ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate
ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate - High Strength Quenched and Tempered Alloy for Pressure Vessels and Boilers
Comprehensive technical data for ASTM A517 Grade A (A517GR A) pressure vessel and boiler steel plate: chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, equivalent grades, and application guidelines.
Quenching and tempering, hot rolling, cutting, cold or hot forming, welding (low hydrogen processes)
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ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate Introduction
ASTM A517 Grade A is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate designed for welded pressure vessels and boilers under ASTM A517/A517M. It combines a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) with good weldability and toughness.
- Alloying with chromium, molybdenum, and zirconium provides deep hardenability and uniform mechanical properties across thick sections.
- It is supplied in the quenched and tempered condition, offering an optimum balance of strength and ductility.
- Typical applications include large storage spheres, reactor shells, and heavy-wall boiler drums where high design stresses allow weight reduction.
When proper welding and heat treatment procedures are followed, the steel performs reliably in demanding pressure containment service.
ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate Chemical Composition
Chemical requirements according to ASTM A517/A517M for Grade A. The steel is characterized by controlled additions of chromium, molybdenum, and zirconium to achieve deep hardening and high strength. Phosphorus and sulfur are limited to ensure cleanliness and weldability.
| Element | Specified Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15–0.21 | Heat analysis |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.80–1.10 | Heat analysis |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.035 | |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.035 | |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40–0.80 | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.50–0.80 | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.18–0.28 | |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 0.05–0.15 | |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties
Representative physical data for quenched and tempered low-alloy steel of this type. These values are not specified in ASTM A517 but are useful for design calculations. Properties are at room temperature unless otherwise noted.
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Condition/Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (ρ) | 7.85 | g/cm³ | Approximate |
| Elastic Modulus (E) | 200 | GPa | Typical for steel |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 80 | GPa | Calculated (E, ν) |
| Poisson's Ratio (ν) | 0.3 | — | Typical |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α) | 11.7 x 10⁻⁶ /K | 20–100 °C | |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 42 | W/(m·K) | At 20 °C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 460 | J/(kg·K) | At 20 °C |
| Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ) | 0.20 x 10⁻⁶ | Ω·m | At 20 °C |
ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate Mechanical Properties
Minimum tensile and bend requirements for ASTM A517 Grade A plates in the quenched and tempered condition. Values apply to plates ≤65 mm thickness; for thicker plates, reduction in strength may be permitted per the standard. Elongation is measured on a 50 mm gauge length.
| Property | Required Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥690 | MPa | t ≤ 65 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 795–930 | MPa | t ≤ 65 mm |
| Elongation (A) (50 mm) | ≥16 | % | t ≤ 65 mm |
| Bending Test (180°) | d = 2.5a (no cracks) | — | t ≤ 65 mm |
ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate Identical/Equivalent Grade Recommendations
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM A517/A517M | A517 Grade A | Original specification – completely equivalent |
ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate Application Introduction
The high strength-to-weight ratio of ASTM A517 Grade A enables thinner wall designs, reducing material cost and welding time. Applications demand careful control of preheat, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment to maintain toughness in the heat-affected zone.
Product Applications: Pressure vessels (reactors, separators), Boiler drums and shells, Spherical storage tanks (LPG, ammonia), Penstocks and water hammer arrestors, Thick-wall high-pressure piping and manifolds
Processed into products: Reactor shell plates, Heat exchanger shells, Column and tower sections, Storage tank cylindrical and spherical segments, Lift trunnions and heavy structural attachments
Application industries: Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power Generation, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Manufacturing, Heavy Engineering and Construction
ASTM A517 Grade A Steel Plate Similar or Alternative Grade Recommendations
| Country/Region | Standard | Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 10028-6 | P690Q (1.8881) | Quenched and tempered pressure vessel steel; similar strength (≥690 MPa YS), but contains Ni, Nb and no Zr. |
| International (obsolete) | ISO 4950-2 | E690DD | Former high-yield steel plate; comparable tensile properties, slightly different chemistry. |
| China | GB/T 19189 | — | No direct high-strength Cr-Mo-Zr grade; 07MnNiMoDR has lower strength (≥490 MPa). |
Notes:
- Charpy V-notch impact testing is not mandatory but can be added as a supplementary requirement (e.g., SR5, SR6) per ASTM A517.
- Maximum plate thickness normally produced is around 65 mm for guaranteed properties; thicker plates may require separate agreement on mechanical properties.
- For hydrogen service or sour environments, additional testing and special heat treatment practices are recommended.
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