ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe: Properties, Equivalents & Applications
Comprehensive material data for ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW pipe, including chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, equivalent grades, and application guidelines.
Arc welding, submerged arc welding (SAW), ERW, forming, hot-dip galvanizing, cutting, threading
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ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe Introduction
ASTM A139 Grade E is a specification covering electric-fusion (arc)-welded straight-seam or spiral-seam steel pipe, commonly produced as LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) pipe. It is designed for structural and pressure applications where moderate strength and good weldability are required. Grade E offers a minimum yield strength of 42 ksi (290 MPa) and minimum tensile strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa), with controlled carbon and manganese contents ensuring adequate ductility. The pipe is typically supplied in as-welded condition and is widely used in piling, water transmission, and general structural service. Its balanced chemistry allows reliable field welding and forming.
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe Chemical Composition
The chemical composition for ASTM A139 Grade E ensures good weldability and adequate strength. Manganese is the main strengthening element, while carbon is limited to improve toughness. Phosphorus and sulfur are kept low to avoid hot shortness and cracking.
| Element | Standard Value (max, %) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.30 | Heat analysis; product analysis may be +0.02% higher |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.60 | For each reduction of 0.01% C below 0.30%, Mn may be increased 0.05% up to 1.80% max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 | |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 |
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe Thermal & Electrical Physical Properties
These properties are typical for low‑carbon steel materials and can be used for engineering calculations. They are not mandatory requirements of ASTM A139 but are representative of steel grades similar to Grade E. Thermal conductivity and specific heat vary slightly with temperature; room-temperature values are given.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Ambient temperature |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 205 | GPa | Room temperature, tension |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 | GPa | Calculated from E and ν |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.29 | — | Elastic range |
| Thermal Expansion (α) | 11.7 | 10⁻⁶/K | 20–100 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 51.9 | W/(m·K) | At 20 °C |
| Specific Heat Capacity (c) | 486 | J/(kg·K) | At 20 °C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ) | 0.17 | 10⁻⁶ Ω·m | At 20 °C |
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties are determined on transverse test specimens taken from the pipe wall. Values below represent minimum requirements per ASTM A139. Elongation depends on wall thickness and specimen type; the table gives the most common gauge length (2 in. or 50 mm) requirements. Bend tests are conducted on full-section or strip specimens, and impact tests are not mandatory but may be specified by the purchaser.
| Property | Required Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 42 (290) | ksi (MPa) | Transverse strip or round specimen; 0.2% offset method |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 60 - 85 (415 - 585) | ksi (MPa) | Transverse test |
| Elongation (A) | ≥ 25 | % | Wall thickness ≤ 5/16 in. (7.9 mm), strip specimen, 2 in. gauge |
| Elongation (A) | ≥ 23 | % | Wall thickness > 5/16 in. to 9/16 in. (7.9-14.3 mm) |
| Elongation (A) | ≥ 21 | % | Wall thickness > 9/16 in. (14.3 mm) |
| Bend Test | No cracks or openings | — | 180° bend; mandrel dia = 2×wall for t ≤ 3/4 in., 3×wall for t > 3/4 in. |
| Charpy V-Notch Impact (KV) | As agreed | ft·lbf (J) | When specified; test temperature and minimum energy per agreement |
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe Fully Equivalent Material Standards & Replaceable Grades
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade / Designation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | No direct full equivalent known | — | ASTM A139 Grade E is unique in its combination of chemistry, tensile, and bend requirements; no other international standard matches exactly. |
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe Application Introduction
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW pipe finds extensive use in structural and low-pressure fluid conveyance applications. Its reliable mechanical properties and weldability make it suitable for both shop fabrication and field installation. Below are typical industries, products, and specific components.
Product Applications: Longitudinal submerged arc welded (LSAW) pipes, Spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes (when produced to A139), Piling pipes and tubular members, Coated and lined steel water pipes, Fabricated structural assemblies
Processed into products: Pipe piles with welded shoes, Adapter flanges and bulkheads, Welded elbows, tees, and reducers (fabricated from pipe), Cut‑to‑length casing and conduit, Anchor cages for marine structures
Application industries: Construction and civil engineering (foundation piles, bridge piers), Water and wastewater (transmission mains, outfall pipes), Oil & gas (flowlines, gathering lines for non-sour service), Marine and offshore (structural legs, mooring piles), Road and rail infrastructure (culverts, sign supports)
ASTM A139 Grade E LSAW Pipe Similar / Alternative Materials Recommendations
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade / Designation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | API 5L | Grade B / X42 | Similar strength range (min YS 35 ksi / 42 ksi); different testing frequency and acceptance criteria. Suitable for pressure piping, but check toughness requirements. |
| Europe | EN 10219-1 | S355J0H | Min YS 355 MPa, min TS 470-630 MPa; cold-formed welded structural hollow section. Must verify suitability for arc-welded pipe applications. |
| Japan | JIS G 3444 | STK490 | General structural carbon steel tube; YS 325 MPa min, TS 490-610 MPa. Often used for similar structural roles. |
| China | GB/T 9711 | L290 / X42 | Equivalent to API 5L; used for pipeline transportation systems. Chemistry and properties overlap with Grade E but may require supplementary testing. |
Notes:
Supplementary Requirements: ASTM A139 allows supplementary requirements such as tension tests on full-section specimens (S1), ultrasonic inspection (S2), or Charpy V‑notch tests (S5). If any of these are specified, they must be stated in the order. Welding: Grade E can be welded with standard carbon steel procedures; a preheat may be required for thick sections (>1 in.) to avoid hydrogen cracking. Corrosion protection: The bare pipe is susceptible to atmospheric corrosion; external coatings (coal tar, PE, epoxy) or galvanizing are often applied.
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