What Are High-Pressure Boiler Tubes?

High-pressure boiler tubes are a type of boiler tube and belong to the category of seamless steel tubes. The manufacturing method is the same as that of seamless tubes, but there are strict requirements on the type of steel used to manufacture steel tubes. High-pressure boiler tubes are often in high temperature and high pressure conditions during use. Under the action of high-temperature flue gas and water vapor, the tubes will oxidize and corrode. The steel tubes are required to have high endurance strength, high resistance to oxidation and corrosion, and good structural stability. High-pressure boiler tubes are mainly used to manufacture superheater tubes, reheater tubes, gas guide tubes, main steam tubes, etc. of high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure boilers.

Due to long-term operation under high temperature and high pressure conditions, the boiler tubes will creep, plasticity and toughness will decrease, the original structure will change, and corrosion will occur. Steel tubes used for boilers should have: (1) sufficient endurance strength; (2) sufficient plastic deformation capacity; (3) minimum aging tendency and hot brittleness; (4) high resistance to oxidation, coal ash, natural gas corrosion at high temperature, steam and stress corrosion; (5) good structural stability and good process performance. The steel types of high-pressure boiler tubes include carbon steel and pearlite, ferrite and austenite stainless heat-resistant steel. In order to improve the thermal efficiency of thermal power generating units and reduce fuel consumption, countries around the world are mainly developing large-capacity, high-parameter (high temperature, high pressure) thermal power generating units (above 1000MW). The steam pressure is increased to 31.5-34.3MPa, and the superheated steam temperature reaches 595-650℃, developing towards ultra-high pressure critical pressure, which puts higher requirements on high-pressure boiler tubes. For this reason, new steel types have been developed to meet the needs of high-parameter power station boilers.

Material Classification of High-Pressure Boiler Tubes

High-pressure boiler tubes are classified based on their material composition. Common materials include:

1. Carbon Steel Boiler Tubes:
20G High-Pressure Boiler Tube – Standard material for mid-pressure boilers.
5310 High-Pressure Boiler Tube – Known for its durability and resistance to high temperatures.
3087 Low-Medium Pressure Boiler Tube – Used in moderate-temperature applications.

2. Alloy Steel Boiler Tubes:
12Cr1MoVG High-Pressure Boiler Tube – Excellent strength and oxidation resistance.
15CrMoG High-Pressure Boiler Tube – Commonly used in power plants due to high thermal stability.
40Cr High-Pressure Boiler Tube – Offers good toughness and impact resistance.
1Cr5Mo High-Pressure Boiler Tube – Suitable for high-temperature petrochemical applications.
42CrMo High-Pressure Boiler Tube – High strength and corrosion resistance.

3. Superalloy Boiler Tubes for Ultra-Supercritical Boilers:
Steel Research 102 Boiler Tube – Developed to withstand extreme conditions.
New Alloy Steels – Designed for next-generation power plants with ultra-high efficiency.

With increasing energy demands, modern thermal power plants are shifting towards ultra-supercritical boiler systems (1000MW+), requiring boiler tubes that can withstand steam pressures up to 31.5–34.3MPa and temperatures ranging from 595°C to 650°C. To meet these demands, new steel grades with enhanced properties are continuously being developed.

American Standard High-Pressure Boiler Tube Grades & Specifications

High-pressure boiler tubes are manufactured according to international standards to ensure reliability and safety in demanding applications.
Common Grades:
SA-179M
SA-192M
SA-209M T1a
SA-210M Gr.C & Gr.A1
SA-213M T11, T12, T22, T23, T91
Manufacturing Standards:
SA-179/SA-179M – Seamless cold-drawn low-carbon steel tubes for heat exchangers and condensers.
SA-192/SA-192M – High-pressure seamless carbon steel boiler tubes.
SA-209/SA-209M – Seamless carbon-molybdenum alloy steel tubes for boilers and superheaters.
SA-210/SA-210M – Seamless medium-carbon steel tubes for boiler and superheater applications.
SA-213/SA-213M – Seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy steel tubes for boilers, superheaters, and heat exchangers.
These standards ensure that high-pressure boiler tubes meet stringent industry requirements for mechanical properties, chemical composition, and dimensional accuracy.

Applications of High-Pressure Boiler Tubes

High-pressure boiler tubes are widely used in industries where extreme heat and pressure are common.
1. Power Plants & Thermal Stations
Used in superheaters, reheaters, water walls, economizers, and main steam pipelines.
Essential for increasing power plant efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
2. Petrochemical & Refining Industry
Utilized in high-temperature furnace systems, steam pipelines, and heat exchangers.
Withstands harsh chemical and thermal conditions.
3. Industrial Boilers & Process Heating
Found in chemical plants, textile industries, and food processing units.
Provides consistent heating performance for industrial processes.
4. Aerospace & Advanced Engineering
Used in high-performance turbine engines and high-temperature reactors.

Requires extreme heat resistance and structural integrity.

Conclusion

High-pressure boiler tubes are essential components in power generation, petrochemical processing, and industrial heating applications. Their ability to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and corrosive environments makes them indispensable in modern industries.
As an experienced manufacturer, we provide high-quality high-pressure boiler tubes that meet international standards and cater to the demanding needs of global industries. Whether you require carbon steel, alloy steel, or specialized superalloy tubes, we offer reliable solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us today for more information and to receive a free quote!