Titanium Pipe Specifications: ASTM B861 & B338 Explained

Which titanium pipe standard should you specify? Use ASTM B861 for seamless titanium pipe, ASTM B862 for welded titanium pipe, and ASTM B338 for condenser and heat-exchanger tubing. Select by product scope and construction route, then state the grade, edition, dimensions and inspection requirements.

Standard	Product	RFQ starting point
B861	Seamless pipe	Grade, edition, pipe size, wall and length
B862	Welded pipe	Grade, edition, pipe dimensions and welded route
B338	Condenser and heat-exchanger tube	Grade, edition, tube OD, wall and route

Compare our titanium pipe and tube range and ASTM B338 tube. For the latest edition notation, read the B338-17(2026) purchasing update.

Scope references: ASTM B861, ASTM B862 and ASTM B338. Technical scope corrections checked 18 October 2026.

Titanium pipe is essential for applications that demand superior corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and long-term performance. From chemical processing plants to aerospace systems and marine structures, titanium piping solutions deliver reliability in the most challenging environments. To ensure consistency, safety, and quality, titanium pipes are manufactured according to international specifications — with ASTM B861 and ASTM B338 among the most widely referenced standards. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to Titanium Pipe Specifications: ASTM B861 & B338 Explained, helping you make informed decisions when selecting titanium pipes for your projects.

Why Titanium Pipe Specifications Matter

Titanium pipes often serve in critical systems where failure could lead to safety risks, environmental hazards, or costly downtime. Adherence to standards like ASTM B861 and B338 ensures:

• Consistent material quality and properties

• A documented basis for checking material requirements

• Comparable supplier offers when grade, dimensions, route and inspection scope match

• Documented traceability for audits and regulatory approval

• Reliable performance in demanding conditions

For a SAKYALLOY quotation, provide the exact material specification and edition so the proposed supply and inspection scope can be reviewed in writing.

ASTM B861: Specification for Titanium Seamless Pipe

Overview

ASTM B861 covers titanium and titanium-alloy seamless pipe. Welded titanium pipe belongs under ASTM B862. Specify the product form and manufacturing route explicitly; a common titanium grade does not make the two specifications interchangeable.

Scope and Application

ASTM B861 applies to:

• Seamless pipe produced by extrusion or piercing methods

• Welded pipe: use the separate ASTM B862 specification when welded construction is required. It is outside the seamless-pipe scope of B861.

Typical applications include chemical processing, marine environments, power plant systems, and structural components where corrosion resistance and strength are critical.

Grades Covered

ASTM B861 covers a wide range of commercially pure titanium and titanium alloy grades, including:

• Grade 1: Highest ductility, excellent corrosion resistance

• Grade 2: Most common grade, balance of strength and corrosion resistance

• Grade 3: Higher strength for moderate corrosion environments

• Grade 7: Similar to Grade 2 with added palladium for enhanced corrosion resistance

• Grade 12: Improved strength and corrosion resistance in mildly reducing and oxidizing environments

• Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V): Most common titanium alloy, used where high strength is required

Key Requirements

ASTM B861 specifies:

• Chemical composition: Each grade must meet strict limits for alloying elements and impurities.

• Mechanical properties: Minimum tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation values are specified for each grade.

• Dimensional tolerances: Outer diameter, wall thickness, and straightness must meet defined tolerances.

• Testing: agree the inspection and reporting package against the ordered edition, grade and pipe requirements. Ask the supplier to identify applicable mechanical and nondestructive tests and any proposed exceptions. A B861 pipe should not be described as having a welded seam.

ASTM B338: Specification for Titanium Tubes for Heat Exchangers and Condensers

Overview

ASTM B338 covers seamless and welded titanium and titanium-alloy tubing for condensers, evaporators and heat exchangers. Keep the tube manufacturing route explicit in the order. Do not substitute it for a project pipe specification solely because the outside diameter appears similar.

Scope and Application

ASTM B338 focuses on thin-walled titanium tubing that serves in heat transfer applications, where corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity are vital. Typical uses include:

• Seawater-cooled heat exchangers

• Desalination plants

• Power plant condensers

• Chemical plant heat transfer systems

Grades Covered

Like ASTM B861, ASTM B338 covers a range of titanium grades, including:

• Grade 1

• Grade 2

• Grade 7

• Grade 11: titanium containing palladium; confirm its specified chemistry and suitability for the actual service environment.

• Grade 16

• Grade 17

Each grade offers specific advantages depending on the corrosive environment and mechanical demands.

Key Requirements

ASTM B338 defines:

• Chemical composition and mechanical properties: Similar to ASTM B861, with emphasis on properties relevant to heat exchanger service.

• Tube dimensions and tolerances: Strict requirements for wall thickness, OD, concentricity, and straightness to ensure efficient heat transfer and ease of assembly.

• Testing: the applicable test package depends on the tubing route and the ordered edition. Obtain a written inspection plan with test methods, acceptance criteria and reports, rather than assuming that a generic “NDT tested” statement is sufficient.

Comparing ASTM B861 and B338

While both standards cover titanium piping products, there are distinct differences:

• Intended use: B861 is for general-purpose piping, including pressure and structural systems. B338 focuses on heat exchanger and condenser tubing.

• Wall dimensions: compare the specified OD or nominal size, wall basis, tolerances and length. Wall thickness alone does not determine whether B861 or B338 applies.

• Inspection: verify the requirements of the correct product specification and edition. Neither a generic pipe label nor a heat-exchanger application replaces the specified tests and documentation.

Importance of Compliance with ASTM B861 and B338

Choosing titanium pipe that meets ASTM specifications offers several advantages:

• Safety and reliability: Pipes are proven to meet the mechanical and chemical standards required for their intended application.

• Compatibility with design codes: the equipment designer must confirm the permitted material, service limits and construction rules. Material-standard compliance alone does not establish ASME, PED or final equipment approval.

• Traceability and documentation: Certified material test reports (MTRs) and inspection records support regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

• Consistent procurement: compare products against the agreed dimensions, material condition and inspection requirements. Matching a standard name does not guarantee interchangeability in an existing assembly.

Quality Assurance and Inspection

To comply with ASTM B861 and B338, manufacturers like sakyalloy apply rigorous quality control measures:

• Raw material verification: All titanium feedstock is tested for chemical composition before production.

• Process control: Forming, welding, and heat treatment processes follow documented procedures to maintain consistency.

• Dimensional inspection: Every pipe or tube is measured to verify compliance with specified tolerances.

• Non-destructive testing: NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and hydrostatic testing verify structural integrity without damaging the product.

• Final documentation: MTRs, NDT records, and compliance certificates are provided with each order to ensure traceability.

Applications of ASTM B861 and B338 Titanium Pipes

Titanium pipes fabricated to ASTM B861 and B338 standards are used in:

• Aerospace hydraulic and pneumatic systems

• Chemical plant piping for corrosive media

• Marine seawater piping systems

• Nuclear and thermal power plant heat exchangers

• Desalination plants and offshore platforms

The Role of sakyalloy in Supplying ASTM-Compliant Titanium Pipe

At sakyalloy, we specialize in producing and supplying titanium pipes and tubes that meet the full requirements of ASTM B861 and B338. Our products are manufactured to the highest standards of quality, with comprehensive inspection and certification processes that provide our customers with confidence in the material’s performance.

By partnering with sakyalloy, you gain access to titanium pipe solutions that offer outstanding reliability, durability, and compliance with global standards — delivered on time and backed by technical expertise.

Conclusion

Understanding Titanium Pipe Specifications: ASTM B861 & B338 Explained is essential for engineers, procurement professionals, and project managers responsible for selecting titanium piping systems. These specifications define the chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, manufacturing processes, and testing required to ensure that titanium pipes perform safely and effectively in their intended applications.

By specifying titanium pipes that comply with ASTM B861 and B338 — and sourcing them from trusted suppliers like sakyalloy — you can be confident that your piping systems will deliver the reliability and longevity your project demands.