ASTM A203 Grade E (A203GRE) Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels
ASTM A203 Grade E (A203GRE) Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels -
Detailed technical data for ASTM A203 Grade E (A203GRE) pressure vessel steel plate: chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidelines for low-temperature service.
Hot rolling, quenching and tempering, cutting, forming, welding, machining
- Phone : +8618037372205
- Email : [email protected]
- WhatsApp: Contact via Whtsapp
- WeChat: +8618037372205
ASTM A203 Grade E Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels Introduction
ASTM A203 Grade E is a low-temperature nickel alloy steel plate intended for welded pressure vessels and boilers. It belongs to the ASTM A203/A203M family, which covers several nickel grades. Grade E nominally contains 2.5% nickel and is supplied in the quenched and tempered (Q&T) condition to achieve excellent notch toughness at temperatures down to approximately -50°C (-58°F). Its balanced chemistry and fine-grained microstructure provide reliable ductility and strength for cryogenic applications. Key characteristics include:
- Good low-temperature impact resistance
- Moderate strength level (typical tensile 485–585 MPa)
- Weldable with standard low-hydrogen procedures
- Conforms to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code when dual-certified as SA-203 Grade E
ASTM A203 Grade E Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels Chemical Composition
The following table lists the chemical elements present in ASTM A203 Grade E according to the standard. The values are maximum or range limits based on heat analysis. Product analysis tolerances apply as per ASTM A20/A20M. Key alloying element is nickel (2.10–2.50%) which enhances low-temperature toughness. Carbon is limited to 0.20% max to maintain weldability. Phosphorus and sulfur are kept low for cleanliness.
| Element | Content (wt%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon, C | 0.20 max | Heat analysis |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.70 max (plate ≤2 in. [50 mm]) 0.80 max (plate >2 in. [50 mm]) | Heat analysis; product analysis may be slightly higher |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.025 max | |
| Sulfur, S | 0.025 max | |
| Silicon, Si | 0.15–0.40 | Heat analysis |
| Nickel, Ni | 2.10–2.50 | Primary alloying element for low-temperature toughness |
ASTM A203 Grade E Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels Thermal and Electrical Properties
The physical properties listed are typical for 2.5% Ni steel in the quenched and tempered condition and are not mandatory specification limits. They are provided for design and modeling purposes. Actual values may vary slightly depending on precise composition and processing. Data are mainly at room temperature unless a range is given.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Test Condition / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Room temperature |
| Elastic modulus (E) | 202 | GPa | Room temperature |
| Shear modulus (G) | 81 | GPa | Calculated from E and ν |
| Poisson's ratio (ν) | 0.30 | - | Room temperature |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) 20–100 °C | 11.7 × 10⁻⁶ | 1/K | Average linear expansion |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) 20–200 °C | 12.2 × 10⁻⁶ | 1/K | Average linear expansion |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (α) 20–300 °C | 12.7 × 10⁻⁶ | 1/K | Average linear expansion |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) at 100 °C | 38 | W/(m·K) | |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) at 200 °C | 37 | W/(m·K) | |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) at 300 °C | 36 | W/(m·K) | |
| Specific heat capacity (cₚ) | 460 | J/(kg·K) | Room temperature |
| Electrical resistivity (ρₑ) | 0.21 | μΩ·m | Room temperature |
ASTM A203 Grade E Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels Mechanical Properties
Mechanical tests are performed on specimens transverse to the rolling direction unless otherwise agreed. Tensile properties depend on plate thickness (see dual rows). Charpy V-notch impact test is mandatory per ASTM A20/A20M; the test temperature is selected by the purchaser, commonly -46°C or -50°C. The minimum average absorbed energy is 20 J (15 ft·lbf) for full-size specimens. Values below represent ASTM A203/A203M Grade E requirements. No separate bend test is specified in A203, but supplementary requirements from A20 may be invoked.
| Property | Required Value | Unit | Test Condition / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield strength (Rp0.2 or ReH) | 380 min | MPa | Plate thickness ≤2 in. (50 mm), transverse |
| Yield strength (Rp0.2 or ReH) | 380 min | MPa | Plate thickness >2 in. to 6 in. (50–150 mm), transverse |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 485–585 | MPa | Plate thickness ≤2 in. (50 mm), transverse |
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 450–550 | MPa | Plate thickness >2 in. to 6 in. (50–150 mm), transverse |
| Elongation (A, 8 in. [200 mm] gauge) | 19 min | % | Plate thickness ≤2 in. (50 mm), transverse |
| Elongation (A, 2 in. [50 mm] gauge) | 23 min | % | Plate thickness ≤2 in. (50 mm), transverse |
| Elongation (A, 8 in. [200 mm] gauge) | 18 min | % | Plate thickness >2 in. to 6 in. (50–150 mm), transverse |
| Elongation (A, 2 in. [50 mm] gauge) | 22 min | % | Plate thickness >2 in. to 6 in. (50–150 mm), transverse |
| Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV) | 20 J (15 ft·lbf) average 16 J (12 ft·lbf) individual | J | Full-size specimen, temperature as specified (e.g., -50 °C), transverse |
ASTM A203 Grade E Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels Fully Equivalent or Identical Material Standards
| Country/Region | Standard & Grade | Designation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (ASME) | ASME SA-203/SA-203M Grade E | SA-203 Gr.E | Identical to ASTM A203 Grade E, approved for ASME pressure vessels |
| Japan | JIS G3127:2020 SL2N255 | SL2N255 | 2.5% Ni low-temperature steel, similar chemical composition; check tensile requirements for exact match |
ASTM A203 Grade E Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels Application Introduction
ASTM A203 Grade E is mainly used in the construction of welded pressure vessels and storage tanks that operate at low temperatures. Its good notch toughness makes it suitable for equipment that holds liquefied gases at cryogenic temperatures. The material is readily fabricated by hot and cold forming, machining, and welding using conventional low-hydrogen processes. Stress relief heat treatment may be required after welding depending on thickness and code requirements.
Product Applications: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) spherical tanks and cylindrical pressure vessels, Ethylene and propylene storage bullets, Cryogenic heat exchangers and cold boxes, Ammonia converter shells, Low-temperature piping components
Processed into products: Plates cut into circular blanks for formed heads (ellipsoidal, hemispherical, torispherical), Rolled shell courses for vertical or horizontal pressure vessels, Tube sheets and flanges for heat exchangers, Nozzles and reinforcements, Baffle plates and support structures
Application industries: Oil & Gas (LPG, LNG, ethylene storage), Petrochemical (cryogenic separation, ammonia synthesis), Industrial Gas (CO₂, nitrogen, oxygen storage), Power Generation (heat exchangers, condensers)
ASTM A203 Grade E Nickel Alloy Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels Similar or Nearby Alternative Materials
| Country/Region | Standard & Grade | Designation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A203/A203M Grade D | A203 Gr.D | Same 2.5% Ni chemistry but supplied in normalized condition; slightly lower tensile requirements, similar low-temperature service |
| Europe | EN 10028-4: 13MnNi6-3 | 1.6217 | Ni content ~0.85%, used for moderate low temperatures (down to -50°C); not a direct substitute for 2.5% Ni applications |
| Europe | EN 10028-4: 12Ni14 | 1.5637 | 3.5% Ni steel for lower temperature (-100°C capability); may be over-alloyed for typical A203 Gr.E applications |
| Japan | JIS G3127 SL3N255 | SL3N255 | 3.5% Ni steel, equivalent to A203 Gr.F; higher strength and lower temperature toughness than Gr.E |
Notes:
Supplementary requirements from ASTM A20/A20M may be specified, such as ultrasonic examination (S9), simulated post-weld heat treatment (S3), or additional impact testing (S5). Weldability: Preheating is generally not required for moderate thicknesses, but low-hydrogen electrodes and controlled heat input are recommended to avoid hydrogen cracking. Full qualification of welding procedure in accordance with ASME Section IX is typical. Certification: Material is usually ordered with dual ASTM A203 and ASME SA-203 certification, with Charpy tests at the designated temperature (e.g., -46°C).
- Share
