Boiler Tube Size Chart

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Author : admin
Update time : 2026-10-13 08:48:48

  As an important part of boiler equipment, boiler tubes are responsible for multiple tasks such as transferring heat and withstanding pressure. The size selection of boiler tubes directly affects the performance and safety of the boiler. So, how to choose the size of boiler tubes?

  Boiler tubes come in a variety of sizes, depending on the application and pressure requirements. The size of the tubes is generally defined by their outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT). Below is a general chart listing typical boiler tube size & specification in mm:

Outer Diameter (OD)

Wall Thickness (WT)

Common Standards

Application

12.7 mm (1/2 inch)

1.2 mm - 3.0 mm

ASTM A192, A210, A213

Low-pressure boilers, heat exchangers

15.9 mm (5/8 inch)

1.2 mm - 3.5 mm

ASTM A179, A210, A213

Heat exchangers, economizers

19.05 mm (3/4 inch)

1.5 mm - 4.0 mm

ASTM A179, A210, A213

Low-pressure steam boilers

25.4 mm (1 inch)

1.6 mm - 4.5 mm

ASTM A192, A210, A335

Power plant boilers

31.75 mm (1-1/4 inch)

2.0 mm - 5.0 mm

ASTM A213, A335

High-pressure steam boilers

38.1 mm (1-1/2 inch)

2.2 mm - 5.6 mm

ASTM A210, A213, A335

Medium and high-pressure boilers

50.8 mm (2 inch)

2.5 mm - 6.0 mm

ASTM A210, A213, A335

High-pressure boilers, superheaters

63.5 mm (2-1/2 inch)

2.8 mm - 7.0 mm

ASTM A213, A335

Superheater tubes

76.2 mm (3 inch)

3.0 mm - 8.0 mm

ASTM A335, A213

High-temperature service

88.9 mm (3-1/2 inch)

3.2 mm - 10.0 mm

ASTM A210, A335

High-pressure boilers

101.6 mm (4 inch)

3.5 mm - 12.0 mm

ASTM A335, A213

Superheaters, reheaters

114.3 mm (4-1/2 inch)

4.0 mm - 14.0 mm

ASTM A335, A213

Power plant steam systems

127 mm (5 inch)

4.5 mm - 16.0 mm

ASTM A335

Steam pipelines, large industrial boilers


  Notes:

  Outer Diameter (OD): This is the external diameter of the tube.

  Wall Thickness (WT): The thickness of the tube wall, which determines its ability to handle pressure.

  Common Standards: Boiler tubes adhere to international standards like ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), which ensure their quality and performance under specific conditions.

  Boiler tube application specifications:

  Smaller diameters (12.7 mm - 25.4 mm OD) are typically used for low-pressure steam boilers, heat exchangers, and economizers.

  Medium diameters (31.75 mm - 50.8 mm OD) are used in medium-pressure and high-pressure boilers, as well as superheaters.

  Larger diameters (63.5 mm - 127 mm OD) are often used in large industrial boilers, power plants, and high-pressure steam pipelines.

  The actual size and material selection will depend on the specific requirements of the boiler system, including its pressure and temperature ratings.

  Selection guide for seamless boiler tubes:

  1. Consider the working pressure: The working pressure of the seamless boiler tube is an important factor to consider when selecting. Generally speaking, the higher the working pressure, the greater the required boiler tube wall thickness. Therefore, when selecting boiler tubes, it is necessary to select the appropriate wall thickness according to the working pressure of the boiler.

  2. Consider the medium temperature: The medium temperature transported by the seamless boiler tube is also one of the factors to be considered when selecting. The higher the medium temperature, the higher the material requirements for the boiler tube. Generally speaking, high-temperature media require boiler tubes made of high-performance materials such as high-temperature alloy steel.

  3. Consider the conveying medium: Different conveying media have different material and performance requirements for seamless boiler tubes. For example, when conveying corrosive media, it is necessary to select boiler tube materials with corrosion resistance.

        Boiler tubes are used under high temperature and high pressure conditions, and are often affected by high temperature flue gas and water vapor, which are prone to oxidation and corrosion. Therefore, boiler tubes need to have high lasting strength, high oxidation and corrosion resistance, and good structural stability. Seamless tubes can better meet these requirements due to their manufacturing process and material selection.

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