Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate: GB713 Standard, Properties & Equivalents

Detailed material data for Q345R steel plate according to GB/T 713, including chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, normalizing, tempering, quenching, welding, cutting, forming

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Introduction

Q345R is a low-alloy high-strength steel plate specifically designed for pressure vessels and boilers under the Chinese standard GB/T 713. It offers a minimum yield strength of 345 MPa in the as-rolled or normalized condition and excellent weldability with proper procedures. The steel is characterized by controlled carbon content, Mn addition for strength and toughness, and full aluminum killing for fine grain structure. It is widely used for welded pressure vessels operating at moderate temperatures and pressures. The material provides good notch toughness at 0°C and reliable performance in low-temperature environments when specified. Its balanced composition ensures good formability and resistance to brittle fracture.

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition below complies with GB/T 713-2014 for Q345R steel. All values are in weight percent (mass fraction) based on heat analysis. The steel is fully killed with aluminum and may contain microalloying elements such as Nb, V, Ti for grain refinement and strength enhancement. Carbon equivalent (CEV) limits may be applied by agreement.

Chemical ElementStandard ValueRemarks
C≤0.20Carbon
Si≤0.55Silicon
Mn1.20~1.60Manganese
P≤0.025Phosphorus
S≤0.010Sulfur
Cu≤0.30Copper (residual)
Ni≤0.30Nickel (residual)
Cr≤0.30Chromium (residual)
Mo≤0.08Molybdenum
V≤0.050Vanadium
Nb≤0.050Niobium
Ti≤0.030Titanium
Alt≥0.020Total aluminum (acid-soluble Al ≥0.015)
Ceq≤0.45Carbon equivalent: CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15, as agreed

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for Q345R steel at room temperature unless otherwise noted. These values are derived from general carbon-manganese steel data and are suitable for engineering design calculations. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact composition and heat treatment.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)~7850kg/m³20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)~212GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)~81GPaRoom temperature, typical
Poisson's Ratio (ν)~0.29Room temperature, typical
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)~11.510⁻⁶/K20~100°C, average
Thermal Conductivity (λ)~50W/(m·K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)~460J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)~0.2µΩ·m20°C

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are guaranteed according to GB/T 713-2014 for Q345R in delivery condition. Test specimens are taken in the transverse direction (for plates) or longitudinal for wide flats. Impact test temperature is 0°C. Bend test uses full-thickness specimens (b ≥ 35 mm). Property values may vary with plate thickness; multiple ranges are shown.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥345MPaThickness ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥335MPa16 mm < thickness ≤ 36 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥325MPa36 mm < thickness ≤ 60 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥305MPa60 mm < thickness ≤ 100 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥285MPa100 mm < thickness ≤ 150 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥265MPa150 mm < thickness ≤ 200 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)470~630MPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)470~610MPa100 mm < thickness ≤ 200 mm
Elongation (A)≥20%Thickness ≤ 200 mm, gauge L0=5.65√S0
Impact Energy (KV2)≥41JThickness ≤ 60 mm, 0°C, longitudinal
Impact Energy (KV2)≥34J60 mm < thickness ≤ 200 mm, 0°C, longitudinal
Bend Test (180°)d=2aThickness ≤ 16 mm, b ≥ 35 mm
Bend Test (180°)d=3aThickness > 16 mm, b ≥ 35 mm

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitutable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 713-2014Q345RReference grade, pressure vessel plate
USAASTM A516/A516MGrade 70Close equivalent; carbon steel plate for moderate/lower temperature service. Check thickness and impact requirements.
European UnionEN 10028-2P355GHClose equivalent; elevated temperature pressure vessel steel. Similar strength.
JapanJIS G3115SPV355Close equivalent; pressure vessel steel for intermediate and moderate temperature service.
InternationalISO 9328-2P355Close equivalent; steel plates for pressure purposes, elevated temperature.

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Application Introduction

Q345R is primarily used in welded pressure vessels and boiler drums operating at moderate temperatures (typically up to 400°C). Its good weldability and toughness make it suitable for critical components. Preheating may be required for thicker sections or when welding with low hydrogen processes. Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is often applied according to construction codes (e.g., ASME BPVC, GB 150).

Product Applications: Pressure vessels (separators, scrubbers, columns), Boiler drums and shells, Heat exchangers, Storage tanks (LPG, ammonia, etc.), Reactors, Desalination equipment

Processed into products: Shell courses (cylindrical and spherical), Elliptical and torispherical heads, Flanges and blind flanges, Tube sheets, Nozzles and reinforcement pads, Internal support structures and baffles

Application industries: Oil & Gas, Chemical Processing, Power Generation, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical Equipment, Fertilizer Plants, Shipbuilding (pressure parts)

Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A516/A516MGrade 65Similar; lower strength (min YS 240 MPa), suitable for less demanding pressure vessel applications.
European UnionEN 10028-2P295GHSimilar; lower strength (min YS 295 MPa), good formability and weldability.
JapanJIS G3115SPV315Similar; lower strength (min YS 315 MPa), used for general pressure vessels.
ChinaGB/T 713-2014Q370RHigher strength variant (min YS 370 MPa), used when design requires thinner walls. Not directly interchangeable without re-evaluation.
ChinaGB/T 713-2014Q245RLower strength (min YS 245 MPa), good for low-pressure vessels and boilers.

Notes:

Welding considerations: Q345R exhibits good weldability with low-hydrogen electrodes (E5015, E5016) or submerged arc welding. For thicknesses >30 mm or when carbon equivalent exceeds 0.43%, preheat to 100–150°C is recommended. PWHT: Stress relief annealing at 600–650°C for 1 hour per 25 mm of thickness is typical. Inspection: Ultrasonic testing is often specified for thick plates (>36 mm) according to GB/T 2970. Marking: Plates are marked with grade, heat number, and standard. For sour service applications, additional hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) testing may be required by supplementary agreement.

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