Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Data Sheet | GB/T 1591

Comprehensive material data for Q390A low alloy high strength structural steel according to GB/T 1591, commonly used for LSAW pipes, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, equivalent grades, and fabrication guidance.

Hot rolling, normalizing, welding

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Introduction

Q390A is a Chinese standard low alloy high strength structural steel defined in GB/T 1591-2018. It features a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa and good weldability, making it suitable for welded structures such as longitudinally submerged arc welded (LSAW) pipes. As a Grade A designation, it does not guarantee specific impact toughness. The steel is typically delivered in hot-rolled or normalized condition and is widely used in oil and gas transmission pipelines, bridge engineering, building structures, and heavy machinery. Its balanced chemical composition with microalloying elements (Nb, V, Ti) ensures fine grain strengthening and excellent mechanical properties across a range of thicknesses.

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Q390A is in accordance with GB/T 1591-2018. Values are heat analysis limits. Microalloying elements such as Nb, V, and Ti are added for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening. Phosphorus and sulfur are strictly controlled to ensure weldability and toughness.

Chemical ElementStandard Value (%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.20
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.50
Manganese (Mn)1.00 - 1.60
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.035
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.035
Niobium (Nb)0.015 - 0.060Optional element
Vanadium (V)0.02 - 0.20Optional element
Titanium (Ti)0.02 - 0.20Optional element
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.30
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.30
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.30
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.10
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.015
Acid-soluble Aluminum (Als)≥ 0.015Optional, for grain refinement

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical values for low alloy structural steels at room temperature unless stated otherwise. They are not specified in GB/T 1591 but are commonly accepted engineering data for Q390A and similar grades.

PropertyStandard ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20 °C
Elastic Modulus (E)206GPa20 °C
Shear Modulus (G)79GPa20 °C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3020 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.0×10⁻⁶/K20–100 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)approx. 50W/(m·K)20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)approx. 460J/(kg·K)20 °C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.15 – 0.25Ω·mm²/m20 °C

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties are based on GB/T 1591-2018 for Q390A steel. The values depend on the nominal thickness of the product. For LSAW pipes, the wall thickness determines the applicable grade. Q390A does not have specified impact energy requirements (Grade A).

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 390MPaThickness ≤ 16 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 370MPaThickness > 16 mm to 40 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 350MPaThickness > 40 mm to 63 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 330MPaThickness > 63 mm to 80 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 310MPaThickness > 80 mm to 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)490 - 650MPaThickness ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 20%Thickness ≤ 40 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 19%Thickness > 40 mm to 100 mm
Bend Test (180°)d = aThickness ≤ 16 mm
Bend Test (180°)d = 2aThickness > 16 mm to 100 mm

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 1591-2018Q390AOriginal grade, base specification
InternationalISO 4950-2S355K2G3Similar yield 355 MPa, lower strength
European UnionEN 10025-2S355J0Closest available, yield 355 MPa
JapanJIS G3106SM490AYield strength ~325 MPa, lower
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 60 [415]Minimum yield 415 MPa, slightly higher

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Application Introduction

Q390A LSAW pipe and plate are widely used in welded structures where moderate strength and good weldability are required. The material can be easily fabricated by cutting, welding, and cold forming. It is commonly employed in industries requiring reliable structural integrity under static and dynamic loads.

Product Applications: Longitudinally Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW) pipes, Welded structural hollow sections, Heavy plates for bridge decks, Fabricated building frames, Machinery base frames

Processed into products: Oil pipeline segments and fittings, Offshore platform structural members, Bridge main girders and arch ribs, High-rise building columns, Crane booms and chassis, Pressure vessel shells

Application industries: Oil and Gas (transmission pipelines), Construction and Civil Engineering, Bridge Engineering, Shipbuilding, Heavy Machinery Manufacturing, Pressure Vessels

Q390A High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel LSAW Pipe Similar/Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 1591-2018Q345BLower yield strength (345 MPa), good for general structures
ChinaGB/T 1591-2018Q420AHigher yield strength (420 MPa), for more demanding applications
European UnionEN 10025-2S355J2Impact tested at -20°C, slightly lower strength
European UnionEN 10025-3S420NNormalized, yield 420 MPa, better toughness

Notes:

Q390A is a basic grade without impact test requirement; for low temperature or dynamic loading environments, consider upgrading to Q390C, Q390D, or Q390E. Welding consumables should be selected according to the base metal and service condition. Preheating and post-weld heat treatment may be required for thicker sections. Typical welding processes include SAW, SMAW, and GMAW.

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