What is ASME SA 517 Grade B material?
ASME SA 517 Grade B is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate primarily used for welded pressure vessels and storage tanks. It features a minimum yield strength of 100 ksi ( 690 MPa ) for thicknesses ≤2.5 inches, offering excellent tensile strength ( 115--135 ksi) and, often, good performance in low-temperature, subzero applications.
ASME SA517 Grade B is a high-strength, quenched and tempered (Q&T) alloy steel plate specifically designed for use in welded boilers and other pressure vessels. Unlike the SA516 series, which relies on carbon-manganese chemistry, SA517 Gr. B incorporates alloying elements like Boron, Chromium, and Molybdenum to achieve exceptionally high tensile and yield strengths. It is engineered for applications where reducing the weight of the vessel is critical, or where the internal pressure is so extreme that standard carbon steels would require impractically thick walls.
Key Characteristics
Extreme Yield Strength: Offers a minimum yield of 100 ksi, nearly triple that of standard carbon steel.
Quenched & Tempered State: Delivered in a heat-treated condition to ensure a fine martensitic structure.
Weight Efficiency: High strength-to-weight ratio allows for significantly thinner vessel shells.
Boron-Enhanced: Utilizes trace amounts of boron to improve hardenability across the plate thickness.
Grade Designation
"SA": "S" stands for Section II (Materials) of the ASME Code. "A" indicates it is a Ferrous Material (iron-based).
"517": This is the specific material specification for "Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, High-Strength, Quenched and Tempered."
"Grade B": This identifies the specific chemical composition and thickness range. Grade B is specifically alloyed with Chromium, Molybdenum, and Boron and is typically intended for plates up to 1.25 inches (32 mm) thick.
Comparison (vs. SA516 Grade 70)
Strength Level: SA517 Gr. B is nearly twice as strong in tension as SA516 Gr. 70.
Heat Treatment: SA516 is typically normalized; SA517 must be quenched and tempered.
Alloying: SA516 is carbon-manganese, whereas SA517 is a low-alloy steel.
Welding Difficulty: SA517 requires much stricter heat-input control to maintain the Q&T properties.
Common Applications
LPG Transport Tankers: Over-the-road trailers where weight reduction increases payload.
Hydro-Turbine Penstocks: High-head pipes in hydroelectric power plants.
Deep-Sea Submersibles: Pressure hulls for underwater research vessels.
High-Pressure Storage: Stationary tanks for compressed industrial gases.
Is ASME SA517 Grade B weldable?
Yes, ASME SA517 Grade B is weldable, but welding must be done with proper procedures and care due to its high strength. Preheating may be required for thicker sections, and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is often necessary to relieve residual stresses and ensure that the welded joints maintain the material's mechanical properties. Proper filler materials should also be selected to match the base material's composition.
What is the manganese content in ASME SA517 Grade B?
The manganese content in ASME SA517 Grade B typically ranges from 0.70% to 1.25%. Manganese plays a crucial role in enhancing the steel's strength, toughness, and hardness. It also improves the material's ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and other high-temperature, high-pressure applications.
What is the composition of carbon in ASME SA517 Grade B?
The carbon content of ASME SA517 Grade B typically ranges from 0.18% to 0.21%. This controlled carbon content contributes to the material's strength and hardness while maintaining good weldability. Carbon also plays an essential role in the material's overall toughness and resistance to high temperatures, ensuring that the steel performs well under stress and elevated conditions.
Mechanical Properties
|
Grade |
Thickness |
0.2% YS (ksi) |
UTS (ksi) |
Elongation in 2" 1) |
Reduction in area for rectangle specimens 2) |
Reduction in area for round specimens 3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
B |
4.78 - 31.75 |
100 |
115 - 135 |
16 |
35 |
45 |
Chemical Composition (ladle analysis)
|
C |
Mn |
P |
S |
Si |
Cr |
Mo |
V |
Ti |
B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0.15 - 0.21 |
0.70 - 1.00 |
0.025 |
0.008 1) |
0.15 - 0.35 |
0.40 - 0.65 |
0.15 - 0.25 |
0.03 - 0.08 |
0.01 - 0.04 |
0.0005 - 0.005 |
1. What is the chemical composition of ASME SA517 Grade B?
The chemical composition of ASME SA517 Grade B includes:,Carbon (C): 0.18–0.21%,Manganese (Mn): 0.70–1.25%,Phosphorus (P): ≤0.035%.Sulfur (S): ≤0.035%.Silicon (Si): 0.15–0.40%.These elements contribute to the steel's high strength, toughness, and weldability, making it suitable for high-pressure applications in industries where strength and durability are critical.
2. What are the applications of ASME SA517 Grade B?
ASME SA517 Grade B is commonly used in the construction of pressure vessels, boilers, and high-strength structural applications. Its excellent tensile strength and resistance to high temperatures make it suitable for critical environments in industries like power generation, petrochemical, and chemical processing. The material is particularly useful in pressure vessels that must withstand high pressures and extreme operating conditions.
3. What is the tensile strength of ASME SA517 Grade B?
The tensile strength of ASME SA517 Grade B typically ranges from 85 ksi to 100 ksi (585–690 MPa). This high tensile strength ensures the material can withstand high levels of stress and pressure, making it ideal for pressure vessels, boilers, and other applications that require exceptional strength and resistance to mechanical forces.
4. What is the sulfur content in ASME SA517 Grade B?
The sulfur content in ASME SA517 Grade B is limited to a maximum of 0.035%. Low sulfur content is critical in preventing the formation of sulfide inclusions, which can weaken the material and make it more prone to cracking, especially during welding. This helps ensure the material's strength and durability, especially in high-pressure applications.
5. What is the impact test requirement for ASME SA517 Grade B?
ASME SA517 Grade B requires impact testing to ensure toughness at low temperatures. Typically, an impact test is performed at 0°F (-18°C) to ensure the steel can absorb energy without fracturing. The required energy absorption is typically 20 ft-lbs (27 J) minimum. This ensures the material can maintain its structural integrity even in cold environments, reducing the risk of brittle fracture.
6. What is the yield strength of ASME SA517 Grade B?
The yield strength of ASME SA517 Grade B is typically 70 ksi (485 MPa) at room temperature. This high yield strength ensures that the material can resist deformation and failure under high-pressure conditions, making it suitable for use in the construction of pressure vessels, storage tanks, and other high-stress applications in the oil and gas, power, and chemical industries.
7. What is the hardness of ASME SA517 Grade B?
The Brinell hardness of ASME SA517 Grade B typically ranges from 190 to 235 HB. This level of hardness provides a good balance between strength and ductility, ensuring that the material is resistant to wear and impact while still being weldable and workable. It is crucial in applications that require strength and resistance to mechanical wear and pressure.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff
