In the global sectors of industrial boilers, heat exchangers, and high-pressure steam pipelines, the European standard system holds a paramount position. Germany’s DIN 17175 was historically the definitive standard for heat-resistant seamless steel pipe. Although this standard has been superseded by the European Norm EN 10216 series, specifically EN 10216-2, it remains a common term for boiler seamless pipe in international projects and legacy systems.
For the demanding power, petrochemical, and metallurgical industries, understanding how EN 10216 defines the material grades, service temperatures, and inspection requirements for pressure pipe is crucial for ensuring the long-term safe operation of equipment.
This article focuses on the EN 10216 standard, comparing its key features with the US standard system and analyzing its specific requirements for high-temperature and high-pressure applications.
1. Evolution of the European Standard: From DIN 17175 to EN 10216
EN 10216 is a multi-part European standard that replaced several national standards (such as Germany’s DIN and the UK’s BS) in the early 21st century.
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Old Standard: DIN 17175 was the standard for seamless steel tubes for elevated temperatures (grades like St35.8, 15Mo3).
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New Standard: EN 10216-2 (Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes with specified elevated temperature properties) has completely replaced DIN 17175 and is now the primary European standard for boiler seamless pipe.
Key Markings Explained:
EN 10216 grades use the letter ‘P’ (Pressure) at the beginning, such as P235GH.
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P: Indicates the pipe is intended for pressure pipe applications.
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GH: Signifies Guaranteed elevated temperature properties, which is the defining characteristic of boiler tube material.
2. Service Temperature and Pressure Requirements
Pipes under the EN 10216-2 standard, such as P235GH or P265GH, are specifically designed for components subjected to the combined effects of sustained high temperature and high pressure.
| Pipe Grade (EN 10216-2) | Application Scope | Typical Max Temperature (Project-dependent) | Corresponding DIN 17175 Grade |
| P235GH | Low to medium pressure steam lines and boiler parts | ≈ 500°C | St35.8 |
| P265GH | Medium to high pressure steam lines and headers | ≈ 500°C | St45.8 |
| 16Mo3 / 10CrMo9-10 | High-temp, high-pressure alloy steel pipe | 530°C-600°C | 15Mo3 / 10CrMo910 |
European boiler seamless pipe mandates exceptionally high requirements for creep strength and long-term rupture strength to ensure the material does not undergo irreversible deformation during extended high-temperature operation.
3. Comparing European EN with US ASTM/ASME Standards
Europe and the United States are the two major industrial standard setters. While both aim to ensure the safety of pressure pipe, there are notable differences in designation and specific requirements:
| Feature | European Standard System (EN 10216) | US Standard System (ASTM A106 / ASME SA-213) |
| Naming Convention | Named by intended use and minimum yield strength (P235GH) | Named by standard number and grade (A106 Gr B / SA-210 Gr C) |
| Units | Primarily uses Sl units (N/mm', °C) | Primarily uses lmperial units (psi/ksi, °F) |
| Core High-Temp Standard | EN 10216-2 (Non-alloy and alloy), EN 10216-3 (Fine grain steel) | ASTM A106 (Carbon Steel), ASTM A335 (Alloy Steel for High Temp) |
| Chemical Composition | Strict control over impurities like P, S; emphasis on Carbon Equivalent. | Detailed chemical requirements; slightly different Silicon (Si) requirements. |
Interchangeability Note:
In practical engineering, EN 10216-2 P235GH is often considered a functional equivalent to ASTM A106 Grade B or ASME SA-106 Grade B for pressure pipe applications. However, due to differences in chemical composition and inspection details, the project owner must explicitly demand certification in full compliance with EN 10216 to ensure regulatory adherence.
4. Hebei Cangtie's European Standard Capability
As a specialized manufacturer of boiler seamless pipe and pressure pipe, Hebei Cangtie is fully capable of producing tubes compliant with the EN 10216 series. We strictly adhere to the European Technical Requirement Levels (TC1/TC2) for production and inspection, including high-temperature tensile testing, impact toughness testing, and full-process traceability. This ensures that our grades, such as P235GH and P265GH, can be safely used in the world's most demanding boiler and thermal systems.
Choosing a pressure pipe that conforms to European specifications signifies a commitment to higher standards of material performance, traceability, and safety factors.
Return to the Seamless Steel Pipe Master Guide to explore a detailed comparison of all major global seamless pipe standards.
