What is the thickness for ASME SA 517 Grade E ?
ASME SA 517 Grade E is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate typically available in thicknesses up to 6 inches ( 150mm ). It is designed for fusion-welded pressure vessels, with common applications requiring specific mechanical properties within a thickness range of
0.188 inches ( 4.78mm ) up to 6 inches (150mm).
ASME SA517 Grade E is a high-strength, quenched and tempered (Q&T) alloy steel plate designed for welded boilers and high-pressure vessels. While similar to other SA517 grades in strength, Grade E is specifically formulated with a robust chemical profile (including Chromium, Molybdenum, and Copper) that allows it to maintain its 100-ksi yield strength in much thicker sections, up to 6 inches (150 mm). It is the primary choice for heavy-wall containment systems where both massive internal pressure resistance and structural integrity are required without the excessive weight of standard carbon steel.
Key Characteristics
Deep Hardenability: Engineered to ensure uniform mechanical properties even in very thick plates.
High Yield-to-Tensile Ratio: Features a narrow window between yield and tensile points for maximum load efficiency.
Exceptional Toughness: Maintains high impact resistance at both ambient and lower temperatures due to the tempering process.
Fine-Grained Microstructure: Produced to fine-grain practice to prevent brittle fracture under high stress.
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 E": This identifies the specific chemical composition (Cr-Mo-Cu) and thickness range, allowing for plates up to 6 inches (150 mm) thick.
Comparison (vs. SA516 Grade 70)
Strength Profile: Grade E has nearly triple the yield strength (100 ksi vs 38 ksi).
Microstructure: Grade E consists of tempered martensite, while SA516 is ferrite-pearlite.
Weight Impact: Switching to Grade E can reduce vessel wall thickness by over 50%.
Thermal Processing: SA516 is often as-rolled or normalized; Grade E must be liquid quenched.
Common Applications
Heavy-Wall Nuclear Vessels: Secondary containment structures requiring high strength.
Large Spherical Storage: For pressurized gases in industrial refineries.
Hydro-Power Penstocks: High-pressure conduits for water in power plants.
Mining Autoclaves: Pressure leaching vessels operating at high temperatures and stresses.
What is the hardness of SA517 Grade E?
The Brinell hardness for ASME SA517 Grade E typically ranges from 190 to 235 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.
What is the phosphorus content in SA517 Grade E?
The phosphorus content in ASME SA517 Grade E is limited to a maximum of 0.035%. Phosphorus can lead to embrittlement, particularly during welding. Keeping phosphorus levels low ensures the material maintains its toughness and strength, especially in applications where high-pressure resistance and mechanical properties are critical.
What is the weldability of SA517 Grade E?
ASME SA517 Grade E is generally considered weldable, but due to its high strength and alloy content, care must be taken during the welding process. Preheating, controlled cooling, and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) are often necessary to prevent cracking and to ensure the welded joints have the same mechanical properties as the base material. Proper filler material selection is also important.
Chemical Requirements
*Elements represented in percentage
| Elements | Grade E % |
|---|---|
| Carbon | |
| Heat analysis | 0.12-0.20 |
| Product analysis | 0.10-0.22 |
| Manganese | |
| Heat analysis | 0.40-0.70 |
| Product analysis | 0.35-0.78 |
| Phosphorus, max | 0.025 |
| Sulfur, max | 0.025 |
| Silicon | |
| Heat analysis | 0.10-0.40 |
| Product analysis | 0.08-0.45 |
| Chromium | |
| Heat analysis | 1.40-2.00 |
| Product analysis | 1.34-2.06 |
| Molybdenum | |
| Heat analysis | 0.40-0.60 |
Tensile Requirements
| 2.50 in. [65 mm] and Under | Over 2.50 to 6 in. [65 to 150 mm] | |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 115-135 [795-930] | 105-135 [725-930] |
| Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa] | 100 [690] | 90 [620] |
| Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, % | 16 | 14 |
| Reduction of area, min, %: | ||
| Rectangular specimens | 35 | – |
| Round specimens | 45 | 45 |
1. What is the carbon content in SA517 Grade E?
The carbon content in ASME SA517 Grade E typically ranges from 0.15% to 0.20%. This low carbon content enhances the steel's weldability while maintaining its strength and toughness. The controlled carbon content ensures the material retains its high-performance properties without becoming too brittle or difficult to work with, even under high-temperature conditions.
2. What is the impact test requirement for SA517 Grade E?
ASME SA517 Grade E requires impact testing to ensure that the material maintains its toughness at low temperatures. The impact test is typically performed at 0°F (-18°C) to ensure that the material can absorb energy without fracturing. A minimum energy absorption of 20 ft-lbs (27 J) is typically required, ensuring the material's resilience in environments prone to low temperatures.
3. What are the chemical composition requirements for SA517 Grade E?
The chemical composition of ASME SA517 Grade E includes:,Carbon (C): 0.15–0.20%,Manganese (Mn): 0.60–1.20%,Phosphorus (P): ≤0.035%
Sulfur (S): ≤0.035%,Silicon (Si): 0.15–0.40%,These elements help the material achieve high strength, toughness, and resistance to high temperatures, ensuring that it performs well in applications where mechanical stress and elevated temperatures are common.
4. What are the common uses of SA517 Grade E?
ASME SA517 Grade E is used primarily in the manufacturing of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and boiler components that need to withstand high temperatures and pressures. It is ideal for applications in industries such as power generation, petrochemical processing, and heavy engineering, where strength, toughness, and resistance to elevated temperature conditions are crucial.
5. What is the sulfur content in SA517 Grade E?
The sulfur content in ASME SA517 Grade E is limited to a maximum of 0.035%. Low sulfur content is essential for ensuring that the material remains ductile and free from inclusions that could lead to cracking or weaknesses. This is especially important when the material is subjected to high-pressure conditions or during welding processes.
6. What is the tensile strength of SA517 Grade E?
The tensile strength of ASME SA517 Grade E ranges from 85 ksi to 100 ksi (585–690 MPa). This high tensile strength ensures that the material can withstand significant mechanical stress without failing. It is particularly suitable for applications where high strength is required, such as in the construction of pressure vessels, reactors, and other components subject to high pressure and mechanical forces.
7. Is SA517 Grade E weldable?
Yes, ASME SA517 Grade E is weldable, but due to its high strength and alloy composition, proper welding procedures must be followed. Preheating may be necessary for thicker sections, and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is often recommended to relieve residual stresses and prevent cracking. Careful selection of filler material and welding techniques will ensure strong, reliable welds.
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