ASTM A 53/A53M : 2012

1.1 This specification covers seamless and welded black and hot-dipped galvanized steel pipe in NPS ¹/₈ to NPS 26 [DN 6 to DN 650] (Note 1), inclusive, with nominal wall thickness (Note 2) as given in Table X2.2 and Table X2.3. It shall be permissible to furnish pipe having other dimensions provided that such pipe complies with all other requirements of this specification. Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are provided and shall apply only when specified by the purchaser.

Note 1—The dimensionless designators NPS (nominal pipe size) [DN (diameter nominal)] have been substituted in this specification for such traditional terms as “nominal diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.”

Note 2—The term nominal wall thickness has been assigned for the purpose of convenient designation, existing in name only, and is used to distinguish it from the actual wall thickness, which may vary over or under the nominal wall thickness.

1.2 This specification covers the following types and grades:

1.2.1 Type F—Furnace-butt-welded, continuous welded Grade A,

1.2.2 Type E—Electric-resistance-welded, Grades A and B, and

1.2.3 Type S—Seamless, Grades A and B.

Note 3—See Appendix X1 for definitions of types of pipe.

1.3 Pipe ordered under this specification is intended for mechanical and pressure applications and is also acceptable for ordinary uses in steam, water, gas, and air lines. It is suitable for welding, and suitable for forming operations involving coiling, bending, and flanging, subject to the following qualifications:

1.3.1 Type F is not intended for flanging.

1.3.2 If Type S or Type E is required for close coiling or cold bending, Grade A is the preferred grade; however, this is not intended to prohibit the cold bending of Grade B pipe.

1.3.3 Type E is furnished either nonexpanded or cold expanded at the option of the manufacturer.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Sections 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, and 15 of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

1.6 The text of this specification contains notes or footnotes, or both, that provide explanatory material. Such notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, do not contain any mandatory requirements.