What is the price for ASTM A202 Grade B ?
The price for ASTM A202 Grade B pressure vessel steel plates generally ranges between $700 and $1,200 per ton, depending on order volume and supplier. Bulk purchases (100+ tons) can lower costs to around $800 per ton, while smaller, 10-ton orders may be closer to $1,000 per ton.

ASTM A202 Grade B is a Chromium-Manganese-Silicon alloy steel that stands as a testament to the mid-century evolution of pressure vessel metallurgy. It was once a primary choice for high-strength requirements before the widespread adoption of Molybdenum-based alloys (Chrome-Moly) and advanced quenching techniques. Today, A202 Grade B is primarily encountered during the inspection, maintenance, and "fitness-for-service" evaluation of aging industrial assets. It represents a specific era of material science where alloy additions were the primary method for pushing the boundaries of pressure vessel capacity and thermal resistance.
Key Characteristics
Chemical Benchmarking: Serves as a baseline for comparing the efficiency of modern micro-alloyed steels.
Corrosion Threshold: Provides a mid-tier level of resistance between carbon steel and 400-series stainless steels.
Thermal Expansion: Exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to carbon steel, making it easy to integrate into mixed-material systems.
Historical Availability: Was once a globally available standard produced by major mills in the US and Europe.
Grade Designation
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials.
A: Ferrous material.
202: Standard for Cr-Mn-Si alloy plates.
Grade B: Higher strength classification.
Comparison (vs. SA285 Grade C)
Performance Tier: SA285 C is a low-strength, general-purpose steel; A202 Grade B is a high-strength engineered alloy.
Alloying: SA285 has almost no alloy content; A202 Grade B is heavily alloyed with Cr, Mn, and Si.
Cost: A202 Grade B was significantly more expensive due to the alloy additives and processing requirements.
Application: SA285 is for storage tanks; A202 was for critical high-pressure components.

Common Application
Legacy Refinery Vessels: Older distilling columns and separators in veteran refineries.
Steam Boiler Casings: The high-pressure boundaries of older utility boilers.
Historical Chemical Reactors: Vessels found in older chemical manufacturing plants.
Marine Steam Drums: High-pressure boilers used on vintage steam-powered ships.
Deaerator Tanks: Found in long-service life thermal power stations.
What is the primary chemical composition of ASTM A202 Grade B ?
ASTM A202 Grade B is a chromium-manganese-silicon alloy steel primarily used for welded pressure vessels. Its main chemical composition consists of carbon ( ≤0.25% ), manganese ( 0.97−1.52% ), silicon ( 0.54−0.96% ), chromium ( 0.35−0.60% ), with maximums of 0.035% for phosphorus and sulfur. It is designed for high-strength requirements at moderate temperatures.
What is the tensile strength of ASTM A202 Grade B?
The tensile strength of ASTM A202 Grade B ranges between 70 ksi to 90 ksi (485 to 620 MPa). This level of tensile strength allows the material to endure the mechanical stresses encountered in high-pressure environments. The strength, combined with its weldability and toughness, makes ASTM A202 Grade B suitable for applications in pressure vessels and boilers, especially in industries such as chemical processing and power generation.
What is the yield strength of ASTM A202 Grade B?
The yield strength of ASTM A202 Grade B is typically 50 ksi (345 MPa). This means that the material can withstand stresses up to this level without permanent deformation. The yield strength, along with its tensile strength and toughness, ensures that ASTM A202 Grade B is suitable for pressure vessel applications where mechanical loads and thermal stresses are significant, especially in boilers and heat exchangers.
|
A202 |
Chemical Element Content (Upper Limit %) |
|||||
|
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
Cr |
|
|
Grade B |
0.25 |
0.54-0.96 |
0.97-1.52 |
0.035 |
0.035 |
0.31-0.64 |
Mechanical Properties
|
A202 |
Tensile Strengthkis [MPa] |
Yield Strength kis [MPa] |
Elongation Gauge length 8in. [200mm], % |
Elongation Gauge length 2in. [50mm], % |
|
Grade B |
85-110 [585-760] |
47 [325] |
≧ 15 |
≧ 18 |
1What is the tensile strength of ASTM A202 Grade B?
The tensile strength of ASTM A202 Grade B ranges between 70 ksi to 90 ksi (485 to 620 MPa). This level of tensile strength allows the material to endure the mechanical stresses encountered in high-pressure environments. The strength, combined with its weldability and toughness, makes ASTM A202 Grade B suitable for applications in pressure vessels and boilers, especially in industries such as chemical processing and power generation.
2What is the impact toughness of ASTM A202 Grade B?
The impact toughness of ASTM A202 Grade B is generally adequate for most moderate to high-pressure applications. While it offers decent toughness at ambient temperatures, it is not recommended for low-temperature applications where the material could become brittle. For cryogenic environments or extremely low temperatures, other alloys like ASTM A537 may be more suitable due to their superior impact resistance in cold conditions.
3What is the chemical composition of ASTM A202 Grade B?
The chemical composition of ASTM A202 Grade B typically includes Carbon (0.18-0.22%), Manganese (0.60-0.90%), Silicon (0.15-0.30%), Chromium (0.90-1.20%), Molybdenum (0.30-0.60%), Phosphorus (≤ 0.035%), and Sulfur (≤ 0.035%). These elements give the steel its required strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion while ensuring it can handle high-pressure and high-temperature applications like those found in pressure vessels and boilers.
4What is the welding capability of ASTM A202 Grade B?
ASTM A202 Grade B has good weldability, allowing it to be welded using common methods like shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW). However, due to its high carbon content, preheating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) are recommended to avoid cracking and ensure the integrity of the welded joints, especially for thicker sections in pressure vessel fabrication.
5What industries use ASTM A202 Grade B?
ASTM A202 Grade B is widely used in industries requiring materials with good strength and thermal resistance under high-pressure conditions. These industries include power generation, chemical processing, and petrochemical industries. It is commonly used in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and boilers where resistance to high temperatures and corrosion resistance are essential for long-term reliability and safety in demanding applications.
6What is the hardness of ASTM A202 Grade B?
The hardness of ASTM A202 Grade B typically falls between 190 to 250 HB (Brinell hardness scale), depending on the specific heat treatment and processing. The hardness ensures the material can withstand wear and abrasion in pressure vessel applications. However, for materials exposed to extreme wear conditions, a higher hardness alloy may be required, depending on the specific needs of the application.
7What is the maximum temperature limit for ASTM A202 Grade B?
ASTM A202 Grade B is designed to perform well under high-temperature conditions, making it suitable for pressure vessels and boilers exposed to elevated temperatures. The inclusion of chromium and molybdenum in the alloy enhances its creep resistance and improves its strength at elevated temperatures, typically up to around 800°F (427°C). This makes it ideal for power generation and chemical processing.
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