As industrial processes have evolved, various industry organizations have created specific classifications and specifications for pipes used in different sectors, ensuring they meet specific standards and requirements.

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The overlap among various organizations' standards can often lead to confusion.

By learning how steel grades are designated for piping and understanding the essential information for a purchase order, buyers can have a more satisfactory purchasing experience.

ASTM and ASME

The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publish specifications for piping steel grades that are very similar. For instance, ASTM's A106 B is nearly identical to ASME's SA106 B, with the "A" indicating a ferrous material and "106" representing a seamless carbon steel pipe suitable for high-temperature service. The grades, labeled as A, B, or C, indicate varying characteristics based on their chemical and mechanical properties.

Pipe sizes are specified using a pipe chart (ANSI/ASME B36.10 and API5L), which details the outside diameter and wall thickness. These dimensions can be referred to by the nominal pipe size (NPS) or actual measurements in inches.

A critical difference to note is that ASTM and ASME specifications, while nearly identical, may require additional quality tests for pressure system compliance under ASME standards.

American Piping Products maintains a comprehensive inventory of A/SA106 and A/SA 53 carbon steel pipes.

AISI and SAE

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) use a unified numbering system to describe steel’s chemical composition. For example, "1020" steel's first digit indicates it is plain carbon steel, the second digit shows no added alloys, and the last two digits reveal about 0.20% carbon content.

A well-known piping steel, 4130, has "41" showing chromium and molybdenum alloys and "30" representing roughly 0.30% carbon content.

While AISI/SAE designations classify steels by their composition, detailed production and testing details from ASTM or ASME specs are necessary to fulfill specific buyer requirements accurately.

API

In the oil and gas sector, piping is classified according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) standards, with API 5L being the most common for line pipes. Additional specifications are necessary to ensure accurate purchase orders. API 5L pipes are divided into PSL1 and PSL2 delivery conditions, further categorized into grades like Grade B, X42, X52, X65, etc.

Study grades of steel

Placing incomplete or incorrect orders can lead to operational delays or cost overruns. When uncertain, consulting an engineer and referring to industry standards is advisable. Other factors to consider include:

• Manufacturer restrictions.
• Origin restrictions for procurement.
• Required pipe lengths and end finishes.
• Specific chemistry requirements.
• Age restrictions impacting export orders.

Providing detailed purchase orders helps suppliers deliver the correct pipe specifications without delays.

At American Piping Products, our experts are trained to ask precise questions to ensure you get exactly what you need across all steel grades and applications. Download our product catalog and use this extensive buyer's guide when considering future purchases.

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Fittings Buying Guide

The mainline and drip tubing form the backbone of any drip irrigation system, but these components are incomplete without the right fittings. This guide will help you navigate various fitting options to make informed decisions.

Easy Loc (Perma Loc) Fittings

Manufactured by Irritec, Easy Loc fittings, also known as Perma Loc fittings, are incredibly user-friendly and reusable. Made of UV and chemical-resistant materials, these fittings are durable and come in various sizes. Identification is straightforward, as sizes are marked on the fitting collar.

DripWorks offers four sizes of Easy Loc fittings:

500 series - 16mm tubing

600 series - 18mm tubing

800 series - 3/4" tubing

1000 series - 1" tubing

These fittings easily match with specific tubing sizes from DripWorks, whether it's 1/2", 3/4", or 1".

Barbed Fittings

Barb fittings make for quick and easy connections. Suitable for use with Oval Hose, Polyethylene Mainline Tubing, or 1/2" Emitter Tubing, they have rigid teeth that hold tubing securely. For systems with 20 PSI or more, hose clamps or crimping clamps are recommended to ensure a tight seal.

DripWorks provides a wide range of barbed fittings from PVC made female hose adapters to elbows and tees. These fittings are reusable but require tubing to be cut off the fitting.

We also offer an Economy line of barbed fittings, as well as specific options for 12mm and 17mm tubing.

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