ASTM A517 Grade P (A517GR P) Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

ASTM A517 Grade P (A517GR P) Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

ASTM A517 Grade P (A517GR P) Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate -

Complete material properties, chemical composition, mechanical and physical data for ASTM A517 Grade P (A517GR P) high-strength quenched and tempered alloy steel plate used in pressure vessels and boilers.

Quenching and tempering (Q&T), hot rolling prior to heat treatment; suitable for welding, forming, machining

ASTM A517 Grade P Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Introduction

ASTM A517 Grade P is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate specifically designed for welded pressure vessels and boilers. It belongs to the family of low-alloy steels under the ASTM A517 standard. Grade P provides a minimum yield strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) in thicknesses up to 63.5 mm, making it suitable for high-pressure applications. The steel is characterised by its good weldability, excellent toughness, and controlled chemical composition with additions of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and boron to ensure deep hardenability.

  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
  • Good notch toughness at low temperatures when specified
  • Used in construction of pressure vessels, boilers, chemical tanks, and hydroelectric penstocks

ASTM A517 Grade P Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of ASTM A517 Grade P is precisely controlled to achieve high strength and toughness. Boron is added to improve hardenability. Heat analysis limits as per ASTM A517/A517M standard.

  • Residual elements may be present but are not to exceed the limits specified in the standard.
  • Values are for heat analysis; product analysis may have slight permissible variations.
ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.15 - 0.21Heat analysis
Manganese (Mn)0.80 - 1.10Heat analysis
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.025Maximum
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.025Maximum
Silicon (Si)0.50 - 0.80Heat analysis
Nickel (Ni)1.20 - 1.50Heat analysis
Chromium (Cr)0.80 - 1.10Heat analysis
Molybdenum (Mo)0.45 - 0.60Heat analysis
Boron (B)0.001 - 0.005Heat analysis

ASTM A517 Grade P Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Physical Properties

The physical properties listed are typical for fully quenched and tempered Cr-Ni-Mo alloy steel similar to A517 Grade P. These values are not mandated by the ASTM standard but are representative for engineering calculations.

  • Density, elastic moduli, and thermal properties are room-temperature values unless noted otherwise.
  • Actual values may vary slightly with heat treatment and processing.
PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Temperature
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Room temperature
Young's Modulus (E)205GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaRoom temperature
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.29Room temperature
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.7×10⁻⁶ /K20 – 100 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)42W/(m·K)Room temperature
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg·K)Room temperature
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.23 ×10⁻⁶Ω·mRoom temperature

ASTM A517 Grade P Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties apply to test specimens taken from quenched and tempered plate in accordance with ASTM A517. Values depend on plate thickness. The bending test requires that the specimen bends to the specified angle without cracking.

  • Transverse specimens are normally used.
  • Charpy V-notch impact requirements are subject to purchaser's specification (Supplement S8).
PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 690MPaThickness ≤ 63.5 mm (2.5 in)
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 620MPaThickness > 63.5 mm to 150 mm (2.5 to 6 in)
Tensile Strength (Rm)795 - 930MPaThickness ≤ 63.5 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)725 - 930MPaThickness > 63.5 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 16%Gauge 50 mm (2 in) – all thicknesses; for plates ≤ 8 mm, 200 mm gauge may apply (min. 14%)
Bend Test – Mandrel Diameterd = 3a (180°)Thickness ≤ 63.5 mm; test at room temperature
Bend Test – Mandrel Diameterd = 4a (180°)Thickness > 63.5 mm; test at room temperature
Charpy Impact (KV)As per Supplement S8JTemperature and energy values to be agreed upon purchase

ASTM A517 Grade P Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Exact Equivalent Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country / RegionStandardGrade / DesignationRemarks
USAASME SA517/SA517MGrade PIdentical to ASTM A517 Grade P, for ASME pressure vessel applications
InternationalISO 9328-4P690Q (approximate)Not a direct equivalent; differs in boron and exact Ni/Cr/Mo ranges; requires engineering assessment

ASTM A517 Grade P Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Application Introduction

ASTM A517 Grade P is engineered for high-performance welded structures where a combination of high strength, good low-temperature toughness, and weldability is required. Typical applications include:

  • Pressure vessels and heat exchangers in chemical and petrochemical plants
  • Boiler drums and steam drums
  • Liquefied gas storage tanks and spheres
  • Hydroelectric penstocks and spiral casings
  • Heavy off-shore structures and jack-up rigs

Product Applications: Welded pressure vessels and columns, Boiler shells and steam drums, LPG and LNG storage spheres, Hydroelectric water turbine components (stay rings, spiral cases), Heat exchangers and process reactors, Heavy structural weldments in offshore platforms

Processed into products: Shell plates and heads (elliptical, hemispherical, flanged and dished), Transition sections and nozzle reinforcements, Stiffening rings and support skirts, Flanges and bolted closures, Wear plates and lifting lugs

Application industries: Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power Generation (fossil and hydro), Chemical Processing, Marine and Offshore Engineering, Industrial Boiler and Pressure Equipment Manufacturing

ASTM A517 Grade P Quenched & Tempered Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Similar / Alternative Materials

Country / RegionStandardGrade / DesignationRemarks
EuropeEN 10028-6P690Q (1.8880)Quenched and tempered, similar strength class, but boron is optional and chemistry differs; may serve as a substitute in some designs
USAASTM A517/A517MGrade FHigher Ni content (2.00-2.50%), no boron; strength properties similar to Grade P; used where boron-free steel is preferred
JapanJIS G3115SPV490Lower strength (≥ 490 MPa yield), but also for pressure vessels; can be considered for less demanding conditions
ChinaGB/T 1918912Cr2Mo1VR (quenched & tempered)Similar application but different chemical composition (Cr-Mo steel for hydrogen service); not a direct substitute for all uses

Notes:

The material is usually supplied in the quenched and tempered condition with a hardness commonly in the range of 250–300 HBW (not a specification requirement). Supplementary requirements such as ultrasonic examination (ASTM A435/A577), Charpy impact testing (Supplement S8), or simulated post-weld heat treatment can be specified upon ordering. Proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) practices should be followed to avoid heat-affected zone cracking. Thermal cutting and cold forming should be performed in accordance with fabricator's guidelines to preserve mechanical properties.

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