GB/T 14976-2012 is the national Chinese standard for seamless stainless steel pipes used in fluid transport, including in food, chemical, petroleum, and thermal industries. For buyers requiring corrosion-resistant and pressure-stable piping, this standard is essential to understand.
This article breaks down the scope, material grades, dimensional tolerances, and application scenarios of GB/T 14976-2012, and how YIGE Steel provides full compliance and manufacturing flexibility.
Standard Overview (Scope, Structure, Applications)
GB/T 14976-2012 specifies seamless stainless steel pipes for:
- Fluid transportation in low, medium, and high pressure systems
- Corrosive and hygienic environments
- Applications where clean internal surfaces and mechanical integrity are essential
It replaces GB/T 14976-2002, aligning closer to international norms like ASTM A312 and EN 10216-5 in terms of dimensional accuracy and testing procedures.
Common usage includes:
- Heat exchangers
- Food and pharmaceutical pipelines
- Petrochemical equipment
- Water treatment systems
Dimensional & Tolerance Requirements (OD, WT, Length)
The standard covers:
- Outer Diameter (OD): 6–630 mm
- Wall Thickness (WT): 0.5–30 mm
- Length: Typically 5–12 meters (fixed or random)
- OD Tolerance: ±0.5% to ±1.0%
- WT Tolerance: ±10%
Surface conditions must be smooth and free from cracks, oxidation, or scale. Pickling or bright annealing is required for corrosion-sensitive use.
Material Grades and Chemical Composition
Typical materials include austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, such as:
| Grade (GB) | Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 06Cr19Ni10 | AISI 304 | General-purpose |
| 022Cr19Ni10 | AISI 304L | Low-carbon for better welding |
| 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 | AISI 316 | Chloride-resistant, marine use |
| 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 | AISI 316L | For pharma, LNG, and cryogenic |
All materials must meet GB/T 20878 standards on chemical composition.
Mechanical Properties (Yield, Tensile, Elongation, Hardness)
Depending on the grade and condition (annealed or cold drawn), typical values are:
- Yield Strength (YS): ≥205 MPa
- Tensile Strength (TS): ≥520 MPa
- Elongation: ≥35%
- Hardness (HRB): ≤90
- Flattening, flaring, hydrostatic tests required
Pipes for high-purity applications (e.g., steam or food lines) can request Ra finish ≤3.2μm, with boroscope inspection.
Application Scenarios
GB/T 14976-2012 pipes are commonly used in:
- 🛢️ Petrochemical piping systems (acid, gas, steam)
- 🧪 Food & pharmaceutical industry (liquid transport, CIP systems)
- 💧 Water treatment & RO filtration
- 🌡️ Heat exchangers and boilers
- ❄️ LNG pipelines and vacuum systems
Their low carbon and high Cr-Ni-Mo alloy content ensures long service life in corrosive, high-temperature or hygienic conditions.
Comparison with EN 10216-5 and ASTM A312
| Standard | Region | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 14976-2012 | China | Strict internal surface & flattening tests |
| EN 10216-5 | EU | Focus on pressure systems, broad grades |
| ASTM A312 | USA | More flexible tolerances, weldable grades |
GB/T 14976 is commonly requested in Chinese EPC, chemical, and clean media projects. It emphasizes dimensional accuracy + corrosion resistance.
YIGE Steel’s Capability and Compliance
YIGE Steel produces stainless steel pipes that fully meet or exceed GB/T 14976-2012, including:
- Material: 304/304L/316/316L
- Size: OD 10–720 mm, WT 1–30 mm
- Surface Options: Pickled, polished, or custom Ra finish
- Inspection: MTC 3.1, flattening, flaring, PMI, hydro test
- MOQ: 1 ton
- End Options: Beveled, plain, threaded
We support cut-to-length, laser cutting, and Ra-value documentation for food-grade and cryogenic clients.
Conclusion
GB/T 14976-2012 ensures hygienic and pressure-resistant seamless stainless pipes for fluid transport systems. Whether you’re in chemical, LNG, food, or water industries, this standard offers clarity, safety, and long-term performance.
At YIGE Steel, we combine standard-compliant production with custom service. We support projects needing GOST, GB, or EN standards — all from one source.
