Astm A279 — Pdf

ASTM A279 is a discontinued historical standard that was formerly used for the Total Immersion Corrosion Test of Stainless Steels . It was officially withdrawn by ASTM International in 1975 and replaced by more modern testing protocols. Overview of ASTM A279

Before its withdrawal, ASTM A279 provided a standardized procedure for evaluating the resistance of stainless steels to corrosion when completely submerged in a liquid medium. The goal was to provide a controlled environment to measure weight loss and observe pitting or other forms of surface degradation. Key Aspects of the Former Standard

: To determine the suitability of specific stainless steel grades for service in corrosive chemical environments. Methodology

: It involved immersing polished or prepared metal coupons in a specified boiling solution (often nitric acid) for set periods, typically five 48-hour periods. Evaluation

: Results were calculated based on the corrosion rate, usually expressed in inches per month (ipm) or millimeters per year (mm/y), derived from the weight loss of the specimen. Why was it Withdrawn?

The standard was retired because the industry moved toward more comprehensive and specialized testing methods. Specifically, ASTM A279's functions were largely absorbed or superseded by

, which is the current "Standard Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals." Current Alternatives for Stainless Steel Testing

If you are looking for modern standards to replace the requirements once covered by A279, consider the following:

: The primary guide for laboratory immersion corrosion testing for all metals, including stainless steel. Astm A279 Pdf

: This is the most common standard for detecting susceptibility to intergranular attack in austenitic stainless steels (often called the "Huey Test" or "Streicher Test").

: Used specifically for pitting and crevice corrosion resistance using ferric chloride solutions. Accessing the Document

Because ASTM A279 is a "Withdrawn" standard, it is generally not available for free as a PDF on the ASTM website

. However, you can usually purchase "Historical Versions" directly from the ASTM International website

if you need it for forensic engineering or to fulfill legacy contract requirements. like ASTM G31 or A262?

The mystery of the "ASTM A279 PDF" is a classic tale of a ghost in the industrial machine—a document that exists in name only, haunting engineers and procurement officers who go searching for it. The Phantom Specification

In the world of metallurgy, an ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) designation is like a birth certificate for steel. But if you search the official archives for ASTM A279, you won't find a current standard for stainless steel bars or high-tech alloys. Instead, you find a digital graveyard.

The "story" of this PDF usually follows a predictable, frustrating arc for any engineer: ASTM A279 is a discontinued historical standard that

The Search: You receive a legacy blueprint or a dusty maintenance manual from the 1950s or 60s. It calls for "Material: ASTM A279."

The Wall: You head to the ASTM website or a document distributor. You type it in. Result: No matches found.

The Discovery: After digging through historical cross-references, you realize that A279 was a specification for Total Immersion Corrosion Test of Stainless Steels.

The Twist: It wasn't a material at all; it was a testing method. Even more importantly, it was withdrawn in 1975. The Modern Successor

If you are looking for this "story" because you actually need to replace a part or verify a material, the plot has moved on. The "spirit" of A279—the testing of how stainless steel stands up to being completely dunked in corrosive liquid—was absorbed into a much more famous standard:

ASTM G31: The Standard Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals. The Lesson

The story of the A279 PDF is a reminder that in the fast-paced world of industrial standards, documents die, but the science remains. If a modern supplier tells you they have "ASTM A279" in stock, they’re likely trying to sell you a ghost—or they've got a very old filing cabinet.

Title: Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Ferritic and Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service or illegally scanned

Designation: ASTM A279 / A279M – 18

Status: Withdrawn (Historical Standard)

3. Chemical Composition

The chemical composition requirements of ASTM A279 mirrored the standard designations for stainless steels. The primary elements defining the grades included:

  • Chromium (Cr): Essential for corrosion resistance (minimums typically ranging from 11.5% to 23% depending on the grade).
  • Nickel (Ni): Present in austenitic grades to stabilize the austenitic structure and enhance ductility.
  • Carbon (C): Controlled to ensure weldability and prevent sensitization (carbide precipitation) during welding.
  • Molybdenum (Mo): Included in specific grades (e.g., 316) to improve pitting resistance in chloride environments.

Common grades covered under this specification included:

  • 304 / 304L: Standard austenitic grade.
  • 316 / 316L: Austenitic grade with molybdenum for chemical resistance.
  • Ferritic Grades: Such as 405 and 410, utilized for applications requiring resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Part 3: How to Obtain a Legitimate ASTM A279 PDF (The Correct Way)

Since the PDF you are looking for is likely the ASTM A297 PDF, you must obtain it from authorized sources. Never download "free PDFs" from file-sharing sites—they are often outdated, corrupted, or illegally scanned, which fails audit compliance.

Q1: I found an old reference to ASTM A279 for "Alloy Steel Forgings." Is that real?

A: No. The ASTM standard for alloy steel forgings is A279? Wait, no—that is A290 (Steel Forge Rings) or A788 (Forgings). The US War Department (1946) listed a "Specification A279" for manganese-silicon electrode coatings, but that was a Military Specification, not an ASTM. It was withdrawn in 1955. Do not confuse military specs with ASTM.

Q2: My customer insists on "ASTM A279." What should I do?

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.

Common Use Cases and Examples

  • Heat exchanger tubes in chemical plants (316/316L for chloride environments).
  • Process piping for food and beverage (304/304L for ease of cleaning and corrosion resistance).
  • High-temperature furnace tubing where creep resistance is necessary (select appropriate alloy).