Home > News > Industry News > Chemical composition standards for pipe tees

Chemical composition standards for pipe tees

Aug. 13, 2025

1. Tee Material Classification and Chemical Composition

Pipe tees are key components in pipeline connections, and their chemical composition directly affects corrosion resistance, strength, and weldability. Common materials include:

1. Carbon Steel Tees: Taking ASTM A234 WPB as an example, carbon (C) ≤ 0.3%, manganese (Mn) 0.29-1.06%, phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.05%, and sulfur (S) ≤ 0.058% (data source: ASTM A234-2023). Low-carbon design ensures weldability, but rust-proofing treatment is required.

2. Stainless Steel Tees: For example, 304 (06Cr19Ni10) contains 18-20% chromium (Cr) and 8-10.5% nickel (Ni) (GB/T 12459-2017). High chromium and nickel content provides excellent acid and alkali resistance.

3. Alloy Steel Tees: Such as P91 (10Cr9Mo1VNb), containing 0.85-1.05% molybdenum (Mo) and 0.18-0.25% vanadium (V), exhibit excellent high-temperature strength (ASME SA335).

II. Comparison of International and Domestic Standards

Different countries have significant differences in chemical composition requirements for tees:

1. Chinese Standard Tees (GB/T): Such as GB/T 12459-2017, primarily for carbon steel and stainless steel, with stricter requirements for phosphorus and sulfur content than international standards.

2. American Standard Tees (ASTM): ASTM A403 (stainless steel tees) allows a wider nickel content range (8-11%) to accommodate different working conditions.

3. European Standard Tees (EN): Such as EN 10253-4, which has clear formula limits for the carbon equivalent (CE) of low-carbon steel tees (CE ≤ 0.43%) to ensure welding safety.

III. Effect of Composition on Properties

1. Carbon (C): Contents exceeding 0.3% reduce toughness but increase strength. A balance between these two is crucial.

2. Chromium (Cr): Contents of 10.5% or higher form a passive film, significantly improving corrosion resistance (see Materials Engineering Handbook).

3. Impurity Control: Excessive sulfur and phosphorus content can easily cause hot and cold brittleness. ASTM standards require a combined content of 0.1% or less.

Previous: Things to pay attention to when buying stainless steel elbows

Next: What are the key points for selecting stainless steel elbows

Latest News

Industry News

Feb. 05, 2026

The difference between stainless steel and carbon steel

The main difference between stainless steel and carbon steel is that, apart from carbon content, it does not contain any other alloying elements. Carbon steel typically lacks corrosion resistance and is less hard than pure iron;
Industry News

Feb. 02, 2026

How to choose the right flange

Flanges are the "connection points" of piping systems. Inferior flanges often lead to leaks and maintenance problems.
Industry News

Jan. 28, 2026

How to perform corrosion detection on seamless pipe elbows?

Improper use of seamless pipe elbows can lead to corrosion. Once corrosion occurs, the wall of the seamless pipe elbow typically thins, and localized pitting and corrosion appear. Methods for detecting corrosion in seamless pipe elbows include: Leakage magnetic flux detection is based on the high permeability of ferromagnetic materials.

Authentic is here to help you find the right pipe fittings and flanges for your specific needs.

Pipe Fittings

Flanges

Carbon Steel Elbow

Stainless Steel Elbow

Alloy Elbow

Carbon Steel Tee

PL Flange

Flat Welding Flange with Neck

Carbon Steel Welded Flange

Alloy Steel Butt Welding Flange

FAQ

What certifications do your products have?

Our products comply with international standards such as ASTM, ANSI, JIS, DIN, and GB. We also hold various certifications to assure quality and reliability, including ISO 9001.

How can I get some samples?

If you need, we will offer you samples for free, but new customers are expected to pay express charge.

To which country have you supplied your products?

We have supplied to Thailand, China Taiwan, Vietnam, India, South Africa, Sudan, Peru, USA, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Kuwait, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Romania, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Ukraine etc. (Figures here only include our customers in latest 5 years.)

Get Quote

Have questions or need a custom solution? Reach out to us!

Our team at Authentic is here to help you find the right pipe fittings and flanges for your specific needs.