ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

ASTM A662 Grade B Steel Plate: Properties, Equivalents & Pressure Vessel Applications

Detailed technical data for ASTM A662 Grade B steel plate including chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, international equivalents, and applications in pressure vessels and boilers.

Welding, hot forming, cold forming, cutting, machining, drilling

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Introduction

ASTM A662 Grade B (A662 Gr.B) is a carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate primarily designed for service in welded pressure vessels and boilers at moderate and lower temperatures. It belongs to a group of steels with improved notch toughness compared to ordinary carbon steels, making it suitable for applications where brittle fracture is a concern. Key characteristics:

  • Good weldability and formability
  • Reliable mechanical properties up to 200 mm thickness
  • Moderate strength with minimum yield of 275 MPa in thin gauges
  • Cost-effective solution for many storage and process vessels

The material is typically supplied in normalized condition to refine the grain structure and enhance toughness.

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Chemical Composition per ASTM A662 Grade B

The heat analysis requirements provide limits for the major alloying and impurity elements. Manganese and silicon improve strength and deoxidation, while restricted phosphorus and sulfur ensure good ductility and weldability. Residual elements such as copper, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum are usually present in minor amounts but are not specified unless by agreement.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.19 max
Manganese (Mn)0.85 - 1.50For plates > 50 mm, the minimum may be reduced to 0.80%
Phosphorus (P)0.035 max
Sulfur (S)0.035 max
Silicon (Si)0.15 - 0.40For thicknesses > 50 mm, silicon min. is 0.15%, max. still 0.40%

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following values are typical for carbon-manganese steel of this grade and are not part of the ASTM A662 specification. They are provided for design and engineering reference. Properties such as thermal expansion and thermal conductivity vary with temperature; average values over common ranges are given.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Room temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)205GPaTension, ambient
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.30Elastic range
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.5 × 10⁻⁶/K20–100 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.5 × 10⁻⁶/K20–200 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)0.46J/(g·°C)20–100 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.2Ω·mm²/mAt 20 °C

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties are dependent on plate thickness. The values below are minimum requirements unless a range is specified. Yield strength decreases for thicker sections, while elongation requirements also vary. A 180° bend test with a prescribed mandrel diameter is used to verify ductility. Impact toughness is not a mandatory requirement in the base standard but may be specified by supplementary agreement.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition / Thickness Range
Yield Strength (ReH)275 minMPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)260 minMPaThickness > 50–100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)250 minMPaThickness > 100–200 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)450–585MPaAll thickness
Elongation (A) in 200 mm23 min%Thickness ≤ 50 mm, 200 mm gauge
Elongation (A) in 200 mm21 min%Thickness > 50–100 mm, 200 mm gauge
Elongation (A) in 200 mm19 min%Thickness > 100–200 mm, 200 mm gauge
Elongation (A) in 50 mm25 min%Thickness ≤ 50 mm, 50 mm gauge
Elongation (A) in 50 mm23 min%Thickness > 50–100 mm, 50 mm gauge
Elongation (A) in 50 mm21 min%Thickness > 100–200 mm, 50 mm gauge
Bend Test180°, no cracksMandrel diameter = 2T (T = plate thickness)

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Direct Equivalent Standards and Replaceable Grade Recommendations

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10028-2P295GHHigher minimum yield (295 MPa); very close in composition and intended use
InternationalISO 630Fe 42BStrength range overlaps; check specific thickness requirements
JapanJIS G3106SM400BSimilar tensile range but different thickness tolerance; verify impact properties

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Application Introduction

ASTM A662 Grade B is widely used in welded pressure retaining equipment where service temperatures may be as low as -45 °C, depending on mandatory notch toughness requirements. Design considerations:

  • Ensure proper preheating and post-weld heat treatment when thick sections are welded.
  • Normalizing after forming restores toughness.
  • Compatible with most common welding processes (SMAW, SAW, GMAW) using appropriately matched low-hydrogen electrodes.

Product Applications: Pressure vessels (vertical and horizontal), Industrial boilers and steam drums, Heat exchangers and condensers, Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage tanks, Absorption columns and distillation towers, Atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks

Processed into products: Shell courses and main bodies, Dished, semi-ellipsoidal, and flat heads, Nozzle forgings and flange adapters, Support saddles and brackets, Internal trays and baffles, Manhole and inspection opening frames

Application industries: Petrochemical refining, Power generation (conventional and nuclear), Oil and gas (upstream and downstream), Chemical processing, Industrial gas storage and distribution, Shipbuilding (cargo tanks, pressure compartments)

ASTM A662 Grade B Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Similar / Alternative Pressure Vessel Steels

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
United StatesASTM A285Grade CLower strength, used for intermediate temperature vessels; not for low temperature
United StatesASTM A516Grade 60Lower carbon content, excellent low-temperature toughness; yield ~220 MPa
United StatesASTM A516Grade 65Common boiler plate, yield ~240 MPa; suitable for thicker sections
United StatesASTM A299Grade A / BHigher manganese, for elevated temperature vessels; yield ~275–310 MPa
EuropeEN 10028-2P265GHSimilar weldability, lower strength; good low-temperature toughness

Notes:

Supplementary requirements: ASTM A662 Grade B can be ordered with additional testing per ASTM A20/A20M, such as Charpy V-notch impact testing at specified temperatures, ultrasonic examination, or additional heat treatment. Certification: Material must be marked with heat number, manufacturer, and grade; test certificates (e.g., EN 10204 3.1) are typically provided.

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