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Changing Boiler Material from SA-106B to SA-53 E/B

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steris

Mechanical
Nov 7, 2007
171
Hi All,

While working to cut costs on our steam boilers, I noticed that we were using SA-106B seamless pipe as our boiler shell. This is significantly more expensive than welded SA-53 E/B pipe. According to the stress tables in Section II Part D, they are both able to take the same stress at the same temperatures. Additionally, both specifications reference SA-530B, so the base material is the same. The only difference appears to be the fabrication methods and testing requirements. Our boilers operate at 100 psi 328F so high temperature limits are not a concern.

Is there anything that I should be wary of? Is this a straight 1 for 1 replacement or is there more homework that I need to do? Any advise or assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much!

-Steris
 
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According to the stress tables in Section II Part D, they are both able to take the same stress at the same temperatures.

No, not according to the Table in my Section II, Part D.

SA 53 welded pipe @300 deg F 17.1 Ksi
SA 106 Grade B pipe @300 deg F 11.7-13.7

There is a difference in allowable stress which results in thicker wall for SA 53 pipe. I would re-think your decision.
 
Ah, sorry, a senior moment, I realized I was looking at Grade A versus Grade B for SA 53. The only way you would be able to take credit for 17.1 Ksi at 300 deg F would be 100% volumetric inspection of the long seam weld for this pipe. Otherwise, a knock-down factor is applied - 14.6 Ksi.

 
Metengr,

Thank you very much for your response. I appreciate the time you took to help me out.

I did not realize that note W13 was a requirement over and above the NDE performed by the manufacturer.

Thank you for the advise!

Cheers,

Steris
 
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