Home > Welded Tubes > ASTM A249 SA249
High-Purity Welded + Bright Annealed Tubes for Thermal Efficiency & Long Service Life
ASTM A249 / ASME SA249 tubes are the global benchmark for stainless steel welded tubes used in heat exchangers, condensers, superheaters, boilers, and power plant cooling systems.
These tubes undergo a weld + bright annealing process, resulting in superior cleanliness, high corrosion resistance, excellent surface finish, and stable thermal performance.
INOX STEEL INDIA manufactures A249/SA249 tubes with bead-rolled or bead-removed welds, smooth internal bore, controlled hydrogen bright annealing, and precision OD/WT tolerances suitable for condenser bundles.
ASTM A249 tubes are austenitic stainless steel welded tubes specially designed for applications where high heat transfer, clean internal surfaces, corrosion resistance, and weld stability are critical.
These are not regular welded tubes — they are precision-engineered for thermal and pressure systems used in industrial heat exchangers and condensers.
Improves heat transfer efficiency by reducing turbulence loss, scaling, and fouling.
Ensures unobstructed flow and prevents debris accumulation.
Achieved in 100% hydrogen furnace for contamination-free surfaces and corrosion resistance.
Withstands chlorides, high-temperature steam, organic acids, chemical brines, and thermal cycling.
| Grade | Best For | Why It Works |
| 304 / 304L | General heat exchangers | Economical, versatile |
| 316 / 316L | Seawater & chlorides | Improved pitting resistance |
| 321 | High-temperature steam | Ti stabilized |
| 347 | High pressure & temperature | Nb stabilized |
| Outside Diameter | Wall Thickness | Typical Applications |
| 6.35 – 12.7 mm | 0.50 – 1.20 mm | HVAC & mini exchangers |
| 15.88 – 25.4 mm | 0.70 – 2.00 mm | Condensers & chillers |
| 31.75 – 50.8 mm | 1.00 – 3.00 mm | Process exchangers |
| 60.3 – 101.6 mm | 1.20 – 5.00 mm | Power plant exchangers |
| Grade | Max Temperature |
| 304 / 304L | 870°C |
| 316 / 316L | 870°C |
| 321 / 347 | 900–950°C |
| Environment | 304 | 316 | 321 | 347 |
| General corrosion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chlorides | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| High-temp steam | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Parameter | A249 | A213 |
| Manufacturing | Welded + BA | Seamless |
| Heat transfer | Higher | Medium |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Grade | INR/Kg | USD/Kg |
| 304 / 304L | ₹260 – ₹380 | $3.0 – $4.5 |
| 316 / 316L | ₹360 – ₹520 | $4.5 – $6.5 |
| 321 / 347 | ₹420 – ₹650 | $5.0 – $8.0 |
Bright Annealed (BA), polished surfaces (180–400 grit), and pickled/passivated. A249 = welded + bright annealed for heat exchangers Yes — 316L is the preferred grade for chloride-rich water. Yes — U-tubes with controlled bend radius and stress-relieving are available. Hydro, Eddy Current, weld integrity, flattening, flaring, PMI & IGC. What finishes are available for A249 tubes?
What is the difference between A249 and A213?
A213 = seamless for high-pressure boiler service. Do you supply A249 316L condenser tubes?
Can you supply U-bent A249 tubes?
What testing is done on A249 tubes?