Designation: B 163 – 04

Standard Specification for

Seamless Nickel and Nickel Alloy Condenser and Heat-
Exchanger Tubes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 163; 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* Check Analysis Limits for Nickel, Nickel Alloys and

1.1 This specification2 covers seamless tubes of nickel and Cobalt Alloys
nickel alloys, as shown in Table 1, for use in condenser and E 8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
heat-exchanger service. E 18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell
1.2 This specification covers outside diameter and average Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials
wall, or outside diameter and minimum wall tube. E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.2.1 The sizes covered by this specification are 3 in. (76.2 Determine Conformance with Specifications
mm) and under in outside diameter with minimum wall E 76 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Nickel-Copper
thicknesses of 0.148 in. (3.76 mm) and under, and with average Alloys4
wall thicknesses of 0.165 in. (4.19 mm) and under. E 112 Test Methods for Determining the Average Grain
1.3 Tube shall be furnished in the alloys and conditions as Size
shown in Table 2. For small diameter and light wall tube E 140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals
(converter sizes), see Appendix X2. E 1473 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Nickel,
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Cobalt, and High-Temperature Alloys
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for 2.2 Federal Standards:5
information only. Fed. Std. No. 102 Preservation, Packaging and Packing
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the Levels
test method portion, Section 12, of this specification. This Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, Fed. Std. No. 182 Continuous Identification Marking of
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user Nickel and Nickel-Base Alloys
of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including 2.3 Military Standard:5
those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to 3. Terminology
establish appropriate safety and health practices, and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 average diameter, n—average of the maximum and
2. Referenced Documents minimum outside diameters, as determined at any one cross
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 section of the tube.
B 829 Specification for General Requirements for Nickel 3.1.2 tube, n—hollow product of round or any other cross
and Nickel Alloys Seamless Pipe and Tube section having a continuous periphery.
B 880 Specification for General Requirements for Chemical
4. Ordering Information
4.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to specify all
1
requirements that are necessary for the safe and satisfactory
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
performance of material ordered under this specification.
B02.07 on Refined Nickel and Cobalt and Their Alloys. Examples of such requirements include, but are not limited to,
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2004. Published March 2004. Originally the following:
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as B 163 – 02. 4.1.1 Alloy (Table 1).
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi-
cation SB-163 in Section II of that Code.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Withdrawn.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
the ASTM website. Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098.

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

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition,%

Alloy Manga- Colum-

Molyb- Sulfur, Chro- Alum- Titan- Phos- Zircon- Tung- Nitro-
Nickel Copper Iron nese, CarbonA SiliconA Cerium Yttrium Boron Cobalt bium
denum max mium inum ium phorus ium sten gen
max (Nb)
Nickel UNS N02200 99.0 minB 0.25 max ... 0.40 max 0.35 0.15 max 0.35 0.01 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Low-carbon Nickel
UNS N02201 99.0 minB 0.25 max ... 0.40 max 0.35 0.02 max 0.35 0.01 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Nickel-copper alloy
UNS N04400 63.0 minB 28.0 to 34.0 ... 2.5 max 2.0 0.3 max 0.5 0.024 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Nickel-chromium-iron 14.0 to
B
alloy UNS N06600 72.0 min 0.5 max ... 6.0 to 10.0 1.0 0.15 max 0.5 0.015 17.0 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Nickel-chromium-iron 58.0 to 21.0 to 1.0 to
A
alloy UNS N06601 63.0 1.0 max ... remainder 1.0 0.10 0.5 0.015 25.0 1.7 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Nickel-chromium-iron 27.0 to
alloy UNS N06690 58.0 minB 0.5 max ... 7.0 to 11.0 0.5 0.05 max 0.5 0.015 31.0 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Nickel-chromium-iron 0.15 to 24.0 to 1.8 to 0.1 to 0.020 0.01 to 0.05 to
alloy UNS N06025 remainderB 0.1 max ... 8.0 to 11.0 0.15 0.25 0.5 0.010 26.0 2.4 0.2 max ... 0.10 0.12 ... ... ... ... ...
Alloy UNS N06045 45.0 min 0.3 max ... 21.0 to 25.0 1.0 0.05 to 2.5 to 0.010 26.0 to ... ... 0.020 0.03 to ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
0.12 3.0 29.0 max 0.09
Nickel-chromium-iron-
aluminum alloy 0.20 to 24.0 to 2.4 to 0.01 to 0.02 0.01 to 0.01 to
UNS N06603 remainderB 0.5 max ... 8.0 to 11.0 15.0 0.40 0.5 max 0.010 26.0 3.0 0.25. max ... 0.10 0.15 ... ... ... ... ...
Low-carbon nickel-
chromium-molybdenum-
tungsten alloy 15.0 to 19.0 to 0.02 to 0.04 3.0 to
UNS N06686 remainderB ... 17.0 5.0 max 0.75 0.010 0.08 0.02 23.0 ... 0.25 max ... ... ... ... ... ... 4.4 ...
Nickel-iron-chromium 35.0 to 0.50 max 2.50 remainderB 1.5 max 0.02 to 1.0 0.03 23.0 to 0.40 0.20 0.04 ... ... ... 0.010 3.0 0.4 to 2.50 0.13 to
alloy UNS N08120 39.0 max 0.10 max max 27.0 max max max max max 0.9 max 0.30

2
Nickel-iron-chromium 30.0 to 0.75 max ... 39.5 minB 1.5 0.10 max 1.0 0.015 19.0 to 0.15 to 0.15 to ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
alloy UNS N08800 35.0 23.0 0.60 0.60
Nickel-iron-chromium 30.0 to 0.75 max ... 39.5 minB 1.5 0.05 to 1.0 0.015 19.0 to 0.15 to 0.15 to ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
alloy UNS N08810 35.0 0.10 23.0 0.60 0.60
Nickel-iron-chromium 30.0 to 0.75 max ... 39.5 minB 1.5 0.06 to 1.0 0.015 19.0 to 0.15 to 0.15 to ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
B 163 – 04

C
alloy UNS N08811 35.0 0.10 23.0 0.60 0.60C
B
Nickel-iron-chromium 30.0 to 0.50 max ... 39.5 min 1.50 0.10 max 1.00 0.015 19.0 to ... 0.75 to ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
alloy UNS N08801 34.0 22.0 1.5
Nickel-iron-chromium-
molybdenum-copper 38.0 to 2.5 to 19.5 to 0.6 to
alloy UNS N08825 46.0 1.5 to 3.0 3.5 22.0 minB 1.0 0.05 max 0.5 0.03 23.5 0.2 max 1.2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A
Maximum unless range is given.
B
Element shall be determined arithmetically by difference.
C
Alloy UNS N08811: Al + Ti, 0.85 − 1.20.
 B 163 – 04
TABLE 2 Alloy and Conditions 4.1.2 Condition (Temper) Table 3 and Appendixes X1 and
Alloy Condition X2.
Nickel UNS N02200 and 4.1.2.1 If annealed ends for stress relieved tubing are
low-carbon nickel UNS N02201 annealed or stress-relieved desired, state length of end to be annealed and whether or not
Nickel-copper alloy UNS N04400 annealed or stress-relieved
Nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum one end or both ends are to be annealed.
alloy UNS N06603 annealed 4.1.3 Finish.
Nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum
alloy UNS N06601 annealed
4.1.4 Dimensions—Outside diameter, minimum or average
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy wall thickness (in inches, not gage number), and length.
UNS N06600 annealed 4.1.5 Fabrication Operations:
Low-carbon nickel-chromium-
molybdenum-tungsten alloy 4.1.5.1 Cold Bending or Coiling.
UNS N06686 annealed 4.1.5.2 Packing.
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy
UNS N06690 annealed 4.1.5.3 Rolling or Expanding into Tube Sheets.
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy 4.1.5.4 Welding or Brazing—Process to be employed.
UNS N06045 annealed
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy 4.1.5.5 Hydrostatic Test or Nondestructive Electric Test—
UNS N08120A annealed or cold-worked Specify type of test (6.5).
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy
UNS N08800A annealed or cold-worked
4.1.5.6 Pressure Requirements—If other than required by
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy 6.5.
UNS N08810A annealed 4.1.5.7 Ends—Plain ends cut and deburred will be fur-
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy
UNS N08811A annealed nished.
Nickel-iron-chromium alloy 4.1.6 Supplementary Requirements—State nature and de-
UNS N08801 annealed
Nickel-iron-chromium-molybdenum-
tails.
copper alloy UNS N08825 annealed 4.1.7 Certification—State if certification is required (Sec-
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy tion 15).
UNS N06025 annealed
A
4.1.8 Samples for Product (Check) Analysis—Whether
Alloy UNS N08800 is normally employed in service temperatures up to and
including 1100°F (593°C). Alloys UNS N08810, UNS N08811, and UNS N08120 samples for product (check) analysis shall be furnished.
are normally employed in service temperatures above 1100°F (539°C) where 4.1.9 Purchaser Inspection—If purchaser wishes to witness
resistance to creep and rupture is required, and it is annealed to develop controlled
grain size for optimum properties in this temperature range.
tests or inspection of material at place of manufacture, the
purchase order must so state indicating which tests or inspec-
tions are to be witnessed (Section 13).

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) min, (or equivalent) for
min, ksi (MPa)
min, psi (MPa) % annealed endsA
NickelUNS N02200:
Annealed 55 (379) 15 (103) 40 ...
Stress-relieved 65 (448) 40 (276) 15 B65 max
Low-carbon nickelUNS N02201:
Annealed 50 (345) 12 (83) 40 ...
Stress-relieved 60 (414) 30 (207) 15 B62 max
Nickel-copper alloyUNS 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 ...
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-
alloy:
Annealed UNS N08825 85 (586) 35 (241) 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 E 140.

3
 B 163 – 04
4.1.10 Small-Diameter and Light-Wall Tube (Converter structive electric test. The type of test to be used shall be at the
Sizes)—See Appendix X2. option of the manufacturer, unless otherwise specified in the
purchase order.
5. Chemical Composition 6.5.1 Hydrostatic Test:
5.1 The material shall conform to the composition limits 6.5.1.1 Each tube with an outside diameter 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm)
specified in Table 1. and larger and tubes with wall thickness of 0.015 in. (0.38 mm)
5.2 If a product (check) analysis is performed by the and over shall be tested by the manufacturer to an internal
purchaser, the material shall conform to the product (check) hydrostatic pressure of 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) provided that the
analysis per Specification B 880. fiber stress calculated in accordance with the following equa-
tion does not exceed the allowable fiber stress, S, indicated
6. Mechanical Properties and Other Requirements below. The tube shall show no evidence of leakage.
6.1 Mechanical Properties—The material shall conform to P 5 2St/D
the mechanical properties specified in Table 3.
6.2 Hardness—When annealed ends are specified for tubing where:
in the stress-relieved condition (see Table 3), the hardness of P = hydrostatic test pressure, psi (MPa),
the ends after annealing shall not exceed the values specified in S = allowable fiber stress for material in the condition
Table 3. furnished, as follows:
6.3 Flare—A flare test shall be made on one end of 1 % of t = minimum wall thickness, in. (mm); equal to the
the number of finished tube lengths from each lot. For less than specified average wall minus the permissible “minus”
100 tubes in a lot, a flare test shall be made on one end of one wall tolerance, Table 4 and Table X2.2, or the specified
tube length in the lot. In the case of stress relieved tubing with minimum wall thickness, and
annealed ends, the test shall be made prior to, or subsequent to, D = outside diameter of the tube, in. (mm).
annealing of the ends at the option of the manufacturer. 6.5.1.2 When so agreed upon between the manufacturer and
6.3.1 The flare test shall consist of flaring a test specimen the purchaser, tube may be tested to 11⁄2 times the above
with an expanding tool having an included angle of 60° until allowable fiber stress.
the specified outside diameter has been increased by 30 %. The 6.5.1.3 When stress-relieved tubes with annealed ends are to
flared specimen shall not exhibit cracking through the wall. be tested hydrostatically, such pressure testing shall be done
6.4 Grain Size—A transverse sample representing full-wall prior to annealing of the ends of the tube.
thickness of annealed alloys UNS N08120, UNS N08810 and psi MPa
UNS N08811 shall conform to an average grain size of ASTM Annealed low-carbon nickel UNS N02201 8 000 55.2
Stress-relieved low-carbon nickel UNS N02201 15 000 103.4
No. 5 or coarser. Annealed nickel UNS N02200 10 000 68.9
6.5 Hydrostatic or Nondestructive Electric Test—Each tube Stress-relieved nickel UNS N02200 16 200 111.7
shall be subjected to either the hydrostatic test or the nonde- Annealed nickel-copper alloy UNS N04400 17 500 120.6

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 ⁄ (12.7 to 15.9), excl
12 58 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 N08800,
UNS N08810, UNS N08811, UNS
N08801,
UNS N08825, 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.

4
 B 163 – 04
Stress-relieved nickel-copper alloy UNS N04400 21 200 146.2 9.2 Test Material Selection:
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06600 20 000 137.9 9.2.1 Chemical Analysis—Representative samples shall be
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06601 20 000 137.9
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06690 21 200 146
taken during pouring or subsequent processing.
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06045 22 500 155 9.2.1.1 Product (check) analysis shall be wholly the respon-
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron alloy UNS N06025 24 500 169 sibility of the purchaser.
Solution annealed low-carbon nickel-chromium- 25 000 172
molybdenum-tungsten alloy UNS N06686 9.2.2 Mechanical Properties, Hardness, and Grain Size—
Annealed nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum alloy Samples of the material to provide test specimens for mechani-
UNS N06603 24 000 165 cal properties, hardness, and grain size shall be taken from such
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08120 22 500 155
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08800 18 700 128.9 locations in each lot as to be representative of that lot.
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08810 16 600 114.4
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08811 16 600 114.4 10. Number of Tests
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08801 16 600 114.4 10.1 Chemical Analysis—One test per lot.
Annealed nickel-iron-chromium-molybdenum copper alloy
UNS N08825 21 000 144.8 10.2 Mechanical Properties—One test per lot.
Cold-worked nickel-iron-chromium alloy UNS N08800 20 700 142.7 10.3 Hardness—A representative sample consisting of 3 %
6.5.2 Nondestructive Electric Test—Each tube shall be ex- of each lot of tubes with annealed ends (see 9.1.2).
amined with a nondestructive electric test as prescribed in 10.4 Grain Size—One test per lot.
Specification B 829. 10.5 Flare—A representative sample consisting of 1 % of
the number of tube lengths in each lot, with a minimum of one
7. Dimensions and Permissible Variations tube per lot.
7.1 Outside Diameter and Wall Thickness—The permissible 11. Specimen Preparation
variations in the outside diameter and wall thickness of tube 11.1 Tension Test:
shall not exceed those prescribed in Table 4 and Table X2.2, as 11.1.1 Tension test specimens shall be taken from material
applicable. (See also Table 5 and Table 6.) in the final condition (temper) and tested in the direction of
7.2 Length—When tube is ordered cut-to-length, the length fabrication.
shall not be less than that specified, but a variation of plus 1⁄8 11.1.2 Whenever possible, all tubes shall be tested in full
in. (3.2 mm) will be permitted, except that for lengths over 30 tubular size. When testing in full tubular size is not possible,
ft (9.1 m), a variation of plus 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) will be permitted. longitudinal strip specimens, or the largest possible round
7.3 Straightness—Material shall be reasonably straight and specimen, shall be used. In the event of disagreement when full
free of bends or kinks. tubular testing is not possible, a longitudinal strip specimen
with reduced gage length as contained in Test Methods E 8
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
shall be used.
8.1 The material shall be uniform in quality and temper, 11.1.3 In the case of stress-relieved tubes furnished with
smooth, commercially straight, and free of injurious imperfec- annealed ends, the tension test shall be made on the stress-
tions. relieved tubes prior to annealing the ends.
11.2 Hardness Test:
9. Sampling
11.2.1 Stress-Relieved Tubing with Annealed Ends—The
9.1 Lot—Definition: hardness test may be made on the inside of the tube near the
9.1.1 A lot for chemical analysis shall consist of one heat. end or on a specimen cut from the end, at the option of the
9.1.2 A lot for mechanical properties, hardness, flaring, and manufacturer. The test shall be made on the inside of the
grain size testing shall consist of all material from the same specimen.
heat, nominal size (except length), and condition (temper).
9.1.2.1 Where material cannot be identified by heat, a lot 12. Test Methods
shall consist of not more than 500 lb (230 kg) of material in the 12.1 The chemical composition, mechanical, and other
same condition (temper) and size. properties of the material as enumerated in this specification

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

Minimum Bend Radius, in.
(mm)
Tube OD, in. (mm) Average Tube Wall, in. (mm)B
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 13⁄16 (30.2) 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.

5
 B 163 – 04
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)

shall be determined, in case of disagreement, in accordance 14. Rejection and Rehearing

with the following methods: 14.1 Material not conforming to this specification or to
Test ASTM Designation authorized modifications will be subject to rejection.
Chemical Analysis E 76, E 1473
Tension E8
14.2 Samples tested in accordance with this specification
Rounding Procedure E 29 that represent rejected material shall be preserved for not less
Rockwell Hardness E 18 than three weeks from the date of the test report. In case of
Grain Size E 112
Hardness Conversion E 140 dissatisfaction with the results of the tests, the manufacturer
may make claim for a rehearing within that time.
12.2 The measurement of average grain size may be carried
out by the planimetric method, the comparison method, or the 15. Certification
intercept method described in Test Methods E 112. In case of 15.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
dispute the “referee” method for determining average grain manufacturer’s certification shall be furnished to the purchaser
size shall be the planimetric method. stating that material has been manufactured, tested, and in-
12.3 For purposes of determining compliance with the spected in accordance with this specification, and that the test
specified limits for requirements of the properties listed in the results on representative samples meet specification require-
following table, an observed value or a calculated value shall ments. When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
be rounded as indicated below, in accordance with the round- report of the test results shall be furnished.
ing method of Practice E 29:
Rounded Unit for Observed
16. Product Marking
Test
or Calculated Value 16.1 Each bundle or shipping container shall be marked
Chemical composition, hardness, nearest unit in the last right-hand place of
and tolerances (when expressed figures of the specified limit
with the name of the material; condition (temper); this speci-
in decimals) fication number; the size; gross, tare, and net weight; consignor
Tensile strength, yield strength nearest 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) and consignee address; contract or order number; or such other
Elongation nearest 1 %
Grain size:
information as may be defined in the contract or order.
0.0024 in. (0.060 mm) or larger nearest multiple of 0.0002 in. (0.005 mm)
less than 0.0024 in. (0.060 mm) nearest multiple of 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm) 17. Keywords
17.1 seamless tube; UNS N02200; UNS N02201; UNS
13. Inspection N04400; UNS N06025; UNS N06045; UNS N06600; UNS
13.1 Inspection of the material shall be made as agreed upon N06601; UNS N06603; UNS N06686; UNS N06690; UNS
between the manufacturer and the purchaser as part of the N08120; UNS N08800; UNS N08801; UNS N08810; UNS
purchase contract. N08811; UNS N08825

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 S1.2 Permissible Variations in Dimensions (Fig. S00001)
U-Bent Tubes S1.2.1 Leg Spacing—The leg spacing, measured between
S1.1.1 The requirements for U-bent tubes included in this the points of tangency of the bend to the legs shall not vary
supplement are limited to the alloys, conditions (tempers), tube from the value (2R − specified tube OD) by more than the
outside diameter (OD), and wall thickness ranges and bend amounts shown below where R is the specified centerline bend
radii listed in Table 5. radius:

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 B 163 – 04

FIG. S00001 Bent Portion of U-Tube

Centerline Bend Radius (R), in. (mm) Tolerance, in. (mm) S1.2.4 Length of U-Bend Tube Legs—The length of the tube
Up to 18 (457), incl 1⁄16 (1.6) legs as measured from the point of tangency of the bend and
Over 18 to 30 (457 to 762), incl 3⁄32 (2.4)

Over 30 to 36 (762 to 914), incl 1⁄8 (3.2) the tube leg to the end of the tube leg shall not be less than that
specified, but may exceed the specified values by the following
S1.2.2 Diameter of Tube in U-Bent Section—Neither the amounts:
major, nor the minor outside diameter of the tube at any one Specified Length (L), ft (m) Tolerance (all Plus), in. (mm)
cross section included within the points of tangency of the bend Up to 20 (6.1), incl 1⁄8 (3.2)

shall deviate from the nominal diameter prior to bending by 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)

more than 10 %. Over 60 (18.3) 3⁄8 (10.0)

S1.2.3 Wall Thickness of Tube in U-Bent Section—The wall

thickness of the tube at the apex of the U-bent section shall be S1.2.4.1 The difference in the length of the tube legs shall
not less than the value determined by the following equation: not be greater than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm).
S1.2.5 Squareness of Ends—The end of any tube may
TF 5 T~2R! / ~2R 1 D! depart from square by not more than the following amounts:
where: Tube OD, in. (mm) Tolerance, in. (mm)
Up to 5⁄8 (15.9), incl 0.010 (0.25)
TF = thickness after bending, in. (mm), Over ⁄8 (15.9)
5 0.016 (0.41)
T = minimum permissible thickness of tube wall prior to
bending, in. (mm) S1.3 Hydrostatic Test
R = centerline bend radius, in. (mm), and S1.3.1 When specified by the purchaser, the hydrostatic test
D = nominal outside diameter of the tube, in. (mm). shall be performed after bending. The minimum holding time
When specified by the purchaser, proof of conformance to at pressure shall be 5 s.
this requirement shall be obtained by bending a tube specimen, S1.3.1.1 When hydrostatic testing is performed after bend-
representative of the material offered, to the scheduled radius ing, such testing will not be required on straight length tubes
of bend, cutting the tube at the apex of the bend, measuring the prior to bending.
tube wall at the cross section of this apex section, and S1.3.1.2 The required fiber stress for computing hydrostatic
comparing the measured value with the calculated value of TF. test pressure shall be 26 600 psi (183.3 MPa).

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 B 163 – 04
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 S2.4 Annealing

High Yield Strength Tubes
S2.4.1 Tubing is to be furnished in the annealed condition.
S2.1.1 The requirements for higher yield strength tubes In order to meet the higher yield strength requirement, it may
included in this supplement are limited to the alloys, tube be 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
S2.3 Degree of Cold Work yield strength.
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-
S3.1.1 When the purchaser specifies coiled or unstraight- tion for unstraightened tubing appears, it shall be identified
ened tubing after final heat treatment, the tensile specimens with the suffix letter “U” (for example, UNS N06600–U).
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 S4.3 Identification Marking

S4.1.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on S4.3.1 The material shall be properly marked for identifi-
date of material purchased form a part of this specification to cation in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 182 except that the
the extent referenced herein: Fed. Std. No. 102, Fed. Std. No. ASTM specification number and the alloy number shall be
123, Fed. Std. No. 182, and MIL-STD-129. used.

S4.2 Quality Assurance S4.4 Preparation for Delivery

S4.2.1 Responsibility for Inspection: S4.4.1 Preservation, Packaging, Packing:
S4.2.1.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or pur- S.4.4.1.1 Military Agencies—The material shall be sepa-
chase order, the manufacturer is responsible for the perfor- rated by size, composition, grade or class and shall be
mance of all inspection and test requirements specified. Except preserved and packaged, level A or C, packed level A, B, or C
as otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the as specified in the contract or purchase order.
manufacturer may use his own or any other suitable facilities S4.4.1.2 Civil Agencies—The requirements of Fed. Std. No.
for the performance of the inspection and test requirements 102 shall be referenced for definitions of the various levels of
unless disapproved by the purchaser at the time the order is packaging protection.
placed. The purchaser shall have the right to perform any of the S4.4.2 Marking:
inspections or tests set forth when such inspections and tests S4.4.2.1 Military Agencies—In addition to any special
are deemed necessary to ensure that the material conforms to marking required by the contract or purchase order, marking
prescribed requirements. for shipment shall be in accordance with MIL-STD-129.

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 B 163 – 04
S4.4.2.2 Civil Agencies—In addition to any special marking
required by the contract or purchase order, marking for
shipment shall be in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 123.

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 Alloy
X1.3.1 Annealed—Similar to X1.2.1 UNS N08825
X1.3.2 Stress Relieved— Similar to X1.2.2 X1.5.1 Annealed and Ground Outside Diameter—The in-
X1.3.3 Stress-Relieved With Annealed Ends—Same as side diameter may have a bright finish when material is
X1.3.2 except with annealed ends. annealed in protective atmosphere; otherwise, the inside diam-
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.

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

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 B 163 – 04
TABLE X2.1 Mechanical PropertiesA of Small Diameter and Light Wall Tube
Rockwell
Yield Strength
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 E 140.
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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 B 163 – 04
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

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 B 163 – 04
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B02 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B 163 – 02)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Introduction of nondestructive electric test in lieu of (2) Revision of 2.1, 4.1, and 6.5.
hydrostatic test at the option of the manufacturer.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
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make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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12