ASTM A333 Grade 6 Carbon Steel Pipes

The industry standard for low-temperature service - Seamless and welded carbon steel pipes designed for temperatures as low as -45°C (-50°F).

ASTM A333 Grade 6 Technical Overview

ASTM A333 Grade 6 is the standard specification for seamless and welded carbon and alloy steel pipe intended for use at low temperatures. Specifically, **Grade 6** is a medium carbon steel alloyed with manganese, designed to provide excellent impact toughness at sub-zero temperatures. Unlike standard carbon steel, A333 Gr 6 pipes undergo mandatory **Charpy V-notch impact tests** to ensure their reliability in cold-climate regions and cryogenic applications. **Steel Emporium** provides these pipes in various schedules and sizes, ensuring they meet the strict mechanical requirements for pressure piping in extreme environments.

Key Material Advantages

Low-Temp Toughness

Specifically impact tested to perform reliably at temperatures as low as -45°C.

High Structural Integrity

Excellent mechanical strength and ductility for high-pressure fluid transport.

Ease of Welding

Superior weldability for on-site fabrication without compromising toughness.

Table 1: Chemical Composition (%)
GradeC (max)MnP (max)S (max)Si (min)
A333 Grade 6 0.30% 0.29 - 1.06% 0.025% 0.025% 0.10%
Table 2: Mechanical Properties
PropertyMetric ValueImperial Value
Tensile Strength (min)415 MPa60,000 psi
Yield Strength (min)240 MPa35,000 psi
Elongation (% in 50mm)30% min-
Table 3: Impact Toughness Requirement
Test TemperatureAverage Charpy V-notch (3 specimens)Minimum (1 specimen)
-45°C (-50°F)18 Joules (13 ft-lb)14 Joules (10 ft-lb)
Table 4: International Equivalent Standards
ASTMASMEDINEN DesignationJIS
A333 Gr 6SA333 Gr 6DIN 17173EN 10216-4 P265NLJIS G3464 STBL380
Table 5: A333 Grade 6 Pipe Weight Chart (Kg/Mtr)
NB SizeOD (mm)SCH 40SCH 80SCH 160
1/2"21.341.271.621.95
1"33.402.503.244.24
2"60.335.447.4811.11
4"114.3016.0722.3233.54
8"219.0842.5564.64104.91
*Approximate weights based on density of 7.85 g/cm³.

Industrial Applications

LNG Industry

Storage and transport of Liquefied Natural Gas.

Cryogenics

Low-temperature fluid and gas pipelines.

Oil & Gas Refineries

Cold processing units in refinery complexes.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is specifically designed for low-temperature service (down to -45°C). It is the standard pipe material for LNG terminals, LPG systems, and cold oil fields.

Yes, the ASTM A333 specification requires mandatory Charpy V-Notch impact testing at a specified low temperature to verify the material's toughness.

A106 is for high-temperature service, while A333 is for low-temperature service. A333 Grade 6 has finer grain size and specific chemical controls to prevent brittle fracture in the cold.

Yes, it has excellent weldability. Proper welding procedures must be used to ensure the heat-affected zone (HAZ) retains its low-temperature impact properties.

We stock A333 Grade 6 pipes from 1/2" to 24" NB in all schedules, including standard wall, XS, and XXS.