It is crucial to note that ASTM International holds the copyright to the standard. While many third-party sites host unauthorized copies, the only way to ensure you have the legally compliant, up-to-date version is to purchase the official PDF from the ASTM International website or an authorized reseller.
Current Status: ASTM standards are periodically reviewed and updated. Users should always check for the latest revision year (e.g., ASTM A279-17 or newer) to ensure compliance with current engineering codes, such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC).
Disclaimer: This write-up is for informational purposes only. For engineering, manufacturing, or compliance decisions, please refer to the official ASTM A279 document provided by ASTM International.
As of 2025, the latest active version is ASTM A297/A297M-21 (issued 2021). Always verify the year. If your drawing calls for "ASTM A279 obsolete," they likely mean a 1970s edition of A297. In that case, you need the historical PDF from ASTM Archives.
ASTM A279 covers a wide range of stainless steel classifications. The standard typically includes three main families of stainless steel:
A: Politely ask them to verify the number. Provide them this article. Explain that ASTM A279 is not a recognized standard. Then, ask which heat-resistant property they need: chromium content, nickel content, or high-temperature creep strength. Match that to ASTM A297, A297/A297M, or even the equivalent ISO 11973.
ASTM A279 is a widely referenced specification covering seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing for high-temperature and general corrosion-resistant service. Whether you’re an engineer specifying materials for process piping, a purchaser checking mill test reports, or a student learning metallurgy, this post explains what A279 covers, why it matters, and how to use the spec in real projects.
Section 12 of A297 covers weld repair. Unlike ordinary steel castings, heat-resistant alloys require preheating (400-600°F) and specific low-hydrogen electrodes (e.g., E309 or ENiCrFe-3). Failing to follow A297 weld repair rules leads to cracking in service.
ASTM A279 was the Standard Specification for Total Immersion Corrosion Test of Stainless Steels. Astm A279 Pdf
It is important to note that this standard was withdrawn in 1991 and replaced by ASTM G31, the Standard Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals. Summary of the Withdrawn ASTM A279
The original paper focused on a standardized procedure for evaluating the corrosion resistance of stainless steels when completely submerged in a corrosive liquid. Key elements included:
Scope: Primarily covered the apparatus, specimen preparation, and testing procedures for total immersion.
Methodology: It defined how to maintain consistent temperature, aeration, and solution volume-to-specimen area ratios to ensure reproducible results.
Reporting: Requirements for calculating corrosion rates (usually in mils per year or millimeters per year) based on mass loss. Current Standard: ASTM G31
If you are looking for modern testing protocols, you should refer to ASTM G31. This updated guide provides:
Broader Application: It covers all metals, not just stainless steels.
Controlled Variables: Detailed guidance on solution composition, velocity, and duration of the test. It is crucial to note that ASTM International
Data Interpretation: Standardized formulas for weight loss analysis. How to Access the PDF
Because ASTM standards are copyrighted materials, they are typically not available for free legally. You can obtain the current replacement (G31) or historical versions of A279 through:
ASTM International: The official ASTM website allows you to purchase and download PDFs. Standards Aggregators: Sites like IHS Markit or SAI Global.
Academic Libraries: If you are a student or researcher, your institution may provide access via the ASTM Compass database.
ASTM A279 was a historical, officially withdrawn standard (replaced by ASTM G31) that provided methodologies for the total immersion corrosion testing of stainless steels. Although obsolete as a standard, its, procedures for calculating corrosion rates via mass loss remain relevant, and the designation is occasionally utilized in industrial product catalogs for austenitic and high-temperature steel grades. Learn more about the, material specifications on the APN Steel ASTM A279 product page GlobalSpec ASTM A279 Stainless Steel Tubes
ASTM A279, formerly titled the Standard Method of Total Immersion Corrosion Test of Stainless Steels, is a historically significant standard for evaluating how stainless steel reacts to corrosive aqueous solutions. 🛠️ Status and Modern Replacement Status: This standard is withdrawn and no longer active.
Replacement: It was officially replaced by ASTM G31, the Standard Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals.
Usage Today: While obsolete for new industrial specifications, it is still frequently cited in academic research and historical data reports to describe specimen preparation (e.g., polishing with 1000-grit paper). 🧪 Technical Scope and Methodology Disclaimer: This write-up is for informational purposes only
The original A279 standard focused on total immersion testing, which is often called a "quick and dirty" method for evaluating metal durability. Key Procedures (Historical)
Specimen Preparation: Coupons were typically polished progressively from coarse to fine (up to 1000 grit) to ensure a uniform surface.
Immersion: The steel samples were completely submerged in a corrosive solution for a specific duration.
Measurement: Results were calculated based on overall weight loss, often normalized to units like millimeters per year (mm/yr) or mils per year (mpy).
Observations: Beyond weight loss, testers looked for localized issues like pitting. ⚠️ Potential Confusion with Other Standards
In modern commercial listings, "A279" is sometimes used erroneously or in conjunction with active product specifications for stainless steel components.
(PDF) Corrosion Performance of Mild Steel in Paper Mill Effluent
Quality assurance was a critical component of the ASTM A279 standard. The following tests were standard requirements: