ASTM A860 WPHY 42
ASTM A860 WPHY 42 Pipe Fittings
ASTM A860 WPHY 42 is a specification for Weldable Pipe High Yield (WPHY 42). This material grade is part of the ASTM A860 standard, which defines the requirements for high-yield, seamless, and welded carbon steel pipe fittings. These fittings are typically used for piping systems in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and petrochemical processing.
Key Features:
- High Yield Strength: With a minimum yield strength of 42,000 psi (290 MPa), WPHY 42 is capable of withstanding high-pressure environments, ensuring the integrity and safety of your pipeline system.
- Weldability: Designed for easy fabrication, WPHY 42 provides excellent weldability, ensuring strong and durable welded joints that are essential for building long, seamless pipelines.
- Durability: Known for its impact toughness, WPHY 42 is resistant to cracking and damage in challenging environments, including low temperatures of -50°F (-45°C).
- Corrosion Resistance: While not fully corrosion-resistant, WPHY 42 offers moderate corrosion resistance, making it suitable for marine, offshore, and subsea pipeline applications.
- High-Temperature Strength: This material maintains its structural integrity even at high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for applications involving steam or other high-heat conditions.
- Cost-Effective: As a carbon steel alloy, WPHY 42 is more affordable than stainless steel alternatives while still providing superior performance for most industrial applications.
Applications:
- Pipeline construction (oil, gas, petrochemical, and water)
- Pressure vessels in power and chemical industries
- Marine and offshore pipeline systems
- Refinery and petrochemical processing
- Water treatment and wastewater systems
A860 WPHY 42 Material Equivalent
| Standard | Country | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A860 | USA | WPHY 42 |
| EN 10208-2 | Europe | L290NB / L290MB |
| DIN 17121 / DIN EN 10208-2 | Germany | StE 290.7 TM / L290NB |
| JIS G3444 | Japan | STK 490 |
| IS 2062 / IS 3589 | India | E250 / Fe 410 WA |
| GOST 19281 | Russia | 17G1S-U / 09G2S |
A860 WPHY 42 Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.26 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.35 – 1.65 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.025 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.025 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.40 max |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.40 max |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.12 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.40 max |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.08 max |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.04 – 0.10 |
A860 WPHY 42 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 42,000 psi (290 MPa) minimum |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 – 85,000 psi (414 – 586 MPa) |
| Elongation (in 8 in.) | 20% minimum |
| Impact Toughness | Average of 20 ft-lb (27 J) at -50°F (-45°C) |
| Hardness | 187 HB max (Brinell hardness) |
| Yield to Tensile Ratio | 0.85 minimum |
A860 WPHY 42 Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³) |
| Melting Point | 2,600°F (1,426°C) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 29 x 10³ ksi (200 GPa) |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.3 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 26.5 W/m·K (at 100°C) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 11.6 µm/m·°C (at 100-500°C) |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.000027 Ω·m (at 20°C) |
Grade Specification Comparison
| Property | WPHY 42 | WPHY 46 | WPHY 52 | WPHY 60 | WPHY 65 | WPHY 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Yield Strength (psi) | 42,000 | 46,000 | 52,000 | 60,000 | 65,000 | 70,000 |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 60,000 | 63,000 | 66,000 | 75,000 | 77,000 | 82,000 |
| Toughness | High | High | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Common Applications | Oil & Gas | Petrochemical | Power Plants | Water Pipelines | Offshore Rigs | High-Pressure Systems |
Possible Alternative Grades
- API 5L X42: Commonly used in similar applications with slightly different mechanical properties.
- ASTM A234 WPB: Suitable for moderate pressure and temperature applications.
- ASTM A420 WPL6: Ideal for low-temperature applications due to enhanced toughness.
Corrosion Resistance
ASTM A860 WPHY 42 fittings offer good corrosion resistance against various environmental and chemical exposures. While not inherently stainless, the fittings resist rusting and pitting when properly coated or used with compatible materials. The addition of protective coatings or galvanization further enhances their resistance to corrosive elements, making them suitable for outdoor and marine environments.
Heat Resistance
These fittings maintain their mechanical integrity under elevated temperatures. While they are not specifically designed for extreme heat applications, their performance remains stable within standard operating temperature ranges for pipelines. Proper material selection and additional heat treatments can optimize performance for high-temperature environments.
Heat Treatment
The heat treatment process for ASTM A860 WPHY 42 fittings ensures enhanced mechanical properties and uniformity. Typical heat treatments include:
- Normalizing: Heating the fittings above the critical temperature and then air cooling to refine the grain structure and improve toughness.
- Quenching and Tempering: Enhances strength and ductility by heating to a specific temperature, rapidly cooling, and then reheating to a lower temperature.
- Stress Relieving: Reduces residual stresses from manufacturing processes, ensuring dimensional stability.
Welding
ASTM A860 WPHY 42 fittings exhibit excellent weldability, making them suitable for joining using various welding methods such as:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Ideal for field repairs and installations.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): Provides precise and clean welds for critical applications.
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW): Ensures high-quality welds for larger fittings.
- Preheating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) are recommended to prevent cracking and ensure optimal weld strength, especially for thick sections.
Fabrication
Fabricating ASTM A860 WPHY 42 fittings involves cutting, forming, and machining processes that maintain the material’s integrity. Key fabrication points include:
- Machinability: These fittings are easy to machine, ensuring precise dimensions.
- Formability: The material’s ductility allows for efficient forming processes like bending and shaping.
- Surface Preparation: Proper cleaning and surface treatments enhance performance and longevity.
Applications
ASTM A860 WPHY 42 fittings are widely used in various industries due to their robust performance and versatility:
- Oil and Gas Industry:
- Transporting crude oil, natural gas, and refined products.
- Used in onshore and offshore pipeline systems.
- Petrochemical Industry:
- Handling corrosive and high-pressure fluids in refining and processing units.
- Power Plants:
- Used in high-pressure steam and water lines.
- Essential for cooling and boiler systems.
- Water Pipelines:
- Suitable for large-scale municipal and industrial water supply systems.
- Chemical Processing:
- Resistant to the corrosive nature of chemicals and high-pressure applications.
- Mining Operations:
- Durable for slurry transportation and high-stress environments.
- Structural Applications:
- Provides support and connection in structural frameworks.