ASTM A338-84(2022)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C)
Standard Specification for Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C)
ABSTRACT
This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy duty service applications. The sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the fittings shall conform to the requirements specified. The iron shall be produced under constant control of chemical composition and physical properties. Records of the chemical composition of the iron and of the physical properties of the test specimens shall be systematically made and maintained.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy-duty service applications where fittings furnished in accordance with American National Standard for Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and 300 (ANSI B16.3) are not considered adequate.
1.2 Service shall include up to 650 °F (345 °C).2
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Sep-2022
- Technical Committee
- A04 - Iron Castings
- Drafting Committee
- A04.02 - Malleable and Ductile Iron Castings
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Aug-1999
Overview
ASTM A338-84(2022): Standard Specification for Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C) sets requirements for the manufacture and performance of malleable iron components used in challenging, high-temperature service environments. The standard applies to flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts intended for assembly and installation in systems where heavy-duty strength and durability are mandatory, especially when fittings in accordance with ANSI B16.3 are insufficient.
This international specification ensures that all included iron castings conform to strict physical and chemical controls, supporting reliable operation in railroad, marine, and industrial applications exposed to elevated temperatures.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: Addresses fittings, flanges, and valve parts made from malleable iron for railroad, marine, and general heavy-duty use at temperatures up to 650 °F (345 °C).
- Conformance Requirements: Details that size, shape, and dimensions must meet specified standards, particularly those identified by ANSI B16.3.
- Chemical and Physical Control: Mandates systematic production records for chemical composition and physical properties of the iron, allowing traceable quality assurance.
- Thread and Coating Standards: Specifies that pipe thread dimensions comply with ANSI B2.1 and that zinc coatings for galvanized components conform to ASTM A153/A153M.
- Product Marking: Requires products to be marked with the manufacturer’s name or trademark, and meet additional industry-specific marking rules.
- Certification: Manufacturers must be able to certify compliance with ASTM A338-84(2022) upon request.
- Testing: Components must be tested as per the associated standards to verify compliance before deployment.
Applications
The ASTM A338-84(2022) standard is essential for industries that demand reliable, heavy-duty malleable iron pipe fittings, flanges, and valve parts, specifically for:
- Railroad systems: Ensures fittings and valves withstand demanding operational loads and temperature fluctuations found in locomotive and rail infrastructure.
- Marine applications: Provides durable solutions for piping systems exposed to marine environments and thermal stresses.
- Heavy-duty industrial systems: Preferred for thermal process plants and other infrastructure where high temperatures and mechanical loads are routine.
- Replacement and maintenance: Critical for specifying components in systems where existing ANSI B16.3 standard parts are insufficient for the operational requirements.
By referencing this standard, engineers and procurement specialists can guarantee the long-term reliability and safety of their high-temperature, high-demand fluid control and distribution systems.
Related Standards
Organizations often reference ASTM A338-84(2022) alongside these key standards:
- ASTM A47/A47M - Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Castings
- ASTM A153/A153M - Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware
- ANSI B16.3 - American National Standard for Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings (Classes 150 and 300)
- ANSI B2.1 - Pipe Threads Standard
- MSS SP-25-1936 - Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges, and Unions
- NIST Handbook H28, Section VI - Screw-Thread Standards for Federal Services
Applying ASTM A338-84(2022) together with these related standards ensures best practices for design, manufacturing, and safety in demanding railroad, marine, and industrial piping applications.
Keywords: malleable iron, flanges, pipe fittings, valve parts, heavy-duty service, railroad, marine, high temperature, ASTM A338, industrial standards
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ASTM A338-84(2022) - Standard Specification for Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C)
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM A338-84(2022) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C)". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy duty service applications. The sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the fittings shall conform to the requirements specified. The iron shall be produced under constant control of chemical composition and physical properties. Records of the chemical composition of the iron and of the physical properties of the test specimens shall be systematically made and maintained. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy-duty service applications where fittings furnished in accordance with American National Standard for Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and 300 (ANSI B16.3) are not considered adequate. 1.2 Service shall include up to 650 °F (345 °C).2 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy duty service applications. The sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the fittings shall conform to the requirements specified. The iron shall be produced under constant control of chemical composition and physical properties. Records of the chemical composition of the iron and of the physical properties of the test specimens shall be systematically made and maintained. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe fittings, and valve parts, including parts to be assembled for use in railroad, marine, and other heavy-duty service applications where fittings furnished in accordance with American National Standard for Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and 300 (ANSI B16.3) are not considered adequate. 1.2 Service shall include up to 650 °F (345 °C).2 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM A338-84(2022) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 23.040.40 - Metal fittings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM A338-84(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM A47/A47M-99(2014), ASTM A47/A47M-99(2009), ASTM A47/A47M-99(2004), ASTM A47/A47M-99. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM A338-84(2022) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A338 −84 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Malleable Iron Flanges, Pipe Fittings, and Valve Parts for
Railroad, Marine, and Other Heavy-Duty Service at
Temperatures Up to 650 °F (345 °C)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A338; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 American National Standards:
B2.1 Pipe Threads
1.1 This specification covers malleable iron flanges, pipe
B16.3 Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and
fittings,andvalveparts,includingpartstobeassembledforuse
in railroad, marine, and other heavy-duty service applications
2.3 Other Standards:
where fittings furnished in accordance withAmerican National
Handbook H28, Section VI Screw-Thread Standards for
StandardforMalleableIronThreadedFittings,Classes150and
Federal Services, 1944
300 (ANSI B16.3) are not considered adequate.
SP-25-1936 Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings,
1.2 Service shall include up to 650 °F (345 °C).
Flanges, and Unions
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3. Process
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1 The castings shall be made in accordance with Specifi-
and are not considered standard.
cation A47/A47M.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Materials and Manufacture
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Thesizes,shapes,anddimensionsofthefittingscovered
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
by ANSI B16.3 shall conform to the requirements therein
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
specified.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2 Screwed pipe fittings, unions, union fittings, and globe
and angle valves that are covered by the various standards and
2. Referenced Documents
recommended practices as issued by theAssociation ofAmeri-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
can Railroads shall conform to the requirements therein speci-
A47/A47M Specification for Ferritic Malleable Iron Cast-
fied.
ings
4.3 All pipe threads, unless otherwise specified, shall be in
A153/A153M Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on
accordance with ANSI B2.1. (Standards for pipe threads are
Iron and Steel Hardware
also available in Section VI of Screw-Thread Standards for
Federal Services.)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A04 on Iron
Castings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A04.02 on Malleable and 4.4 Zinc coatings on fittings which are required to be
Ductile Iron Castings.
galvanized by the hot-dip process shall conform to the require-
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
ments for Class A castings as prescribed in Specification
approved in 1954. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A338 – 84 (2018).
DOI: 10.1520/A0338-84R22.
Based on Marshall, L. C., and Sommer, G. F., “Stress Rupture Properties of
Malleable Iron at Elevated Temperatures,” Proceedings, ASTM International, Vol Av
...




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