ASTM A204 Grade C (A204GRC) Mo

ASTM A204 Grade C (A204GRC) Mo

ASTM A204 Grade C (A204GRC) Mo-Alloy Steel Plate for Pressure Vessels & Boilers

Complete material data sheet for ASTM A204 Grade C (A204GRC) molybdenum-alloy steel plate widely used in welded boilers and pressure vessels. Includes chemical, mechanical, and physical properties with equivalent grades.

Hot rolling, normalizing, tempering, stress relieving, welding (with preheat and PWHT), cutting, forming

ASTM A204 Grade C Mo Introduction

ASTM A204 Grade C (A204GRC) is a molybdenum-alloy steel plate specifically designed for welded pressure vessels and boilers operating at moderate temperatures. It offers improved strength and superior resistance to creep compared to plain carbon steel, making it suitable for elevated-temperature service. The alloy is readily weldable with proper preheat and post-weld heat treatment. This grade is part of the ASTM A204/A204M specification, characterized by a nominal molybdenum content of 0.45–0.60%, which enhances hardenability and high-temperature mechanical properties.

ASTM A204 Grade C Mo Chemical Composition of ASTM A204 Grade C

The chemical composition is in accordance with ASTM A204/A204M. The steel relies on molybdenum for elevated-temperature strength and creep resistance. Maximum limits are shown unless a range is specified. Sulfur and phosphorus are strictly controlled to ensure weldability and toughness.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)max 0.25If C > 0.25, max Mo increases to 0.60
Manganese (Mn)max 0.90Heat analysis, max 0.98 for product analysis
Phosphorus (P)max 0.025
Sulfur (S)max 0.025
Silicon (Si)0.15 – 0.50Product analysis range 0.13–0.55
Molybdenum (Mo)0.45 – 0.60Key alloying element for creep strength

ASTM A204 Grade C Mo Typical Thermal & Electrical Physical Properties of ASTM A204 Grade C

These physical data are typical for molybdenum-alloy steel plates at room temperature, unless a temperature range is specified. Values are not part of the ASTM specification but are compiled from reliable engineering sources for design reference. Properties may vary slightly with heat treatment and composition.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Room temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)200 – 210GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaEstimated from E and ν
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.27 – 0.30Room temperature
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.7µm/(m·°C)20 – 100 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.6µm/(m·°C)20 – 300 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)42 – 50W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)460 – 500J/(kg·K)At 20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.20 – 0.25µΩ·mRoom temperature

ASTM A204 Grade C Mo Mechanical Properties of ASTM A204 Grade C

Tensile and yield strength requirements specified in ASTM A204/A204M. Values are minimum unless otherwise noted. Elongation is measured on standard gauge lengths. The bend test (2T) is required for plates up to 25 mm thickness to verify ductility. No impact test is mandated in the base specification.

PropertyStandard Required ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Tensile Strength (Rm)75 – 95ksiTransverse specimen, applies to all thicknesses
Tensile Strength (Rm)515 – 655MPaMetric equivalent
Yield Strength (ReH)min 45ksi0.2% offset or 0.5% extension under load
Yield Strength (ReH)min 310MPaMetric equivalent
Elongation in 200 mm (A200)min 19%Plate ≤ 50 mm thick
Elongation in 50 mm (A50)min 23%Plate ≤ 50 mm thick
Bend Test (Bend Diameter)2T (with T = plate thickness)180° bend, no cracks outside; applicable for plates ≤ 25 mm

ASTM A204 Grade C Mo Completely Equivalent Material Standards & Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASME SA204/SA204MGrade CIdentical chemical and mechanical requirements; ASME adoption of ASTM.
InternationalISO 9328-2None directly; may reference 16Mo3 but Mo content differsNo exact ISO equivalent. Closest is ISO 9328-2:2004 Grade 16Mo3 (0.25-0.35% Mo).

ASTM A204 Grade C Mo Application Introduction

ASTM A204 Grade C is primarily used in the fabrication of welded boilers and pressure vessels requiring moderate elevated-temperature strength and good creep resistance. It is suitable for service up to approximately 500°C (932°F). Proper welding procedures (preheat, low-hydrogen electrodes, post-weld heat treatment) are essential to avoid cracking. Typical applications include:

  • Boiler drums and steam drums in power plants
  • Shell and head plates for pressure vessels in petrochemical plants
  • Heat exchangers and reactors
  • High-temperature piping components
  • Storage tanks for hot liquids and gases

Product Applications: Boiler Drums, Steam Separators, Reactor Pressure Vessels, Heat Exchanger Shells, Hot Process Piping, LNG Vaporizers, Deaerator Tanks

Processed into products: Vessel cylindrical shells and formed heads, Tube sheets and flanges, Support skirts and saddles, Baffle plates, Nozzle reinforcements, Manway covers and girth flanges

Application industries: Power Generation (Conventional & Thermal), Oil & Gas (Refineries, Petrochemical), Chemical Process Industry, Nuclear (secondary side components), Fabricated Pressure Equipment Manufacturing

ASTM A204 Grade C Mo Similar/Alternative Materials with Comparable Performance

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10028-216Mo3Lower Mo (0.25-0.35%); typical tensile 440-590 MPa, yield ≥ 275 MPa. Widely used for similar pressure vessel applications; engineering assessment for substitution required.
USAASTM A204/A204MGrade BMo 0.45-0.60% (same as Grade C) but max C 0.27% and tensile 70-90 ksi. Lower strength, may be used in less demanding conditions.
USAASTM A204/A204MGrade AMo 0.45-0.60%, max C 0.25%, tensile 65-85 ksi. Lower strength variant.
JapanJIS G3103SB450MMn-Si steel with nominal Mo 0.45-0.60%, tensile 450-590 MPa, yield ≥ 245 MPa. Close in strength, but not identical specification; verify design codes.

Notes:

Supplementary requirements (e.g., impact testing, ultrasonic examination, restricted chemistry for welding) may be specified by purchase order under ASTM A204/A204M. For hydrogen service or low-temperature conditions, additional testing (HIC, SSC) is required. Heat treatment (normalizing, tempering) is often beneficial for homogenizing microstructure and improving toughness. The data provided are based on the ASTM A204/A204M-18 edition. Always refer to the latest standard revision for current requirements.

Weldability: Preheating (150-200°C) and post-weld heat treatment (620-680°C) are recommended, especially for thick sections. Filler metal with matching Mo content (e.g., ER80S-B2 or E8018-B2) is suitable.

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