What is the difference between SPV 355 and SPV 490?
SPV 355 and SPV 490 are JIS G3115 standard carbon steels for pressure vessels, differing primarily in strength: SPV 355 has a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa, while SPV 490 has a higher minimum yield strength of 490 MPa, making SPV 490 suitable for higher-pressure, higher-temperature applications requiring greater load-bearing capacity, though both offer good weldability for vessel construction.

SPV 355 is a high-strength low-alloy steel primarily used for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. With a tensile strength of 355 MPa, it is ideal for use in pressure vessels, boilers, heat exchangers, and pipelines in industries such as chemical processing, petrochemical, and power generation. The steel is valued for its creep resistance, toughness, and weldability in harsh operating conditions.
Key Characteristics
Tensile Strength: SPV 355 has a tensile strength of 355 MPa, providing good performance under medium-to-high pressure in applications like pressure vessels and boilers.
Corrosion Resistance: Exhibits good oxidation resistance in steam environments, making it ideal for high-temperature applications.
Weldability: SPV 355 is designed for easy welding with conventional methods such as MIG, TIG, and SMAW.
Heat Resistance: Reliable at 450°C–500°C, it ensures reliable performance in industrial systems exposed to thermal stress.
Toughness: SPV 355 offers excellent toughness, maintaining its strength under both ambient and high-temperature conditions.
Decoding the Name
SPV: Stands for Special Pressure Vessel, indicating its design for high-pressure environments like boilers and heat exchangers.
355: Represents the minimum tensile strength of 355 MPa, ensuring strength and reliability under demanding conditions.
SPV 355 is designed to provide strength and thermal stability in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
Comparison
Tensile Strength: SPV 355 has a minimum tensile strength of 355 MPa, while SA-516 Gr. 70, a commonly used carbon steel for pressure vessels, has a tensile strength of 485 MPa. This makes SA-516 Gr. 70 more suitable for higher-pressure environments.
Temperature Resistance: SPV 355 performs well at temperatures up to 500°C, whereas SA-516 Gr. 70 is typically rated for temperatures up to 400°C. This makes SPV 355 more appropriate for high-temperature applications in industrial boilers and heat exchangers.
Applications: SPV 355 is primarily used in high-temperature and high-pressure systems such as heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and boilers in industries like petrochemical and power generation. On the other hand, SA-516 Gr. 70 is commonly used in lower-pressure systems, such as oil refineries, nuclear reactors, and pressure vessels that require good weldability and formability.
Common Applications
Pressure Vessels: SPV 355 is commonly used in pressure vessels that operate under medium to high-pressure in industries like chemical processing and energy generation.
Boilers: Ideal for industrial boilers exposed to high-temperature steam conditions where thermal stability is crucial.
Heat Exchangers: Frequently used in heat exchangers for the chemical and petrochemical industries that require high-temperature heat transfer.
Pipelines: SPV 355 is used in pipelines for oil and gas transport, ensuring strength and corrosion resistance in medium-pressure environments.

What are the advantages of SPV 355?
Some key advantages of SPV 355 include:
High tensile strength of 355 MPa, which is suitable for medium-pressure applications.
Good weldability, making it versatile for welded structures like boilers and pressure vessels.
Resistance to creep and thermal fatigue, making it ideal for high-temperature service.
Toughness under impact, ensuring reliability in applications subjected to stress or shock loads.
Can SPV 355 be cold-formed?
Yes, SPV 355 can be cold-formed; however, the cold-forming process needs to be controlled. The material's relatively higher strength can make it more susceptible to cracking or reduced toughness if excessive deformation is applied. Proper control of forming processes is critical to maintaining the material's integrity.
What thickness range is available for SPV 355?
SPV 355 is available in plate thicknesses ranging from 6 mm to 100 mm or more, depending on the manufacturer. This allows the material to be customized for a wide range of applications, from thin-walled components to thick-walled pressure vessels, based on the specific engineering requirements.
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SPV355 Chemical Composition |
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Grade |
The Element Max (%) |
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|
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
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|
SPV355 |
0.20 |
0.55 |
1.60 |
0.030 |
0.030 |
Carbon Equivalent: Ceq = 【C+Mn/6+(Cr+Mo+V)/5+(Ni+Cu)/15】%
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Grade |
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SPV355 Mechanical Property |
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Thickness |
Yield |
Tensile |
Elongation |
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|
SPV355 |
mm |
Min Mpa |
Mpa |
Min % |
|
6-50 |
355 |
490-610 |
14% |
|
|
50-100 |
355 |
490-610 |
18% |
|
|
100-200 |
315 |
490-610 |
21% |
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1. How does SPV 355 perform in high-pressure applications?
SPV 355 is designed for medium-pressure applications. While it offers solid performance in pressures up to 355 MPa, it is not ideal for very high-pressure systems, where materials with higher tensile strength, like SPV 490 or SPV 450, would be more appropriate.
2. What are the chemical elements in SPV 355?
The chemical composition of SPV 355 includes key alloying elements such as carbon (C), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and nickel (Ni). These elements provide critical properties for high-temperature performance:
Chromium increases oxidation resistance.
Molybdenum enhances creep resistance and high-temperature strength.
Nickel contributes to toughness and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.
3. Is SPV 355 used for offshore applications?
Yes, SPV 355 is commonly used in offshore applications, especially in the oil and gas industry. Its high-temperature and high-pressure performance make it suitable for components exposed to thermal stresses and abrasive environments, such as pressure vessels, piping systems, and heat exchangers on offshore platforms.
4. What is SPV 355 steel?
SPV 355 is a low-alloy steel specifically designed for high-performance applications in pressure vessels, boilers, and heat exchangers. It exhibits a high degree of strength and toughness under both high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. The steel's composition includes elements like chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and nickel (Ni) to enhance properties such as oxidation resistance and creep resistance, which are critical in the high-temperature steam environments typical of power generation and petrochemical industries.
5. What is the carbon content in SPV 355?
The carbon content of SPV 355 typically ranges from 0.18% to 0.24%, which strikes a balance between strength and toughness. A moderate carbon content is crucial for achieving good weldability and ensuring the material's ability to perform well at elevated temperatures without becoming brittle.
6. How does the composition of SPV 355 affect its performance?
The presence of chromium and molybdenum in SPV 355 improves the steel's ability to withstand high temperatures and resist oxidation and creep. These elements also contribute to the steel's structural integrity under thermal and mechanical stresses, enabling it to function reliably in steam environments and high-temperature industrial processes.
7. How does SPV 355 perform under thermal cycling?
SPV 355 performs well under thermal cycling due to its creep resistance and toughness. Even after repeated heating and cooling cycles, it maintains its mechanical properties, making it ideal for use in boilers, heat exchangers, and other thermal systems subject to fluctuating temperatures.
If you want to learn more about SPV355 GNEE's products, you can send an email toinfo@gneesteels.com . We are more than happy to assist you.





