Specifications
Surface Treatments
Certifications
- ISO 9001 - 2015 Certified
- PED 2014/68/EC
- NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-2
- NORSOK M-650
- DFAR
- MERKBLATT AD 2000 W2/W7/W10
ASTM B163 - Monel 400 / UNS N04400 Seamless Condenser & Heat-Exchanger Tubing
ASTM B163 (also ASTM B163 Monel 400, ASTM B163 UNS N04400, ASTM B163 condenser tube, SB-163, Monel 400 seamless condenser tube, Monel 400 heat-exchanger tubing) is the Standard Specification for seamless nickel and nickel-alloy condenser and heat-exchanger tubes. For UNS N04400 the spec ships annealed and is the call-out for shell-and-tube heat exchangers, surface condensers, feedwater heaters and oil-refinery overhead condensers. The chemistry is identical to ASTM B164 rod and ASTM B127 plate; product form, OD/wall range and end-use tests are what set B163 apart. Monel® is a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation; TorqBolt is not authorized by, affiliated with or endorsed by Special Metals.
Scope of ASTM B163
ASTM B163 covers seamless tube only - welded tube is not in scope. The specification was written for tubes used as the heat-transfer surface in shell-and-tube heat exchangers, surface condensers and feedwater heaters. Covered UNS numbers include N02200, N02201, N04400, N04404, N06600, N06625, N08800, N08810, N08811, N08825 and several others; UNS N04400 is the Monel 400 entry.
Tube ships in the annealed condition. Common range is OD 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) to 5 in. (127 mm) with wall 0.022 in. (0.56 mm) to 0.220 in. (5.59 mm). Lengths up to 32 ft (9.75 m). Surface finish is bright-annealed or pickled-and-annealed per purchaser election.
Chemistry per ASTM B163 (UNS N04400)
The Monel 400 chemistry bracket in ASTM B163 mirrors the bracket in ASTM B127, ASTM B164, ASTM B165 and ASTM B564. Cobalt is counted as nickel.
| Element | UNS N04400, percent | Typical mill |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel + Cobalt | 63.0 - 70.0 | 66.0 |
| Copper | 28.0 - 34.0 | 31.5 |
| Iron | 2.5 max | 1.5 |
| Manganese | 2.0 max | 1.0 |
| Carbon | 0.30 max | 0.15 |
| Silicon | 0.50 max | 0.20 |
| Sulphur | 0.024 max | 0.010 |
Heat analysis is mandatory and reported on the EN 10204 type 3.1 MTC. Product analysis on the finished tube is performed when called for by the order. For sour-service condenser tube the purchase order should add the EN 10204 type 3.2 MTC witness clause and reference NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156-3.
Mechanical and Dimensional Requirements
UNS N04400 to ASTM B163 ships in the annealed condition. Tensile and hardness limits track the annealed line published in ASTM B164 and B165 for the same alloy.
| Property | UNS N04400, annealed |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength, min | 70 ksi (485 MPa) |
| Yield strength, 0.2 percent offset, min | 28 ksi (195 MPa) |
| Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min | 35 percent |
| Hardness, max (Rockwell B) | 75 HRB typical |
| Grain size | Annealed, fine |
Tensile testing follows ASTM E8 / E8M. The flattening test per ASTM A370 is mandatory: a ring is flattened until opposite walls touch, with no cracks at OD or ID. The flaring test (60-degree included angle) may be substituted at the producer's option.
Hydrostatic Test, Eddy-Current Option and Tolerances
Each length of ASTM B163 tube is given one of two non-destructive tests at the producer's mill, selected by the purchaser on the order:
- Hydrostatic test: pressure calculated from the Barlow formula P = 2St/D, where S is the allowable fibre stress (10 ksi typical for annealed N04400 in B163), t is the minimum wall and D is the specified OD. Pressure is held long enough for inspection of the entire length, with no leak permitted.
- Non-destructive electric test (eddy-current): per ASTM E243 using a through-coil and reference notches; rejection level is calibrated against drilled-hole or notch reference standards in the same alloy. Eddy-current is the default for thin-wall condenser tube where hydrostatic pressure would distort the section.
Dimensional tolerances follow the OD-tolerance and wall-tolerance tables in B163 Section 8. Average-wall and minimum-wall ordering are both permitted; minimum-wall is the safer call for pressure service. A 5 percent random sample of finished tube is checked for diameter, wall and length.
Related Forms and Specifications
Product forms (UNS N04400): tubing, seamless pipe, plate, sheet, round bar, forging, fittings, flanges, wire.
Companion ASTM specs (same chemistry): ASTM B165 (seamless pipe and tube, general), ASTM B164 (rod, bar, wire), ASTM B127 (plate, sheet, strip), ASTM B564 (forgings). European equivalent: DIN 17743 NiCu30Fe / Werkstoff 2.4360.
Material reference: chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, seawater corrosion, HF acid resistance, UNS N04400, nickel-copper alloy.
Service profiles: marine applications, HF alkylation, sour service (NACE MR0175).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASTM B163 the same as ASTM B165? No. B163 covers seamless condenser and heat-exchanger tube; B165 covers seamless pipe and tube in nickel-copper alloy (N04400) for general use. Chemistry is identical. Specify B163 for shell-and-tube exchangers and surface condensers; specify B165 for pipe runs and general process tube.
What OD range does ASTM B163 cover? Practical range for seamless N04400 condenser tube is 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) to about 5 in. (127 mm) OD with wall 0.022 in. (0.56 mm) to 0.220 in. (5.59 mm). Larger OD and heavier wall are produced under ASTM B165.
Hydrostatic or eddy-current - which to specify? Both are whole-length non-destructive tests. Hydrostatic loads the tube to the Barlow pressure and checks for leak; eddy-current scans for cracks, pits and laps against a reference notch. Eddy-current is standard on thin-wall condenser tube.
Does ASTM B163 require a type 3.2 MTC? Not by default. The spec requires heat-numbered reporting of analysis and mechanical tests (equivalent to EN 10204 type 3.1). For sour service per NACE MR0175 and PED pressure equipment, the purchaser adds the type 3.2 witness clause.
Request a Quote
For ASTM B163 UNS N04400 seamless condenser and heat-exchanger tube against a specific OD, wall, length and certification class (EN 10204 type 3.1 or 3.2), send drawing or BOM to info@torqbolt.com or WhatsApp +91-22-66157017. Mumbai stock plus heat-numbered MTC inside one working day. Domestic India 3 to 7 working days; export through JNPT. Full Monel 400 alloy reference on the main page.
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