Standard Specification for Titanium and Titanium Alloy Seamless Pipe
Scope:
ASTM B861 covers seamless titanium and titanium alloy pipe intended for general corrosion-resistant and high-strength applications, including:
Chemical processing
Power generation
Oil & gas piping
Industrial piping systems
Structural and pressure-bearing systems
This specification is different from ASTM B338, which is mainly for tubes used in heat exchangers and condensers.
Applicable Grades (UNS Designations)
This standard includes both commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys:
Grade |
UNS Number |
Description |
Gr 1 |
R50250 |
CP Titanium – softest, excellent ductility |
Gr 2 |
R50400 |
Most commonly used CP titanium |
Gr 3 |
R50550 |
Higher strength than Gr 2 |
Gr 4 |
R50700 |
Strongest CP titanium |
Gr 5 |
R56400 |
Ti-6Al-4V – high strength, common alloy |
Gr 7 |
R52400 |
CP titanium with Pd – excellent corrosion |
Gr 12 |
R53400 |
Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni – good strength & corrosion |
Gr 16/17 |
R52402, etc. |
Palladium-bearing CP titanium grades |
Dimensions and Size Range
OD Tolerances (from ASTM B861 Table 2):
OD Range (mm) |
Tolerance (± mm) |
≤ 25.4 |
±0.13 |
> 25.4 – ≤ 38.1 |
±0.25 |
> 38.1 – ≤ 50.8 |
±0.38 |
> 50.8 |
±0.76 |
Wall Thickness Tolerance:
±12.5% of nominal wall thickness (unless otherwise specified).
Length Tolerance:
Specified Length:±3.2 mm (±1/8 inch)
Random Length: As agreed between buyer and supplier
Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)
Typical minimum values (varies by grade):
Grade |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Yield Strength (MPa) |
Elongation (%) |
Gr 2 |
≥ 344 |
≥ 275 |
≥ 20 |
Gr 5 |
≥ 895 |
≥ 828 |
≥ 10 |
Gr 7 |
≥ 344 |
≥ 275 |
≥ 20 |
Gr 12 |
≥ 483 |
≥ 345 |
≥ 18 |
Testing Requirements
Chemical Composition: Must conform to applicable ASTM grade (e.g., ASTM B348)
Mechanical Testing: Tensile, elongation
Hydrostatic or Air Pressure Test: Required on each pipe (or as agreed)
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): As specified by purchaser or for critical applications
Flattening / Flaring Test: May be required based on size and end use
Marking & Certification
Each pipe must be marked with:
Manufacturer's name or logo
ASTM B861
Grade
Condition (e.g., annealed)
Heat/lot number
Size and schedule
Material Test Reports (MTRs) must be provided, including full:
Chemical analysis
Mechanical properties
NDT / hydro test results