This article compares the alternative specifications, all of which have from time to time been considered alternatives for Australian food industry service. These specifications include:

· AS 1528.1 “Specification for tubes (stainless steel) for the food industry”

· ASTM A249 “Specification for welded austenitic steel boiler, superheater, heat exchanger, and condenser tubes”

· ASTM A269 “Specification for seamless & welded austenitic stainless steel tubing for general service”

· ASTM A270 “Specification for seamless & welded austenitic stainless steel sanitary tubing”

· ASTM A554 “Specification for welded stainless steel mechanical tubing”

AS1528 was revised in 2001 (after many years of disuse), by key stake-holders in the Australian tube industry and food manufacturing industries. AS 1528 is unique in that it covers all the associated fittings, in addition to the tube.
Specification Comparison
Material

All specifications call for the common grades 304, 304L, 316 and 316L. Most specifications allow a number of other stainless steel grades as well. AS1528.1 permits all grades of austenitic and duplex stainless steel listed in ASTM A240, so the possibilities are very extensive.
Manufacture

All specifications require fusion welded tube without filler metal (in practice this permits standard tube production using TIG or plasma welding). AS 1528, A269 and A270 also cover seamless product, if requested, although this is rarely required.