What is the difference between ASME SA 516 Grade 70 and ASME SA 516 Grade 60 ?
ASME SA 516 Grade 70 and Grade 60 are both carbon steel plates for moderate/low-temperature pressure vessels, with the main difference being that Grade 70 offers higher tensile strength (485–620 MPa) and yield strength (260 MPa min ) for high-pressure applications. Grade 60 provides superior ductility and weldability with lower strength (415–550 MPa,220 MPa min).
ASME SA516 Grade 70 is an internationally recognized pressure vessel steel plate that satisfies the mechanical and chemical requirements for medium-to-high strength applications. Because it is recognized by almost every major global engineering standard, it is the most frequently specified carbon steel for boilers and vessels. The material is produced to ensure that it maintains a fine grain size, which is critical for safety in environments where pressure fluctuations and thermal changes occur. Its "Grade 70" status confirms it has passed the most stringent tensile tests in the SA516 family.
Key Characteristics
Standardization: Easily cross-referenced with various international equivalents.
High Allowable Stress: Enables the design of thinner and lighter pressure components.
Ease of Maintenance: Vessels made of Gr. 70 are easy to inspect and repair in the field.
Versatile Thickness: Reliable performance in both thin-sheet and ultra-heavy plate forms.
Grade Designation
"SA": The "S" indicates Section II (Materials) of the ASME Code. The "A" signifies a Ferrous Material (iron-based).
"516": This identifies the specific material specification for "Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service."
"Grade 70": This represents the Minimum Tensile Strength of the steel, which is 70 ksi (70,000 psi or approx. 485 MPa). It is the highest strength tier within the SA516 specification.
Comparison (vs. SA516 Gr. 65)
Tensile Minimum: Gr. 70 starts at 70 ksi ; Gr. 65 starts at 65 ksi.
Hardness: Gr. 70 is slightly harder and more wear-resistant than Gr. 65.
Forming Energy: Gr. 70 requires more force for cold-bending and rolling due to its higher yield point.
Price Point: Gr. 70 is typically the pricing benchmark; Gr. 65 may sometimes carry a small premium due to lower stock levels.
Common Applications
Water Treatment Vessels: Large pressurized tanks for desalination or purification.
CO2 Capture Units: Vessels used in carbon sequestration technology.
Steam Headers: Large-diameter pipes that collect steam from multiple boiler tubes.
Mining Pressure Leaching: Vessels used to extract minerals from ore under heat and pressure.
What is the impact test requirement for ASME SA516 Grade 70?
ASME SA516 Grade 70 requires an impact test at temperatures of 0°F (-18°C) to ensure the material has sufficient toughness and resistance to brittle fracture. The test measures the material's ability to absorb energy without breaking. The required impact energy is typically 20 ft-lbs (27 J) minimum at the specified temperature. This test ensures the material performs well in low-temperature environments where brittleness could be a concern.
What are the welding considerations for ASMESA516 Grade 70?
Welding ASME SA516 Grade 70 requires careful control of heat input to prevent cracking and distortion. Preheating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) are commonly recommended for thicker sections to reduce thermal stresses. Proper selection of filler metals and welding techniques, such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is important to ensure strong, reliable welds without compromising material properties.
What is the corrosion resistance of ASME SA516 Grade 70?
ASME SA516 Grade 70 provides moderate corrosion resistance, especially when exposed to mild atmospheric conditions. However, it is not specifically designed for highly corrosive environments such as those found in seawater or acidic conditions. In aggressive environments, additional protective coatings or more corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel may be required to prevent premature degradation and ensure long-term performance.
ASME SA 516 GR.70 Chemical Composition:
| Chemical Composition | Maximum C % for thickness t (mm) | Mn % for thickness t (mm) |
Si % | P % max |
S % max |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-12.5mm | 12.5-25mm | 25-50mm | >50mm | ≤12.5mm | >12.5mm | ||||
| ASME A516 Gr 70 |
0.27 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.30 | 0.85-1.20 | 0.85-1.20 | 0.13-0.45 | 0.035 | 0.035 |
ASME SA 516 GR.70 Mechanical Property:
| Mechanical Property | Tensile strength (MPa) |
Minimum yield strength (MPa) |
Minimum elongation (%) gauge length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50mm | 200mm | |||
| ASME A516 Gr 70 |
485 - 620 | 260 | 21 | 17 |
1. What are the equivalents of ASME SA516 Grade 70?
ASME SA516 Grade 70 is equivalent to ASTM A516 Grade 70. Other international equivalents include EN 10028-3 P355GH, DIN 17155 19Mn6, and JIS G3115 SPV355. These materials share similar chemical compositions and mechanical properties, though specific testing standards and requirements may differ. Always check local regulations or consult with engineering professionals to ensure material compatibility in your application.
2. What is the maximum thickness for ASME SA516 Grade 70?
ASME SA516 Grade 70 plates are commonly available in thicknesses ranging from 3/16 inches (4.76 mm) to 4 inches (102 mm). Thicker plates may be used for specialized applications, but the material's ability to withstand pressure increases with thickness. For very thick plates, additional heat treatment and post-weld procedures are often required to ensure the desired mechanical properties are maintained.
3. What is the tensile strength of ASME SA516 Grade 70?
The tensile strength of ASME SA516 Grade 70 ranges from 70 ksi to 90 ksi (483–620 MPa). This provides the material with the ability to withstand high internal pressure and mechanical stress without failure. This tensile strength makes it a reliable material for use in pressure vessels, boilers, and other high-pressure systems, ensuring long-term structural integrity even in demanding applications.
4. What is the chemical composition of ASME SA516 Grade 70?
The chemical composition of ASME SA516 Grade 70 typically includes:,Carbon (C): 0.19–0.24%,Manganese (Mn): 0.60–1.35%,Phosphorus (P): ≤0.035%,Sulfur (S): ≤0.035%,Silicon (Si): 0.15–0.40%,These elements contribute to the material's high tensile strength, toughness, and resistance to thermal degradation, making it suitable for high-temperature pressure vessel applications.
5. What is the Brinell hardness for ASME SA516 Grade 70?
The Brinell hardness for ASME SA516 Grade 70 typically ranges from 130 to 160 HB. This range of hardness ensures the material maintains its strength and resistance to wear while still allowing for good weldability. The hardness level is optimized to balance strength, ductility, and resistance to deformation, making it suitable for high-pressure applications in demanding industries like oil and gas.
6. What is ASME SA516 Grade 70?
ASME SA516 Grade 70 is a carbon steel used for manufacturing pressure vessels and boilers. It is part of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and is widely utilized in industries such as power generation, petrochemical, and chemical processing. Known for its high strength and excellent weldability, it can withstand elevated temperatures and pressures, making it ideal for high-stress applications.
7. What is the elongation of ASME SA516 Grade 70?
For plates with a thickness of up to 1.5 inches (38 mm), ASME SA516 Grade 70 typically exhibits an elongation of 20% in 8 inches (200 mm). This high elongation value indicates the material's good ductility, allowing it to stretch without breaking under tension. The elongation properties are important for ensuring that pressure vessels made from this material can withstand high-stress conditions without failure.
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