Manufacture of ASTM A270-S2-BPE-3A Certified Ultrahigh-Purity (UHP) and High-Purity Stainless Steel Tubing
Manufacture of ASTM A270 Welded Stainless Steel Sanitary Tube
Manufacture of ASME BPE ASTM A270 S2 316L Electropolished Tubes
Manufacture of Stainless Steel 316L ASTM A270-S2, ASME-BPE 316L
Manufacture of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Manufacture of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Manufacture of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Manufacture of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Manufacture of A270-S2-3A Polished 316L Welded Tube
Manufacture of ASME BPE 316L SF1 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Manufacture of ASME BPE 316L SF4 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Manufacture of Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubing ASTM A270-S2
Manufacture of Sanitary Tubing ASTM A270 S2 and 3A specifications
Manufacture of ASTM A270-03 S2 / ASME BPE and UI Tubes
Manufacture of HIGH PURITY BPE STAINLESS STEEL TUBING
Stockholder of ASTM A270 Welded Stainless Steel Sanitary Tube
Stockholder of ASME BPE ASTM A270 S2 316L Electropolished Tubes
Stockholder of Stainless Steel 316L ASTM A270-S2, ASME-BPE 316L
Stockholder of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Stockholder of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Stockholder of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Stockholder of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Stockholder of A270-S2-3A Polished 316L Welded Tube
Stockholder of ASME BPE 316L SF1 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Stockholder of ASME BPE 316L SF4 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Stockholder of Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubing ASTM A270-S2
Stockholder of Sanitary Tubing ASTM A270 S2 and 3A specifications
Stockholder of ASTM A270-03 S2 / ASME BPE and UI Tubes
Stockholder of HIGH PURITY BPE STAINLESS STEEL TUBING
Distributor of ASTM A270 Welded Stainless Steel Sanitary Tube
Distributor of ASME BPE ASTM A270 S2 316L Electropolished Tubes
Distributor of Stainless Steel 316L ASTM A270-S2, ASME-BPE 316L
Distributor of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Distributor of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Distributor of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Distributor of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Distributor of A270-S2-3A Polished 316L Welded Tube
Distributor of ASME BPE 316L SF1 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Distributor of ASME BPE 316L SF4 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Distributor of Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubing ASTM A270-S2
Distributor of Sanitary Tubing ASTM A270 S2 and 3A specifications
Distributor of ASTM A270-03 S2 / ASME BPE and UI Tubes
Distributor of HIGH PURITY BPE STAINLESS STEEL TUBING
Importer of ASTM A270 Welded Stainless Steel Sanitary Tube
Importer of ASME BPE ASTM A270 S2 316L Electropolished Tubes
Importer of Stainless Steel 316L ASTM A270-S2, ASME-BPE 316L
Importer of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Importer of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Importer of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Importer of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Importer of A270-S2-3A Polished 316L Welded Tube
Importer of ASME BPE 316L SF1 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Importer of ASME BPE 316L SF4 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Importer of Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubing ASTM A270-S2
Importer of Sanitary Tubing ASTM A270 S2 and 3A specifications
Importer of ASTM A270-03 S2 / ASME BPE and UI Tubes
Importer of HIGH PURITY BPE STAINLESS STEEL TUBING
Exporter of ASTM A270 Welded Stainless Steel Sanitary Tube
Exporter of ASME BPE ASTM A270 S2 316L Electropolished Tubes
Exporter of Stainless Steel 316L ASTM A270-S2, ASME-BPE 316L
Exporter of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Exporter of High-Purity Electro-Polished (EP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Exporter of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Pharmaceutical
Exporter of High-Purity Mechanically-Polished (MP) Tubes for Bio-Pharmaceutical
Exporter of A270-S2-3A Polished 316L Welded Tube
Exporter of ASME BPE 316L SF1 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Exporter of ASME BPE 316L SF4 Stainless Steel Welded Tubes
Exporter of Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubing ASTM A270-S2
Exporter of Sanitary Tubing ASTM A270 S2 and 3A specifications
Exporter of ASTM A270-03 S2 / ASME BPE and UI Tubes
Exporter of HIGH PURITY BPE STAINLESS STEEL TUBING
ASTM A270 Sanitary stainless steel tubing specification
ASTM A270 sanitary (hygienic) stainless steel tubing is the standard specification for the welded seamless,
and heavily cold worked welded austenitic and ferritic stainless steel sanitary tubing. It includes the stainless
steel tube types in seamless and welded ERW, EFW. ASTM A270 sanitary tubing intended applied in the diary
and food industry, bio processing equipment, and having special surface finish.
ASTM A270 stainless steel tube size range
ASTM A270 sanitary stainless pipe usually refers to the small pipe diameters, normally from 1/2” to 2 1/2”,
thickness from 0.049 in (1.24mm) to 0.15 in (3.81mm).
The maximum outer diameter of ASTM A270 tubing is 12 inches (304.8 mm).
ASTM A270 tubing using inch-pound as the standard unit of measure.
Wall thickness tolerance shall not vary more than 12.5%.
Referred standard for ASTM A270 sanitary tubing
ASTM A 262: Methods of detecting intergranular corrosion for the magnetization coefficient.
ASTM A 480/A 480 M is the general specifications for flat stainless steel, heat-resistant stainless steel plate, sheet
and steel bars.
ASTM A 923 Test methods for detecting detrimental intermetallic phase in duplex austenitic/ferritic stainless steels
ASTM A 967 is the specification of passivation treatment for stainless parts .
ASTM A 1016/1016 M is the general specification for ferritic alloy steel, austenitic alloy steel and stainless steel.
E 527 is the test methods for numbering metal and alloy
ASTM B 46.1 surface structure (surface roughness, waviness and layers).
ASME boiler and pressure vessel’s numbers and other standards.
Stainless tube manufacturing processes
ASTM A270 sanitary stainless steel pipe shall be noted below points during manufacturing processes:
1) Seamless steel pipe should not contains any kind of welding processing.
2) Welded steel pipe applied in automatic welding processing, but should not use metal materials as filler.
3) Heavily cold worked (HCW) tubes shall be manufactured by cold working of not less than 35% reduction of
thickness of both wall and weld to a welded pipe prior to the final anneal. Filler materials shall be noted added
during welding process. The weld shall be 100% radio graphically inspected in accordance with ASME boiler
and pressure vessel standards specification.
4) Sanitary pipe could be furnished with hot finished or cold finished at Manufacture’s option.
SURFACE REQUIREMENTS
Surface of rolled products: No need extra polishing or smooth treatment.
Mill Finish— A finish without additional polishing oroperations intended to smooth the surface.
Mechanical polished surface: Purchasers according the same numbering abrasive (grinding stuff) to polish the
products get the required products’ surface:
Finish No. 80 – A ground finish produced by polishing a tube with an abrasive media impregnated with No. 80 grit.
Finish No. 120 – No. 120 grit.
Finish No. 180 – No. 180 grit.
Finish No. 240 – No. 240 grit.
Other mechanically polished finishes may beagreed upon between the purchaser and manufacturer
Electrolytic polishing of the surface: Before this processing, manufacturer could use other ways to polish products.
The maximum average of roughness: Customers could specify the maximum roughness of internal surface, external
surface and both surface.
Surface furnishment also could be decided by manufacturer or purchaser.
Normally surface treatment: Internal, External, SF4, SF3, etc.
3A Dimensional Tolerances
Size Nom.
Wall O.D. Length Wall
1/2″
(12.7mm) 0.065″
(1.65mm) ± 0.005″
(0.13mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
3/4″
(19.1mm) 0.065″
(1.65mm) ± 0.005″
(0.13mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
1″
(25.4mm) 0.065″
(1.65mm) ± 0.005″
(0.13mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
1-1/2″
(38.1mm) 0.065″
(1.65mm) ± 0.008″
(0.20mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
2″
(50.8mm) 0.065″
(1.65mm) ± 0.008″
(0.20mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
2-1/2″
(63.5mm) 0.065″
(1.65mm) ± 0.010″
(0.25mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
3″
(76.2mm) 0.065″
(1.65mm) ± 0.010″
(0.25mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
4″
(101.6mm) 0.083″
(2.11mm) ± 0.015″
(0.38mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
6″
(152.4mm) 0.083″
(2.11mm) ± 0.030″
(0.76mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
6″
(152.4mm) 0.109″
(2.77mm) ± 0.030″
(0.76mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
8″
(203.2mm) 0.109″
(2.77mm) + 0.061″ / – 0.031″
(+ 0.76mm / – 0.79mm) ± 1/16″
(1.59mm) ± 10.0%
Sanitary Stainless
Steel Tubing
For Dairy, Food, Beverage, and Other Sanitary Processes
sanitary tubing exceeds ASTM A270 S2 and 3A specifications and most user specifications. It is manufactured
from the finest quality stainless steel materials made exclusively to the melt criteria and formed by the
Micro-Weld process to assure weld seam integrity and industry leading ID & OD finishes to the low Ra values
demanded by customers. leads the industry in manufacturing the highest quality welded sanitary tubing,
backed with technical expertise, advanced manufacturing and polishing capabilities and unmatched service
before and after the sale.
All standard sanitary tubing sizes
are available in 1/2″ (12.7 mm) to 8″ (203.2 mm) OD in 20′ (6.1 m) lengths.
Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubing ASTM A270-S2
Mechanical Tests
All testing required by ASTM A270/A1016 is performed. In addition, flare, flatten, flange, and reverse bend
tests are performed. Surface roughness is measured per ASME/ANSI B46.1 requirements. These measurements
are derived from four (4) readings taken at cross sections approximately 90 degrees apart.
Sizes
Diameter: ½” (12.70mm) – 12” (304.8mm)
Thickness
½” (12.70mm) – 3” (76.20mm) = 16 gauge = 0.065” (1.65mm)
4” (101.6mm) = 14 gauge = 0.083” (2.11mm)
6” (152.4mm) – 12” (304.8mm) = 12 gauge = 0.109” (2.77mm)
Surfaces Finishes
Sanitary A270 (3A) TPV Certified: Bright Annealed, ID-only, OD-only, ID & OD. All mechanical polished tubes
meet or exceed A270, 3A, A270-S2.
Packaging
All material is end capped and poly sleeved. Tubes are packaged in tri-wall cardboard boxes with wood ends.
ASTM A270-03 S2 / ASME BPE and UI
Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Pharmaceutical Tubing
Surface Finish in accordance with ASME B46.1
UI ID Specification is 20 Ra for mechanically polished.
UI ID Specification is 10 Ra or 15 Ra for electropolish.
Also – Refer to ASME-BPE Standard
Polished tube is manufactured in accordance with ASTM A270 and 3A sanitary standards. Our tubing is made
from cold rolled stainless steel strip whose chemical elements are specially controlled to enhance weldability.
The weld bead is cold-worked to a full finished condition, resulting in a virtually undetectable longitudinal weld.
Bright annealing to 1,900°F minimum follows in a controlled atmosphere to preserve maximum structural integrity.
The tubes are then mechanically polished to a 180 grit (20 µ-in. Ra maximum) interior and 150 grit (32 µ-in. Ra maximum)
exterior finish via state-of-the-art process. Tubes are then line-stenciled with OD, wall, ASTM specifications, grade,
and heat number. Price and weight is per foot.
HIGH PURITY BPE STAINLESS STEEL TUBING
We offers high purity stainless steel tubing that is manufactured to the stringent ASME-BPE and ASTM A270 S2
specifications. This high quality tubing is 100% borescoped and mechanically polished on both the ID and OD.
A270-BPE series tubing significantly reduces customer inspection requirements prior to installation by utilizing
only the highest quality stainless steel materials.
We offers industry-leading sanitary tubing along with technical expertise and unmatched service. We stock all
standard BPE tubing in sizes ½ – 4 inch OD (12.7 – 101.6 millimeter OD) in 20-foot (6.1-meter) lengths.
High purity stainless steel BPE tubing is manufactured to ASME-BPE and ASTM A270 S2 specifications.
SPECIFICATIONS
High purity BPE 316L stainless steel tubing exceeds the requirements of ASME-BPE SF1 and ASTM A270 S2.
All tubing is 100% borescoped and certified to 20 µ-in Ra (0.5 µm) inner diameter (ID) maximum,
and 30 µ-in Ra (0.8 µm) outer diameter (OD) maximum surface roughness. Surface finishes are measured per
ASME/ANSI B46.1, with the profilometer reading at 90 degrees to major polishing pattern.
MECHANICAL TESTS
To ensure the highest surface quality, our sanitary tubing goes beyond the requirements of ASTM A269 and A270
by performing the full battery of ASTM bend and deformation tests required by ASME SA249. The tests, combined
with specific raw material requirements, Eddy Current testing at the tube mill, 100% borescoping prior to mechanical
polish, and tighter OD and wall tolerances, allows for a more consistent, superior quality product.
ANNEALING
Tubing is hydrogen bright annealed in line to 1900°F (1040°C) minimum and rapidly quenched.
CLEANING
A270-BPE high purity tubing ID is thermocouple cleaned per ASTM A632 S3.
PACKAGING
As a final step in maintaining purity standards, A270-BPE tubing is packaged using protective 2 mil poly sleeving
along with air tight plastic end caps.
SURFACE FINISH
We stocks high purity tubing in two finishes: mechanically polished to 20 Ra ID (SF1, or PL) and electropolished
with 15 Ra ID (SF4, or PM). SF1 or PL tubing is mechanically polished to a surface finish of 20 µ-in Ra (0.51 µm) ID
maximum, 30 µ-in Ra (0.8 µm) OD maximum measured per ASME/ANSI B46.1 with the profilometer reading at 90
degrees to major polishing pattern. SF4 or PM tubing is mechanically polished to a surface finish of 20 µ-in Ra (0.51 µm)
ID maximum, 30 µ-in Ra (0.8 µm) OD, then an electropolished for an ID of 15 Ra (.4 µm) maximum.
SURFACE FINISH OPTIONS
Finish Code Product Contact Surface (Max Ra)* Product Contact Surface Finish Treatment (ID) Non-Product Contact Surface (Max Ra) Non-Product Contact Surface Finish Treatment (OD)
-PL 20 µ-inch(0.51 µm) Mechanical Polish 32 µ-inch(0.81 µm) Mechanical Polish/As drawn
-PM 15 µ-inch(0.38 µm) Electropolished 32 µ-inch(0.81 µm) Mechanical Polish/As drawn
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Element 316L (wt%)
Carbon (max) 0.035
Manganese (max) 2.00
Phosphorus (max) 0.040
Sulfur 0.005 – 0.017
Silicon (max) 0.75
Nickel 10.0-15.0
Chromium 16.0-18.0
Molybdenum 2.0-3.0
MECHANICALLY POLISHED BPE TUBING
316L Material Part Number
(PL Finish)
Nominal Size
(OD)
Wall Thickness Manufacturing Method Finish ID
(Ra)
Finish OD
(Ra)
T316L-0.5X.065-S-PL ½” (12.7 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Seamless 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-0.75X.065-W-PL ¾” (19.05 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-1.0X.065-W-PL 1″ (25.4 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-1.5X.065-W-PL 1½” (38.1 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-2.0X.065-W-PL 2″ (50.8 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-2.5X.065-W-PL 2½” (63.5 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-3.0X.065-W-PL 3″ (76.2 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-4.0X.083-W-PL 4″ (101.6 mm) 0.083″ (2.1082 mm) Welded 20 µ-inch (0.51 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
ELECTROPOLISHED BPE TUBING
316L Material Part Number
(PM Finish)
Nominal Size
(OD)
Wall Thickness Manufacturing Method Finish ID
(Ra)
Finish OD
(Ra)
T316L-0.5X.065-S-PM ½” (12.7 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Seamless 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-0.75X.065-W-PM ¾” (19.05 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-1.0X.065-W-PM 1″ (25.4 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-1.5X.065-W-PM 1½” (38.1 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-2.0X.065-W-PM 2″ (50.8 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-2.5X.065-W-PM 2½” (63.5 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-3.0X.065-W-PM 3″ (76.2 mm) 0.065″ (1.651 mm) Welded 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
T316L-4.0X.083-W-PM 4″ (101.6 mm) 0.083″ (2.1082 mm) Welded 15 µ-inch (0.38 µm) 32 µ-inch (0.81 µm)
DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES
Size OD Nominal Wall Thickness Outside Diameter Tolerance Length Tolerance Wall Thickness Tolerance
(in) (mm) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) (%)
½ 12.7 0.065 1.65 +/-0.005 +/-0.13 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
¾ 19.1 0.065 1.65 +/-0.005 +/-0.13 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
1 25.4 0.065 1.65 +/-0.005 +/-0.13 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
1½ 38.1 0.065 1.65 +/-0.008 +/-0.20 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
2 50.8 0.065 1.65 +/-0.008 +/-0.20 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
2½ 63.5 0.065 1.65 +/-0.010 +/-0.25 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
3 76.2 0.065 1.65 +/-0.010 +/-0.25 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
4 101.6 0.083 2.11 +/-0.015 +/-0.38 +?, -0 +3.18, -0 +/-10.0%
6 152.4 0.109 2.77 +/-0.030 +/-0.76 +1, -0 +25.4, -0 +/-10.0%
What is the Difference between ASME BPE Tubing and Standard Sanitary Tubing?
Through our fabrication and installation, we provide a lot of sanitary stainless steel tubing to the food, beverage,
personal care and biopharmaceutical markets. Each piece of tubing can specified by its sanitary surface finish,
tolerance and dimensions. But, have you ever wondered – ‘What is the difference between standard 316L stainless
steel sanitary polished tubing and 316L ASME BPE marked tubing?’
Overview
There was a time when what was considered standard “dairy” type tube and tubing used in the biopharmaceutical
industry were very different. Diary tube had a 32RA ID surface finish. Pharmaceutical tubing usually had much better
surface finishes, somewhere between 25Ra and 10Ra. Tubing with these better surface finishes was usually bought
at a significantly higher price than the 32Ra tube.
Since their initial release in 1997, the ASME BPE standards have become
the standard in the biopharmaceutical industry. The standard designates
6 different acceptable surface finishes, the most common SF1 (maximum
20 Ra) and SF4 (maximum 15Ra+ electropolish). It also designates other
acceptance criteria for surface finishes.
Meanwhile, tubing manufacturers continued to refine their manufacturing processes. A 20Ra ID surface finish used to
be a multi-step, laborious process, now it has become primarily automated. The end result is that the standard polished
“dairy” tube comes with a 20Ra ID finish. No one offers 32Ra tube anymore.
From a metallurgical standpoint, standard 316L and ASME BPE tubing are identical. They are also dimensionally the
same.
So what’s the Difference?
If SF1 ASME BPE tubing and standard 316L sanitary tubing both come with a
20Ra ID polish, why should I pay the premium to buy the BPE tubing? In a
word, insurance. As mentioned above, the ASME BPE standards have
additional acceptance criteria for surfaces finishes beyond simple Ra
readings. They have an extensive list that addresses issues such as pits, nicks,
inclusions and cracks. To ensure that the material meets these standards,
each piece of BPE tubing is visually inspected by boroscope. Does this mean
that the dairy tubing is full of pits and cracks? Absolutely not. But if you
want to be absolutely sure that it does not, the ASME BPE tubing gives you
that.
Pharma tubes – ASME BPE
ASME BPE / 316 L – SF1
OUTSIDE DIAMETER (MM) WALL- THICKNESS (MM) NOMINAL OUTSIDE DIAMETER NOMINAL WALL THICKNESS DIMENSIONAL STANDARD
6,35 0,89 1/4″
0,035″
ASME BPE
9,53 0,89 3/8″
0,035″
ASME BPE
12,70 1,65 1/2″
0,065″
ASME BPE
19,05 1,65 3/4″
0,065″
ASME BPE
25,40 1,65 1″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
38,10 1,65 1 1/2″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
50,80 1,65 2″
0,065″ ASME BPE
63,50 1,65 2 1/2″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
76,20 1,65 3″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
101,60 2,11 4″ 0,083″ ASME BPE
152,40 2,77 6″ 0,109″ ASME BPE
ASME BPE / 316 L – SF4
OUTSIDE DIAMETER (MM) WALL- THICKNESS (MM) NOMINAL OUTSIDE DIAMETER NOMINAL WALL THICKNESS DIMENSIONAL STANDARD
6,35 0,89 1/4″
0,035″
ASME BPE
9,53 0,89 3/8″
0,035″
ASME BPE
12,70 1,65 1/2″
0,065″
ASME BPE
19,05 1,65 3/4″
0,065″
ASME BPE
25,40 1,65 1″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
38,10 1,65 1 1/2″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
50,80 1,65 2″
0,065″ ASME BPE
63,50 1,65 2 1/2″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
76,20 1,65 3″ 0,065″ ASME BPE
101,60 2,11 4″ 0,083″ ASME BPE
152,40 2,77 6″ 0,109″ ASME BPE
ASME BPE Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Equipment
What is ASME BPE?
(The American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Bioprocessing Equipment)
The pharmaceutical industry as well as components of a distribution system or conveyor belts, have an
established guideline for their surface finish requirements called ASME-BPE.
ASME-BPE is the leading Standard on how to design and build equipment and systems used in the production
of biopharmaceuticals, which includes bioprocessing, pharmaceutical and personal-care products. The standards
incorporate current best-practices for enhancing product purity and safety and maintain the high levels of hygienic
requirements of the materials used as well as their design, fabrication, and plating methods. Electropolishing has
long supported efforts by ASME, and other organizations, to standardize the expectations and designations of
acceptable surface finishes. our manufacture, is a member of ASME and is currently part of the surface finish
subcommittee for ASME BPE. Learn more about electropolishing
Electropolishing Within ASME BPE Standards
This electropolishing specification includes seven surface finishes that may be used when specifying surface finishes.
The following table summarizes the information provided within ASME BPE for surface finishes of bioprocessing
equipment and distribution system components.
ASME BPE and all other specification are found in our Industry Standards.
Ra Readings for Surfaces
Mechanically Polished
Surface
Designation Ra Max
µ-in µm
SF0 No Ra Requirement No Ra Requirement
SF1 20 0.51
SF2 25 0.64
SF3 30 0.76
Mechanically Polished & Electropolished
Mechanically Polished
Surface
Designation Ra Max
µ-in µm
SF4 15 0.38
SF5 20 0.51
SF6 25 0.64
Further acceptance criteria for product contact surfaces is detailed within ASME BPE.
Surface Finishing:
Mechanical Polishing and ElectroPolishing
Machining and mechanical polishing
Mechanical polishing or machining leaves numerous surface scratches which cause areas of differing
electrical potential due to surface stresses. An electropolished surface is essentially balanced.
Local corrosive cells cannot be set up, because the local galvanic differences caused by polishing
stresses in the stainless surface have been eliminated.
The most effective method of eliminating burrs, folds, inclusions and other abnormalities is through Electropolishing.
This electrolytic process, the opposite of the plating process, is designed to remove metal without smearing or folding.
Peaks are dissolved more quickly than valleys as a result of the greater concentration of current over the protuberances.
This action produces a smoothing and rounding of the surface profile. Due to the rounded profile, electropolished
surfaces are far easier to clean than surfaces mechanically polished alone.
Surface Finish
Measuring and specifying surface finish has, until recently, been left to a varying amount of speculation. The number of
different standards being used by different equipment manufacturer has created a great deal of confusion and
misunderstanding throughout the industry.
Increasingly stringent specifications are now being demanded for the surface finish on all items of process equipment
in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and many suppliers of valves and pipe work are now quantifying
the surface roughness of their product.
The specification of grit reference cannot be equated to a consistent surface finish. Variables affecting the resultant finish
are grit size, tool load, condition of tool, feed rate, traverse rate condition of metal to be polished and lubricant used, if any.
For precise and consistent results, surface finish should be specified in a range or maximum level of roughness average (Ra).
This is normally expressed in micrometers (Microns) or microinches.
Micron or microinch values expressing surface finish as roughness average (Ra) are interchangeable with those values
identified as (CLA) centerline average or arithmetic average. Measured values expressed as (RMS) root mean square will
read approximately eleven percent higher than values expressed in Ra. (Microinches x 1.11 = RMS). For surface roughness
measurements, BBS-Systems utilizes a surface measurement instrument. Surface finish can then be described by using the
roughness average (Ra) parameter. The Ra value is defined as the average value of the departures from its centerline through
a prescribed sampling length.
The increasing purity requirements in the pharmaceutical and bio-technology industries require surfaces in contact with the
product to have finishes that meet BPE standards. With the advent of ASME/BPE, the Pharmaceutical and biotechnology
industries finally have a standard that can be universally applied.
Some values of surface finish
Grit: Measures the number of scratches per linear inch of abrasive pad. Higher numbers indicate a smoother surface
Standard Grit
(reference only) Ra µin Ra µm RMS µin RMS µm
150 27 – 32 0.68 – 0.80 30 – 35 0.76 – 0.89
180 16 – 23 0.46 – 0.58 20 – 25 0.51 – 0.64
240 14 – 18 0.34 – 0.46 15 – 20 0.38 – 0.51
320 8 – 10 0.21 – 0.25 9 – 11 0.23 – 0.28
RMS: defined as Root Mean Square roughness, this method measures a sample for peaks and valleys. Lower numbers
indicate a smoother finish
Ra: Known as the arithmetic mean, this measurement represents the average of all peaks and valleys. Lower numbers
indicate a smooth finish
Electropolishing
Electro polishing is a process combining electric current and chemicals to remove surface material; it is the most effective
method of removing burr, folds, inclusion and other abnormalities. Peaks are removed quicker than valleys because of the
concentration of current on the peaks. This process leaves the surface extremely smooth and is far easier to clean by
reducing the total area required to be sterilized. This electrolytic process is frequently specified because of the broad range
of inherent benefits over mechanical polishing alone.
The inherent benefits of Electropolishing subsequent to mechanical polishing are as follows:
Superior surfaces for cleaning and sterilization.
Resultant passivated surfaces enhance corrosion resistance.
High luster reflective appearance.
Elimination of smeared or torn surfaces caused by abrasive finishing
Removal of inclusions and entrapped contaminants such as lubricants and grit particles.
Increased corrosion resistance
Cleaner surface of the “wet contact” areas
Removal of surface occlusions
Reduce surface friction
Electropolishing also greatly reduces the total surface area to be cleaned and sterilized.
Surface Finish Comparison
RMS
(Micro-inch) RMS
(Micron) Ra
(Micro-inch) Ra
(Micron) Grit Finish
160 4.06 142 3.61 36
98 2.49 87 2.21 60
80 2.03 71 1.80 80
58 1.47 52 1.32 120
47 1.20 42 1.06 150
47 1.20 42 Before
Bead Blast 1.06 USDA
Bead Blast
34 0.86 30 0.76 180
21 0.53 19 0.48 220
17 0.43 15 0.38 240
14 0.36 12 0.30 320
10 0.25 9 0.23 400
5 0.13 4 (+/-) 0.10 Mirror
The Benefits of Improved Surface Finish
Ra and RMS are both representations of surface roughness. Ra is calculated as the roughness average of a
surface’s measured microscopic peaks and valleys. RMS is calculated as the root mean square of a surface’s
measured microscopic peaks and valleys. Each value uses the same individual height measurements of the
surface’s peaks and valleys but uses the measurements in a different formula.
A single large peak or flaw within the microscopic surface texture will affect (raise) the RMS value more than the
Ra value, which is why Ra is more commonly used today as a measurement.
A commonly held belief is that the electropolishing process can improve Ra and RMS by up to 50%. Part tolerances
and surface finishes generally limit this number, however. In all practicality, electropolishing will reduce a part’s Ra
by 10 to 30% depending on the starting finish. Generally speaking, the lower the Ra or RMS is prior to electropolishing,
the lower the percentage in Ra and RMS reduction. In cases like this, the electropolishing process will be controlled to
remove a limited amount of material. If too much material is removed, the surface roughness can move up on a micro
level, leading to a rough and pitted surface visually.
Material removal can vary in the finished part by altering the dwell time during processing—standard ranges can be
from .0002” to .0003” per surface. This precise process can improve the surface of finished parts with removal rates
of .0001” accuracy. It is important to communicate your dimensional tolerance requirements with your electropolisher.
Electropolishing improves the surface of metal in the following ways.
Smoothing effect, good aesthetics. Electropolishing removes high spots on a metal part’s surface. This means that the
dimensions of the lower spots are changed very little, which creates a smoothing effect to the base metal surface. It also
means that by the nature of the process, the total amount of dimensional change required to obtain the polish effect is
very small.
Easier cleaning and maintenance. Some parts and components are used in settings where it is difficult to physically
access them for maintenance purpose; others, as in medical, food and beverage, and semiconductor applications,
require repeated sterilization or cleaning. The leveling of micro peaks and valleys through electropolishing not only
inhibits the “collection” of particulates in otherwise grooved surfaces, it also allows for easier sterilization and maintenance.
Reduces friction and surface drag, with no cracking. The smoothing of the metal also helps reduce friction and surface
drag. Visually, the smoothing removes grain boundaries, which also mitigates the incidents of stress cracking. In
mission-critical applications, you need your parts and components operating optimally, and always reliably within some
of the extremely tight tolerances your end-users require.
Exposes defective parts. There’s a built-in quality control element to electropolishing. Since the process is carried out
in the presence of aggressive chemicals, when a defective part comes through the process line, the chemicals in the
electropolishing solution tend to uncover the defect in the part. This is a dramatic and effective way of double-checking
the quality of material being processed.
Corrosion resistance. Free-iron is an almost entirely unavoidable consequence of metal forming in manufacturing.
Electropolishing removes metallic and non-metallic inclusions introduced during manufacturing. This results in the removal
of elemental iron from the surface of stainless-steel alloys, enhancing the chromium/nickel content resulting in dramatically
improved resistance to corrosion. Repeated exposure to water or chemicals will not compromise the finished surface in
medical applications, or in outdoor industrial or architectural installations.
At Electropolishing, we have highly controlled processes in place that ensure material removal is precise and repeatable
every time. Let us help with your next project! Find out how New England Electropolishing can help you with your
electropolishing needs.
High Purity
Stainless Steel Tubing
Mechanically polished tubing to 20 µ-in Ra ID for pharmaceutical, semiconductor, biotechnology, and other high purity processes.
Summary:
Manufactured to stringent ASME BPE and ASTM A270 S2 specifications, this high quality tubing is 100% bore-scoped and
mechanically polished on both the ID and OD. Finishing processes guarantee specific ID and OD Ra values for customers
application, minimizing surface anomalies. Moreover, all A270-BPE series tubing is cleaned in a Class 100 Cleanroom
(Fed 209E), significantly reducing customer inspection requirements prior to installation. The finest quality stainless steel
materials are made to melt criteria and formed by the manufacturering processes to assure highest weld seam integrity,
to meet the most demanding applications. Our tubing is available in 1/2″ (12.7 mm) to 6″ (152.40 mm) OD in 20ft. (6.1 m) lengths.
Specification (link)
Tubing shall be manufactured to A270-BPE 316L meeting or exceeding the requirements of ASME BPE and ASTM A270 S2.
All tubing will be 100% bore-scoped and mechanically polished to 20 µ-in Ra (0.5 µm) ID maximum and 30 µ-in Ra (0.8 µm)
OD maximum surface roughness measured per ASME/ANSI B46.1 with the profilometer reading at 90 degrees to major
polishing pattern, with ends prepared for orbital welding and the tube ID cleaned for oxygen service.
Materials
• 316L available from stock. 6-MOLY and other alloys available on request.
Mechanical Tests
To ensure the highest surface quality in all of our sanitary tubing, manufacturers routinely go beyond the requirements of
ASTM A269 and A270 by performing the full battery of ASTM bend and deformation tests required by ASME SA249 as
well as additional deformation tests developed by the manufacturers. The tests, combined with specific raw material
requirements, eddy current testing at the tube mill, 100% bore-scoping prior to mechanical polish, and tighter OD and
wall tolerances allow us to provide a more consistent superior quality product to the marketplace.
Annealing
Hydrogen bright annealed in line to 1900°F (1040°C) minimum and rapidly quenched.
Cleaning
Most A270-BPE high purity tubing is available from stock with ID cleaned for oxygen service. Other ID cleaning procedures
are available including thermocouple cleaning per ASTM A632 or Nitric Acid & deionized water rinse. The de-ionized water
system guarantees less than 50 ppb TOC with an average of 10 ppb and a resistivity up to 18 M. They also utilize 99.9999%
pure Nitrogen which is filtered to 0.003 µm at the point of use. Cleaning and packaging are performed in a certified Class
100 Cleanroom.
Surface Finish
Surface finish is 20 µ-in Ra (0.5 µm) ID maximum, 30 µ-in Ra (0.8 µm) OD maximum measured per ASME/ANSI B46.1 with
the profilometer reading at 90 degrees to major polishing pattern.
Packaging
As a final step in maintaining purity standards following cleaning, our A270-BPE tubing is packaged using protective 6 mil
poly sleeving along with air tight plastic end caps. The tubing is then placed in wood boxes for maximum protection during
shipment. Other packaging is available on customer request.
High Purity
Stainless Steel Tubing
Chemical Composition
Elements 316L (wt%)
(C) Carbon, max 0.035
(Mn) Manganese, max 2.00
(P) Phosphorus, max 0.040
(S) Sulfur 0.005 – 0.017
(Si) Silicon, max 0.75
(Ni) Nickel 10.0 – 15.0
(Cr) Chromium 16.0 – 18.0
(Mo) Molybdenum 2.0 – 3.0
Inspection & Approval Certificates : C/W Certificate (Calibration Works Certificate) Manufacture of EN 10204 3.1 / DIN 50049 3.1 / ISO 10474 3.1 Mill Test Certificate, NACE TM-0284 / NACE MR-0103 / NACE MR-0175 / ISO 15156, CE Marked, European Pressure EquipmManufacture of ENt Directive PED-2014/68/EU, AD-2000-WO, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Sec.II Part A Ed. 2019, API 6A (American Petroleum Institute), with 3.2 certificate duly Certified & Approved by LRS (Lloyd’s Register), GL (Germanischer Lloyd), BV (Bureau Veritas), DNV (Det Norske Veritas), ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), SGS, TUV, RINA, IRS (Indian Register of Shipping), NORSOK Approved Standard M-630, M-650 Rev.3
If you have any requiremManufacture of ENt of above items, please feel free to contact us
Regards,
CONTACT PERSON :
MUKESH SHAH
Director
Mobile No. 0091 – 9820292499
Email – marketing@rolexmetals.com
ROLEX METAL DISTRIBUTORS
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Thakurdwar
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