This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A139/A139M − 22

Standard Specification for

Electric-Fusion (Arc)-Welded Steel Pipe (NPS 4 and Over)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A139/A139M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification covers five grades of electric-fusion 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
(arc)-welded straight-seam or helical-seam steel pipe. Pipe of A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
NPS 4 (Note 1) and larger with nominal (average) wall of Steel Products
thickness of 1.0 in. [25.4 mm] and less are covered. Listing of A691 Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Pipe,
standardized dimensions are for reference (Note 2). The grades Electric-Fusion-Welded for High-Pressure Service at High
of steel are pipe mill grades having mechanical properties Temperatures
which differ from standard plate grades. The pipe is intended A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of
for conveying liquid, gas, or vapor. Steel Products
NOTE 1—The dimensionless designator NPS (nominal pipe size) has
2.2 American Welding Society Standard:3
been substituted in this standard for such traditional terms as “nominal AWS B2.1 Standard for Welding Procedure and Perfor-
diameter,” “size,” and “nominal size.” mance Qualifications Welding Handbook
NOTE 2—A comprehensive listing of standardized pipe dimensions is 2.3 ASME Standards:4
contained in ASME B36.10M. ASME B36.10M Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe
NOTE 3—The suitability of pipe for various purposes is somewhat
dependent on its dimensions, properties, and conditions of service. For ASME B36.19M Stainless Steel Pipe
example, for high-temperature service see applicable codes and Specifi- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX
cation A691.
3. Ordering Information
1.2 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound units
and in SI units; however, unless the purchase order or contract 3.1 Orders for material under this specification should
specifies the applicable M specification designation (SI units), include the following, as required, to describe the desired
the inch-pound units shall apply. The values stated in either material adequately:
inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as 3.1.1 Quantity (feet, metres, or number of lengths),
standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. 3.1.2 Name of material (electric-fusion-(arc) welded steel
The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; pipe),
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. 3.1.3 Grade (Table 1),
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon- 3.1.4 Size (NPS, or outside diameter, and nominal wall
formance with the standard. thickness, or schedule number),
3.1.5 Weight (specify if each piece must be weighed) (see
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
11.1.1),
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.6 Lengths (specific or random, Section 17),
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.7 End finish (Section 18),
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, the ASTM website.
3
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Available from American Welding Society (AWS), 8669 NW 36 St. #130,
A01.09 on Carbon Steel Tubular Products. Miami, FL 33166-6672, http://www.aws.org.
4
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME
approved in 1932. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as A139/A139M – 16. International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
DOI: 10.1520/A0139_A0139M-22. www.asme.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 A139/A139M − 22
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements 8. Tensile Requirements of Production Welds
Element Composition, max, %
8.1 Reduced-section tension test specimens taken perpen-
Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D Grade E
dicularly across the weld in the pipe, with the weld reinforce-
Carbon 0.25 0.26 0.28 0.30 0.30
Manganese 1.00 1.00 1.20 1.30 1.40
ment removed, shall show a tensile strength not less than 95 %
Phosphorus 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 of the minimum specified in Section 7. At the manufacturer’s
Sulfur 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.035 option, the test may be made without removing the weld
reinforcement, in which case the tensile strength shall be not
less than that specified in Section 7.

3.1.8 Hydrostatic test pressure (Section 16, Note 8, and 9. Heat Analysis
Note 9),
9.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the
3.1.9 ASTM specification designation, and
manufacturer to determine the percentages of the elements
3.1.10 End use of material.
specified in Section 6. This analysis shall be made from a test
4. Process ingot taken during the pouring of the heat. When requested by
the purchaser, the chemical composition thus determined shall
4.1 The steel shall be made by one or more of the following be reported to the purchaser or his representative, and shall
processes: open-hearth, basic-oxygen, or electric-furnace. conform to the requirements specified in Section 6.
4.2 Steel may be cast in ingots or may be strand cast. When
steels of different grades are sequentially strand cast, identifi- 10. Product Analysis
cation of the resultant transition material is required. The 10.1 An analysis may be made by the purchaser on samples
producer shall remove the transition material by any estab- of pipe selected at random and shall conform to the require-
lished procedure that positively separates the grades. ments specified in Section 6. Samples for chemical analysis,
NOTE 4—The term “basic-oxygen steelmaking” is used generically to except for spectrochemical analysis, shall be taken in accor-
describe processes in which molten iron is refined to steel under a basic dance with Test Method, Practices, and Terminology A751.
slag in a cylindrical furnace lined with basic refractories, by directing a jet The number of samples shall be determined as follows:
of high-purity gaseous oxygen onto the surface of the hot metal bath.
NPS Number of Samples Selected
Under 14 2 for each lot of 200 pipes or fraction thereof
5. Manufacture 14 to 36, incl 2 for each lot of 100 pipes or fraction thereof
Over 36 2 for each 3000 ft [900 m] or fraction thereof
5.1 The longitudinal edges of the steel shall be shaped to
give the most satisfactory results by the particular welding 10.2 Retests—If the analysis of either length of pipe or
process employed. The weld shall be made by automatic (Note length of skelp does not conform to the requirements specified
5) means (except tack welds if used) and shall be of reasonably in Section 6, analyses of two additional lengths from the same
uniform width and height for the entire length of the pipe. lot shall be made, each of which shall conform to the
requirements specified.
NOTE 5—Upon agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer,
manual welding by qualified procedure and welders may be used as an
equal alternative under these specifications. 11. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
5.2 All weld seams made in manufacturing pipe shall be 11.1 Mass—The specified mass per unit length shall be
made using complete joint penetration groove welds. calculated using the following equation:
M 5 C~D 2 t!t (1)
6. Chemical Composition
where:
6.1 The steel shall conform to the chemical requirements
prescribed in Table 1 and the chemical analysis shall be in C = 10.69 [0.02466],
M = mass per unit length, lb/ft [kg/m],
accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology
D = outside diameter, in. [mm], specified or calculated
A751.
(from inside diameter and wall thickness), and
t = specified wall thickness, in. (to 3 decimal places) [mm]
7. Tensile Requirements for the Steel
(to 2 decimal places)
7.1 Longitudinal tension test specimens taken from the steel NOTE 6—The mass per unit length given in ASME B36.10M and
shall conform to the requirements as to tensile properties ASME B36.19M and the calculated mass given by the equation of 11.1 are
prescribed in Table 2. At the manufacturer’s option, the tension for carbon steel pipe. The mass per unit length of pipe made of ferritic
stainless steels may be about 5 % less, and that made of austenitic stainless
test specimen for sizes 85⁄8 in. [219.1 mm] in outside diameter
steel about 2 % greater than the values given. The specified mass of an
and larger may be taken transversely as described in 19.4. individual pipe length shall be calculated as its specified mass per unit
7.2 The yield point shall be determined by the drop of the length times its length.
beam, by the halt in the gage of the testing machine, by the use 11.1.1 When specified on the purchase order, each length of
of dividers, or by other approved methods. The yield strength pipe shall be weighed separately and the mass of any length of
corresponding to a permanent offset of 0.2 % of the gage length pipe shall not vary more than 10 % over or more than 5 %
of the specimen, or to a total extension of 0.5 % of the gage under the calculated mass using its length and its mass per unit
length under load shall be determined. length (see 11.1) if the specified wall thickness is 0.188 in.

2
 A139/A139M − 22
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D Grade E

Tensile strength, min, ksi [MPa] 48 [330] 60 [415] 60 [415] 60 [415] 66 [455]
Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa] 30 [205] 35 [240] 42 [290] 46 [315] 52 [360]
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, %:
Basic minimum elongation for walls 5⁄16 in. [7.9 mm] and over in 35 30 25 23 22
thickness, longitudinal strip tests
For longitudinal strips tests, a deduction for each 1⁄32-in. [0.8-mm] 1.75A 1.50A 1.25 1.50 2.0
decrease in wall thickness below 5⁄16 in. [7.9 mm] from the
basic minimum elongation of the following percentageA
Elongation in 8 in. [200 mm], min, %B,C Inch Pound Units, 1500/specified minimum tensile strength (ksi)
SI Units, 10 300/specified minimum tensile strength [MPa]

A
The table below gives the computed minimum values.
B
For wall thicknesses 1⁄2 in. [12.7 mm] and greater, the elongation may be taken in 8 in. [200 mm].
C
The elongation in 8 in. [200 mm] need not exceed 30 %.

Wall Thickness Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm, min, %

in. mm Grade A Grade B

⁄
5 16 (0.312) 7.9 35.00 30.00
⁄
9 32 (0.281) 7.1 33.25 28.50
1⁄4 (0.250) 6.4 31.50 27.00
7⁄32 (0.219) 5.6 29.75 25.50
3⁄16 (0.188) 4.8 28.00 24.00
5⁄32 (0.156) 4.0 26.25 22.50
1⁄8 (0.125) 3.7 24.50 21.00
3⁄32 (0.094) 2.4 22.75 19.50
1⁄16 (0.062) 1.6 21.00 18.00

Note—The above table gives the computed minimum elongation values for each 1⁄32-in. [0.8-mm] decrease in wall thickness. Where the wall thickness lies between two
values shown above, the minimum elongation value shall be determined by the following equation:
Grade Equation Equation
Inch-Pound Units SI Units

A E = 56t + 17.50 E = 2.20t + 17.50

B E = 48t + 15.00 E = 1.89t + 15.00
C E = 40t + 12.50 E = 1.57t + 12.50
D E = 48t + 8 E = 1.89t + 8
E E = 64t + 2 E = 2.52t + 2
where:
E = elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], %, and
t = actual thickness of specimen, in. [mm]

[4.78 mm] or less or more than 5.5 % under if the specified from the specified diameter as measured across any single
wall thickness is greater than 0.188 in. [4.78 mm]. plane with a bar gage, caliper, or other instrument capable of
11.1.2 The mass of a carload lot shall not vary more than measuring actual diameter.
1.75 % under the specified mass. A carload lot is considered to
be a minimum of 40 000 lb [18 Mg] shipped on a conveyance. 12. Finish
11.2 Thickness—The minimum wall thickness at any point 12.1 Repair by Welding—The manual, or automatic arc,
shall be not more than 12.5 % under the nominal wall thickness welding of injurious defects in the pipe wall, provided their
specified. depth does not exceed one third the specified wall thickness,
will be permitted. Defects in the welds, such as sweats or leaks,
11.3 Circumference—The pipe shall be substantially round. shall be repaired or the piece rejected at the option of the
The outside circumference of the pipe shall not vary more than manufacturer. Repairs of this nature shall be made by com-
61.0 %, but not exceeding 63⁄4 in. [19.0 mm], from the pletely removing the defect, cleaning the cavity, and then
nominal outside circumference based upon the diameter welding.
specified, except that the circumference at ends shall be sized,
if necessary, to meet the requirements of Section 18. 12.2 All repaired pipe shall be tested hydrostatically in
accordance with Section 16.
11.4 Straightness—Finished pipe shall be commercially
straight. When specific straightness requirements are desired, 13. Retests
the order should so state, and the tolerance shall be a matter of 13.1 If any specimen tested under Sections 8 or 15 fails to
agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer. meet the requirements, retests of two additional specimens
11.5 Ovality (Out-of-Roundness)—The pipe diameter, from the same lot of pipe shall be made, all of which shall meet
within 4.0 in. [100 mm] of ends, shall not vary more than 1 % the specified requirements. If any of the retests fail to conform

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 A139/A139M − 22
to the requirements, test specimens may be taken from each
untested pipe length, at the manufacturer’s option, and each
specimen shall meet the requirements specified, or that pipe
shall be rejected.

14. Number of Production Test Specimens

14.1 One longitudinal tension test specimen specified in
19.2 shall be made from the steel of each heat, or fraction Metric Equivalents
thereof, used in the manufacture of the pipe. in. ⁄
1 16 1 1 ⁄2 6
mm 1.6 38 150
14.2 One reduced-section production weld test specimen
specified in 19.5 shall be taken from a length of pipe from each NOTE 1—Weld reinforcement may or may not be removed flush with
lot of 3000 ft [914 m] of pipe, or fraction thereof, of each size the surface of the specimen.
and wall thickness. NOTE 2—Shown in Fig. 2 is a root- or face-bend specimen. Side-bend
specimens shall have a thickness (T) of 3⁄8 in. [9.5 mm] and a width equal
14.3 If any test specimen shows defective machining or to the pipe wall thickness.
develops flaws not associated with the quality of the steel or the FIG. 2 Guided-Bend Test Specimen
welding, it may be discarded and another specimen substituted.
14.4 Each length of pipe shall be subjected to the hydro- 16. Hydrostatic Test (Note 7)
static test specified in Section 16.
16.1 Each length of pipe shall be tested by the manufacturer
15. Qualification of Welding Procedure to a hydrostatic pressure that will produce in the pipe wall a
stress of not less than 60 % of the specified minimum yield
15.1 Welding procedures shall be qualified in accordance
strength at room temperature. The pressure shall be determined
with the requirements of AWS B2.1; ASME Boiler and
by the following equation:
Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX; or other qualification pro-
cedures as noted in the American Welding Society Welding P 5 2St/D (2)
Handbook. Tests and test values shall be as specified in 15.2 where:
and 15.3.
P = hydrostatic test pressure, psi [MPa] (not to exceed 2800
15.2 Two reduced-section tension specimens made in accor- psi [19.3 MPa] in any case) (Note 8),
dance with Fig. 1, with the weld reinforcement removed, shall S = 0.60 to 0.85 times the specified minimum yield strength
show a tensile strength not less than 100 % of the minimum of the grade of steel used in psi [MPa],
specified tensile strength of the grade of steel used. t = specified wall thickness, in. [mm], and
D = specified outside diameter, in. [mm]
15.3 Bend test specimens (two face-bend and two root-bend
NOTE 7—A hydrostatic sizing operation is not to be considered a
or four side-bend as designated by the welding procedure hydrostatic test or a substitute for it.
according to thickness) shall be prepared in accordance with NOTE 8—When the diameter and wall thickness of pipe are such that the
Fig. 2 and shall withstand being bent 180° in a jig substantially capacity limits of testing equipment are exceeded by these requirements,
in accordance with Fig. 3. The bend test shall be acceptable if the test pressures may be reduced by agreement between the purchaser and
the manufacturer.
no cracks or other defects exceeding 1⁄8 in. [3.2 mm] in any
NOTE 9—Where specified in the purchase order, the pipe may be tested:
direction are present in the weld metal or between the weld and (1) to 1.5 times the specified working pressure, provided the test pressure
the pipe metal after bending. Cracks that originate along the does not exceed 2800 psi [19.3 MPa] or produce a fiber stress in excess of
edges of the specimens during testing, and that are less 85 % of the specified minimum yield strength for the applicable pipe
than 1⁄4 in. [6.4 mm] in any direction shall not be considered. grade, or (2) to a fiber stress of 85 % or less of the specified minimum
yield strength for the applicable pipe grade, provided that the test pressure
(If necessary, the specimen shall be broken apart to permit does not exceed 2800 psi [19.3 MPa].
examination of the fracture.)
16.2 Test pressure shall be held for not less than 5 s, or for
a longer time as agreed upon between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.

17. Lengths
17.1 Pipe lengths shall be supplied in accordance with the
following regular practice:
17.1.1 Specific lengths shall be as specified on the order
with a tolerance of 61⁄2 in. [12.7 mm], except that the shorter
lengths from which test coupons have been cut shall also be
shipped.
Metric Equivalents
17.1.2 Unless otherwise specified random lengths shall be
in. 0.01 1 ⁄4 1 1⁄ 2 10
mm 0.3 6.4 38 250
furnished in lengths averaging 29 ft [8.9 m] or over, with a
minimum length of 20 ft [6.1 m], but not more than 5 % may
FIG. 1 Reduced-Section Tension Test Specimen be under 25 ft [7.6 m].

4
 A139/A139M − 22

FIG. 3 Jig for Guided Bend Test

17.1.3 Pipe lengths containing circumferentially welded 19.2 The longitudinal tension tests specimen of the steel
joints (Note 6) shall be permitted by agreement between the shall be taken from the end of the pipe in accordance with Fig.
purchaser and the manufacturer. Tests of these welded joints 4, or by agreement between the purchaser and the
shall be made in accordance with the production weld tests manufacturer, or may be taken from the skelp or plate, at a
described in Section 8. The number of production weld tests point which will be approximately 90° of arc from the weld in
shall be one for each lot of 100 joints or fraction thereof, but the finished pipe.
not less than one for each welder or welding operator. 19.3 If the tension test specimen is taken transversely, the
NOTE 10—Circumferentially welded joints are defined for the purpose specimen shall be taken in accordance with Fig. 5.
of these specifications as a welded seam lying in one plane, used to join
lengths of straight pipe.
19.4 The specimens for the reduced-section tension test of
production welds shall be taken perpendicularly across the
18. Ends weld at the end of the pipe. The test specimens shall have the
weld approximately in the middle of the specimen. The
18.1 Pipe shall be furnished with plain right-angle cut or
specimens shall be straightened and tested at room tempera-
beveled ends as specified. All burrs at the ends of pipe shall be
ture.
removed.
19.5 Reduced-section tension test specimens shall be pre-
18.2 When pipe is specified to have the ends prepared for
pared in accordance with Fig. 1.
field welding of circumferential joints, the ends shall be
beveled on the outside to an angle of 35°, measured from a line
20. Inspection
drawn perpendicular to the axis of the pipe, with a tolerance of
621⁄2 ° and with a width of root face (or flat at the end of the 20.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
pipe) of 1⁄16 6 1⁄32 in. [1.6 6 0.8 mm]. Unless otherwise entry, at all times while work on the contract of the purchaser
specified, the outside circumference of pipe ends for a distance is being performed, to all parts of the manufacturer’s works
of not less than 4 in. [100 mm] shall not vary more than 660 % that concern the manufacture of the material ordered. The
of the nominal wall thickness of the pipe from the nominal manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reasonable facilities
outside circumference based on the diameter specified, except to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance
that the tolerance shall be not less than 63⁄16 in. [4.8 mm]. with this specification. All tests and inspection shall be made at
the place of manufacture prior to shipment and, unless other-
18.3 Pipe ends for use with mechanical couplings shall have
wise specified, shall be so conducted as not to interfere
tolerances within the limits required by the manufacturer of the
unnecessarily with the operation of the works. If agreed upon,
type of coupling to be used.
the manufacturer shall notify the purchaser in time so that he
18.4 Upon agreement between the purchaser and the
manufacturer, the ends of the pipe may be sized within
agreed-upon tolerances, if necessary to meet the requirements
of special installations.

19. Production Test Specimens and Methods of Testing

19.1 The test specimens and the tests required by these
specifications shall conform to those described in Test Methods FIG. 4 Location from Which Longitudinal Tension Test Speci-
and Definitions A370. mens Are To Be Cut from Large Diameter Tubing

5
 A139/A139M − 22
21.2 Pipe found in fabrication or in installation to be
unsuitable for the intended use, under the scope and require-
ments of this specification, may be set aside and the manufac-
turer notified. Such pipe shall be subject to mutual investiga-
tion as to the nature and severity of the deficiency and the
forming or installation, or both, conditions involved. Disposi-
FIG. 5 Location of Transverse Tension Test Specimen in Ring tion shall be a matter for agreement.
Cut from Tubular Steel Products
22. Protective Coating
22.1 If agreed upon between the purchaser and the
may have his inspector present to witness any part of the manufacturer, the pipe shall be given a protective coating of the
manufacture or tests that may be desired. kind and in the manner specified by the purchaser.
20.2 Certification—Upon request of the purchaser in the
23. Product Marking
contract or order, a manufacturer’s certification that the mate-
rial was manufactured and tested in accordance with this 23.1 Each section of pipe shall be marked with the manu-
specification together with a report of the chemical and tensile facturer’s distinguishing marking, the specification number, the
tests shall be furnished. grade of pipe, and other marking if required and agreed upon
between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
21. Rejection 23.2 Bar Coding—In addition to the requirements in 23.1,
21.1 Each length of pipe received from the manufacturer bar coding is acceptable as a supplemental identification
may be inspected by the purchaser and, if it does not meet the method. The purchaser may specify in the order a specific bar
requirements of this specification based on the inspection and coding system to be used.
test method as outlined in the specification, the length may be
rejected and the manufacturer shall be notified. Disposition of 24. Keywords
rejected pipe shall be a matter of agreement between the 24.1 arc welded steel pipe; fusion welded steel pipe; steel
manufacturer and the purchaser. pipe; welded steel pipe

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A139/A139M – 16) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Sept. 1, 2022.)

(1) Updated Scope in regard to the use of inch-pound or SI (2) Verification of mass per piece (3.1.5) identified as a
units. purchaser option.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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