FH40 SSAW Pipe Material

FH40 SSAW Pipe Material

FH40 SSAW Pipe: High-Strength Shipbuilding Steel for Low-Temperature Applications

Comprehensive data sheet for FH40 steel, a high strength hull structural steel used in spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes for marine and offshore applications. Includes chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, equivalent grades, and application guide.

Welding, hot rolling, cold forming, cutting, machining

FH40 SSAW Pipe Introduction

FH40 is a high-strength hull structural steel grade designed for ship and offshore structures operating at low temperatures. With a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa, it offers excellent weldability and impact toughness at -40 °C. FH40 SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded) pipes are manufactured from hot-rolled steel coils or plates and are widely used in marine risers, offshore platforms, and structural components. The steel is typically supplied in normalized or thermomechanically rolled condition, meeting classification society rules such as ABS, DNV, LR, and GB/T 712.

FH40 SSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of FH40 steel as per GB/T 712-2011. Microalloying elements such as Nb, V, Ti are often added to ensure fine grain size and strength. Residual elements are tightly controlled for weldability and toughness.

ElementTypical Value (≤)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.16Ladle analysis
Silicon (Si)0.50Max
Manganese (Mn)0.90 - 1.60Depending on thickness
Phosphorus (P)0.020Max
Sulfur (S)0.020Max
Aluminum (Al, total)≥ 0.015For grain refinement
Niobium (Nb)ᵅ0.02 - 0.05Optional, microalloying
Vanadium (V)ᵅ0.05 - 0.10Optional, microalloying
Titanium (Ti)ᵅ0.007 - 0.05Optional, microalloying
Nitrogen (N)0.009Max, for normalized steel
Copper (Cu)ᵇ0.35Residual element
Chromium (Cr)ᵇ0.20Residual element
Nickel (Ni)ᵇ0.40Residual element
Molybdenum (Mo)ᵇ0.08Residual element
Carbon Equivalent (CEV)0.40 (typical)For weldability assessment

FH40 SSAW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical physical properties of FH40 steel at room temperature unless otherwise noted. These values are representative for low-alloy structural steels.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20 °C
Elastic Modulus (E)206GPa20 °C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPa20 °C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3-20 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20 - 100 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.810⁻⁶/K20 - 200 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)13.510⁻⁶/K20 - 400 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)48W/(m·K)20 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45W/(m·K)100 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)40W/(m·K)200 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)480J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.25μΩ·m20 °C

FH40 SSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of FH40 steel at ambient temperature according to GB/T 712-2011. Values depend on thickness. Impact test temperature is -40 °C.

PropertyStandard ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 390MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 370MPaThickness > 50 - 70 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 350MPaThickness > 70 - 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)510 - 660MPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 20%Thickness ≤ 50 mm, gauge length 5.65√So
Elongation (A)≥ 19%Thickness > 50 - 70 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 18%Thickness > 70 - 100 mm
Charpy Impact (KV2)≥ 41 (longitudinal)J-40 °C, min average for set of 3
Charpy Impact (KV2)≥ 28 (transverse)J-40 °C, min average for set of 3
Bend Test (D = bend diameter, a = thickness)D = 3a, 180° no cracks-Thickness ≤ 25 mm

FH40 SSAW Pipe Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
InternationalASTM A131 / A131MFH40Marine steel
Norway/GermanyDNV GL RulesFH40Ship classification
United KingdomLR RulesFH40Lloyd's Register
USAABS RulesFH40American Bureau of Shipping
FranceBV RulesFH40Bureau Veritas
JapanNK Rules (ClassNK)FH40Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
South KoreaKR RulesFH40Korean Register

FH40 SSAW Pipe Application Introduction

FH40 SSAW pipes are designed for demanding structural applications requiring high strength and excellent low-temperature toughness. The spiral welded manufacturing allows cost-effective large-diameter pipes. Suitable for marine and offshore structures operating in cold climate regions.

Product Applications: Hull structures, Deck girders, Container ship frames, Offshore platform legs and braces, Marine risers and conductor pipes, Piling pipes, Wind turbine tower monopiles, Caissons, Port and dock structures

Processed into products: Welded tubular joints, Transition pieces, Jacket legs, Mud mats, Anchor piles, Shear keys, Pipe spools, Welded beams, Stiffeners

Application industries: Shipbuilding, Offshore Oil & Gas, Marine & Port Engineering, Bridge Construction, Wind Energy (Offshore Towers)

FH40 SSAW Pipe Similar/Alternative Materials

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
China/InternationalGB/T 712 / ASTM A131EH40Impact test at -20 °C, otherwise similar strength
China/InternationalGB/T 712 / ASTM A131DH40Impact test at -20 °C, less stringent
China/InternationalGB/T 712 / ASTM A131FH36Lower yield strength (355 MPa), same -40 °C toughness
EuropeEN 10025-4S420MLFine grain structural steel, similar strength, impact -50 °C option
EuropeEN 10025-3S420N/NLNormalized fine grain steel, comparable yield
USAASTM A572Grade 60Similar strength, not specifically for marine, lower Ceq

Notes:

For SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded) pipes, the base material shall comply with FH40 requirements, and the weld metal shall match the base material strength and toughness. Welding procedure qualification is necessary. Post-weld heat treatment may be required for thick sections. The steel can be supplied with various impact test options and through-thickness property requirements (Z-direction) per agreed specification. All values are for reference only and specific test certificates from the manufacturer must be followed.

  • Share

Processing Services

BBN supplies steel raw materials and provides product processing services according to customer requirements. .

Get In Touch

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida.

Contact Us

Drop Us A Message