How to Identify Genuine ASTM A53 Grade B Pipes and Avoid Counterfeit Products

In the global steel pipe market, ASTM A53 Grade B pipes are among the most widely used carbon steel pipes for conveying water, gas, oil, and air under pressure. Their popularity, however, has also made them a target for counterfeit and substandard products. Purchasing fake or non-compliant pipes not only increases operational risks but can also lead to serious safety incidents and project losses.
This article will explain how to identify genuine ASTM A53 Grade B pipes, what standards to verify, and how manufacturers like LONGMA ensure every product fully meets ASTM A53 requirements.

Why Identifying Genuine ASTM A53 Grade B Pipes Matters

Counterfeit ASTM A53 B pipes often look identical to authentic ones, but they usually fail to meet the mechanical properties, chemical composition, or testing requirements defined in ASTM A53/A53M standards.
Using such inferior materials can cause:

• Pipe failure under pressure, especially in gas or oil systems.
• Corrosion and leakagedue to poor galvanizing or non-standard wall thickness.
• Inconsistent yield strengthand tensile performance, leading to structural instability.

According to the ASTM A53 Grade B specification, the pipe must meet the following key mechanical requirements:

• Tensile strength:Minimum 415 MPa (60,000 psi)
• Yield strength:Minimum 240 MPa (35,000 psi)
• Elongation:Determined by wall thickness (generally 25% or above)

Understanding these numbers allows buyers to cross-check the factory’s material test reports (MTC) and avoid fake certifications.

Verify Manufacturer Certifications and MTC (Mill Test Certificate)

One of the most reliable ways to identify genuine ASTM A53 Grade B pipes is by verifying the Mill Test Certificate (MTC) or Inspection Certificate provided with each batch.
An authentic MTC should clearly include:

• Material standard: ASTM A53/A53M – Grade B
• Manufacturing process: Type E (ERW)or Type S (Seamless)
• Heat number and batch number for traceability
• Chemical composition and mechanical test results
• Testing standards, including hydrostatic testand nondestructive electric test

Tip: Counterfeit MTCs often copy templates from genuine ones but use incorrect values or omit heat numbers. Always request a traceable MTC linked to the specific production batch.

Inspect Physical Markings on the Pipe

Authentic ASTM A53 Grade B pipes must include continuous stenciled markings along their length, in accordance with ASTM A53 Section 20.
Each marking should include:

• Manufacturer’s name or trademark (e.g., LONGMA)
• “ASTM A53” designation and “Grade B”
• Pipe type (e.g., Type E, ERW, or Seamless)
• Pipe size and schedule (e.g., SCH 40)
• Heat number or lot number

If any of these details are missing or blurred, the pipe may not comply with ASTM standards.

Conduct Third-Party Laboratory Testing

For high-value projects or critical applications, buyers should consider third-party verification using the following methods:

• Chemical Composition Analysis

Compare results against the standard limits in ASTM A53/A53M Table 1:

• Mechanical Testing

Perform tensile and yield strength verification according to ASTM A370 test methods.
Genuine ASTM A53 Gr B pipes should reach the required 415 MPa tensile and 240 MPa yield strength without cracks or deformation.

• Hydrostatic Test

Each pipe must pass a hydrostatic test at not less than 60,000 psi or as required by the purchaser, ensuring no leaks or bursts occur.

Evaluate the Manufacturing Process

According to ASTM A53, Grade B pipes are produced as:

• Type S:Seamless process
• Type E:Electric-Resistance Welded (ERW) process
• Type F:Furnace-butt welded (rarely used today)

Reputable manufacturers like LONGMA produce ASTM A53 Type E Grade B pipes under strict internal quality control, using high-frequency ERW welding technology with 100% online eddy current testing to ensure weld integrity.

LONGMA’s Internal Quality Control System

At LONGMA, we understand that clients face increasing risks from counterfeit ASTM A53 Grade B pipes in the market.To ensure authenticity and reliability, our factory maintains a complete in-house inspection laboratory equipped for:

• Spectrometer chemical analysis
• Mechanical tensile testing
• Ultrasonic and eddy current inspection
• Hydrostatic pressure testing
• Coating thickness and adhesion tests

All test results are recorded in our digital quality traceability system, allowing clients to verify the product’s compliance with ASTM A53 Grade B specification at any time.

Partner with a Trusted ASTM A53 Grade B Supplier

When choosing suppliers, consider:

• Proven manufacturing experience (LONGMA has over 20 yearsin carbon steel pipe production)
• Availability of complete ASTM A53 Grade B documentation (specification PDF, MTC, inspection reports)
• Transparent testing and quality control systems
• Global export experience and certification (ISO, CE, API 5L if applicable)

Choosing an authentic and certified manufacturer ensures your project’s safety, performance, and long-term value.

Conclusion

Counterfeit ASTM A53 Grade B pipes may look similar but cannot deliver the same level of quality, consistency, and safety as genuine products. By checking MTC data, pipe markings, ASTM test results, and partnering with verified suppliers like LONGMA, you can confidently protect your projects from unnecessary risks.

LONGMA — Your Reliable Manufacturer of ASTM A53 Grade B ERW and Seamless Steel Pipes.We provide full ASTM-compliant test reports, customized pipe dimensions, and global delivery support.
Contact us today for genuine ASTM A53 Grade B steel pipes that meet international standards.