Home > Welded Tubes > ASTM A249 / SA249
High-Purity Welded + Bright Annealed Tubes for Thermal Efficiency & Long Service LifeASTM A249 / ASME SA249 tubes are the global benchmark for stainless steel welded tubes used in:
These tubes undergo a weld + bright annealing process, resulting in a product that delivers superior cleanliness, high corrosion resistance, excellent surface finish, and stable thermal performance.
INOX STEEL INDIA manufactures A249/SA249 tubes with:
ASTM A249 tubes are austenitic stainless-steel welded tubes specially designed for applications where:
These tubes are not regular welded tubes — they are precision-engineered for thermal and pressure systems used in industrial heat exchangers and condensers.
1. Smooth Internal Bore (Improves Heat Transfer Efficiency)
Heat exchangers rely on fluid velocity and wall thermal contact. A249 tubes ensure:
2. Weld Bead Removed / Bead Rolled
In heat exchangers, the internal weld bead can obstruct flow and trap debris. A249 tubes eliminate this risk via:
3. Bright Annealed (BA) Surface Finish
Annealing in a 100% hydrogen furnace provides:
4. Suitable for Aggressive Environments
Depending on grade (304/316/321/347), these tubes withstand:
Category: Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubes
Grades: TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, TP347
Manufacturing Method: Welded, Bright Annealed (BA)
Brand: INOX STEEL INDIA
| Section | Parameter | Technical Specification — ASTM A249 / SA249 Tubes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Specification | ASTM A249 / ASME SA249 — Austenitic Stainless Steel Welded Tubes for boilers, heat exchangers, condensers & superheaters |
| Process | Welded + Bright Annealed (Weld bead removed, ID-controlled) | |
| Grades | Austenitic SS | TP304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 347 |
| Chemical Composition (%) | TP304/304L | Cr 18–20, Ni 8–11, C ≤ 0.03–0.08, Mn ≤ 2.0 |
| TP316/316L | Cr 16–18, Ni 10–14, Mo 2–3, C ≤ 0.03–0.08 | |
| TP321 | Cr 17–19, Ti stabilized | |
| TP347 | Cr 17–19, Nb stabilized | |
| Mechanical Properties | Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa (min) | |
| Elongation | 35% (min) | |
| Dimensional Range | OD | 6.0 mm – 101.6 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5 mm – 5.0 mm | |
| Length | 1–12 meters (U-tubes on request) | |
| Tolerance | OD ±0.01–0.1 mm · WT ±10% · Length ±3 mm | |
| Manufacturing Features | Weld Bead | Bead rolled / bead removed (ID controlled) |
| Heat Treatment | Bright Annealed in 100% hydrogen-controlled furnace | |
| Surface Finish | BA (Bright Annealed), Polished 180/240/320/400 grit | |
| Corrosion Resistance | Chloride Resistance | 316/316L = High, 304 = Moderate |
| High-Temperature | 321/347 = Best for cyclic heating | |
| Testing Requirements | Mandatory | Hydrostatic, Eddy Current, Weld Integrity, Flare/Flange Tests, Reverse Flattening |
| Optional | PMI, IGC (ASTM A262), UT, RT, Hardness | |
| Heat Exchanger Suitability | Thermal Conductivity | 304/316 series perform well with controlled turbulency |
| Key Features | Thin wall, smooth ID, uniform bead, high cleanliness | |
| Applications | Heat Exchangers | HVAC coils, chemical exchangers, refinery coolers |
| Condensers | Power plants, desalination, chillers | |
| Boilers / Superheaters | Low/medium pressure systems | |
| End Finishing | Tube Ends | Plain Ends (PE), Deburred, Cleaned |
| Package | Export | VCI wrap + HDPE sleeves + wooden crates |
| HSN Code | Tubes & Pipes | 73064000 (SS welded tubes)** |
| Grade | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L | General heat exchangers | Cost-efficient, versatile, good corrosion resistance |
| 316 / 316L | Chloride-rich water / seawater | Mo content improves pitting & crevice resistance |
| 321 | High-temperature thermal cycling | Ti stabilization prevents carbide precipitation |
| 347 | High-pressure + high-temperature | Nb stabilization gives superior creep resistance |
Quick Recommendation:
1. Power Generation
2. HVAC & Chiller Systems
3. Chemical & Petrochemical
4. Desalination & Water Treatment
5. Food & Pharma
INOX’s manufacturing ensures repeatability, dimensional stability & heat transfer reliability.
| Outside Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness (WT) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 6.35 mm (1/4″) | 0.50 – 1.00 mm | Instrumentation, mini heat exchangers |
| 9.52 mm (3/8″) | 0.50 – 1.00 mm | HVAC coils, capillary exchangers |
| 12.7 mm (1/2″) | 0.60 – 1.20 mm | Condensers, chiller units |
| 15.88 mm (5/8″) | 0.70 – 1.25 mm | Evaporators, small heat exchangers |
| 19.05 mm (3/4″) | 0.80 – 1.65 mm | Shell & tube exchangers |
| 25.4 mm (1″) | 0.90 – 2.00 mm | Process heat exchangers |
| 31.75 – 50.8 mm | 1.00 – 3.00 mm | Refinery condensers, power plants |
| 60.3 – 101.6 mm | 1.20 – 5.00 mm | High-duty exchangers, steam heaters |
Lengths Available:
✔ 3m • 6m • 12m • Custom cut lengths • U-tubes on request
| Grade | Max Continuous Temperature | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L | 870°C | General exchangers, food/pharma |
| 316 / 316L | 870°C | Seawater, chlorides, corrosive fluids |
| 321 (Ti Stabilized) | 900–950°C | Cyclic heating, steam service |
| 347 (Nb Stabilized) | 900–950°C | High-pressure thermal cycles |
Conclusion:
| Exposure | 304/304L | 316/316L | 321 | 347 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Corrosion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chlorides / Sea Water | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| High-Temperature Steam | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Organic Chemicals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acids (Mild) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Welding Method Used
Why Bright Annealing?
Performed in 100% hydrogen atmosphere to:
Mandatory Tests
Optional Tests (Project / EPC Requirements)
| Parameter | A249 (Welded + BA) | A213 (Seamless) |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Finish | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (BA mirror) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Weld Bead | Removed / Rolled | Not applicable |
| Heat Transfer | Higher due to smooth ID | Medium |
| Pressure Rating | Medium | Higher |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Ideal For | Heat exchangers, condensers | High-pressure boilers, superheaters |
Buyer Summary:
| Application | Recommended Grade | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| General heat exchangers | 304/304L | Economical & versatile |
| Food/pharma heating/cooling | 304L | Clean, hygienic, low carbon |
| Chlorinated water / seawater | 316L | Molybdenum improves pitting resistance |
| High-temp steam / thermal cycling | 321 | Ti-stabilized for carbide control |
| High-pressure + high-temp cycles | 347 | Nb-stabilized for creep strength |
| Grade | Price (INR/Kg) | Price (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 |
Prices vary by OD, WT, bright annealing quality, bead-rolling method & testing requirements.
| Finish | Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Bright Annealed (BA) | Heat exchangers, condensers |
| 180/240/320/400 Grit Polish | Pharma & food systems |
| Pickled & Passivated | Chemical & industrial use |
| ID Cleaned & Degreased | Heat exchanger bundles |
1. TRUE A249 MANUFACTURING — WELD BEAD REMOVED / BEAD ROLLED (ID CONTROLLED)
Heat exchanger tubes must have a smooth internal bore. We ensure:
Our bead-rolling technology gives mirror-smooth internal surfaces.
2. Bright Annealed in 100% Hydrogen Furnace
BA finish ensures:
This is mandatory for industrial heat exchangers.
3. Tight OD/WT Tolerances Suitable for Tube Sheets & Expansion
Why this matters:
4. We Supply for All Major Exchanger Applications
Power Plants
HVAC & Refrigeration
Petrochemical & Refinery
Chemical Processing
Food & Pharma
Desalination
Standard Packaging
Export Packaging
Documentation
52-A, Mulji Thackersi Bldg, Islampura Street, Shop No. 10, Near Alankar Cinema, Mumbai – 400 004
steel@inoxsteelindia.in
+91 9930796690
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?
INOX STEEL INDIA manufactures and supplies ASTM A249 / SA249 stainless steel heat exchanger & condenser tubes in grades 304/304L/316/316L/321/347. Bead-removed, bright annealed welded tubes for power plants, petrochemicals, HVAC & desalination. Exporter to GCC, Europe & Asia.