 19.0–23.0 27.0–31.0
Aluminum ... ... ... 1.8–2.4 ... ... 1.0–1.7 2.4–3.0 ... ...

2
Titanium ... ... ... 0.1–0.2 ... ... ... 0.01–0.25 0.02–0.25 ...
Phosphorus ... ... ... 0.020 0.020 ... ... 0.02 0.04 ...
Cerium ... ... ... ... 0.03–0.09 ... ... ... ... ...
Zirconium ... ... ... 0.01–0.10 ... ... ... 0.01–0.10 ... ...
Yttrium ... ... ... 0.05–0.12 ... ... ... 0.01–0.15 ... ...
B163 − 11´2

Boron ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Cobalt ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Columbium ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
(Nb)
Tungsten ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3.0–4.4 ...
Nitrogen ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A
Maximum unless range or minimum is given. Where ellipses (...) appear in this table, there is no requirement and analysis for the element need not be determined or reported.
B
Element shall be determined arithmetically by difference.
 TABLE 1 Chemical RequirementsA (continued)

N06696 N06845 N08120 N08800 N08801 N08810 N08811 N08825

Nickel remainderB 44.0–50.0 35.0–39.0 30.0–35.0 30.0–34.0 30.0–35.0 30.0–35.0 38.0–46.0
Copper 1.5–3.0 2.0–4.0 0.50 0.75 0.50 0.75 0.75 1.5–3.0
Molybdenum 1.0–3.0 5.0–7.0 2.50 ... ... ... ... 2.5–3.5
Iron 2.0–6.0 remainderB remainderB 39.5 minB 39.5 minB 39.5 minB 39.5 minB 22.0 minB
Manganese 1.0 0.5 1.5 1.5 1.50 1.5 1.5 1.0
Carbon 0.15 0.05 0.02–0.10 0.10 0.10 0.05–0.10 0.06–0.10 0.05
Silicon 1.0–2.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5
Sulfur 0.010 0.010 0.03 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.03
Chromium 28.0–32.0 20.0–25.0 23.0–27.0 19.0–23.0 19.0–22.0 19.0–23.0 19.0–23.0 19.5–23.5
Aluminum ... ... 0.40 0.15–0.60 ... 0.15–0.60 0.15–0.60C 0.2

3
Titanium 1.0 ... 0.20 0.15–0.60 0.75–1.5 0.15–0.60 0.15–0.60C 0.6–1.2
Phosphorus ... ... 0.04 ... ... ... ... ...
Cerium ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Zirconium ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Yttrium ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
B163 − 11´2

Boron ... ... 0.010 ... ... ... ... ...

Cobalt ... ... 3.0 ... ... ... ... ...
Columbium ... ... 0.4–0.9 ... ... ... ... ...
(Nb)
Tungsten ... 2.0–5.0 2.50 ... ... ... ... ...
Nitrogen ... ... 0.13–0.30 ... ... ... ... ...
A
Maximum unless range or minimum is given. Where ellipses (...) appear in this table, there is no requirement and analysis for the element need not be determined or reported.
B
Element shall be determined arithmetically by difference.
C
Alloy UNS N08811: Al + Ti, 0.85 − 1.20.
 B163 − 11´2
TABLE 2 Alloy and Conditions 4.1.5 Fabrication Operations:
Alloy Condition 4.1.5.1 Cold Bending or Coiling.
Nickel UNS N02200 and 4.1.5.2 Packing.
low-carbon nickel UNS N02201 annealed or stress-relieved 4.1.5.3 Rolling or Expanding into Tube Sheets.
Nickel-copper alloy UNS N04400 annealed or stress-relieved
Nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum 4.1.5.4 Welding or Brazing—Process to be employed.
alloy UNS N06603 annealed 4.1.5.5 Hydrostatic Test or Nondestructive Electric Test—
Nickel-chromium-iron-copper alloy Specify type of test (6.5).
UNS N06696 annealed
Nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum 4.1.5.6 Pressure Requirements—If other than required by
alloy UNS N06601 annealed 6.5.
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy
UNS N06600 annealed
4.1.5.7 Ends—Plain ends cut and deburred will be fur-
Low-carbon nickel-chromium- nished.
molybdenum-tungsten alloy 4.1.6 Supplementary Requirements—State nature and de-
UNS N06686 annealed
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy
tails.
UNS N06690 annealed 4.1.7 Certification—State if certification is required (15).
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy 4.1.8 Samples for Product (Check) Analysis—Whether
UNS N06045 annealed
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy
samples for product (check) analysis shall be furnished.
UNS N08120A annealed or cold-worked 4.1.9 Purchaser Inspection—If purchaser wishes to witness
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy tests or inspection of material at place of manufacture, the
UNS N08800A annealed or cold-worked
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy
purchase order must so state indicating which tests or inspec-
UNS N08810A annealed tions are to be witnessed (Section 13).
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy 4.1.10 Small-Diameter and Light-Wall Tube (Converter
UNS N08811A annealed
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy
Sizes)—See Appendix X2.
UNS N08801 annealed
Nickel-iron-chromium-molybdenum- 5. Chemical Composition
copper alloy UNS N08825 annealed
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy 5.1 The material shall conform to the composition limits
UNS N06025 annealed specified in Table 1.
Nickel-iron-chromium-molybdenum-
copper alloy 5.2 If a product (check) analysis is performed by the
UNS N06845 annealed purchaser, the material shall conform to the product (check)
A
Alloy UNS N08800 is normally employed in service temperatures up to and analysis per Specification B880.
including 1100°F (593°C). Alloys UNS N08810, UNS N08811, and UNS N08120
are normally employed in service temperatures above 1100°F (539°C) where 6. Mechanical Properties and Other Requirements
resistance to creep and rupture is required, and it is annealed to develop controlled
grain size for optimum properties in this temperature range. 6.1 Mechanical Properties—The material shall conform to
the mechanical properties specified in Table 3.
6.2 Hardness—When annealed ends are specified for tubing
3. Terminology in the stress-relieved condition (see Table 3), the hardness of
the ends after annealing shall not exceed the values specified in
3.1 Definitions: Table 3.
3.1.1 average diameter, n—average of the maximum and
minimum outside diameters, as determined at any one cross 6.3 Flare—A flare test shall be made on one end of 1 % of
section of the tube. the number of finished tube lengths from each lot. For less than
100 tubes in a lot, a flare test shall be made on one end of one
3.1.2 tube, n—hollow product of round or any other cross
tube length in the lot. In the case of stress relieved tubing with
section having a continuous periphery.
annealed ends, the test shall be made prior to, or subsequent to,
4. Ordering Information annealing of the ends at the option of the manufacturer.
6.3.1 The flare test shall consist of flaring a test specimen
4.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all with an expanding tool having an included angle of 60° until
requirements that are necessary for the safe and satisfactory the specified outside diameter has been increased by 30 %. The
performance of material ordered under this specification. flared specimen shall not exhibit cracking through the wall.
Examples of such requirements include, but are not limited to,
the following: 6.4 Grain Size—A transverse sample representing full-wall
4.1.1 Alloy (Table 1). thickness of annealed alloys UNS N08120, UNS N08810 and
4.1.2 Condition (Temper) Table 3 and Appendix X1 and UNS N08811 shall conform to an average grain size of ASTM
Appendix X2. No. 5 or coarser.
4.1.2.1 If annealed ends for stress relieved tubing are 6.5 Hydrostatic or Nondestructive Electric Test—Each tube
desired, state length of end to be annealed and whether or not shall be subjected to either the hydrostatic test or the nonde-
one end or both ends are to be annealed. structive electric test. The type of test to be used shall be at the
4.1.3 Finish. option of the manufacturer, unless otherwise specified in the
4.1.4 Dimensions—Outside diameter, minimum or average purchase order.
wall thickness (in inches, not gage number), and length. 6.5.1 Hydrostatic Test:

4
 B163 − 11´2
TABLE 3 Mechanical Properties of Tubes
Yield Strength Elongation in 2 in. Rockwell Hardness
Tensile Strength,
Material and Condition (0.2 % Offset), or 50 mm (or 4 D) (or equivalent) for
min, ksi (MPa)
min, ksi (MPa) min, % annealed endsA
Nickel UNS N02200:
Annealed 55 (379) 15 (103) 40 ...
Stress-relieved 65 (448) 40 (276) 15 B65 max
Low-carbon nickel UNS N02201:
Annealed 50 (345) 12 (83) 40 ...
Stress-relieved 60 (414) 30 (207) 15 B62 max
Nickel-copper alloy UNS N04400:
Annealed 70 (483) 28 (193) 35 ...
Stress-relieved 85 (586) 55 (379) 15 B75 max
Nickel-chromium-iron alloys:
Annealed alloy UNS N06600 80 (552) 35 (241) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N06601 80 (552) 30 (207) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N06690 85 (586) 35 (241) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N06045 90 (620) 35 (240) 35 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N06025 98 (680) 39 (270) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N06603 94 (650) 43 (300) 25 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N06696 85 (586) 35 (240) 30 ...
Low-carbon nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten alloy:
Annealed UNS N06686 100 (690) 45 (310) 45 ...
Nickel-iron-chromium alloys:
Annealed alloy UNS N08120 90 (620) 40 (276) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N08800 75 (517) 30 (207) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N08801 65 (448) 25 (172) 30 ...
Cold-worked alloy UNS N08800 83 (572) 47 (324) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N08810 65 (448) 25 (172) 30 ...
Annealed alloy UNS N08811 65 (448) 25 (172) 30 ...
Nickel-iron-chromium-molybdenum-copper-
alloys:
Annealed UNS N08825 85 (586) 35 (241) 30 ...
Annealed UNS N06845 100 (690) 40 (276) 30 ...
A
Rockwell or equivalent hardness values apply only to the annealed ends of stress-relieved tubing. Caution should be observed in using the Rockwell test on thin material,
as the results may be affected by the thickness of specimen. For thickness under 0.050 in. (1.27 mm) the use of the Rockwell superficial or the Vickers hardness test is
suggested. For hardness conversions for nickel and high-nickel alloys see Hardness Conversion Tables E140.

TABLE 4 Permissible Variations in Outside Diameter and Wall Thickness of Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tubes
NOTE 1—The tolerances in the table apply to individual measurements of outside diameter and include out-of-roundness (ovality), and apply to all
materials and all conditions, except that for thin wall tubes having a nominal wall of 3 % or less of the outside diameter, the mean outside diameter shall
comply with the permissible variations of the above table and individual measurements (including ovality) shall conform to the plus and minus values
of the table with the values increased by 1⁄2 % of the nominal outside diameter.
NOTE 2—Eccentricity—The variation in wall thickness in any one cross section of any one tube shall not exceed plus or minus 10 % of the actual
(measured) average wall of that section. The actual average wall is defined as the average of the thickest and thinnest wall of that section.
NOTE 3—For tolerances of small diameter and light wall tube (converter sizes) see Appendix X2 (Table X2.2).
Permissible VariationsA
Outside Diameter, in. (mm) Wall Thickness,%
Material Nominal Outside Diameter, in. (mm)
Average Wall Minimum Wall
+ −
+ − + −
UNS N02200, UNS N02201, ⁄ to 5⁄8 (12.7 to 15.9), excl
12 0.005 (0.13) 0 12.5 12.5 25.0 0
and UNS N04400
5⁄8 to 11⁄2 (15.9 to 38.1), incl 0.005 (0.13) 0.005 (0.13) 10.0 10.0 20.0 0
over 11⁄2 to 3 (38.1 to 76.2), incl 0.010 (0.25) 0.010 (0.25) 10.0 10.0 22.0 0

UNS N06600, UNS N06601, UNS ⁄ to 5⁄8 (12.7 to 15.9), excl

12 0.005 (0.13) 0.005 (0.13) 12.5 12.5 25.0 0
N06690,
UNS N06045, UNS N06025, UNS
N06603, UNS N06696, UNS N08800,
UNS N08810, UNS N08811, UNS
N08801,
UNS N08825, UNS N06845, and UNS
N08120
UNS N06686 5⁄8 to 11⁄2 (15.9 to 38.1), incl 0.0075 (0.19) 0.0075 (0.19) 10.0 10.0 20.0 0
over 11⁄2 to 3 (38.1 to 76.2), incl 0.010 (0.25) 0.010 (0.25) 10.0 10.0 22.0 0
A
Wall variations as indicated above are applicable only to the wall as ordered, for instance, to minimum or to average wall, but not to both.

5
 B163 − 11´2
6.5.1.1 Each tube with an outside diameter 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) 6.5.1.3 When stress-relieved tubes with annealed ends are to
and larger and tubes with wall thickness of 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) be tested hydrostatically, such pressure testing shall be done
and over shall be tested by the manufacturer to an internal prior to annealing of the ends of the tube.
hydrostatic pressure of 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) provided that the 6.5.2 Nondestructive Electric Test—Each tube shall be ex-
fiber stress calculated in accordance with the following equa- amined with a nondestructive electric test as prescribed in
tion does not exceed the allowable fiber stress, S, indicated Specification B829.
below. The tube shall show no evidence of leakage.
7. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
P 5 2St/D
7.1 Outside Diameter and Wall Thickness—The permissible
where: variations in the outside diameter and wall thickness of tube
P = hydrostatic test pressure, psi (MPa), shall not exceed those prescribed in Table 4 and Table X2.2, as
S = allowable fiber stress for material in the condition applicable. (See also Table 5 and Table 6.)
furnished, as follows: 7.2 Length—When tube is ordered cut-to-length, the length
t = minimum wall thickness, in. (mm); equal to the speci- shall not be less than that specified, but a variation of plus 1⁄8
fied average wall minus the permissible “minus” wall in. (3.2 mm) will be permitted, except that for lengths over 30
tolerance, Table 4 and Table X2.2, or the specified ft (9.1 m), a variation of plus 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) will be permitted.
minimum wall thickness, and
D = outside diameter of the tube, in. (mm). 7.3 Straightness—Material shall be reasonably straight and
free of bends or kinks.
psi MPa
Annealed low-carbon nickel UNS N02201 8 000 55.2 8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
Stress-relieved low-carbon nickel UNS N02201 15 000 103.4
Annealed nickel UNS N02200 10 000 68.9 8.1 The material shall be uniform in quality and temper,
Stress-relieved nickel UNS N02200 16 200 111.7
Annealed nickel-copper alloy UNS N04400 17 500 120.6
smooth, commercially straight, and free of injurious imperfec-
Stress-relieved nickel-copper alloy UNS N04400 21 200 146.2 tions.
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06600 20 000 137.9
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06601 20 000 137.9 9. Sampling
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06690 21 200 146
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06045 22 500 155
9.1 Lot—Definition:
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06025 24 500 169 9.1.1 A lot for chemical analysis shall consist of one heat.
Solution annealed low-carbon nickel-chromium- 25 000 172 9.1.2 A lot for mechanical properties, hardness, flaring, and
molybdenum-tungsten alloy UNS N06686
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum alloy grain size testing shall consist of all material from the same
UNS N06603 24 000 165 heat, nominal size (except length), and condition (temper).
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron-copper alloy 9.1.2.1 Where material cannot be identified by heat, a lot
UNS N06696 21 200 146
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08120 22 500 155 shall consist of not more than 500 lb (230 kg) of material in the
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08800 18 700 128.9 same condition (temper) and size.
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08810 16 600 114.4
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08811 16 600 114.4 9.2 Test Material Selection:
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08801 16 600 114.4 9.2.1 Chemical Analysis—Representative samples shall be
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium-molybdenum copper
alloy UNS N08825 21 000 144.8
taken during pouring or subsequent processing.
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium-molydenum-copper 9.2.1.1 Product (check) analysis shall be wholly the respon-
alloy UNS N06845 21 200 146.2 sibility of the purchaser.
Cold-worked nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08800 20 700 142.7
9.2.2 Mechanical Properties, Hardness, and Grain Size—
6.5.1.2 When so agreed upon between the manufacturer and Samples of the material to provide test specimens for mechani-
the purchaser, tube may be tested to 11⁄2 times the above cal properties, hardness, and grain size shall be taken from such
allowable fiber stress. locations in each lot as to be representative of that lot.

TABLE 5 Alloy,A Condition, Tube Size, and Bend Radii Limitations

Minimum Bend Radius, in.
B
(mm)
Tube OD, in. (mm) Average Tube Wall, in. (mm)
Annealed Stress-Relieved
Condition Condition
Up to 1⁄2 (12.7), incl 0.046 to 0.057 (1.17 to 1.45), incl 13⁄16 (30.2) 11⁄4 (31.8)
Up to 1⁄2 (12.7), incl Over 0.057 to 0.120 (1.45 to 3.05), incl 1 (25.4) 11⁄8 (28.6)
Over 1⁄2 to 5⁄8 (12.7 to 15.9), incl 0.037 to 0.057 (0.94 to 1.45), incl 13⁄16 (30.2) 11⁄4 (31.8)
Over 1⁄2 to 5⁄8 (12.7 to 15.9), incl Over 0.057 to 0.120 (1.45 to 3.05), incl 1 (25.4) 13⁄16 (30.2)
Over 5⁄8 to 3⁄4 (15.9 to 19.0), incl 0.049 to 0.057 (1.24 to 1.45), incl 11⁄4 (31.8) 11⁄2 (38.1)
Over 5⁄8 to 3⁄4 (15.9 to 19.0), incl Over 0.057 to 0.109 (1.45 to 2.77), incl 1 ⁄16 (30.2)
3 11⁄4 (31.8)
Over 3⁄4 to 1 (19.0 to 25.4), incl 0.049 to 0.058 (1.24 to 1.47), incl 2 (50.8) 4 (101.6)
Over 3⁄4 to 1 (19.0 to 25.4), incl Over 0.058 to 0.109 (1.47 to 2.77), incl 13⁄4 (44.5) 21⁄4 (57.2)
A
Applies for all alloys except alloy UNS N08810, alloy UNS N08801, and UNS N08811.
B
To determine the bend radius applicable to minimum wall tubing, compute the corresponding average wall from the wall tolerances in Table 4, then use Table 5.

6
 B163 − 11´2
TABLE 6 Alloys, Size Ranges, and Yield Strength for Higher Yield Strength Tubes
Size Range, in. (mm) 0.2 % Yield Strength, ksi (MPa)
Alloys
OD Wall Thickness Minimum Maximum
Nickel-chromium-iron Alloy UNS N06600 ⁄
14 to ⁄
78 (6.35 to 22.23) Up to 0.100 (2.54) 40 (276) 65 (448)
Nickel-chromium-iron Alloy UNS N06601 1⁄ 4 to 7⁄ 8 (6.35 to 22.23) Up to 0.100 (2.54) 40 (276) 65 (449)
Nickel-iron-chromium Alloy UNS N08800 1⁄ 4 to 7⁄ 8 (6.35 to 22.23) Up to 0.100 (2.54) 40 (276) 65 (448)
Nickel-chromium-iron Alloy UNS N06690 1⁄ 4 to 7⁄ 8 (6.35 to 22.23) Up to 0.100 (2.54) 40 (276) 65 (448)

10. Number of Tests 12.3 For purposes of determining compliance with the
10.1 Chemical Analysis—One test per lot. specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in the
following table, an observed value or a calculated value shall
10.2 Mechanical Properties—One test per lot. be rounded as indicated below, in accordance with the round-
10.3 Hardness—A representative sample consisting of 3 % ing method of Practice E29:
of each lot of tubes with annealed ends (see 9.1.2). Rounded Unit for Observed
Test
or Calculated Value
10.4 Grain Size—One test per lot. Chemical composition, hardness, nearest unit in the last right-hand place of
and tolerances (when expressed figures of the specified limit
10.5 Flare—A representative sample consisting of 1 % of in decimals)
the number of tube lengths in each lot, with a minimum of one Tensile strength, yield strength nearest 1000 psi (6.9 MPa)
tube per lot. Elongation nearest 1 %
Grain size:
0.0024 in. (0.060 mm) or larger nearest multiple of 0.0002 in. (0.005 mm)
11. Specimen Preparation less than 0.0024 in. (0.060 mm) nearest multiple of 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm)
11.1 Tension Test:
13. Inspection
11.1.1 Tension test specimens shall be taken from material
in the final condition (temper) and tested in the direction of 13.1 Inspection of the material shall be made as agreed upon
fabrication. between the manufacturer and the purchaser as part of the
11.1.2 Whenever possible, all tubes shall be tested in full purchase contract.
tubular size. When testing in full tubular size is not possible,
14. Rejection and Rehearing
longitudinal strip specimens, or the largest possible round
specimen, shall be used. In the event of disagreement when full 14.1 Material not conforming to this specification or to
tubular testing is not possible, a longitudinal strip specimen authorized modifications will be subject to rejection.
with reduced gage length as contained in Test Methods E8 shall 14.2 Samples tested in accordance with this specification
be used. that represent rejected material shall be preserved for not less
11.1.3 In the case of stress-relieved tubes furnished with than three weeks from the date of the test report. In case of
annealed ends, the tension test shall be made on the stress- dissatisfaction with the results of the tests, the manufacturer
relieved tubes prior to annealing the ends. may make claim for a rehearing within that time.
11.2 Hardness Test:
11.2.1 Stress-Relieved Tubing with Annealed Ends—The 15. Certification
hardness test may be made on the inside of the tube near the 15.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
end or on a specimen cut from the end, at the option of the manufacturer’s certification shall be furnished to the purchaser
manufacturer. The test shall be made on the inside of the stating that material has been manufactured, tested, and in-
specimen. spected in accordance with this specification, and that the test
results on representative samples meet specification require-
12. Test Methods ments. When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
12.1 The chemical composition, mechanical, and other report of the test results shall be furnished.
properties of the material as enumerated in this specification
16. Product Marking
shall be determined, in case of disagreement, in accordance
with the following methods: 16.1 Each bundle or shipping container shall be marked
Test ASTM Designation
with the name of the material; condition (temper); this speci-
Chemical Analysis E76, E1473 fication number; the size; gross, tare, and net weight; consignor
Tension E8 and consignee address; contract or order number; or such other
Rounding Procedure E29
Rockwell Hardness E18
information as may be defined in the contract or order.
Grain Size E112
Hardness Conversion E140 17. Keywords
12.2 The measurement of average grain size may be carried 17.1 seamless tube; UNS N02200; UNS N02201; UNS
out by the planimetric method, the comparison method, or the N04400; UNS N06025; UNS N06045; UNS N06600; UNS
intercept method described in Test Methods E112. In case of N06601; UNS N06603; UNS N06686; UNS N06690; UNS
dispute the “referee” method for determining average grain N06696; UNS N06845; UNS N08120; UNS N08800; UNS
size shall be the planimetric method. N08801; UNS N08810; UNS N08811; UNS N08825

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SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

S1. U-BENT TUBES

The following supplementary requirements shall apply when U-bent tubes are specified by the
purchaser in the inquiry, contract, or order.

S1.1 Limitation of Supplementary Requirements for TF = thickness after bending, in. (mm),
U-Bent Tubes T = minimum permissible thickness of tube wall prior to
S1.1.1 The requirements for U-bent tubes included in this bending, in. (mm),
supplement are limited to the alloys, conditions (tempers), tube R = centerline bend radius, in. (mm), and
outside diameter (OD), and wall thickness ranges and bend D = nominal outside diameter of the tube, in. (mm).
radii listed in Table 5. When specified by the purchaser, proof of conformance to
this requirement shall be obtained by bending a tube specimen,
S1.2 Permissible Variations in Dimensions (Fig. S1.1) representative of the material offered, to the scheduled radius
S1.2.1 Leg Spacing—The leg spacing, measured between of bend, cutting the tube at the apex of the bend, measuring the
the points of tangency of the bend to the legs shall not vary tube wall at the cross section of this apex section, and
from the value (2R − specified tube OD) by more than the comparing the measured value with the calculated value of TF.
amounts shown below where R is the specified centerline bend S1.2.4 Length of U-Bend Tube Legs—The length of the tube
radius: legs as measured from the point of tangency of the bend and
Centerline Bend Radius (R), in. (mm) Tolerance, in. (mm) the tube leg to the end of the tube leg shall not be less than that
Up to 18 (457), incl 1⁄16 (1.6) specified, but may exceed the specified values by the following
Over 18 to 30 (457 to 762), incl 3⁄32 (2.4)
amounts:
Over 30 to 36 (762 to 914), incl 1⁄8 (3.2)

Specified Length (L), ft (m) Tolerance (all Plus), in. (mm)

S1.2.2 Diameter of Tube in U-Bent Section—Neither the Up to 20 (6.1), incl 1⁄8 (3.2)

major, nor the minor outside diameter of the tube at any one Over 20 to 30 (6.1 to 9.1), incl 5⁄32 (4.0)

Over 30 to 60 (9.1 to 18.3), incl 1⁄4 (6.4)

cross section included within the points of tangency of the bend Over 60 (18.3) 3⁄8 (10.0)

shall deviate from the nominal diameter prior to bending by

more than 10 %. S1.2.4.1 The difference in the length of the tube legs shall
S1.2.3 Wall Thickness of Tube in U-Bent Section—The wall not be greater than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm).
thickness of the tube at the apex of the U-bent section shall be S1.2.5 Squareness of Ends—The end of any tube may depart
not less than the value determined by the following equation: from square by not more than the following amounts:
TF 5 T ~ 2R ! / ~ 2R1D ! Tube OD, in. (mm) Tolerance, in. (mm)
Up to 5⁄8 (15.9), incl 0.010 (0.25)
where: Over 5⁄8 (15.9) 0.016 (0.41)

FIG. S1.1 Bent Portion of U-Tube

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S1.3 Hydrostatic Test S1.3.1.2 The required fiber stress for computing hydrostatic
S1.3.1 When specified by the purchaser, the hydrostatic test test pressure shall be 26 600 psi (183.3 MPa).
shall be performed after bending. The minimum holding time
at pressure shall be 5 s.
S1.3.1.1 When hydrostatic testing is performed after
bending, such testing will not be required on straight length
tubes prior to bending.

S2. HIGH YIELD STRENGTH TUBES

The following supplementary requirements shall apply when high yield strength tubes are specified by the purchaser in the
inquiry, contract, or purchase order.

S2.1 Limitations of Supplementary Requirements for High S2.4 Annealing

Yield Strength Tubes
S2.4.1 Tubing is to be furnished in the annealed condition. In
S2.1.1 The requirements for higher yield strength tubes order to meet the higher yield strength requirement, it may be
included in this supplement are limited to the alloys, tube necessary to control the final annealing parameters so as to
outside diameter (OD), and wall thickness ranges listed in preclude large grain sizes.
Table 6.
S2.2 Higher Yield Strength S2.5 Marking Requirements
S2.2.1 The 0.2 % yield strength shall be as listed in Table 6. S2.5.1 In addition to the marking requirements of SB-163,
All other mechanical properties shall be as listed in Table 3. the marking shall include the letters HYS signifying higher
yield strength.
S2.3 Degree of Cold Work
S2.3.1 No additional cold working over and above that
normally required for these alloys shall be used in order to
meet the higher yield strength.

S3. COILED OR UNSTRAIGHTENED TUBING

The following supplementary requirements shall apply when coiled or unstraightened tubing is specified by the purchaser in
the inquiry, contract, or purchase order.

S3.1 Unstraightened Tubing S3.1.2 On the certification and wherever the grade designa-
tion for unstraightened tubing appears, it shall be identified
S3.1.1 When the purchaser specifies coiled or unstraightened
with the suffix letter “U” (for example, UNS N06600–U).
tubing after final heat treatment, the tensile specimens may be
machine straightened prior to testing.

S4. U.S. GOVERNMENT

The following supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified by the purchaser in the inquiry, contract, or order
for agencies of the U.S. Government.

S4.1 Referenced Documents S4.2 Quality Assurance

S4.1.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date S4.2.1 Responsibility for Inspection:
of material purchased form a part of this specification to the S4.2.1.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or pur-
extent referenced herein: Fed. Std. No. 102, Fed. Std. No. 123, chase order, the manufacturer is responsible for the perfor-
Fed. Std. No. 182, and MIL-STD-129. mance of all inspection and test requirements specified. Except

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 B163 − 11´2
as otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the S.4.4.1.1 Military Agencies—The material shall be separated
manufacturer may use his own or any other suitable facilities by size, composition, grade or class and shall be preserved and
for the performance of the inspection and test requirements packaged, level A or C, packed level A, B, or C as specified in
unless disapproved by the purchaser at the time the order is the contract or purchase order.
placed. The purchaser shall have the right to perform any of the S4.4.1.2 Civil Agencies—The requirements of Fed. Std. No.
inspections or tests set forth when such inspections and tests 102 shall be referenced for definitions of the various levels of
are deemed necessary to ensure that the material conforms to packaging protection.
prescribed requirements.
S4.4.2 Marking:
S4.3 Identification Marking S4.4.2.1 Military Agencies—In addition to any special
S4.3.1 The material shall be properly marked for identifica- marking required by the contract or purchase order, marking
tion in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 182 except that the for shipment shall be in accordance with MIL-STD-129.
ASTM specification number and the alloy number shall be S4.4.2.2 Civil Agencies—In addition to any special marking
used. required by the contract or purchase order, marking for
shipment shall be in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 123.
S4.4 Preparation for Delivery
S4.4.1 Preservation, Packaging, Packing:

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. CONDITION AND FINISHES NORMALLY SUPPLIED

X1.1 Scope X1.4.2 Stress Relieved—Thermally treated below the an-

X1.1.1 This appendix lists the conditions and finishes in nealing temperature to relieve the major portion of the internal
which tube (other than converter sizes) are normally supplied. stresses resulting from cold drawing, with a thin, light to
These are subject to change and the manufacturer should be medium-dark surface.
consulted for the latest information available. X1.4.3 Stress-Relieved With Annealed Ends—Same as
X1.4.2 except with annealed ends.
X1.2 Nickel UNS N02200
X1.2.1 Annealed—Soft, with a dull matte finish. X1.5 Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloy UNS N06600, Nickel-
X1.2.2 Stress Relieved—Thermally treated below the an- Chromium-Iron Alloy UNS N06601, Nickel-
nealing temperature to relieve the major portion of the internal Chromium-Iron Alloy UNS N06690, Nickel-
stresses, with a thin, light to medium-dark surface. Chromium-Iron Alloy UNS N06045, Nickel-
X1.2.3 Stress Relieved with Annealed Ends—Same as Chromium-Iron Alloy UNS N06025, Nickel-Iron-
X1.2.2 except with annealed ends. Chromium Alloys (UNS N08120, UNS N08800, UNS
N08810, UNS N08811, and UNS N08801), and
X1.3 Low-Carbon Nickel UNS N02201 Nickel-Iron-Chromium-Molybdenum-Copper Alloys
X1.3.1 Annealed—Similar to X1.2.1 UNS N08825 and UNS N06845
X1.3.2 Stress Relieved—Similar to X1.2.2 X1.5.1 Annealed and Ground Outside Diameter—The in-
side diameter may have a bright finish when material is
X1.3.3 Stress-Relieved With Annealed Ends—Same as
annealed in protective atmosphere; otherwise, the inside diam-
X1.3.2 except with annealed ends.
eter is supplied descaled as necessary.
X1.4 Nickel-Copper Alloy UNS N04400 X1.5.2 Annealed and Pickled (Not Ground)—Outside and
X1.4.1 Annealed—Soft with a dull matte finish. inside diameter will have dull, matte (pickled) surfaces.

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 B163 − 11´2

X2. CONVERTER SIZES

X2.1 Small diameter and light wall tube in outside diam- outside diameters and wall thicknesses that may be furnished.
eters 11⁄4 in. (31.8 mm) and under all wall thicknesses may be Material shall be clean and scale-free. Such material shall
furnished in the following conditions or tempers when so conform to the applicable requirements indicated in Table X2.1
specified. The material is furnished in a limited range of sizes and Table X2.2.
and the manufacturer should be consulted as to the various

TABLE X2.1 Mechanical PropertiesA of Small Diameter and Light Wall Tube
Yield Strength Rockwell
Tensile Strength, Elongation in 2 in. HardnessC
Material (0.2 % offset),B
ksi (MPa) or 50 mm, min, % (Scale as
min, ksi (MPa)
Indicated)
Nickel UNS N02200:
AnnealedD 80 (552) max 15 (103) 33 B75, max
Half-hardE 80 (552) min 40 (276) 12 B75 to B90
Full hardF 95 (655) min 75 (517) 4 B90 to C30
Low-carbon nickel
UNS N02201:
AnnealedD 70 (483) max 12 (83) 35 B62, max
Half-hardE 70 (483) min 30 (207) 12 B70 to B85
Full hardF 85 (586) min 65 (448) 4 B80 to B95
Nickel-copper alloy
UNS N04400:
AnnealedD 90 (621) max 28 (193) 32 B80, max
Half-hardE 85 (586) min 55 (379) 12 B75 to B97
Full hardF 110 (758) min 90 (621) 3 B95 to C27
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy
UNS N06600:
AnnealedDG 80 (552) to 110 (758) 35 (241) 30 B92, max
Half-hardE 105 (724) min 55 (379) 13 B90 to B98
Full-hardF 130 (896) min 105 (724) 4 C19 to C34
UNS N06601:
AnnealedD ,G 80 (552) to 110 (758) 30 (207) 30 B92 max
Half-hardE 105 (724) min 55 (379) 13 B90 to B98
Full-hardF 130 (896) min 105 (724) 4 C19 to C34
UNS N06690:
AnnealedD ,G 85 (586) to 115 (793) 35 (241) 30 B92 max
Half-hardE 105 (724) min 55 (379) 13 B90 to B98
Full-hardF 130 (896) min 105 (724) 4 C19 to C34
Nickel-iron chromium alloy
UNS N08800:
AnnealedDG 75 (517) to 100 (689) 30 (207) 30 B95, max
Half-hardE 105 (724) 60 (414) 13 B93 to C26
Full hardF 130 (896) 105 (724) 4 C24 to C38
Nickel-iron chromium-molyb-
denum-copper alloy
UNS N08825:
AnnealedDG 85 (586) to 115 (793) 35 (241) 30 B90 max
Half-hardE 105 (724) min 75 (517) 15 B90 to C25
Full-hardF 125 (862) min 100 (689) 5 C25 to C35
A
Not applicable to outside diameters under 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) and to wall thicknesses under 0.015 in. (0.38 mm).
B
See 12.3.
C
Hardness values, indicative of tensile strength, are shown for information only. All tests are subject to confirmation by tension tests. For hardness conversions, see
Hardness Conversion Tables E140.
D
This condition is sometimes designated as “No. 1 Temper.”
E
This condition is sometimes designated as “No. 2 Temper.”
F
This condition is sometimes designated as “No. 3 Temper.”
G
The minimum tensile strength value applies only to tubing in straight lengths.

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TABLE X2.2 Permissible Variations for Small Diameter and Light Wall Tube (Converter Sizes)
NOTE 1—Ovality, Normal Wall Tube:
As-Drawn (No. 2 and 3) Tempers—Ovality will be held within the outside diameter tolerances shown in the table.
Annealed (No. 1) Temper—Ovality will be held within 2 % of the theoretical average outside diameter.
NOTE 2—Ovality Light Wall Tube:
As-Drawn (No. 2 and 3) Tempers—Ovality will be held within 2 % of the theoretical average outside diameter.
Annealed (No. 1) Temper—Ovality will be held within 3 % of the theoretical average outside diameter.
NOTE 3—Wall Tolerances, Light Wall Tube—The plus and minus wall tolerance shown in the table shall apply down to and including 0.005 in. (0.13
mm) in wall thickness. For wall thicknesses less than 0.005 in. the tolerance shall be plus and minus 0.0005 in.
NOTE 4—Random Lengths:
(a) Where nominal random lengths on tubing 1⁄8 in. and larger in outside diameter are specified, a length tolerance of plus and minus 31⁄2 ft (1.1 m) applies
to the nominal length. This is a total spread of 7 ft. (2.1 m).
(b) Random lengths in sizes 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) and larger in outside diameter shall be subject to a length range from 5 to 24 ft (1.5 to 7.3 m). Long random
lengths are subject to a range from 15 to 22 ft (4.6 to 6.7 m).
(c) Random lengths in sizes up to, but not including, 1⁄8 in. in outside diameter, and fragile light wall tubes over this outside diameter are subject to the
length range from 1 to 15 ft (0.3 to 4.6 m).
NOTE 5—Cut Lengths—Tolerances on cut lengths shall be as follows:
NOTE 6—Straightness—Round tubing is subject to a straightness tolerance of one part in 600 (equivalent to a depth of arc of 0.030 in. (0.76 mm) in
any 3 ft (0.9 m) of length).
NOTE 7—Eccentricity—Eccentricity (as defined in Table 4, Note 2) shall be limited to plus or minus 10 % of the specified wall or calculated average
wall.
NOTE 8—When specified, the tolerance spread may be applied as desired. However, when not specified the tolerances shown below will apply. It should
be noted that inside diameter tolerances are based upon the outside diameter range.
Permissible Variations, in.
Length, ft Tube Size, in.
Over Under
U.S. Customary Units
Under 1 Up to 1.250, incl ⁄
1 32 0
1 to 4, incl Up to 1.250, incl ⁄
1 16 0
Over 4 to 10, incl Up to 1.250, incl 3⁄32 0
Over 10 Up to 1.250, incl 3⁄16 0
Metric Units
Permissible Variations, mm
Length, m Tube Size, mm
Over Under
Under 0.3 Up to 31.75, incl 0.794 0
0.3 to 1.2, incl Up to 31.75, incl 1.59 0
1.2 to 3.0, incl Up to 31.75, incl 2.38 0
Over 3.0 Up to 31.75, incl 4.76 0
Outside Diameter, in. Inside Diameter, in. Wall Thickness,%
Specified Outside Diameter, in.
+ − + − + −
U.S. Customary Units
Under 3⁄32 0.002 0 0 0.002 10 10
to 3⁄16 (0.1875), excl 0.003 0 0 0.003 10 10
3⁄16 to 1⁄2 (0.500), excl 0.004 0 0 0.004 10 10
1⁄2 to 11⁄4 (1.250), incl 0.005 0 0 0.005 10 10
Millimetres
Under 2.38 0.051 0 0 0.051 10 10
2.38 to 4.76, excl 0.076 0 0 0.076 10 10
4.76 to 12.70, excl 0.102 0 0 0.102 10 10
12.70 to 31.8, incl 0.127 0 0 0.127 10 10

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B02 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B163 - 08)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved October 1, 2011.)

(1) Corrected the Fe content of UNS N06601 and the Ni (3) Added new nickel-iron-chromium-molybdenum-copper
content of UNS N06045, both in Table 1. ally UNS N06845 in: Subsection 6.5.1.1, Section 17, Table 1,
(2) Revised Note A of Table 1. Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, and Appendix X1.

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