EN10028-5 P420ML2

EN10028-5 P420ML2

EN10028-5 P420ML2: High-Strength Thermomechanical Steel for Pressure Vessels and Boilers

Detailed material data for EN10028-5 P420ML2, a weldable fine grain steel with minimum yield strength 420 MPa, used in pressure vessels and boilers. Includes chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, and international equivalents.

Hot rolling, thermomechanical rolling, cutting, forming, welding, machining

EN10028-5 P420ML2 Introduction

EN10028-5 P420ML2 is a weldable fine grain structural steel grade produced by thermomechanical rolling, specifically designed for pressure vessels and boiler construction. It belongs to the family of steels covered by the European standard EN 10028-5:2017. Characterised by a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa and excellent toughness at low temperatures (designated ML2 for -20°C impact testing), it offers good weldability and formability. The thermomechanical rolling process refines the grain structure, resulting in improved mechanical properties compared to normalised grades. This steel is suitable for service temperatures down to -20°C and is widely used in the fabrication of storage tanks, reactors, and other pressurised equipment where reliability and safety are critical. Its balanced chemical composition ensures good resistance to brittle fracture and allows for efficient fabrication processes, including welding without extensive preheating under controlled conditions.

EN10028-5 P420ML2 Chemical Composition

The chemical composition limits for P420ML2 are defined in EN 10028-5. All values are maximum unless otherwise stated. Fine grain practice is ensured by sufficient aluminium (Altotal ≥ 0.020%) and optionally microalloying elements such as Nb, Ti, V. The sum of Nb+Ti+V is limited to 0.22% to maintain weldability. Carbon equivalent (CEV) values are specified based on product thickness to ensure good welding performance without cold cracking.

ElementValue (%)Remarks
C≤ 0.17max
Si≤ 0.50max
Mn≤ 1.70max
P≤ 0.020max
S≤ 0.010max
Al total≥ 0.020min
N≤ 0.020max
Cr≤ 0.50max
Cu≤ 0.70max
Mo≤ 0.50max
Nb≤ 0.05max
Ni≤ 1.0max
Ti≤ 0.05max
V≤ 0.12max
Nb+Ti+V≤ 0.22max
CEV (typical)≤ 0.45 (t ≤ 16mm)
≤ 0.47 (16mm < t ≤ 40mm)
≤ 0.48 (40mm < t ≤ 63mm)
≤ 0.50 (63mm < t ≤ 100mm)
CEV = C+Mn/6+(Cr+Mo+V)/5+(Ni+Cu)/15

EN10028-5 P420ML2 Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for P420ML2 type carbon-manganese steel at room temperature and elevated temperatures. These values are not specified in the material standard but are provided for design and engineering purposes. Properties such as thermal expansion, conductivity, and specific heat vary with temperature, and typical data are given for a range up to 500°C. The density is assumed as standard for low-alloy steel.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitCondition / Temperature
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)210GPa20°C
Shear Modulus (G)81GPa20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.320°C
Thermal Expansion (α)11.110&supminus;&sup6;/K20 – 100°C
Thermal Expansion (α)11.910&supminus;&sup6;/K20 – 200°C
Thermal Expansion (α)12.510&supminus;&sup6;/K20 – 300°C
Thermal Expansion (α)12.910&supminus;&sup6;/K20 – 400°C
Thermal Expansion (α)13.310&supminus;&sup6;/K20 – 500°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m⋅K)20°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)49W/(m⋅K)100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)47W/(m⋅K)200°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)44W/(m⋅K)300°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)40W/(m⋅K)400°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)36W/(m⋅K)500°C
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg⋅K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity480J/(kg⋅K)100°C
Specific Heat Capacity500J/(kg⋅K)200°C
Specific Heat Capacity530J/(kg⋅K)300°C
Specific Heat Capacity560J/(kg⋅K)400°C
Specific Heat Capacity600J/(kg⋅K)500°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)~0.25μΩ⋅m20°C

EN10028-5 P420ML2 Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties for P420ML2 plates are specified according to EN 10028-5 at room temperature, in the transverse direction unless otherwise noted. Tensile test requirements vary with product thickness. The impact test temperature is -20°C (ML2 designation) with a minimum energy of 47 J on transverse Charpy-V specimens. Bending tests require a 180° bend without cracking, using a mandrel diameter that increases with plate thickness.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 420MPaThickness ≤ 16 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 400MPa16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 390MPa40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 370MPa63 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)530 – 680MPaAll thicknesses up to 100 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 19%t ≤ 40 mm, transverse, L0=5.65√S0
Elongation (A)≥ 18%40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 18%63 mm < t ≤ 100 mm
Impact Energy (KV)≥ 47J-20°C, transverse Charpy-V
Bend Test (180°)D = 2at ≤ 16 mm, a = specimen thickness
Bend Test (180°)D = 3a16 mm < t ≤ 40 mm
Bend Test (180°)D = 4a40 mm < t ≤ 63 mm
Bend Test (180°)D = 5a63 mm < t ≤ 100 mm

EN10028-5 P420ML2 Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country / RegionStandardDesignationRemarks
European UnionEN 10028-5:2017P420ML2Original designating standard
InternationalISO 9328-4:2018P420ML2Technically identical; thermomechanically rolled fine grain steel for pressure purposes
United KingdomBS EN 10028-5:2017P420ML2British adoption, identical to EN
GermanyDIN EN 10028-5P420ML2German edition of EN standard
FranceNF EN 10028-5P420ML2French edition, fully equivalent
ItalyUNI EN 10028-5P420ML2Italian edition, identical technical requirements

EN10028-5 P420ML2 Application Introduction

P420ML2 is optimised for pressure-containing equipment where good weldability, adequate toughness, and strength are required. Its thermomechanically rolled condition allows for thinner wall thicknesses compared to normalised steels, reducing weight without sacrificing safety. It is suitable for ambient and low-temperature service down to -20°C. The steel can be formed, bent, and welded using conventional methods. Preheating is generally not required for moderate thicknesses, but recommended practices for low-alloy steels should be followed.

Product Applications: Cylindrical pressure vessels, Spherical storage tanks (LPG, anhydrous ammonia), Industrial boilers and steam drums, Heat exchangers and condensers, Reactors and autoclaves, Pipeline fittings and flanges (for large diameter), Penstocks and surge tanks

Processed into products: Shell courses and wrappers for pressure vessels, Ellipsoidal and hemispherical heads (dished ends), Nozzle reinforcements and manhole frames, Tube sheets for heat exchangers, Flanges and blind flanges (machined from plate), Stiffening rings and support brackets, Welded joints in pressure envelopes

Application industries: Oil and gas (onshore and offshore), Petrochemical and chemical processing, Power generation (boilers, heat recovery), Liquefied gas storage and transportation, Water treatment and pressure piping systems, Shipbuilding (pressure hulls, LPG tanks)

EN10028-5 P420ML2 Closely Related Substitute Materials for Comparison

Country / RegionStandardDesignationRemarks
EUEN 10028-3P420NNormalised fine grain steel with similar strength; impact temperature -20°C (N) or -50°C (NL1). Different microstructure and delivery condition.
EUEN 10028-6P420QQuenched and tempered steel, minimum yield 420 MPa; may offer higher strength in thinner gauges but requires careful welding.
USAASTM A537Class 2Pressure vessel plates, carbon-manganese-silicon steel, heat treated. Yield approx. 415 MPa; toughness tested at -30°C. Not thermomechanically rolled.
JapanJIS G3115SPV490Steel plates for pressure vessels for intermediate and moderate temperature. Min yield 490 N/mm²; similar applications but higher strength grade.
InternationalISO 9328-2P420NNormalised weldable fine grain steel for pressure purposes; comparable strength, different rolling process.

Notes:

Welding: Use low-hydrogen processes (SMAW, SAW, GMAW) with appropriate consumables matching the base metal strength. Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT): Normally not required for thicknesses up to 40 mm but may be applied based on service conditions. Inspection: Ultrasonic testing per EN 10160 or equivalent is commonly specified. Ordering: Must specify the standard, grade, dimensions, and options (e.g., impact test temperature, additional testing). Plates are usually supplied with inspection certificate 3.1 according to EN 10204. Dimensional tolerances according to EN 10029.

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