A249 tubing vs A554 tubing and heat treatment question

[USAeng]

Only difference I can find between A249 gr 304 tubing and A554 gr 304 tubing is all the mechanical testing and heat treatment done on the A249 which explains why its more expensive...

My company has been using A249 as part of a product not related to boiler tubing, so we are now looking at the cheaper A554... I do not need any of those mechanical tests but the product does get pretty hot... but there is no pressure... its just basically a nice protective slieve that holds up to some heat...

Is the only reason for the heat treatment of the A249 just to relieve stresses because the tubes will be pressurized in service? just want to make sure there are no surprises when switching over to the A554... Thanks guys.

 

[metengr]

The reason for the solution treatment requirement in ASTM A 249 is to provide maximum corrosion resistance for boiler, heat exchanger service. In A 554, this is for general application where corrrosion reistance may not be as critical, and elevated strength from cold working is required.

 

[EdStainless]

And the anneal also assures more uniform properties.

Does A554 even require Eddy Current testing? If not then you should expect some welds that are not full penetration.
If it is really just a shield then A554 should work. If you do forming though then it might not cut it.

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