A513 1010 Air Preheater Piping
Jul 14, 2026
A513 1010 Air Preheater Piping: Specifications, Properties, Applications & FAQs
A513 1010 tubing is occasionally used in air preheater supporting structures, duct assemblies, and non-pressure mechanical components, but it is not a boiler pressure tube material. It is a cost-effective, formable solution for non-critical pressure and moderate-temperature sections of boiler air preheaters, valued for its tight dimensional tolerances, excellent weldability, and consistent surface finish.
As a mechanical tubing grade, A513 1010 is intended for structural and general heat transfer service in air preheaters, not for high-pressure boiler tube bundles or high-temperature flue gas sections that require pressure-rated boiler tube standards such as ASTM A213.
Governing Standard & Material Identification
ASTM A513/A513M is the governing specification for electric-resistance-welded carbon and alloy steel mechanical tubing. The latest revision should be confirmed according to project requirements.
- Material grade: ASTM A513 Grade 1010
- UNS designation: UNS G10100
- Manufacturing process: Electric Resistance Welded (ERW), available as Type 1 (hot-rolled base), Type 1B (pickled and oiled), or Type 2 (cold-finished) per project requirements
- ASME SA513 is the ASME-adopted version of ASTM A513 for mechanical tubing applications.
Chemical Composition of A513 Grade 1010
Grade 1010 is a low-carbon steel with strictly controlled element limits to ensure good formability, weldability, and ductility for air preheater fabrication including bending, flaring, and field welding.
| Element | Carbon (C) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P), max | Sulfur (S), max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight % | 0.08–0.13% | 0.30 – 0.60 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
The low carbon content delivers superior cold forming performance and avoids weld cracking during APH module assembly, making it suitable for complex ductwork and support structures.
Mechanical Properties (As-Welded & Normalized Conditions)
Mechanical values vary by production condition. For air preheater service, as-welded tubing is commonly used for structural parts, while normalized tubing is preferred for components requiring higher ductility and forming operations.
| Property | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45,000 – 55,000 psi (310 – 380 MPa) |
| Yield Strength | 30,000 – 40,000 psi (205 – 275 MPa) |
| Elongation in 2″ | Typically 15–25% or higher (condition-dependent) |
| Hardness | Rockwell B 55–75 (typical range) |
Key Advantages for Air Preheater Applications
- Tight dimensional tolerances: OD and wall thickness tolerances are more precise than general structural tubing, ensuring proper fit-up and uniform airflow in APH modules.
- Excellent formability: Supports bending, flanging, flaring, and flattening operations required for APH ductwork, tube sheet assembly, and end connections.
- Superior weldability: Low carbon content enables reliable field and shop welding without preheating, reducing installation and fabrication costs.
- Smooth surface finish: Type 2 cold-finished or pickled & oiled surfaces reduce fouling and airflow resistance, preserving long-term heat exchange efficiency.
- Cost efficiency: Lower material and fabrication cost compared to seamless boiler tubes or alloy tubing, ideal for non-pressure air-side sections.
- Corrosion protection compatibility: Compatible with surface treatments including painting, galvanizing, and annealing to extend service life in flue gas environments.
Standard Size Range & Production Details
- Outer diameter (OD): 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) up to 12 in. (304.8 mm) for round tubing; square and rectangular profiles available for structural frames.
- Wall thickness: 0.028 in. (0.71 mm) up to 0.500 in. (12.7 mm); typical APH duct and support tubing ranges from 2 mm to 6 mm.
- Length: Standard mill lengths (20 ft, 24 ft) and custom cut-to-length from 1 m to 12 m.
- End finish: Deburred cut ends; plastic or metal end protectors available for transit protection.
Send us your OD, wall thickness, length, and quantity. Our engineers will recommend the most suitable ASTM A513 Grade 1010 tubing for your project.
Suitable Operating Conditions & Application Limitations
Recommended Service Scenarios in Air Preheaters
- Cold air inlet ductwork and air distribution piping
- APH module support frames, baffle structures, and internal stiffeners
- Low-temperature secondary air heat exchange bundles (operating temperature ≤ 425 °C / 800 °F, non-pressurized or low-pressure air side)
- Outer casings, access door frames, and structural components
- APH duct connectors, expansion joint supports, and mounting brackets
Important Limitations
- Not designed for high-pressure boiler service or high-temperature flue gas heat exchange bundles; for such applications, use ASTM A213 seamless boiler tubes or ASTM A423 corten steel tubes.
- Long-term operation above 450 °C will accelerate oxidation and reduce material strength.
- For highly corrosive flue gas environments, additional corrosion-resistant coatings or weathering steel grades are recommended.
Quality Inspection & Certification
To ensure reliability in air preheater service, A513 1010 tubing undergoes standard quality control procedures per ASTM A513 requirements:
- Dimensional verification (OD, wall thickness, length, straightness)
- Visual surface inspection for defects and weld seam integrity
- Mechanical testing: tensile test, flattening test, flaring test (as required)
- Hydrostatic or nondestructive testing may be performed when required by purchase specifications.
- Chemical composition analysis
- Mill Test Certificate (MTC) issued upon request, traceable to material heat number
A513 1010 Air Preheater Piping Factory
Test and inspection equipments
FAQs
Q1: Is A513 1010 tubing suitable for high-pressure air preheater heat exchange tubes?
No. ASTM A513 is a mechanical tubing standard, not a pressure vessel or boiler tube standard. A513 1010 ERW tubing is intended for structural, ductwork, and low-pressure air-side components. For pressurized high-temperature heat exchange bundles, select seamless boiler tubes such as ASTM A213 Grade T11/T22 or ASTM A179.
Q2: What is the maximum continuous operating temperature for A513 1010 APH piping?
For long-term stable service, it is recommended to limit continuous operating temperature to 425 °C (800 °F) on the clean air side. Brief peak temperatures up to 480 °C are acceptable, but prolonged exposure above 450 °C will cause oxidation and strength degradation.
Q3: What is the difference between A513 1010 and A213 tubing for air preheaters?
ASTM A513 1010 is ERW mechanical tubing for structural and low-temperature air-side parts, with lower cost and tighter dimensional tolerances. ASTM A213 is seamless boiler tubing for high-pressure, high-temperature flue gas heat transfer, with certified pressure and high-temperature performance. They serve different sections of an air preheater system and are not interchangeable for pressure-boundary duties.
Q4: Can A513 1010 tubing be galvanized for corrosion protection in APH systems?
Yes. A513 1010 carbon steel tubing is compatible with hot-dip galvanizing, spray painting, and other surface treatments to improve corrosion resistance in humid or mildly corrosive flue gas environments. For heavy corrosion conditions, weathering steel (Corten) tubing per ASTM A423 is a more suitable alternative.
Q5: Which A513 type is best for polished APH internal components?
Type 2 cold-finished A513 1010 tubing provides the best surface smoothness and tightest wall thickness tolerances, making it the preferred choice for internal airflow components where low fouling and uniform air distribution are required. Type 1B (pickled and oiled) is a cost-effective alternative for less critical surface requirements.
Q6: What is the typical service life of A513 1010 air preheater piping?
Under normal low-temperature air-side operating conditions with proper surface protection, the expected service life is 15–20 years. Service life will be reduced in high-temperature, high-humidity, or corrosive flue gas environments. Regular inspection and maintenance are recommended for degraded sections.
