ASTM A135 Pipe

ASTM A135 Steel Pipe
ASTM A135 is a specification that covers two grades (Grad A & Grade B)of electric-resistance-welded steel pipe intended for conveying gas, vapor, water, or other liquids. It is used primarily in fire sprinkler systems due to its suitability for welding, threading, and grooving.
At UNIACERO, we offer ASTM A135 ERW steel pipe. Crafted using the most advanced basic oxygen or electric furnace processes, our A135 pipes stand as a testament to quality and durability. With a keen focus on ensuring that no untempered martensite remains post-welding, we’ve heat-treated the weld seam of our Grade B pipes.
Dive into the specifics below to understand how our pipes can elevate your projects.
ASTM A135 Specification
Scope
This specification covers two grades of ERW steel pipe: Grade A and Grade B.
ASTM A135 pipes are intended for use in conveying gas, vapor, water, or other liquids.
A135 pipes can be used in forming operations such as bending, flanging, and similar forming operations, and for welding.
| Production Standard | ASTM A135 |
| Manufacturing Processes | ERW (Electric Resistance Welding) |
| Outside Diameter | 60.3mm – 406.4mm (2″ – 16″) |
| Wall Thickness | 1.65mm – 25.4mm (SCH 5S – SCH XXS) |
| Pipe Length | 5.8 – 45 meters |
| Steel Grade | ASTM A135 Gr. A/ASTM A135 Gr. B |
| Corrosion Prevention | Oiling, or a mill coating or a special coating |
| End Processes | Plain, Bevelled, Threade |
| Further Processing | Welding, Bending, Hole Drilling, Punching, Swaging, Tapering, Flaring, Expanding |
ASTM A135 Pipes Dimension Table

Our ASTM A135 pipes are available in a range of dimensions. From NPS 2 to NPS 30, with wall thicknesses up to 0.500 in., we ensure that our pipes fit seamlessly into your projects. For specific sizes like NPS 3/4 to NPS 5, wall thickness varies between 0.083 in. to 0.134 in. Remember, while these are our standard dimensions, we’re always ready to cater to custom dimensions, ensuring that our pipes comply with all ASTM A135 specifications.
Below is a dimension table for ASTM A135 sprinkler pipes. The table includes nominal pipe sizes, outside diameters, and wall thicknesses.
| TABLE X1.1 Dimensions, Nominal Weights (Masses), and Test Pressures for Light Wall Steel Pipe | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPS | DN | Outside Diameter, in. [mm] | Schedule 10 | Test Pressure, psi [MPa]A | ||
| Specified Wall ThicknessA in. [mm] | Weight (Mass) Per Unit Length lb/ft [kg/m] | Grade A | Grade B | |||
| 3⁄4 | 20 | 1.050 [26.7] | 0.083 [2. 11] | 0.86 [1.28] | 2500 [17 200] | 2500 [17 200] |
| 1 | 25 | 1.315 [33.4] | 0. 109 [2.77] | 1.41 [2.09] | 2500 [17 200] | 2500 [17 200] |
| 11⁄4 | 32 | 1.660 [42.2] | 0. 109 [2.77] | 1.81 [2.69] | 2400 [16 500] | 2500 [17 200] |
| 11⁄2 | 40 | 1.900 [48.3] | 0. 109 [2.77] | 2.09 [3. 11] | 2100 [14 500] | 2400 [16 500] |
| 2 | 50 | 2.375 [60.3] | 0. 109 [2.77] | 2.64 [3.93] | 1700 [11 700] | 1900 [13 100] |
| 21⁄2 | 65 | 2.875 [73.0] | 0. 120 [3.05] | 3.53 [5.26] | 1500 [10 300] | 1700 [11 700] |
| 3 | 80 | 3.500 [88.9] | 0. 120 [3.05] | 4.34 [6.46] | 1200 [8 200] | 1400 [9 600] |
| 31⁄2 | 90 | 4.000 [101.6] | 0. 120 [3.05] | 4.98 [7.41] | 1000 [6 900] | 1200 [8 200] |
| 4 | 100 | 4.500 [114.3] | 0. 120 [3.05] | 5.62 [8.37] | 900 [6 200] | 1100 [7 600] |
| 5 | 125 | 5.563 [141.3] | 0. 134 [3.40] | 7.78 [11.58] | 850 [5 900] | 1000 [6 900] |
| ||||||
Chemical Requirements of ASTM A135 Pipe
The chemical requirements for ASTM A135 pipes ensure the material composition meets the necessary standards for various applications.
At UNIACERO, we prioritize the chemical integrity of our ASTM A135 pipes. Each heat lot undergoes a thorough chemical analysis to ensure it meets the stringent requirements of the ASTM A135 standard.
| Chemical Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Composition, max, % | |
| Grade A | Grade B | |
| Carbon | 0.25 | 0.3 |
| Manganese | 0.95 | 1.20 |
| Phosphorus | 0.035 | 0.035 |
| Sulfur | 0.035 | 0.035 |
Mechanical Requirements of A135 Pipes
From tension tests to hydrostatic tests, leaving no aspect of mechanical strength unexamined, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring our pipes can withstand the pressures of your projects.
| Tensile Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Grade A | Grade B |
| Tensile strength, min, ksi [MPa] | 48 [330] | 60 [415] |
| Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa] | 30 [205] | 35 [240] |
| Elongation in 2 in. or [50 mm], min, %: For pipe having a specified wall thickness of 5⁄16 in. [7.9 mm] or more, if tested using a longitudinal strip test specimen. | 35 | 30 |
| For pipe having a specified wall thickness of less than 5⁄16 in. [7.9 mm], if tested using a longitudinal strip test specimen. | A | B |
| For pipe of any size, if tested using a full-size longitudinal test specimen. | 35 | 30 |
| A The minimum elongation shall be determined by the following equation, with the calculated value rounded to the nearest percent: | ||
| E=56t+16.5 | ||
| [E=2.2t+16.5] | ||
| where: | ||
| E=elongation in 2 in. or [50 mm], minimum, %, and | ||
| t=specified wall thickness, in. [mm]. | ||
| B The minimum elongation shall be determined by the following equation, with the calculated value rounded to the nearest percent: | ||
| E=48t+14 | ||
| [E=1.9t+14] | ||
| where: | ||
| E=elongation in 2 in. or [50 mm], minimum, %, and | ||
| t=specified wall thickness, in. [mm]. | ||
Steel Grades in ASTM A135 Sprinkler Pipes
ASTM A135 pipes are commonly used in sprinkler systems. Our ASTM A135 pipes are available in two distinct grades: Grade A and Grade B. While both grades are crafted for conveying gas, vapor, water, or other liquids, Grade A is uniquely adapted for flanging and bending, providing enhanced versatility in your projects. This versatility ensures that no matter the complexity of your project, our pipes are up to the task. On the other hand, Grade B is designed to meet the standard requirements of ASTM A135, offering reliable performance in conveying fluids. Both grades undergo rigorous testing, including tensile and chemical requirements, to ensure they comply with industry standards and UNIACERO’s commitment to quality.
- Grade A: Lower tensile and yield strength, suitable for forming operations involving bending, flanging, and similar operations, and for welding.
- Grade B: Higher tensile and yield strength, suitable for applications requiring higher strength and durability, such as coiling, bending, and flanging.

Production Tolerance of A135 Steel Pipe
Weight (Mass)—The weight (mass) of any length of pipe other than Schedule 10 shall not vary more than 3.5 % under or 10 % over that specified, but the carload weight (mass) shall be not more than 1.75 % under the nominal weight (mass). The weight (mass) of pipe furnished to Schedule 10 shall not vary more than 610 % from that calculated using the weight (mass) per unit length. The weight (mass) of the pipe shall be calculated from the relevant equation in ASME B36.10M.
This production tolerance ensures that the weight (mass) of the pipes stays within specified limits, maintaining consistency and reliability in the manufacturing process. It is essential to adhere to these tolerances to meet the quality standards set by ASTM A135.
Diameter—The outside diameter shall not vary more than 61 % from the nominal size specified.
Minimum Wall Thickness—The minimum wall thickness at any point shall be not more than 12.5 % under the specified wall thickness.
Lengths: 12.4.1 Except as allowed in 12.4.2, pipe shall be furnished in lengths averaging 38 ft [11.6 m] or over, with a minimum length of 20 ft [6.1 m], but no more than 5 % may be under 32 ft [9.8 m]. Jointers made by welding are permissible. When threaded pipe is ordered, jointers shall be made by threaded connections and shall not exceed 5 % of the order.
Unless otherwise specified, Schedule 10 pipe shall be between 16 and 22 ft [4.9 and 6.7 m] for a minimum of 90 % of the footage furnished, with any balance being shorter lengths at least 8 ft [2.4 m] long
Common Industry Applications
- Construction Industry: A135 pipes offer excellent weldability, making them ideal for use in construction projects where welded connections are common. Widely used for structural supports in buildings, such as columns, beams, and braces.
- Oil and Gas: ASTM A135 pipes exhibit excellent weldability, which is crucial for reliable connections in pipeline systems used in the oil and gas industry. Besides, ASTM A135 steel offers moderate resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for transporting oil and gas under standard conditions.
- Automotive Transport: In light-duty automotive components, ASTM A135 steel pipe could be used to manufacture structural brackets and frames, especially where welding is required.
- Mechanical Industry: ASTM A135 steel pipes are suitable for the mechanical industry in low-pressure, lightweight structural applications that require weldability and flexible processing.
- Energy: ASTM A135 pipes can be used in low-pressure liquid or gas transport systems, such as cooling water or auxiliary gas pipelines.
- Machining: ASTM A135 steel pipe is mainly used in lightweight, low-demand auxiliary structures and simple fixtures. It can be used to manufacture lightweight machine parts and brackets in situations where high strength or precision is not required.
Energy
Machining



