ASTM A587-22

Overview

ASTM A587-22 is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for electric-resistance-welded (ERW) low-carbon steel pipe specifically designed for process lines in the chemical industry. This specification ensures that pipes are manufactured using high-quality aluminum-killed steel, providing reliable performance under the demanding conditions commonly found in chemical processing applications. The scope includes pipes produced via open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace processes, available in both inch-pound and metric units, and covers a wide size range from NPS 1/2 [DN 15] to NPS 10 [DN 250], including additional sizes.

Key Topics

• Material and Manufacturing Process:

  • Pipes are made from aluminum-killed low-carbon steel.
  • Production methods include open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace steelmaking.
  • Pipe is manufactured by electric resistance welding (ERW).

• Heat Treatment and Finishing:

  • Pipes delivered as-welded are normalized above the upper critical temperature.
  • Cold-drawn pipes are normalized after the final draw.
  • Strict requirements for finish, straightness, and marking.

• Dimensional Range:

  • Sizes range from NPS 1/2 [DN 15] up to NPS 10 [DN 250], plus additional sizes.
  • Wall thickness and permissible dimensional variations are clearly specified.

• Testing Requirements:

  • Products must pass several mechanical tests: tensile, flattening, reverse flattening, and flange tests.
  • Pipes are subject to nondestructive testing (NDT), which may include eddy current, ultrasonic, or flux leakage examinations.

• Compliance and Safety:

  • The standard addresses both inch-pound and SI units; each must be used independently.
  • Emphasizes the user’s responsibility for aligning with relevant safety, health, and environmental standards.

Applications

ASTM A587-22 is widely used in the chemical process industry where reliable, corrosion-resistant, and formable pipe is required for transporting process fluids. Key applications include:

• Process Piping: Used for transporting chemicals in plants where durability and reformability (flanging, close-radius bending) are necessary.
• Plant Upgrades and Maintenance: A common choice for repairs and upgrades due to its broad dimensional availability and strict quality assurance.
• Custom Fabrications: Suitable for applications requiring severe forming operations, as the pipe can be subjected to flanging and close-radius bending, especially for sizes up to NPS 4 [DN 100].
• Corrosive Environments: The specification allows for supplementary coatings and galvanizing for enhanced protection, supporting use in challenging environments.

Related Standards

ASTM A587-22 references several supporting and related standards crucial for selection, manufacture, and testing of ERW steel pipe, including:

• ASTM A53/A53M – Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless
• ASTM A370 – Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM A530/A530M – General Requirements for Specialized Carbon and Alloy Steel Pipe
• ASTM A751 – Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
• ASTM E213, E273, E309, E570 – Practices for Ultrasonic, Eddy Current, and Flux Leakage Testing of Steel Tubular Products
• ASME SA-587 – Equivalent specification for boiler and pressure vessel code applications

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM A587-22 assures plant engineers, procurement officers, and contractors that the electric-resistance-welded low-carbon steel pipe meets stringent requirements for chemical industry service. This enhances plant safety, regulatory compliance, and longevity of process piping systems, while supporting efficient project planning and reliable operation in critical processing applications.

Using ASTM A587-22 certified pipe ensures interoperability with related piping systems and streamlines compliance with international standards, making it a smart choice for demanding chemical industry operations.