Designation: B 68 – 02

Standard Specification for

1
Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 68; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope * drogen Embrittlement Susceptibility) in Copper3

1.1 This specification establishes the requirements for bright B 601 Classification for Temper Designations for Copper
annealed seamless copper tube suitable for use in refrigeration, and Copper Alloys—Wrought and Cast3
oil lines, gasoline lines, and so forth, where tube with an B 846 Terminology for Copper and Copper Alloys3
interior surface essentially free from scale and dirt is required. E 3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens4
1.1.1 Tubes made from any of the following Copper UNS E 8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Material4
No. designations shall be supplied, unless otherwise specified E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
in the contract or purchase order: Determine Conformance with Specifications5
Copper UNS No.2 Type of Copper
E 53 Test Methods for Determination of Copper in Unal-
loyed Copper by Gravimetry6
C10200 Oxygen-free without residual deoxidants E 62 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper and
C10300 Oxygen-free, extra low phosphorus
C10800 Oxygen-free, low phosphorus
Copper Alloys (Photometric Methods)6
C12000 Phosphorus deoxidized, low residual phosphorus E 112 Test Methods for Determining the Average Grain
C12200 Phosphorus deoxidized, high residual phosphorus Size4
1.2 Values stated in inch-pound units are the standard except E 243 Practice for Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Exami-
for grain size, which is given in SI units. nation of Copper and Copper-Alloy Tubes7
1.3 This specification is the companion to SI Specification E 255 Practice for Sampling Copper and Copper Alloys for
B 68M; therefore, no SI equivalents are presented in this Determination of Chemical Composition6
specification. E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS)8
1.4 The following hazard statement pertains only to the test
3. Terminology
method described in Sections 20.5 and 21.2.6 of this specifi-
cation: This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.1 See Terminology B 846 for definitions of terms related
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- to copper and copper alloys.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1.2 bright anneal, n—a thermal treatment carried out in a
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. controlled atmosphere so that surface oxidation is reduced to a
minimum and the surface remains relatively bright.
2. Referenced Documents 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.2.1 capable of—the test need not be performed by the
B 68M Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright producer of the material. However, if subsequent testing by the
Annealed [Metric]3 purchaser establishes that the material does not meet these
B 153 Test Method for Expansion (Pin Test) of Copper and requirements, the material shall be subject to rejection.
Copper-Alloy Pipe and Tubing3
4. Ordering Information
B 251 Specification for General Requirements for Wrought
Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube3 4.1 Include the following information in orders for prod-
B 577 Test Methods for Detection of Cuprous Oxide (Hy- ucts:
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue (for example,
B 68 – 95),
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B05 on Copper
and Copper Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B05.04 on Pipe
4
and Tube. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
5
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 2002. Published November 2002. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
6
published as B 68 – 22T. Last previous edition B 68 – 99. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.06.
2 7
Refer to Practice E 527 for explanation of unified numbering system (UNS). Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
3 8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.01.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 B 68 – 02
4.1.2 UNS copper number (for example, C10200), 7. Chemical Composition
4.1.3 Temper (Section 8), 7.1 The material shall conform to the requirements pre-
4.1.4 Dimensions, diameter, and wall thickness (Section scribed in Table 1 for the specified copper.
16), 7.2 These specification limits do not preclude the presence
4.1.5 How furnished: straight lengths or coils, of other elements. It is not prohibited to establish limits for
4.1.6 Total length, or number of pieces, of each size, unnamed elements and to require analysis by agreement
4.1.7 Total weight, each size, and between the manufacturer or supplier and the purchaser.
4.1.8 When product is purchased for agencies of the U.S.
Government. 8. Temper
4.2 The following options are available and shall be speci-
8.1 The tube shall be furnished in either of two annealed
fied at the time of placing the order, when required:
tempers as follows:
4.2.1 Electromagnetic (eddy-current) test,
Annealed (O) Temper Designation
4.2.2 Embrittlement test,
4.2.3 Expansion test, O50 (Light annealed)
4.2.4 Flattening test, O60 (Soft annealed)

4.2.5 Certification, and 8.1.1 Tempers are defined in Classification B 601.

4.2.6 Mill test report.
9. Grain Size
5. General Requirements 9.1 Tube in the tempers O50 (light annealed) and O60 (soft
5.1 The following sections of Specification B 251 are a part annealed) shall conform to the requirements of Table 2.
of this specification.
5.1.1 Terminology, General, 10. Mechanical Property Requirements
5.1.2 Material and Manufacture, 10.1 Tensile Strength:
5.1.3 Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance, 10.1.1 The tube shall have a minimum tensile strength of 30
5.1.4 Significance of Numerical Limits, ksi when tested in accordance with Test Methods E 8.
5.1.5 Inspection, 10.2 Elongation:
5.1.6 Rejection and Rehearing, 10.2.1 The tensile elongation of the tube shall be a mini-
5.1.7 Certification, mum 40 % (2-in. gage length) when tested in accordance with
5.1.8 Test Reports, Test Methods E 8.
5.1.9 Packaging and Package Marking, and
5.1.10 Supplementary Requirements. 11. Performance Requirements
5.2 In addition, when a section with an identical title to
11.1 Expansion Test:
those referenced in 5.1 appears in this specification, such
11.1.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, the
section may contain requirements which supersede those
outside diameter of the tube furnished shall be capable of being
appearing in Specification B 251. In case of conflict, this
expanded as follows when tested in accordance with Test
specification prevails.
Method B 153.
Outside Diameter, in. Expansion, %
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Materials: 3⁄4 and under 40
over 3⁄4 30
6.1.1 The material of manufacture shall be billets, bars, or
tube of the Copper UNS No. C10200, C10300, C10800, 11.1.1.1 The expanded tube shall show no cracks or ruptures
C12000, or C12200 and shall be of such soundness as to be seen through visual inspection without the use of special
suitable for processing into the tubular products described. equipment or enhancement excepting the use of corrective
6.2 Manufacture: lenses.
6.2.1 The tube shall be manufactured by such hot- or 11.1.2 A flattening test is an optional alternative to the
cold-working processes as to produce a homogeneous uniform expansion test for annealed tube over 4 in. in diameter.
wrought structure in the finished product. The tube shall be 11.2 Flattening Test:
cold drawn to the finished size and wall thickness and shall be 11.2.1 When specified in the contract or purchase order, the
bright annealed to meet the specified temper. tube shall be capable of being flattened in accordance with the

TABLE 1 Chemical Composition

Composition, %
Element Copper UNS No.
C10200A C10300 C10800 C12000 C12200
Copper,B min 99.95 ... ... 99.90 99.9
CopperB + phosphorus, min ... 99.95 99.95 ... ...
Phosphorus ... 0.001–0.005 0.005–0.012 0.004–0.012 0.015–0.040
A
Oxygen in C10200 shall be 10 ppm max.
B
Silver counting as copper.

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 B 68 – 02
TABLE 2 Average Grain Size Requirements TABLE 3 Coil Length Tolerances (Specific Lengths)
Temper Grain Size, mm Tolerances, in., All Plus, for Nominal
O50 0.015 to 0.040 Tube Outside Diameter, in. Lengths in Feet
O60 0.040, min Up to 50, incl Over 50 to 100, incl
Up to 2, incl 12 24

method described in 21.2.6.1 and shall contain no cracks or TABLE 4 Coil Length Tolerances (Mill Lengths)
flaws visible to the unaided eye in the flattened section. (Applicable only full-length pieces)
Tube Outside Tolerances, %, for Nominal Lengths in Feet
12. Microscopical Examination Diameter, in. Up to 100, incl Over 100 to 2000, incl
Up to 1, incl 5A or 2 ft, whichever is 10A
12.1 Samples of Copper UNS Nos. C10200, C10300, and greater
C12000 shall be free of cuprous oxide as determined by Over 1 to 2, incl 5A or 2 ft, whichever is No tolerances
greater established
Procedure A of Test Methods B 577. When Copper UNS Nos.
A
Expressed to the nearest 1 ft.
C10800 or C12200 are supplied, examination is not required.
In case of a dispute, a referee method shall be used in
accordance with Procedure C of Test Methods B 577. TABLE 5 Coil Schedule of Mill Lengths with Ends
Shortest Maximum Permis-
Tube Outside Nominal Permissible sible Weights of
13. Hydrogen Embrittlement Diameter, in. Length, ft Length, % of Ends, % of Lot
13.1 Samples of Copper UNS Nos. C10200, C12000, and Nominal Length Weight
C12200 shall be capable of passing the embrittlement test of Up to 1, incl up to 100, incl 70A 10
Procedure B of Test Methods B 577. The actual performance of Over 1, to 2, incl up to 100, incl 60A 20
Up to 1, incl over 100 to 50 50B
this test is not mandatory under the terms of this specification 2000, incl
unless definitely specified in the ordering information. In case A
Expressed to the nearest 1 ft.
of a dispute, a referee method shall be used in accordance with B
Short pieces shall, at the option of the supplier, be included as follows: up to
Procedure C of Test Methods B 577. 10 % of lot weight between 50 ft and one quarter of full length and up to 40 %
between one quarter and full length.

14. Nondestructive Testing

14.1 Upon agreement between the manufacturer and the 17.1.1 The tube furnished shall be clean, free of dirt, scale,
purchaser, each tube up to 31⁄8 in. in outside diameter shall be and other defects, but blemishes of a nature that do not
subjected to electromagnetic (eddy-current) test. For this test, interfere with the intended application are acceptable.
the tube shall be examined in the final drawn or annealed 17.1.2 The tube shall be bright annealed after the last
temper, before coiling or in straight lengths before final anneal. drawing operation or, when required, after coiling.
14.2 Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Test: 17.2 Finish and Appearance:
14.2.1 When examined in accordance with Practice E 243, 17.2.1 The interior and exterior surfaces of the tube shall be
tubes that do not actuate the signaling device of the testing unit typical in appearance to that of bright annealed copper.
shall be considered as conforming to the requirements of the
test. 18. Sampling
18.1 The lot size, portion size, and selection of sample
15. Purchases for U.S. Government Agencies
portions shall be as follows:
15.1 When the contract or purchase order stipulates the 18.1.1 Lot Size—The lot size shall be 10 000 lb or fraction
purchase is for an agency of the U.S. Government, the tubes thereof.
furnished shall conform to the conditions specified in the 18.1.2 Portion Size—Sample portions shall be selected as to
Supplementary Requirements of Specification B 251. be representative of the lot according to the following sched-
ule:
16. Dimensions and Permissible Variations Number of Sample Portions to Be
16.1 The dimensions and tolerances for product covered by Number of Pieces in Lot TakenA
this specification shall be as specified in the following tables 1 to 50 1
and related paragraphs of Specification B 251: 51 to 200 2
16.1.1 Wall Thickness Tolerance—Table 1. 201 to 1500 3
Over 1500 0.2 % of the total number of pieces in
16.1.2 Diameter Tolerances—Table 3. the lot, but not to exceed 10 pieces
16.1.3 Length Tolerances—Tables 5 and 6. _______________
16.1.4 Squareness of Cut—Refer to Squareness of Cut A
Each sample portion shall be taken from a separate tube.
section. 18.1.2.1 In case of tube furnished in coils, a length sufficient
16.2 Coils, Length Tolerances—Refer to Table 2, Table 3, for all necessary tests shall be cut from each coil selected for
Table 4, and Table 5 of this specification. testing. The remaining portion of the selected coils shall be
included in the shipment and the permissible variation in length
17. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance on such coils shall be waived.
17.1 Workmanship: 18.2 Chemical Composition:

3
 B 68 – 02
18.2.1 The composite sample shall be prepared from ap- 20.3.2 Test specimens conforming to Specimen No. 1 in
proximate equal weights taken from the sample portions and Fig. 13, of Test Methods E 8 are acceptable for use when a
prepared in accordance with Practice E 255. The minimum full-section specimen cannot be used.
weight of the composite sample shall be 150 g. 20.4 Expansion (Pin) Test:
18.2.2 The manufacturer shall have the option of sampling 20.4.1 Test specimens shall be prepared in accordance with
at the time castings are poured or from the semifinished Test Method B 153.
product. When composition has been determined during the 20.5 Flattening Test:
manufacturing process, sampling of the finished product is not
20.5.1 Test specimens, 4 in. in length, shall be cut from one
required.
end of two lengths of tube. No special preparation is required.
18.2.3 When sampled at the time castings are poured, at
least two samples shall be taken, one after the start and one
21. Test Methods
near the end of the pour, for each group of castings poured
simultaneously from the same source of molten metal. 21.1 Chemical Analysis:
18.2.4 When samples are taken from the semifinished prod- 21.1.1 In case of disagreement, chemical composition shall
uct, a sample shall be taken to represent each 10 000 lb or be determined as follows:
fraction thereof, except that not more than one sample per Element Test Method
piece shall be required.
Copper E 53
Phosphorus E 62
19. Number of Tests and Retests
21.1.2 Test method(s) for the determination of element(s)
19.1 Tests:
required by contractual or purchase order agreement shall be as
19.1.1 Chemical Composition—Shall be determined as the
agreed upon between the manufacturer or supplier and the
arithmetic mean of results from at least two replicate determi-
purchaser.
nations for each specified element.
19.1.2 Tensile, Elongation, and Grain Size—Shall be re- 21.2 The tubes furnished shall conform with the physical
ported as the average of results from test specimens and each and mechanical properties and all other requirements of this
specimen must conform to specification requirements. specification when tested or examined in accordance with the
19.1.3 Other Tests—At least two specimens shall be pre- following appropriate test method or practice:
pared for each of the other tests and each must meet test Test Test Method or Practice

requirements. Grain size E 112

19.2 Retest: Tensile E8
19.2.1 When test results obtained by the purchaser fail to Elongation E8
Expansion (pin test) B 153
conform with the product specification requirement(s), the Microscopical examination B 577
manufacturer or supplier shall have the option to perform a Procedure A
Hydrogen embrittlement B 577
retest. Procedure B
19.2.2 Retesting shall be as directed in this specification for Flattening test Section 21.2.6
the initial test except for the number of test specimens which Electromagnetic (eddy-current) examination E 243
shall be twice that normally required for the test. 21.2.1 Grain Size—In case of dispute, grain size shall be
19.2.3 Test results for all specimens shall conform to the determined by the intercept method.
requirement(s) of this specification in retest and failure to
21.2.2 Tensile Strength—In case of dispute, tensile strength
comply shall be cause for lot rejection.
shall be determined in accordance with Test Methods E 8.
20. Specimen Preparation 21.2.3 Microscopical Examination:
21.2.3.1 Procedure A shall be followed; however, in case of
20.1 Chemical Composition:
dispute, Procedure C of Test Methods B 577 shall be followed.
20.1.1 Preparation of the analytical specimens for the deter-
mination of chemical composition shall be the responsibility of 21.2.4 Hydrogen Embrittlement:
the reporting laboratory. 21.2.4.1 Procedure B shall be followed; however, in case of
20.2 Grain Size, Microscopical Examination, and Hydrogen dispute, Procedure C of Test Methods B 577 shall be followed.
Embrittlement: 21.2.5 Electromagnetic (Eddy-Current) Test—Each tube up
20.2.1 Test specimens shall be prepared in accordance with to and including 31⁄8 in. in outside diameter shall be subjected
Guide E 3. to an eddy-current test. Testing shall follow the procedures in
20.2.1.1 The surface of the specimen shall approximate a Practice E 243. Tubes shall be passed through an eddy-current
radial longitudinal section of the tube. test unit adjusted to provide information on the suitability of
20.3 Tensile and Elongation Test: the tube for the intended application.
20.3.1 The test specimens shall be of the full section of the 21.2.5.1 Either notch depth or drilled hole standards shall be
tube and shall conform to the requirements specified in the used.
section ’Specimens for Pipe and Tube’ in Test Methods E 8, (a) Notch depth standards, rounded to the nearest 0.001 in.
unless the limitations of the testing machine precludes the use shall be 22 % of the wall thickness. The notch depth tolerance
of such specimens. shall be 60.0005 in.

4
 B 68 – 02
(b) Drilled holes shall be drilled radially through the wall Standard Tube Size, in. Maximum Percent
using a suitable drill jig that has a bushing to guide the drill, Imbalance Signal Magnitude

care being taken to avoid distortion of the tube while drilling. Up to 3⁄8, incl 0.2
The diameter of the drilled hole shall be in accordance with the ⁄ to 2, incl
12 0.3
Over 2 to 3, incl 0.4
following and shall not vary by more than +0.001, −0.000 in.
of the hole diameter specified. 21.2.5.3 Tubes that do not activate the signalling device of
Diameter of Drilled the eddy-current tester shall be considered as conforming to the
Tube Outside Diameter, in. Holes, in. Drill Number requirements of this test. Tubes with discontinuities indicated
1⁄4 to 3⁄4, incl 0.025 72
by the testing unit shall, at the option of the manufacturer, be
Over 3⁄4 to 1, incl 0.031 68 reexamined or retested to determine whether the discontinuity
Over 1 to 11⁄4, incl 0.036 64 is cause for rejection. Signals that are found to have been
Over 11⁄4 to 11⁄2, incl 0.042 58
Over 11⁄2 to 13⁄4, incl 0.046 56
caused by minor mechanical damage, soil, or moisture, shall
Over 13⁄4 to 2, incl 0.052 55 not be cause for rejection of the tubes provided the tube
dimensions are still within prescribed limits and the tube is
21.2.5.2 Alternatively, at the option of the manufacturer, suitable for its intended application.
using speed insensitive eddy-current units that are equipped to 21.2.6 Flattening Test:
select a fraction of the maximum imbalance signal, the 21.2.6.1 The specimen shall be slowly flattened by a press
following maximum imbalance signals shall be used: so a gage set at three times the tube wall thickness shall pass
freely over the flattened section of the tube.
22. Keywords
22.1 bright annealed; copper tube; seamless tube

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B 68 – 99)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Sections 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 17.1.1, and 20.3.2 were modified to

replace nonmandatory language with mandatory language.

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