18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel | GB713 Boiler Plate Properties

Detailed analysis of GB713 18MnMoNbR pressure vessel and boiler steel plate including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and applications.

Welding, hot forming, cold forming, machining

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel Introduction

18MnMoNbR is a low-alloy high-strength steel plate specified in the Chinese standard GB 713 for pressure vessels and boilers. It belongs to the Mn-Mo-Nb series and is designed for service at elevated temperatures. The steel exhibits superior mechanical properties at both room and high temperatures, excellent weldability, and good toughness after stress relief heat treatment. It is widely used for manufacturing thick-walled pressure equipment such as reactors, heat exchangers, and steam drums in petrochemical and power industries. Key features include:

  • High yield strength (>=390 MPa for thickness <=100 mm)
  • Good impact energy at low temperature (-20 °C KV2 >=47 J)
  • Stable high-temperature strength up to 400 °C
  • Controlled levels of niobium for grain refinement

The material is typically supplied in normalized and tempered condition, ensuring uniform microstructure and mechanical stability.

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of 18MnMoNbR is regulated by GB 713. It features controlled additions of manganese, molybdenum, and niobium to achieve high strength and high-temperature stability. Phosphorus and sulfur contents are kept low to ensure good toughness and weldability. Residual elements such as chromium, nickel, and copper are limited. Typical values are shown below.

ElementStandard ValueRemarks
Carbon (C)<=0.22Maximum, for strength and hardenability control
Silicon (Si)0.15 - 0.50Deoxidizer
Manganese (Mn)1.20 - 1.60Contributes to strength
Phosphorus (P)<=0.020Residual element, restricted for toughness
Sulfur (S)<=0.010Residual element, restricted for cleanliness
Chromium (Cr)<=0.30Residual element
Nickel (Ni)<=0.30Residual element
Molybdenum (Mo)0.45 - 0.65Enhances high-temperature strength
Niobium (Nb)0.025 - 0.050Grain refinement element
Copper (Cu)<=0.30Residual element

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for 18MnMoNbR steel at room temperature unless specified otherwise. These values are not mandatory from the material standard but provide guidance for design calculations. Actual values may vary slightly depending on heat treatment and processing conditions. Data are collected from general engineering references for similar low-alloy steels.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³Room temperature
Modulus of Elasticity (E)205GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3-Within elastic range
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.510⁻⁶/K20-100 °C average
Thermal Conductivity (λ)35W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)460J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.22μΩ·mAt 20 °C (approx. 0.22 ×10⁻⁶ Ω·m)

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of 18MnMoNbR are defined in GB 713. Room-temperature tensile and impact properties are tested on specimens taken from normalized and tempered plates. High-temperature yield strengths (Rp0.2) are guaranteed up to 400 °C. All values refer to the plate in delivery condition and are valid for thicknesses ≤100 mm unless otherwise noted. Impact test is performed at -20 °C using Charpy V-notch specimens.

PropertyStandard Required ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Yield Strength (ReH)>=390MPaPlate thickness 6-100 mm, transverse test
Tensile Strength (Rm)570 - 720MPaPlate thickness 6-100 mm
Elongation after fracture (A)>=17%Proportional test piece, longitudinal, 5.65√S0
Impact Energy (KV2)>=47J-20 °C, 10×10×55 mm specimen, longitudinal
Bend Testd = 3a-180° bending, a = specimen thickness, no cracks
Yield Strength at 200 °C (Rp0.2)>=365MPaElevated temperature tensile, 6-100 mm
Yield Strength at 250 °C (Rp0.2)>=350MPaElevated temperature tensile, 6-100 mm
Yield Strength at 300 °C (Rp0.2)>=335MPaElevated temperature tensile, 6-100 mm
Yield Strength at 350 °C (Rp0.2)>=320MPaElevated temperature tensile, 6-100 mm
Yield Strength at 400 °C (Rp0.2)>=305MPaElevated temperature tensile, 6-100 mm

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel Equivalent Standards and Substitute Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB 71318MnMoNbROriginal designation
USAASME SA-533/SA-533MType B Class 1Similar Mn-Mo-Ni steel with Nb optional; for pressure vessels
European UnionEN 10028-218MnMo4-5 (1.5414) + NbModified version with intentional Nb addition; comparable strength and weldability
JapanJIS G3119SBV3Mn-Mo-Ni steel for boilers and pressure vessels, similar high-temperature performance

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel Application Introduction

18MnMoNbR steel plates are designed for demanding pressure equipment operating at moderate to high temperatures. The excellent weldability and high-temperature strength make it suitable for critical components in the following areas:

Product Applications: Hydrocracking reactors, Steam drums and boiler shells, Heat exchangers and condensers, Spherical storage tanks (LPG, ammonia), High-pressure separators

Processed into products: Cylindrical shells and courses, Dished and hemispherical heads, Tube sheets and support plates, Nozzle forgings and flanges, Reinforcement pads and stiffening rings

Application industries: Petrochemical and chemical processing, Thermal power generation (boilers), Oil & gas (refineries, gas processing), Nuclear power (secondary circuit pressure vessels), Fertilizer and coal gasification

18MnMoNbR Pressure Vessel Steel Closely Related Substitute Materials

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB 71313MnNiMoRSimilar strength with Ni addition, used for heavy pressure vessels
ChinaGB 71315MnNiDRLow-temperature pressure vessel steel with good toughness, slightly lower strength
USAASME SA-302Grade B / Grade CMn-Mo and Mn-Mo-Ni steels; comparable base but without Nb
USAASME SA-533Type A Class 1Mn-Mo steel, lower Ni content, often used as alternative in non-sour service
European UnionEN 10028-215MnMoNi5-5 (1.6368)High-strength Mn-Mo-Ni steel for elevated temperatures, similar application range
JapanJIS G3119SBV2Mn-Mo steel for boilers and pressure vessels

Notes:

All data are based on GB 713-2014 standard for 18MnMoNbR steel plates. Mechanical properties are guaranteed for thicknesses up to 100 mm in normalized and tempered condition. For fabrication, preheating before welding (typically 150-200 °C) and post-weld heat treatment are recommended to avoid cold cracking and ensure stress relief. Equivalent materials listed are approximate and should be verified against the latest standards and project specifications before substitution. Physical properties are typical values and may vary with temperature. For detailed design, refer to the relevant design code (e.g., ASME BPVC, EN 13445) and material data sheets.

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