GB/T18984 Low-Temperature Heat Exchanger Tubes

GB/T18984 Low-Temperature Heat Exchanger Tubes

GB/T18984 low-temperature heat exchanger tubes refer to seamless steel tubes that conform to the GB/T18984 standard.

GB/T 18984 is a Chinese national standard that specifies the requirements for seamless steel tubes used in low-temperature heat exchangers. The standard was published on December 30, 2016, and came into effect on September 1, 2017. It replaces the previous version, GB/T 18984-2003.

This standard applies to seamless steel tubes used in low-temperature piping systems, specifically for temperatures ranging from -45°C to -196°C. It covers the classification, nomenclature, ordering content, dimensions, shapes, weights, technical requirements, testing methods, inspection rules, packaging, marking, and quality certificates.

Key Components of the Standard

Changes from Previous Edition

Compared to the previous version (GB/T 18984-2003), the current standard includes updates to technical requirements and testing methods to align with international standards.

GB/T 18984 provides essential guidelines for the production and testing of low-temperature heat exchanger tubes, ensuring their safety and reliability in various industrial applications. For detailed specifications and requirements, it is recommended to refer to the full text of the GB/T 18984 standard.

GB/T18984-2003 standard suitable for -49 to -148 degrees F cryogenic pressure vessel piping, and low-temperature heat exchanger tubes seamless steel pipe. GB/T18984 is a Chinese standard that specifies the technical requirements for seamless steel tubes used in low-temperature heat exchanger applications. It covers tubes for working temperatures ranging from -45°C to -196°C.

Applications

GB/T18984 low-temperature heat exchanger tubes are specifically designed for use in low-temperature heat exchange systems. These tubes are suitable for conveying fluids at extremely low temperatures, such as in cryogenic applications.

Grades

The standard does not explicitly mention specific grades for low-temperature heat exchanger tubes. However, other sources indicate that common grades used for these tubes include 16MnDG and 10CrMo910.

Manufacturing Process

GB/T18984 low-temperature heat exchanger tubes are typically manufactured through processes such as hot rolling or cold drawing. These processes ensure the tubes have precise dimensions, smooth surfaces, and good mechanical properties.

Availability

GB/T18984 low-temperature heat exchanger tubes are available from manufacturers and suppliers in China. They come in different sizes and specifications to meet specific project requirements.

Chemical compositions(%) of GB/T18984

Grade C Si Mn P(max) S Ni Mo V
16MnDG 0.12-0.20 0.20-0.55 1.20-1.60 0.025 0.025  -  -  -
10MnDG <=0.13 0.17-0.37 <=1.35 0.025 0.025  -  - <=0.07
09DG <=0.12 0.17-0.37 <=0.95 0.025 0.025  -  - <=0.07
09Mn2VDG <=0.12 0.17-0.37 <=1.85 0.025 0.025  -  - <=0.12
06Ni3MoDG <=0.08 0.17-0.37 <=0.85 0.025 0.025 2.5-3.7 0.15-0.30 <=0.05

Longitudinal mechanical properties of GB/T18984

Grade Tensile strength Lower yield strength(Rcl/Mpa) Elongation
Rm/Mpa W.T.<=16mm W.T.>16mm A/%
16MnDG 490-665 >=325 >=315 >=30
10MnDG >=400 >=240 >=35
09DG >=385 >=210 >=35
09Mn2VDG >=450 >=300 >=30
06Ni3MoDG >=455 >=250 >=30

Additional Condition

Standard Standard

GB Steel Pipe Execution Standards

GB seamless steel pipes are widely produced in China, available in various sizes, grades and surface finishes to meet specific project requirements.

According to industry statistics, there are more than 240 national standard steel pipe manufacturers and 250 seamless steel pipe production lines in China.

GB steel pipe standard logo

Major GB Standards for Seamless Steel Pipes

Structural & Fluid Service
  • GB/T 8162 – Seamless steel pipe for structures
  • GB/T 8163 – Seamless steel pipe for fluid conveyance
  • GB/T 14975 – Stainless steel seamless pipe for structures
  • GB/T 14976 – Stainless steel seamless pipe for fluid service
Boiler, Pressure & Fertilizer Service
  • GB 3087 – Low & medium pressure boiler tubes
  • GB 5310 – High-pressure boiler tubes
  • GB 5312 – Marine boiler & superheater tubes
  • GB 1479 – High-pressure fertilizer equipment tubes
  • GB 9948 – Petroleum cracking tubes
  • GB 13296 – Stainless steel tubes for boilers & heat exchangers
Mechanical & Hydraulic Applications
  • GB/T 3639 – Cold drawn precision seamless tubes
  • GB/T 3094 – Cold drawn special-shaped seamless tubes
  • GB/T 8713 – Precision ID tubes for hydraulic & pneumatic cylinders
  • GB/T 17396 – Hot-rolled seamless tubes for hydraulic props
  • GB 3093 – High-pressure diesel engine fuel tubes
Special Applications
  • GB 18248 – Seamless steel pipe for gas cylinders
  • YB/T 5035 – Seamless pipe for automotive axle housings

Chemical Composition (%) of Major GB Steel Grades

Grade C Si Mn Cr Ni Mo P ≤ S ≤ Ti Cu ≤
Q195 0.06–0.12 ≤0.30 0.25–0.50 ≤0.3 ≤0.3 0.045 0.050 0.30
Q235 0.14–0.22 ≤0.30 0.30–0.65 ≤0.3 ≤0.3 0.045 0.050 0.30
Q345B ≤0.20 ≤0.55 1.00–1.60 0.040 0.040
10# 0.07–0.13 0.07–0.37 0.35–0.65 ≤0.15 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.25
20# 0.17–0.23 0.07–0.37 0.35–0.65 ≤0.25 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.25
35# 0.32–0.39 0.07–0.37 0.50–0.80 ≤0.25 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.25
45# 0.42–0.50 0.07–0.37 0.50–0.80 ≤0.25 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.25
20Cr 0.18–0.24 0.07–0.37 0.50–0.80 0.70–1.00 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.30
40Cr 0.37–0.44 0.07–0.37 0.50–0.80 0.80–1.10 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.30
20CrMo 0.17–0.24 0.07–0.37 0.40–0.70 0.80–1.10 ≤0.3 0.15–0.25 0.035 0.035 0.30
35CrMo 0.32–0.40 0.07–0.37 0.40–0.70 0.80–1.10 ≤0.3 0.15–0.25 0.035 0.035 0.30
42CrMo 0.38–0.45 0.07–0.37 0.50–0.80 0.90–1.20 1.00–1.40 0.15–0.25 0.035 0.035 0.30
20CrMoTi 0.17–0.23 0.07–0.37 0.40–0.70 0.45–0.75 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.30
35Mn2 0.32–0.39 0.07–0.37 1.40–1.80 ≤0.3 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.30
40Mn2 0.37–0.44 0.07–0.37 1.40–1.80 ≤0.3 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.30
35SiMn 0.32–0.40 1.10–1.40 1.10–1.40 ≤0.3 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.30
15Mn 0.12–0.16 0.07–0.37 0.70–1.00 ≤0.25 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.25
20Mn 0.17–0.23 0.07–0.37 0.70–1.00 ≤0.25 ≤0.3 0.035 0.035 0.25

Outer Diameter Tolerances

Class Tolerance
D1 ±1.5%,min ±0.75 mm
D2 ±1.0%,min ±0.50 mm
D3 ±0.75%,min ±0.30 mm
D4 ±0.50%,min ±0.10 mm
Cutting steel tube

Seamless Tube Processing

With years of expertise, we provide a wide range of steel tube processing services. From basic sawing and machining to complex bending and upsetting operations, we support you at every stage of your project.

Our capabilities include eccentricity reduction and concentricity improvement through turning and grinding. We specialize in creating complex geometries using rotary swaging and axial forming, and offer property modifications through partial heat treatment to meet your exact requirements.

Our Processing Capabilities

Variable wall thicknesses
Drilling / Stamping / Lasering
Peeling / Roller Burnishing
Cold Forming
Cutting
Beveling
Deburring
Thread Rolling / Threading
Partial Hardening
Turning / Milling / Grinding
Reducing / Expanding
Swing

What is a seamless pipe used for?

Seamless steel pipe is regularly used in the transportation of fluids such as water, natural gas, waste and air. It is also regularly required in many high-pressure, high-corrosive environments such as in the oil & gas, power generation and pharmaceutical industries. Some common uses of seamless pipes include:

Inspection

Chemical composition inspection, mechanical properties test(tensile strength,yield strength, elongation, flaring, flattening, bending, hardness, impact test), surface and dimension test, non-destructive test, hydrostatic test.

PMI

Identification of the chemical composition of the metal used to manufacture the fitting. Uses PMI sensors, including X-ray fluorescence or optical emission spectrometry.

PMI metal composition inspection
PMI metal composition inspection
PMI metal composition inspection
PMI metal composition inspection
PMI metal composition inspection
PMI metal composition inspection

Size measurement

Steel pipe length measurement
Steel pipe outer diameter measurement
Steel pipe wall thickness measurement
Seamless tube wall thickness measurement
Seamless tube outer diameter measurement

Seamless pipes with compound bevels as per ASME B16.25 And ASTM A333

ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel
ASTM A333 Grade 8 cryogenic seamless pipe compound bevel

Delivery

Steel pipe delivery status(condition)

Steel pipe delivery status(condition): cold / hard (BK), cold / soft (BKW), after cold stress relief annealing (BKS), annealing (GBK), normalized (NBK).

Condition on delivery of steel pipe

Term Symbol Explanation
Cold-finished/hard (cold-finished as-drawn) BK No heat treatment after the last cold-forming process. The tubes therefore have only low deformability.
Cold-finished/soft (lightly cold-worked) BKW After the last heat treatment there is a light finishing pass (cold drawing). With proper subsequent processing, the tube can be cold-formed (e.g. bent, expanded) within certain limits.
Annealed GBK After the final cold-forming process the tubes are annealed in a controlled atmosphere or under vacuum.
Normalized NBK The tubes are annealed above the upper transformation point in a controlled atmosphere or under vacuum.

The general cold strip mills, volume should go through continuous annealing (CAPL unit) to eliminate cold hardening and rolling stress, or batch annealing reach the mechanical properties of the corresponding standard specifies. Cold rolled steel surface quality, appearance, dimensional accuracy better than hot-rolled plate, and right-rolled thin product thickness is about 0.18mm, so the majority of users favor.

Cold rolled steel coil substrate products deep processing of high value-added products. Such as electro-galvanized, hot dip galvanized, electro-galvanized fingerprint resistant, painted steel roll damping composite steel, PVC laminating steel plates, etc., so that the excellent quality of these products has a beautiful, high resistance to corrosion, has been widely used.

Cold rolled steel coil finishing after annealing, cut the head, tail, trimming, flattening, smooth, heavy volume, or longitudinal clipboard. Cold-rolled products are widely used in automobile manufacturing, household electrical appliances, instruments, switches, buildings, office furniture and other industries. Steel plate strapping package weight of 3 to 5 tons. Flat sub-volume typically 3 to 10 tons / volume. Coil diameter 6m.

Packing

Bare packing/bundle packing/crate packing/wooden protection at the both sides of tubes and suitably protected for seaworthy delivery or as requested.

Steel pipe bundle packing
Steel pipe bundle packing
Seamless steel pipe packing
Seamless steel pipe packing
Small diameter tube packing
Small diameter tube packing

Placing steel pipes into containers

Alloy pipe loading into container
Alloy pipe loading into container
Alloy pipe loading into container
Alloy pipe loading into container
Alloy pipe loading into container
Alloy pipe loading into container

There are probably hundreds of different methods for packing a pipe, and most of them have merit, but there are two principles that are vital for any method to work: prevent rusting and sea transportation security.

Steel strips bundling for fixed pipes

  • Plastic caps plugged at the two sides of pipe ends
  • Avoid damage caused by steel strapping during transportation
  • Bundled signs should be uniform and consistent
  • The same bundle(batch) of steel pipe shall come from the same furnace.
  • The steel pipe shall have the same furnace number, steel grade and specifications.

Our packing can meet any needs of the customers.

Frequently Asked Questions
Alloy steels are made by combining carbon steel with one or several alloying elements, such as manganese, silicon, nickel, titanium, copper, chromium and aluminum. These metals are added to produce specific properties that are not found in regular carbon steel. The elements are added in varying proportions (or combinations) making the material take on different aspects such as increased hardness, increased corrosion resistance, increased strength, improved formability (ductility); the weldability can also change.

  • Increased hardenability.

  • Increased corrosion resistance.

  • Retention of hardness and strength.

  • Nearly all alloy steels require heat treatment in order to bring out their best properties.

Alloying elements are added to steel to enhance mechanical properties, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance.

  • Chromium – Adds hardness. Increased toughness and wear resistance.

  • Cobalt – Used in making cutting tools; improved Hot Hardness (or Red Hardness).

  • Manganese – Increases surface hardness. Improves resistance to strain, hammering & shocks.

  • Molybdenum – Increases strength. Improves resistance to shock and heat.

  • Nickel – Increases strength & toughness. Improves corrosion resistance.

  • Tungsten – Adds hardness and improves grain structure. Provides improved heat resistance.

  • Vanadium – Increases strength, toughness and shock resistance. Improved corrosion resistance.

  • Chromium-Vanadium – Greatly improved tensile strength. It is hard but easy to bend and cut.


  • API 5L – Line Pipe

  • ASTM A 53 – Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless, Steel Pipe

  • ASTM A 106 – Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service

  • ASTM A 213 – Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy-Steel Boiler, Superheater, and Heat-Exchanger Tubes

  • ASTM A 269 – Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service

  • ASTM A 312 – Seamless, Welded, and Heavily Cold Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes

  • ASTM A 333 – Seamless and Welded Steel Pipe for Low-Temperature Service

  • ASTM A 335 – Seamless Ferritic Alloy-Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service

  • ASTM A 358 – Electric-Fusion-Welded Austenitic Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service and General Applications

  • ASTM A 671 – Electric-Fusion-Welded Steel Pipe for Atmospheric and Lower Temperatures

  • ASTM A 672 – Electric-Fusion-Welded Steel Pipe for High-Pressure Service at Moderate Temperatures

  • ASTM A 790 – Seamless and Welded Ferritic/Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipe

  • ASTM A 928 – Ferritic/Austenitic (Duplex) Stainless Steel Pipe Electric Fusion Welded with Addition of Filler Metal

  • EN 10208-2 – Steel pipes for pipelines for combustible fluids – Part 2: Pipes of requirement class B

  • EN 10210-1/2 – Hot finished structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine grain steels

  • EN 10216-1 – Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes – Part 1: Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature properties

  • EN 10216-2 – Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes – Part 2: Non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties

  • EN 10217-1 – Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes – Part 1: Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature properties

  • EN 10217-2 – Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes – Part 2: Electric welded non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties

  • EN 10219-1/2 – Cold formed welded structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine grain steels

  • EN 10297-1 – Seamless circular steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering purposes – Part 1 Non-alloy and alloy steel tubes


  • API 5L Gr. A, B, X42, X52, X60, X65, X70

  • ASTM A 53 Gr. A, Gr. B

  • ASTM A106 Gr. A, B, C

  • ASTM A 213 TP 304, 304L, 304H, 316, 316L, 316H, 321, 321H, T5, T9, T11

  • ASTM A 269 TP 304, 304L, 304H, 316, 316L, 316H, 321, 321H

  • ASTM A 312 TP 304, 304L, 304H, 316, 316L, 316H, 321, 321H

  • ASTM A 333 Gr. 3, Gr. 6 ASTM A 335 P1, P2, P5, P9, P11, P12, P22, P91, P92

  • ASTM A 358 TP 304, 304L, 304H, 316, 316L, 316H, 321, 321H

  • ASTM A 671 CC 60, CC 65, CC 70

  • ASTM A 672 CC 60, CC 65, CC 70

  • ASTM 790 UNS S31803, UNS S32205, UNS S32750, UNS S32760

  • ASTM A928

  • EN 10208-2 L245, L 290, L360

  • EN 10210-1 S235 JRH, S275 JOH, S275 J2H, S355 JOH, S355 J2H

  • EN 10216-1 P235 TR1/2

  • EN 10216-2 P235 GH, P265 GH

  • EN 10217-1 P235 TR1/2, P275 TR1/2

  • EN 10217-2 P235 GH, P265 GH

  • EN 10219-1 S235 JRH, S275 JOH, S275 J2H, S355 JOH, S355 J2H

  • EN 10297-1 E235, E275, E315, E355, E470

Alloying Elements

Commonly used alloying elements and their effects are listed in the table given below.

Alloying Elements Effect on the Properties
Chromium Increases Resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Increases hardenability and wear resistance. Increases high temperature strength.
Nickel Increases hardenability. Improves toughness. Increases impact strength at low temperatures.
Molybdenum Increases hardenability, high temperature hardness, and wear resistance. Enhances the effects of other alloying elements. Eliminate temper brittleness in steels. Increases high temperature strength.
Manganese Increases hardenability. Combines with sulfur to reduce its adverse effects.
Vanadium Increases hardenability, high temperature hardness, and wear resistance. Improves fatigue resistance.
Titanium Strongest carbide former. Added to stainless steel to prevent precipitation of chromium carbide.
Silicon Removes oxygen in steel making. Improves toughness. Increases hardness ability
Boron Increases hardenability. Produces fine grain size.
Aluminum Forms nitride in nitriding steels. Produces fine grain size in casting. Removes oxygen in steel melting.
Cobalt Increases heat and wear resistance.
Tungsten Increases hardness at elevated temperatures. Refines grain size.
Hot Products

【H】 Ceramic lined pipe

Ceramic lined pipe is made through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique.

【H】 Cast basalt lined steel pipe

Cast basalt lined steel pipe is composed by lined with cast basalt pipe, outside steel pipe and cement mortar filling between the two layers.

【H】 Ceramic Tile Lined Pipes

Ceramic tile lined pipes have very uniform coating of specially formulated ceramic material that is affixed to the inner of the pipe.

【H】 Rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe

The material of the rare earth alloy wear-resistant pipe is ZG40CrMnMoNiSiRe, which is also the grade of rare earth alloy steel.

【H】 Tubes Erosion Shields

Tubes Erosion Shields are used to protect boiler tubing from the highly erosive effects of high temperatures and pressures thereby greatly extending tube life.

【H】 ASTM A213 T91 Alloy Tube

The ASTM A213 T91 seamless tubes are primarily used for boiler, superheater, and heat-exchanger.

The White Glove Service You Deserve

When you partner with Sunny Steel, you can stop worrying about meeting deadlines thanks to our responsive and timely service. You'll also say goodbye to unnecessary shopping around. Instead, you'll get white glove service from an expert who understands your needs and can get you the materials you need quickly.

application

Materials delivered on-time and at a fair price

application

No delays in production or manufacturing process

application

Meet engineering specifications to ensure top quality

application

World-class customer service ready to help