ICS77.140.

75
H48

National Standard of the

People's Republic of China
GB 9948—2013
Superseding GB 9948—2006

Seamless steel tubes for petroleum

cracking

Issued on September 18, 2013 Effected on July 1, 2014

Issued by
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and
Quarantine of the People's Republic of China
National Standardization Administration

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................1
1 Scope.......................................................................................................................................................................2
1
2 Normative References.............................................................................................................................................2
3 Classification and Designation................................................................................................................................4
4 Ordering Information..............................................................................................................................................4
5 Dimensions, Shape, Weight, and Permissible Deviations.......................................................................................5
6 Technical Requirements..........................................................................................................................................7
7 Test Methods.........................................................................................................................................................14
8 Inspection Rules....................................................................................................................................................15
9 Packaging, Marking, and Quality Certificate........................................................................................................16
Appendix A..............................................................................................................................................................17
Appendix B..............................................................................................................................................................18
 GB 9948-2013

Introduction
In this standard, sections 5.5, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10.1, 6.11, 7, 8, and 9
are mandatory, while the remaining sections are recommendatory.
This standard was drafted in accordance with the rules given in GB/T 1.1—2009.
This standard supersedes GB9948-2006 "Seamless Steel Tubes for Petroleum Cracking." Compared with
GB9948—2006, the main technical changes in this standard, aside from editorial modifications, are as follows:
— Added the delivery method for minimum wall thickness;
— Modified the permissible dimensional tolerances for steel tubes;
— Modified the steel grades and chemical composition, and added steel grades 12Cr1Mo, 12Cr2Mo,
12Cr1MoV, 12Cr9Mo-I, 12Cr9Mo-NT, 07Cr19Ni11Ti, and 022Cr17Ni12Mo2;
— Modified the manufacturing methods and requirements for tube blanks;
— Modified the mechanical properties of steel tubes;
— Modified the heat treatment regime for steel tubes;
— Modified the requirements for non-destructive testing;
— Added intergranular corrosion test;
— Added supplementary technical requirements for high-quality carbon structural steel tubes used in
environments containing H2S.
This standard was drafted with reference to the following: ASTM A335/A335M-10 "Standard Specification
for Seamless Ferritic Alloy-Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service" (English version), ASTM A213/A213M-10
"Standard Specification for Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy-Steel Boiler, Superheater, and Heat-Exchanger
Tubes" (English version), and EN 10216-2:2002 "Seamless Steel Tubes for Pressure Purposes - Technical
Delivery Conditions - Part 2: Non-alloy and Alloy Steel Tubes with Specified Elevated Temperature Properties"
(English version).
This standard was proposed by the China Iron and Steel Association.
This standard was under the jurisdiction of the National Steel Standardization Technical Committee
(SAC/TC183).
Drafting organizations of this standard: Pangang Group Chengdu Steel & Vanadium Co., Ltd., Angang Steel
Company Limited, Hunan Valin Steel Tubes Holding Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Wujin Stainless Steel Pipe Group Co.,
Ltd., Hengyang Valin Steel Tube Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Valin Xigang Special Steel Co., Ltd., and China Metallurgical
Information and Standardization Institute
Main drafters of this standard: Li Zhi, Yan Ru, Li Qi, Guo Xiuli, Li Yanghua, Song Jianxin, Zhao Bin, Chen
Shaolin, Gao Shan, Zhou Zhibin, and Dong Li.
The historical release status of the versions of the standard being replaced by this standard is as follows:
—GB9948-1988, GB9948-2006.

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GB 9948-2013

Seamless Steel Tubes for Petroleum Cracking

1 Scope
This standard specifies the classification, designation, dimensions, shape, weight, technical requirements, test
methods, inspection rules, packaging, marking, and quality certificates for seamless steel tubes used in petroleum
cracking.
This standard applies to seamless steel tubes used for furnace tubes, heat exchanger tubes, and pressure
pipelines in petrochemicals.
2 Normative References
The following documents are essential for the application of this document. Only the dated versions of the
referenced documents apply to this document. For any referenced documents that are undated, their latest version
(including all amendments) applies to this document.
GB/T 222 Permissible tolerances for chemical composition of steel products
GB/T 223.3 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The diantipyrylmethane
phosphomolybdate gravimetric method for the determination of phosphorus content
GB/T 223.5 Steel and iron - determination of acid-soluble silicon and total silicon content - reduced
molybdosilicate spectrophotometric method
GB/T 223.11 Steel and alloys - determination of chromium content - Visual titration or potentiometric
titration method
GB/T 223.12 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel, and alloy - The sodium carbonate separation-
diphenyl carbazide photometric method for the determination of chromium content
GB/T 223.13 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The ammonium ferrous sulfate titration
method for the determination of vanadium content
GB/T 223.14 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel, and alloy - The N-benzoy-N-
phenylhydroxylamine extraction photometric method for the determination of vanadium content
GB/T 223.18 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel, and alloy - The sodium thiosulfate separation
iodimetric method for the determination of copper content
GB/T 223.19 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The neocuproine-chloroform extraction
photometric method for the determination of copper content
GB/T 223.23 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of nickel content - The dimethylglyoxime
spectrophotometric method
GB/T 223.25 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The dimethylglyoxime gravimetric
method for the determination of nickel content
GB/T 223.26 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of molybdenum content - The thiocyanate
spectrophotometric method
GB/T 223.37 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of nitrogen content - Indophenol blue spectrophotometric
method after distillation separation
GB/T 223.40 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of niobium content by the sulphochlorophenol S
spectrophotometric method
GB/T 223.53 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The flame atomic absorption

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 GB 9948-2013
spectrophotometric method for the determination of copper content
GB/T 223.54 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The flame atomic absorption
spectrophotometric method for the determination of nickel content
GB/T 223.58 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The extraction-absorption catalytic
polarographic method for the determination of manganese content
GB/T 223.59 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of phosphorus content - Bismuth phosphomolybdate blue
spectrophotometric method and antimony phosphomolybdate blue spectrophotometric method
GB/T 223.60 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The perchloric acid dehydration
gravimetric method for the determination of silicon content
GB/T 223.61 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The ammonium phosphomolybdate
volumetric method for the determination of phosphorus content
GB/T 223.62 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The butyl acetate extraction
photometric method for the determination of phosphorus content
GB/T 223.63 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The sodium (potassium) periodate
photometric method for the determination of manganese content
GB/T 223.64 Iron, steel and alloyed - Determination of manganese content - Flame atomic absorption
spectrometric method
GB/T 223.67 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of sulfur content -Methylene blue spectrophotometric
method
GB/T 223.68 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The potassium iodate titration method
after combustion in the pipe furnace for the determination of sulfur content
GB/T 223.69 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of carbon contents - Gas-volumetric method after
combustion in the pipe furnace
GB/T 223.71 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The gravimetric method after
combustion in the pipe furnace for the determination of carbon content
GB/T 223.72 Iron, steel and alloy - Determination of sulfur content - Gravimetric method
GB/T 223.74 Methods for chemical analysis of iron, steel and alloy - The combustion gravimetric/gas-
volumetric method for the determination of non-combined carbon content
GB/T 226 Test method for macrostructure and defect of steel by etching
GB/T 228.1 Metallic materials - Tensile testing - Part 1:Method of test at room temperature
GB/T 229 Metallic materials - Charpy pendulum impact test method
GB/T 231.1 Metallic materials - Brinell hardness test - Part 1: Test method
GB/T 232 Metallic Materials - Bend Test
GB/T 241 Metal Tubes - Hydraulic pressure testing
GB/T 242 Metal materials – Tube - Drift-expending test
GB/T 246 Metallic materials – Tube - Flattening test
GB/T 1979 Standard diagrams for macrostructure and defect of structural steels
GB/T 2102 Acceptance, packaging, marking and quality certification for steel tubular products
GB/T 2975 Steel and steel products - Location and preparation of specimens and test pieces for mechanical
testing

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GB 9948-2013
GB/T 4334—2008 Corrosion of metals and alloys - Test methods for intergranular corrosion of stainless
steels
GB/T 4336 Standard test method for spark discharge atomic emission spectrometric analysis of carbon and
low-Alloy steel (routine method)
GB/T 5777—2008 Seamless steel pipe and tubing methods for ultrasonic testing
GB/T 7735—2004 Steel tubes - The inspection method on eddy current test
GB/T 10561—2005 Determination of content of nonmetallic inclusions in steel - Micrographic method using
standard diagrams
GB/T 11170 Stainless steel - Determination of multi-element contents - Spark discharge atomic emission
spectrometric method (Routine method)
GB/T 12606—1999 Steel tubes - The testing method of magnetic flux leakage
GB/T 17395 Dimensions, shapes, masses and tolerances of seamless steel tubes
GB/T 20066 Steel and iron - Sampling and preparation of specimens for the determination of chemical
composition
GB/T 20123 Steel and iron - Determination of total carbon and sulfur content Infrared absorption method
after combustion in an induction furnace (routine method)
GB/T 20124 Steel - Steel and iron - Determination of nitrogen content - Thermal conductimetric method after
fusion in a current of inert gas (Routine method)
YB/T 4149 Continuous casting round tube blanks
YB/T 5137 Hot rolled and forged seamless steel tube blanks for high pressure applications
NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-2 Petroleum and natural gas industries - Materials for use in H 2S-containing
environments in oil and gas production - Part 2: Cracking-resistant carbon and low alloy steels, and the use of cast
irons

3 Classification and Designation

The seamless steel tubes in this standard are divided into two categories by the manufacturing method, with
the categories and designations as follows:
a) Hot rolled (extruded, expanded) steel tubes W-H;
b) Cold drawn (rolled) steel tubes W-C.

4 Ordering Information
The contract or order for the purchase of steel tubes as per this standard shall include the following:
a) Standard number;
b) Product name;
c) Grade of steel;
d) Quantity ordered (total weight or total length);
e) Dimensional specifications (outside diameter × wall thickness in millimeters);
f) Delivery condition;
g) Special requirements.

5 Dimensions, Shape, Weight, and Permissible Deviations

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 GB 9948-2013
5.1 Outside diameter and Wall Thickness
5.1.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the tubes shall be delivered in nominal outside diameter (D) and
nominal wall thickness (S). Depending on the purchaser's requirements, and upon negotiation between the
supplier and purchaser, the steel tubes may be delivered in nominal outside diameter (D) and minimum wall
thickness (Smin).
5.1.2 The nominal outside diameter and wall thickness of the steel tubes shall comply with the specifications of
GB/T 17395. Depending on the purchaser's requirements and through consultation between the supplier and the
purchaser, steel tubes of other outside diameters and wall thicknesses can be supplied.
5.1.3 For steel tubes delivered in nominal outside diameter and nominal wall thickness, the permissible deviations
in outside diameter and wall thickness shall comply with the specifications in Table 1.
5.1.4 For steel tubes delivered in nominal outside diameter and minimum wall thickness, the permissible deviation
of the outside diameter shall comply with the provisions in Table 1, and the permissible deviation of the wall
thickness shall comply with the provisions in Table 2.
5.1.5 When the purchaser does not specify the permissible deviation level for the steel tube dimensions in the
contract, the permissible deviations for the outside diameter and wall thickness of the steel tube shall comply with
the standard level requirements.
5.1.6 Based on the purchaser's requirements and through negotiation between the supplier and the purchaser, and
as specified in the contract, steel tubes with permissible dimensional deviations outside of those stipulated in
Table 1 and Table 2 may be supplied.

Table 1 Permissible Deviations of Outside Diameter and Wall Thickness for Steel Tubes
Unit: millimeters
Classification Manufacturing Permissible deviations
Nominal size of the steel tube
Code Method Standard Premium
≤54 ±0.50 ±0.30
Outside diameter D 54~325 ±1%D ±0.75%D
>325 ±1%D —
Hot rolled
+15%S
(extruded) ≤20 ±10%S
W-H -10%S
Wall thickness S
+12.5%S
>20 ±10%S
-10%S
Outside diameter D All ±1%D
Hot expanding
Wall thickness S All ±15%S
≤25.4 ±0.15
>25.4~40 ±0.20
Outside diameter D >40~50 ±0.25
Cold drawing
W-C >50~60 ±0.30
(rolling)
>60 ±0.75%D ±0.5%D
≤3.0 ±0.3 ±0.2
Wall thickness S
>3.0 ±10%S ±7.5%S

Table 2 Permissible Deviations of Minimum Wall Thickness for Steel Tubes

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GB 9948-2013
Unit: millimeters
Manufacturing Minimum wall Permissible deviations
Classification Code
Method thickness Smin Standard Premium
≤4.0 +0.900 +0.700
Hot rolled
W-H +25%Smin +22%Smin
(extruded) >4.0
0 0
≤3.0 +0.60 +0.40
Cold drawing
W-C +20%Smin +15%Smin
(rolling) >3.0
0 0
5.2 Length
5.2.1 Usual Length
The usual length of steel tubes is 4000mm to 12000mm.
Upon negotiation between the supplier and purchaser and as stated in the contract, short-sized steel tubes
with a length of less than 4,000mm and not less than 3,000mm may be delivered. However, their quantity shall not
exceed 5% of the total quantity of the tubes delivered in the batch.
5.2.2 Specified lengths and multiple lengths
Depending on the purchaser's requirements, and as specified in the contract, steel tubes can be delivered in
specified lengths or multiple lengths. The specified lengths and total multiple lengths of steel tubes shall fall
within the usual length range and the permissible deviation for the specified length of steel tubes shall meet the
following requirements:
a) For lengths ≤ 6000 mm, the deviations shall be 0~10 mm;
b) For lengths > 6000mm, the deviations shall be 0~+15mm.
For each multiple length, a cutting allowance shall be provided as follows:
a) When D≤159 mm, the cut allowance is 5 mm~10 mm;
b) When D > 159mm, the cutting allowance is 10mm~15mm.
5.3 Curvature
5.3.1 The curvature per meter of the steel tube shall meet the following requirements:
a) When S≤15mm, the curvature shall not exceed 1.5 mm/m;
b) When S > 15mm~30mm, the curvature shall not exceed 2.0 mm/m;
c) When S > 30mm or D ≥ 351mm, the curvature shall not exceed 3.0 mm/m.
5.3.2 For steel tubes with an outside diameter not less than 127mm, the overall curvature shall not exceed 0.10%
of the tube's length.
5.3.3 Upon the request of the purchaser and through mutual agreement between both parties, as specified in the
contract, the per-meter curvature and total length curvature of the steel tube can be subject to other stipulations.
5.4 Out-of-roundness and Wall Thickness Irregularity
Depending on the purchaser's requirements, upon mutual agreement between the supplier and the purchaser,
and as specified in the contract, the out-of-roundness and wall thickness irregularity of the steel tubes shall not
exceed 80% of tolerances for the outside diameter and wall thickness, respectively.

5.5 End Shape

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 GB 9948-2013
The end faces of steel tubes shall be perpendicular to the tube axis, and all cut burrs shall be removed.
5.6 Weight
5.6.1 Delivery Weight
When seamless steel tubes are delivered in nominal outside diameter and nominal wall thickness, they may
be delivered in actual weight or theoretical weight.
When the steel tubes are delivered in nominal outside diameter and minimum wall thickness, they shall be
delivered in actual weight. Upon negotiation between the supplier and purchaser and as specified in the contract,
the steel tubes can also be delivered in theoretical weight.
5.6.2 Calculation of Theoretical Weight
The calculation of the theoretical weight of steel tubes shall follow the guidelines set out in GB/T 17395. The
density for high-quality carbon structural steel and alloy structural steel is 7.85 kg/dm³. The density of stainless
(heat-resistant) steel grades 07Cr19Ni10, 07Cr18Ni11Nb, 07Cr19Ni11Ti, and 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 are 7.90kg/dm 3,
8.00kg/dm3, 7.93kg/dm3, and 8.00kg/dm3 respectively.
For seamless steel tubes delivered in nominal outside diameter and minimum wall thickness, the average wall
thickness shall be used to calculate the theoretical weight. The average wall thickness is calculated as the mean of
the maximum and minimum wall thickness values, considering the permissible deviations.
5.6.3 Permissible Weight Deviations
Depending on requirements of the purchaser, and upon negotiation between both parties, the contract shall
specify that the deviation between the actual weight and theoretical weight of the delivered steel tubes shall
conform to the following regulations:
a) Single seamless steel tube: ±10%;
b) For each batch of seamless steel tubes with a minimum weight of 10t: ±7.5%.

6 Technical Requirements
6.1 Steel Grades and Chemical Composition
6.1.1 The grade and chemical composition of the steel (heat analysis) shall comply with the specifications in Table
3. Suffix symbols "I" and "NT" in designations 12Cr5MoI, 12Cr5MoNT, 12Cr9MoI, and 12Cr9MoNT are part of
the grade and indicate the delivery condition of the steel tubes. In this context, "I" stands for complete annealing
or isothermal annealing; "NT" denotes normalization followed by tempering.
6.1.2 For steel smelted using a basic oxygen converter, all grades except 12Cr5MoI, 12Cr5MoNT, 12Cr9MoI,
12Cr9MoNT, and stainless (heat-resistant) steel shall have a nitrogen content of no more than 0.008%.
6.1.3 The permissible deviation of the chemical composition of finished steel tubes shall comply with GB/T 222.
6.1.4 Refer to Appendix A for the comparison of the steel grades in this standard with similar steel grades in other
standards.

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GB 9948-2013

Table 3 Grades and Chemical Composition of Steel

Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction) / %
Unified
Nb P S
Steel types numeric Grades
C Si Mn Cr Mo Ni Ti V Cu Not greater
codes
than
0.07~0.1 0.17~0.3 0.35~0.6 0.02 0.01
High-quality U20102 10 ≤0.15 ≤0.15 ≤0.25 — — ≤0.08 ≤0.20
3 7 5 5 5
carbon
0.17~0.2 0.17~0.3 0.35~0.6 0.02 0.01
structural steel U20202 20 ≤0.25 ≤0.15 ≤0.25 — — ≤0.08 ≤0.20
3 7 5 5 5
0.08~0.1 0.17~0.3 0.40~0.7 0.40~0.5 0.02 0.01
A30122 12CrMo 0.40~0.70 ≤0.30 — — — ≤0.20
5 7 0 5 5 5
0.12~0.1 0.17~0.3 0.40~0.7 0.40~0.5 0.02 0.01
A30152 15CrMo 0.80~1.10 ≤0.30 — — — ≤0.20
8 7 0 5 5 5
0.08~0.1 0.50~1.0 0.30~0.6 0.45~0.6 0.02 0.01
A30121 12Cr1Mo 1.00~1.50 ≤0.30 — — — ≤0.20
5 0 0 5 5 5
Alloy 0.08~0.1 0.17~0.3 0.40~0.7 0.25~0.3 0.15~0.3 0.02 0.01
A31132 12Cr1MoV 0.90~1.20 ≤0.30 — — ≤0.20
structural steel 5 7 0 5 0 5 0
0.08~0.1 0.40~0.6 0.90~1.1 0.02 0.01
A30132 12Cr2Mo ≤0.50 2.00~2.50 ≤0.30 — — — ≤0.20
5 0 3 5 5
12Cr5MoI 0.30~0.6 0.45~0.6 0.02 0.01
A30124 ≤0.15 ≤0.50 4.00~6.00 ≤0.60 — — — ≤0.20
12Cr5MoNT 0 0 5 5
12Cr9MoI 0.25~1.0 0.30~0.6 0.90~1.1 0.02 0.01
A30125 ≤0.15 8.00~10.00 ≤0.60 — — — ≤0.20
12Cr9MoNT 0 0 0 5 5
Stainless (heat- 0.04~0.1 18.00~20.0 0.03 0.01
S30409 07Cr19Ni10 ≤1.00 ≤2.00 — 8.00~11.00 — — — —
resistant) steel 0 0 0 5
S34779 07Cr18Ni11Nb 0.04~0.1 ≤1.00 ≤2.00 17.00~19.0 — 9.00~12.00 8C~1.10 — — — 0.03 0.01
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 GB 9948-2013

0 0 0 5
0.04~0.1 17.00~20.0 0.03 0.01
S32169 07Cr19Ni11Ti ≤0.75 ≤2.00 — 9.00~13.00 — 4C~0.60 — —
0 0 0 5
022Cr17Ni12M 16.00~18.0 2.00~3.0 10.00~14.0 0.03 0.01
S31603 ≤0.030 ≤1.00 ≤2.00 — — — —
o2 0 0 0 0 5

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GB 9948-2013
6.2 Manufacturing Method
6.2.1 Steel Smelting Methods
High-quality carbon structural steel and alloy structural steel shall be manufactured using an electric arc
furnace combined with secondary refining and vacuum refining, or an oxygen converter combined with secondary
refining and vacuum refining. Electroslag remelting is also an option. Stainless (heat-resistant) steel shall be
manufactured using an electric arc furnace with secondary refining or an oxygen converter with secondary
refining. Electroslag remelting is also an option.
Upon consultation between the supplier and purchaser, and as indicated in the contract, other more
demanding smelting methods may be adopted. When the purchaser specifies a particular smelting method, it shall
be stated in the contract.
6.2.2 Method of Manufacturing Tube Blanks
The tube blank can be manufactured using continuous casting, mold casting, or hot rolling (forging).
Continuous casting blanks shall comply with the provisions of YB/T 4149, where the level of macrostructure
defects such as central cracks, intermediate cracks, subsurface cracks, and subsurface air traps shall each be no
higher than Level 1. Alternatively, other more stringent quality requirements endorsed by the relevant parties may
also be used. Hot-rolled (forged) tube blanks shall comply with the provisions of YB/T 5137.
6.2.3 Manufacturing Method of Steel Tubes
The steel tubes shall be hot-rolled (extruded, expanded) or cold-drawn (rolled) in a seamless manner.
6.3 Delivery Condition
Steel tubes shall be delivered as heat treated. The heat treatment regime for steel tubes shall conform to Table 4.
Table 4 Heat Treatment Regimen for Steel Tubes
Grades Heat treatment regime
10a Normalization: Normalizing temperature 880°C~940°C
a
20 Normalization: Normalizing temperature 880°C~940°C
Normalized and tempered: Normalizing temperature 900°C~960°C, tempering temperature
12CrMoB
670°C~730°C.
Normalized and tempered: Normalizing temperature 900°C~960°C, tempering temperature
15CrMob
680°C~730°C.
Normalized and tempered: Normalizing temperature 900°C~960°C, tempering temperature
12CrlMob
680°C~750°C.
Steel tubes with S≤30mm undergo normalization and tempering: normalization temperature
is 980°C to 1020°C, and tempering temperature is 720°C to 760°C.
For steel tubes with a diameter greater than 30mm, quenching followed by tempering or
12Cr1MoVb normalizing followed by tempering: quenching temperature is 950°C to 990°C, and
tempering temperature is 720°C to 760°C.
Normalization temperature: 980°C~1020°C, tempering temperature: 720°C~760°C, but rapid
cooling shall be performed after normalization.
12Cr2Mob Steel tubes with S≤30mm undergo normalization and tempering: normalization temperature
is 900°C to 960°C, and tempering temperature is 700°C to 750°C.
Steel tubes with a diameter greater than 30mm: quenching and tempering or normalizing and

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 GB 9948-2013
tempering; quenching temperature not lower than 900°C, tempering temperature 700°C to
750°C;
Normalization temperature: 900°C~960°C, tempering temperature: 700°C~750°C, but rapid
cooling shall be performed after normalization.
12Cr5MoI Full annealing or isothermal annealing
Normalized and tempered: Normalizing temperature 930°C~980°C, tempering temperature
12Cr5MoNT
730°C~770°C.
12Cr9MoI Full annealing or isothermal annealing
Normalized and tempered: Normalizing temperature 890°C~950°C, tempering temperature
12Cr9MoNT
720°C~800°C.
07Cr19Ni10 Solution Treatment: Solution temperature ≥1040°C, rapid cooling.
Solution Treatment: For hot-rolled (extruded, expanded) steel tubes, the solution treatment
07Cr18Ni11Nb temperature shall be ≥1050°C. For cold-drawn (rolled) steel tubes, the solution treatment
temperature shall be ≥1100°C, followed by rapid cooling.
Solution Treatment: For hot-rolled (extruded, expanded) steel tubes, the solution treatment
07Cr19Ni11Ti temperature shall be ≥1050°C. For cold-drawn (rolled) steel tubes, the solution treatment
temperature shall be ≥1100°C, followed by rapid cooling.
022Cr17Ni12
Solution Treatment: Solution temperature ≥1040°C, rapid cooling.
Mo2
If the final rolling temperature of a hot-rolled (extruded, expanded) steel tube is within the range from the phase
transition critical temperature Ar3 to the upper limit temperature specified in the table, and the steel tube is air-
cooled, then the steel tube shall be considered to have been normalized.
If the final rolling temperature of the hot-expanded steel tube is within the range between the critical phase
transition temperature Ar3 and the upper limit of the temperature specified in the table, and if the steel tube is
air-cooled, it shall be considered to have been normalized. The other steel tubes, with the consent of the
purchaser and specified in the contract, may be in-line normalized conforming to the aforementioned
regulations.
6.4 Mechanical Properties
6.4.1 Requirements on Mechanical Properties
The room temperature mechanical properties of steel tubes as delivered shall comply with the specifications
in Table 5.
Steel tubes with an outside diameter of not less than 76mm and a wall thickness of not less than 14mm shall
undergo impact test. Depending on the purchaser's requirements, upon consultation between the supplier and the
purchaser and as specified in the contract, impact tests can be performed on steel tubes of other specifications. The
specimen size for the impact test and the required value of impact absorbed energy shall be determined through
consultation between the supplier and the purchaser.
The impact absorbed energy in Table 5 is the required value for full-size standard specimens. When sub-sized
impact test specimens are used, the required impact absorbed energy value for them shall be the full-sized
standard specimen's required impact absorbed energy value multiplied by the reduction coefficient found in Table
6.

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GB 9948-2013

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 GB 9948-2013
Table 5 Mechanical Properties of Steel Tubes
Lower yield Elongation after Impact absorbed
strength ReL or fracture A/% energy KV2/J Brinell
specified plastic hardness
Tensile Longitudi Transver Longitudin Transver
elongation values a
Grades Strength nal se al se
strength Rp0.2/MPa
Rm/MPa
Not
Not less than greater
than
10 335~475 205 25 23 40 27 —
20 410~550 245 24 22 40 27 —
156
12CrMo 410~560 205 21 19 40 27
HBW
170
15CrMo 440~640 295 21 19 40 27
HBW
163
12Cr1Mo 415~560 205 22 20 40 27
HBW
179
12Cr1MoV 470~640 255 21 19 40 27
HBW
163
12Cr2Mo 450~600 280 22 20 40 27
HBW
163
12Cr5MoI 415~590 205 22 20 40 27
HBW
12Cr5MoNT 480~640 280 20 18 40 27 —
179
12Cr9MoI 460~640 210 20 18 40 27
HBW
12Cr9MoNT 590~740 390 18 16 40 27 —
187
07Cr19Ni10 ≥520 205 35 — —
HBW
07Cr18Ni11N 187
≥520 205 35 — —
b HBW
187
07Cr19Ni11Ti ≥520 205 35 — —
HBW
022Cr17Ni12 187
≥485 170 35 — —
Mo2 HBW
a
For steel tubes with a wall thickness of less than 5mm, a hardness test is not required.
Table 6: Reduction Coefficient of Impact Absorbed Energy for Sub-sized Specimens
Specimen dimensions (height ×
Specimen specifications Reduction factor
width)/mm

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GB 9948-2013
Standard specimen 10×10 1.00
Sub-sized specimen 10×7.5 0.75
Sub-sized specimen 10×5 0.50
6.4.2 Mechanical Test Specimens
6.4.2.1 Tensile Test Specimens
For steel tubes with an outside diameter of less than 219mm, the tensile test shall be performed by taking
specimens longitudinally along the steel tube.
For steel tubes with an outside diameter of not less than 219mm, the tensile test shall be performed by
intercepting a circular cross-section specimen with a diameter of 10mm transversely along the steel tube when the
pipe size permits. In cases where the steel tube is too small to yield a 10mm test specimen, a circular cross-section
specimen of 8mm or 5mm in diameter, whichever is larger, shall be used. If the tube size is insufficient to yield a
5mm specimen, the tensile test shall be performed using a sample taken along the length of the tube. Transverse
circular cross-section specimens shall be taken from unflattened test material.
6.4.2.2 Impact Test Specimen
For steel tubes with an outside diameter of less than 219mm, impact tests can be performed using samples
taken either longitudinally or transversely along the tube. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, arbitration
specimens shall be taken longitudinally.
For steel tubes with an outside diameter not less than 219mm, impact tests shall be performed using samples
taken transversely across the tube.
Regardless of whether impact test specimens are taken longitudinally or transversely from steel tubes, the
impact test specimen width shall be the maximum possible among 10mm, 7.5mm, or 5mm.
6.5 Hydraulic Test
Each steel tube shall undergo a hydraulic test individually. The test pressure is calculated using Equation (1),
with a maximum of 20MPa. Under the test pressure, the stabilization time shall be no less than 10 seconds, and
leakage is not permitted in the steel tube.
p=2SR/D………………………………………………(1)
Where,
p—test pressure, measured in megapascals (MPa). When p < 7 MPa, it shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5
MPa; when p ≥ 7 MPa, it shall be rounded to the nearest 1 MPa;
S — the wall thickness of steel tube in millimeters (mm);
D—nominal outside diameter of the steel tube in millimeters (mm);
R—permissible stress. For high-quality carbon structural steel and alloy structural steel, it is 80% of the yield
strength or specified plastic extension strength as defined in Table 5. For stainless (heat-resistant) steel, it is 70%
of the specified plastic extension strength as defined in Table 5. The unit is megapascal (MPa).
The supplier may use eddy current testing or magnetic flux leakage testing instead of hydraulic tests. Where
eddy current testing is used, the artificial defects on the comparison sample tube shall comply with the acceptance
level A specified in GB/T 7735—2004. When magnetic flux leakage testing is used, the longitudinal notch
grooves on the external surface of the comparison sample tube shall meet the acceptance level L4 specified in
GB/T 12606—1999.
6.6 Process Performance

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 GB 9948-2013
6.6.1 Flattening Test
Steel tubes with an outside diameter greater than 22mm shall undergo a flattening test. Distance H between
the flattened plates of the specimen after compression is calculated with Equation (2).

………………………………………………(2)
In the formula:
H—distance between two flat plates in millimeters (mm);
S—wall thickness of steel tube in millimeters (mm);
D—nominal outside diameter of the steel tube in millimeters (mm);
α—deformation coefficient per unit length; it is 0.09 for 10 steel, 0.08 for 20 steel and alloy structural steel,
and 0.09 for stainless (heat-resistant) steel. When S/D ≥ 0.125, the α value decreases by 0.01.
When the specimen is compressed until the distance between the two flat plates reaches H, no cracks or gaps
are allowed to appear in the specimen.
6.6.2 Bending Test
6.6.2.1 Steel tubes with an outside diameter greater than 400mm or wall thickness greater than 40mm can be
tested by bending instead of flattening. Each set of bending tests shall consist of one forward bending cycle (the
surface of the specimen near the outer surface of the steel tube is subjected to tensile deformation) and one reverse
bending cycle (the surface of the specimen near the inner surface of the steel tube is subjected to tensile
deformation).
The bending test shall be performed with a bending core diameter of 25mm, and the specimen shall be bent
180° at room temperature.
After the bending test, the tensioned surface and sides of the specimen must not show any visible cracks or
gaps.
6.6.2.2 The specimens for bending test shall be transversely taken from the steel tube, and shall be prepared in
compliance with GB/T 232. Forward bending specimens should be as close as possible to the outer surface and
reverse bending specimens should be as close as possible to the inner surface when the specimens are being taken.
The surface of the specimen under bending and tensile deformation must not exhibit damage marks or other
defects.
The cross-sectional dimensions of the processed specimen shall be 12.5mm×12.5mm or 25mm×12.5mm
(width × thickness); the four corners of the cross-section shall be chamfered into round corners with a radius not
exceeding 1.6mm; the length of the specimen shall not exceed 150mm.
6.6.3 Flaring Test
High-quality carbon structural steel and stainless (heat-resistant) steel tubes with an outside diameter not
exceeding 76mm and a wall thickness not exceeding 8mm, shall undergo a flaring test. The flaring test shall be
performed at room temperature, with a mandrel taper of 60°. The flaring rate of the outside diameter of specimen
shall be in line with Table 7. No cracks or gaps are allowed to appear on the flared specimen.
Depending on the purchaser's requirements, and specified in the contract, alloy structural steel can also
undergo a flaring test.
Table 7 Flaring Rate of Steel Tube Outside Diameter
Steel types Flaring rate of outside diameter/%

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GB 9948-2013
Inside diameter a/outside diameter
≤0.6 >0.6~0.8 >0.8
High-quality carbon structural steel 10 12 17
Alloy structural steel 8 10 15
Stainless (heat-resistant) steel 12 15 20
a
The inside diameter is the calculated inside diameter of the specimen, which is derived based on the nominal
outside diameter and the nominal wall thickness (when the steel tube is delivered as per the minimum wall
thickness, it is calculated using the average wall thickness).
6.7 Macroscopic Examination
Seamless steel tubes directly rolled from steel ingots shall undergo macroscopic examination. There shall be
no visually detectable white spots, inclusions, subsurface air traps, peeling, or delamination on the acid-etched
low magnification cross-sectional test piece of the steel tube.
6.8 Non-metallic Inclusions
Steel tubes directly rolled from continuous casting blanks and steel ingots shall undergo non-metallic
inclusion inspection. The non-metallic inclusions in the steel tubes shall be rated using Method A in GB/T 10561
—2005. The levels of inclusion types A, B, C, and D (both coarse and fine series) shall not exceed 2.5. The total
fine series levels and the total levels of both coarse and fine series together for inclusion types A, B, C, and D
shall not exceed 6.5. For DS-type inclusions, the level shall not exceed 2.5.
6.9 Surface Quality
The inner and outer surfaces of the steel tubes shall not develop cracks, folds, scabs, laps, or delaminations.
These defects shall be completely removed, with the removal depth not exceeding 10% of the wall thickness; the
actual wall thickness at the defect removal site shall not be less than the minimum permissible wall thickness.
The permissible depth or height of straight lines on the inner and outer surfaces of the steel tube shall meet
the following regulations:
a) Cold-drawn (rolled) steel tubes: not exceeding 4% of the wall thickness and 0.2mm;
b) Hot-rolled (extruded, expanded) steel tubes: No greater than 5% of the wall thickness and 0.4mm.
Other localized defects not exceeding the permissible negative deviation of the wall thickness are allowable.
6.10 Non-destructive Testing
6.10.1 Each steel tube shall undergo ultrasonic testing as per the provisions of GB/T 5777—2008. The
longitudinal notch depth grade of UT reference specimen tube is L2.5 for hot-rolled (extruded, expanded) steel
tubes, and L2 for cold-drawn (rolled) steel tubes.
When the steel tubes are delivered with minimum wall thickness, the notch depth for the reference specimen
shall be calculated based the average wall thickness of the steel tube.
6.10.2 When the ratio of wall thickness to outside diameter (S/D) of the steel tube is greater than 0.2, the depth of
artificial defects on the inner wall of the steel tube shall be subject to C.1 in Appendix C to GB/T 5777—2008,
unless otherwise specified in the contract, .
6.10.3 Depending on the purchaser's requirements, upon negotiation between both the supplier and purchaser and
as specified in the contract, additional non-destructive testing may be performed.
6.11 Intergranular Corrosion Test
Stainless (heat-resistant) steel tubes shall undergo intergranular corrosion test. The test method shall be

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 GB 9948-2013
consistent with Method E in GB/T 4334—2008, and the specimen shall not exhibit intergranular corrosion
tendency after test.
Upon consultation between the supplier and the purchaser, and as specified in the contract, the purchaser may
designate other corrosion test methods.
6.12 High-Quality Carbon Structural Steel for H2S-Containing Environments
Depending on the purchaser's requirements, upon consultation between the supplier and the purchaser and as
indicated in the contract, when high-quality carbon structural steel tubes are used in H 2S-containing environments,
supplementary technical requirements for crack resistance may be specified and shall comply with the provisions
of Appendix B.
7 Test Methods
7.1 The dimensions and form of the steel tubes shall be measured individually using gauges that meet accuracy
requirements.
7.2 The inner and outer surfaces of the steel tubes shall be visually inspected one by one in a well-lit environment.
7.3 The sampling locations and test methods for other inspection items of the steel tubes shall comply with the
provisions of Table 8.
Table 8 Sampling Quantity, Sampling Locations, and Test Methods for Steel Tubes
Inspection
No. Sampling quantity Sampling locations Test Methods
items
Chemical GB/T 223, GB/T 4336
1 Compositio 1 specimen from each heat GB/T 20066 GB/T 11170, GB/T 20123,
n GB/T 20124
1 specimen from each of two steel
2 Tensile Test GB/T 2975, 6.4.2.1 GB/T 228.1
tubes per batch
Hardness 1 specimen from each of two steel
3 GB/T 2975 GB/T 231.1
Test tubes per batch
A set of three specimens from two
4 Impact Test GB/T 2975, 6.4.2.2 GB/T 229
different steel tubes per batch
Hydrostatic
5 All — GB/T 241
test
Flattening 1 specimen from each of two steel
6 GB/T 246 GB/T 246
Test tubes per batch.
A set of two specimens from two
7 Bending test GB/T 232, 6.6.2 GB/T 232
different steel tubes per batch
1 specimen from each of two steel
8 Flaring Test GB/T 242 GB/T 242
tubes per batch
Macroscopi 1 specimen from each of two steel
9 GB/T 226 GB/T 226, GB/T 1979
c Inspection tubes for each heat
Non-
1 specimen from each of two steel
10 metallic GB/T 10561—2005 GB/T 10561—2005
tubes for each heat
inclusions

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GB 9948-2013
Eddy
11 current All — GB/T 7735—2004
testing
Magnetic
12 flux leakage All — GB/T 12606—1999
testing
Ultrasonic
13 All — GB/T 5777—2008
Testing
Intergranula
1 specimen from each of two steel Method E in GB/T Method E in GB/T 4334—
14 r Corrosion
tubes per batch 4334-2008 2008
Test
8 Inspection Rules
8.1 Inspection and Acceptance
The inspection and acceptance of the steel tubes shall be performed by the supplier’s quality and technical
supervision department.
8.2 Grouping Rules
The chemical composition, macroscopic inspection, and non-metallic inclusion inspection of steel tubes shall
be examined and acceptance-inspected by smelting furnace. The remaining inspection items of the steel tube shall
be examined and acceptance-inspected by batch. Each batch shall consist of steel tubes of the same grade, the
same heat number, the same specifications, and the same heat treatment regime (heat number). If the steel tubes
are not subjected to heat treatment after being cut into single pieces, all segments of the steel tubes rolled from a
blank shall be considered as one. The quantity of steel tubes in each batch of shall not exceed the following:
a) D≤76mm, and S≤3.0mm: 400 pieces;
b) D > 351mm: 50 pieces;
c) Other sizes: 200 pieces.
8.3 Sampling Quantity and Sampling Locations
The sampling quantity and sampling locations for each batch of steel tubes for various inspections shall
comply with the provisions of Table 8.
8.4 Rules for Retesting and Determination
The rules for re-testing and determination for steel tubes shall comply with the provisions of GB/T 2102.
9 Packaging, Marking, and Quality Certificate
The packaging, marking, and quality certificate of the steel tubes shall comply with the provisions of GB/T
2102.

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 GB 9948-2013

Appendix A
(Informative Appendix)
Comparison Table of Similar Steel Grades
Table A.1 lists the grades of steel in this standard and their comparable grades in other standards for
reference.

Table A.1 Comparison Table of Steel Grades in This Standard and Similar Steel Grades in Other Standards
Grade of steel in Other similar steel grades
No.
this standard ISO EN ASTM/ASME JIS
1 10 — P195GH A STB 340
2 20 PH26 P235GH A-1, B STB4 10
3 12CrMo — — T2/P2 STBA 20
4 15CrMo 13CrMo4-5 13CrMo4-5 T12/P12 STBA 22
5 12Cr1Mo — 10CrMo5-5 T11/P11 STBA 23
6 12Cr1MoV — — — —
7 12Cr2Mo 11CrMo9-10 10CrMo9-10 T22/P22 STBA 24
8 12Cr5Mo-I X11CrMo5TA X11CrMo5+I T5/P5 STBA 25
9 12Cr5Mo-NT — X11CrMo5+NT T5/P5 STBA 25
10 12Cr9Mo-I X11CrMo9-1TA X11CrMo9-1+I T9/P9 STBA 26
11 12Cr9Mo-NT — X11CrMo9-1+NT T9/P9 STBA 26
12 07Cr19Ni10 X7CrNi18-9 X6CrNi18-10 TP304H SUS 304H TB
13 07Cr18Ni11Nb X7CrNiNb18-10 X7CrNiNb18-10 TP347H SUS 347H TB
14 07Cr19Ni11Ti — X6CrNiTi18-10 TP321H SUS 321H TB
15 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 — X2CrNiMo17-12-2 TP316L SUS 316L TB

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GB 9948-2013

Appendix B
(Normative Appendix)
Supplementary Technical Requirements for Crack Resistance of High-Quality Carbon Structural Steel
Tubes Used in H2S-Containing Environments
B.1 General
This Appendix B specifies the supplementary technical requirements for high-quality carbon structural steel
tubes used in H2S-containing environments for crack resistance. This Appendix B applies only if specified in the
Contract; the purchaser may also specify other technical requirements different from those presented in this
Appendix B.
It is the responsibility of the purchaser to select steel tubes suitable for the expected service conditions
outlined in NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-2.
B.2 Supplementary Technical Requirements
B.2.1 Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of steel shall comply with the following requirements:
a) C: 0.14%~0.23%, carbon equivalent CEV ≤ 0.42%; the carbon equivalent shall be calculated with
Equation (B.1):
CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15 ... .......................... (B.1)
b) P ≤ 0.015%, S ≤ 0.010%;
c) The remaining chemical components shall comply with the specifications for steel 20 in Table 3.
B.2.2 Mechanical Properties
In addition to meeting the specifications for steel grade 20 in Table 5, the mechanical properties of steel tubes
shall also comply with the following requirements:
a) The lower yield strength or specified plastic elongation strength (R eL/Rp0.2) is no greater than 345 MPa, and
the tensile strength (Rm) is no greater than 540 MPa;
b) The Brinell hardness shall not exceed 190 HBW.
B.2.3 Surface Quality
The surface quality of the steel pipe shall comply with the following provisions in addition to those of
Section 6.9: No sharp defects with a depth greater than 0.4mm are allowed to exist on the surface of steel tubes.

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 GB 9948-2013

The People's Republic of China

National Standard
Seamless Steel Tubes for Petroleum Cracking
GB9948—2013
*
Published and distributed by Standards Press of China
No. A2, Hepingli West Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing (100013)
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First Edition: December 2013 First Printing: December 2013
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ISBN: 155066·1-47820 Price RMB 21.00
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