ASTM A182 F316Ti Tubesheet for Heat Exchanger & Pressure Vessel Applications
Yuhong Group Co., Ltd. supplies forged stainless steel tubesheets, channel barrels, baffle plates, and formed heads for shell-and-tube heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and air-cooled heat exchangers. Our product range includes U-tubes, heat exchanger tubes, finned tubes, and full tube bundle assemblies. All components are manufactured and documented in compliance with ASME Section VIII Div.1, TEMA Class R/C/B, and applicable customer specifications.
Product Overview
The ASTM A182 F316Ti Tubesheet is a forged stainless steel plate perforated with a precision-drilled hole pattern to accept and support heat exchanger tubes. This grade is titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel (UNS S31635), specified for high-temperature service and corrosive environments where conventional 316L may be susceptible to intergranular attack after welding or prolonged thermal exposure.
Tubesheets are typically installed in pairs at each end of the tube bundle, providing:
- Tube support and alignment
- Primary pressure boundary separation between shell-side and tube-side fluids
- Attachment points for tube rolling and welding
Material Specification & Key Components
All tubesheets are forged and machined to the requirements of ASTM A182 / ASME SA182, with material traceability maintained from ingot to finished part.
| Component |
Material Standard |
Grade / UNS |
| Tubesheet Body |
ASTM A182 / ASME SA182 |
F316Ti / S31635 |
| Tubesheet Cladding (optional) |
ASTM B265 / SB265 |
Titanium Gr.1, Gr.2, or Gr.12 |
| Pass Partition Grooves |
Machined into tubesheet face |
As per TEMA or customer drawing |
| Tube-to-Tubesheet Joints |
Seal welding + rolling |
ASME Section VIII Appendix A |
Chemical Composition (per ASTM A182):
| Element |
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
Cr |
Ni |
Mo |
N |
Ti |
| % (max unless range) |
0.08 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.045 |
0.030 |
16.0-18.0 |
10.0-14.0 |
2.00-3.00 |
0.10 |
5(C+N) ≤ Ti ≤ 0.70 |
Titanium stabilization prevents chromium carbide precipitation, maintaining corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) after welding.
Mechanical Properties (min. values):
| Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Yield Strength (MPa) |
Elongation (%) |
Reduction of Area (%) |
| 515 |
205 |
30 |
40 |
Testing & Quality Requirements
All tubesheets undergo 100% nondestructive examination. Standard testing package includes:
| Test Method |
Scope |
Standard / Acceptance |
| Ultrasonic Testing (UT) |
100% of forging body |
ASME SA-388 / SA-745 |
| Liquid Penetrant (PT) |
All machined surfaces, hole walls |
ASME SA-462 |
| Positive Material Identification (PMI) |
Every finished part |
NIST-traceable XRF |
| Dimensional Inspection |
Hole diameters, PCD, groove depth |
TEMA RCB-2 / customer drawing |
| Hardness Testing |
Brinell or Rockwell |
Per ASTM A182 |
| Mechanical Test Report |
En 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2 |
Full traceability to heat number |
Supplementary tests available upon request: Sulfide Stress Corrosion Cracking (NACE TM0177), Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC), and Impact Testing (Charpy V-Notch at -46°C, -101°C, or specified temperature).
Application Scenarios
ASTM A182 F316Ti tubesheets are specified for heat transfer equipment operating under the following conditions:
- Temperature range: Continuous service from -196°C to +700°C (higher creep strength compared to 316L above 450°C)
- Corrosive media: Sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, chlorides, sour water, amine solutions, and caustic service
- Pressure ranges: Up to Class 2500 flange rating (design-specific)
Typical equipment applications:
- Shell-and-tube heat exchangers (fixed tubesheet, U-tube, and floating head designs)
- Waste heat recovery systems (HRSG)
- Hydrogen reformers and hydrotreating reactors
- Condensers and reboilers
- Feed/effluent exchangers in refining and petrochemical processes
End-user industries: Oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation (including nuclear balance-of-plant), and offshore platforms.
Technical Advantages & Customization
The F316Ti tubesheet offers several engineering advantages over conventional austenitic grades:
- Intergranular corrosion resistance: Titanium stabilization (Ti ≥ 5 × C) eliminates sensitization, ensuring the alloy retains corrosion resistance even after welding or thermal excursions up to 700°C. This addresses a known limitation of 316L, which can experience carbide precipitation in the HAZ.
- Precision machining: CNC multi-spindle drilling achieves hole positioning accuracy within ±0.05 mm and hole diameter tolerances as tight as +0.05 / -0.00 mm. Tube holes can be grooved (serrated) or smooth-bored according to joint design requirements.
- Surface finish options: Raised Face (RF), Flat Face (FF), or Ring Type Joint (RTJ) grooves, machined to customer drawing specifications. Pass partition grooves provided for multipass arrangements.
- Dimensions: Maximum outer diameter up to 8,000 mm (custom larger sizes available); maximum forging weight up to 100 MT.
Customization services:
- Material substitution: alternative stainless grades (F304L, F321H, F347H), duplex (F51, F53, F60), nickel alloys (Inconel 625, Alloy 825, Hastelloy C-276), titanium Gr.2/Gr.12, or copper-nickel (C70600, C71500)
- Tube hole patterns and PCD per TEMA, ASME, or proprietary customer drawings
- Cladding on tubesheet faces for additional corrosion or erosion resistance
- NDT requirements beyond standard UT/PT, including RT, MT, or PAUT
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why specify F316Ti instead of standard 316L for high-temperature service?
A: 316L has a maximum continuous service temperature of approximately 450°C due to the risk of sensitization (chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries). F316Ti, stabilized with titanium, resists sensitization up to 700°C, making it the preferred grade for welded exchangers and hydrogen service applications.
Q: What is the typical lead time for a custom F316Ti tubesheet?
A: Lead time varies by size and complexity. Standard production ranges from 4 to 10 weeks, depending on forging availability and machining requirements. Expedite options may be available—please inquire with your specifications.
Q: Can you provide EN 10204 3.2 certification?
A: Yes. All our tubesheets are supplied with EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill test certificates as standard. Type 3.2 inspection certificates (third-party witness) are available upon request with an additional inspection and documentation charge.
Q: What design standards do you use?
A: All tubesheets are designed and manufactured per TEMA (Class R, B, or C) and ASME Section VIII Div.1. Customer proprietary specifications are also accommodated. Design pressures and temperatures are validated per the applicable code.
Q: Do you supply tubesheets with cladding?
A: Yes. We offer titanium, nickel alloy, or stainless steel cladding on tubesheet faces to provide additional corrosion resistance without using solid alloy for the entire forging. Cladding material and thickness are per customer requirements.
