What sizes are available for ASME SA 517 Grade E ?
ASME SA 517 Grade E is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate commonly available in thicknesses up to 6 inches (150 mm), though some suppliers offer ranges from 4 mm up to 400 mm. Typical width and length dimensions range from 1000 mm – 4000 mm and 4000 mm – 12000 mm respectively, often used for pressure vessels.
ASME SA517 Grade E is a low-alloy, high-strength steel that derives its mechanical properties from a precise heat-treatment cycle. By quenching the steel in water or oil and then tempering it at no less than 1150F (620C), the material transforms into a tempered martensite that offers a 100 ksi yield point. The Grade E variant is specifically alloyed to ensure that this transformation occurs evenly throughout plates as thick as 150 mm, making it one of the strongest and most reliable materials available for massive pressure containment.
Key Characteristics
Cr-Mo-Cu Alloying: Chromium for hardness, Molybdenum for strength, and Copper for corrosion/hardenability.
Fatigue Resistance: Excellent performance under cyclic loading conditions.
Tempered Martensite: A microstructure that balances extreme strength with necessary toughness.
Low Carbon Equivalent (Relative): Optimized for weldability despite the high strength level.
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. SA387 Grade 22)
Heat Treatment: SA517 is Q&T; SA387 is usually Annealed or Normalized and Tempered.
Tensile Strength: SA517 (115 ksi) is nearly double that of SA387 Gr. 22 (75ksi).
Service Temp: SA387 is for high-temp creep service; SA517 is for high-strength at moderate temps.
Hardness: SA517 is much harder and more wear-resistant.
Common Applications
Nuclear Shielding Vessels: Used where high density and strength are required.
Offshore Manifolds: High-pressure subsea oil and gas distribution systems.
Gas Liquefaction Components: The initial high-pressure stages of LNG processing.
Hydraulic Accumulators: High-pressure cylinders for industrial fluid power.
What is the Brinell hardness for 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 are the advantages of using SA517 Grade E?
The key advantages of using ASME SA517 Grade E include its high strength, excellent weldability, and resistance to high-temperature conditions. Its toughness at low temperatures ensures it can be used in environments where other materials may become brittle. It also offers good machinability, making it suitable for fabrication into complex parts for pressure vessels and other critical components.
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.
|
Grade/ Material |
Element |
Composition( Max-A, Min-I) |
|
SA517 Grade E/ SA517 GrE |
C |
0.12-0.20 |
|
Mn |
0.40-0.70 |
|
|
Si |
0.10-0.40 |
|
|
P |
0.035 |
|
|
S |
0.035 |
Mechanical Properties( Mpa)
|
Grade/ Material |
Tensile Test |
Ksi/MPa |
|
SA517 Grade E/ SA517 GrE |
Tensile Strength |
115-135/795-930 |
|
Yield Strength |
100/690 |
|
|
Elongation |
16% |
|
|
Impact Test( if any) |
1. What is the maximum thickness of SA517 Grade E?
The maximum thickness of ASME SA517 Grade E is generally limited to 4 inches (102 mm) depending on the specific application and welding requirements. For plates thicker than 2 inches, additional post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is often necessary to relieve residual stresses and ensure that the material's strength and toughness are maintained.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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 silicon content in SA517 Grade E?
The silicon content in ASME SA517 Grade E typically ranges from 0.15% to 0.40%. Silicon is an important element that helps improve the steel's deoxidation and resistance to high-temperature oxidation. It contributes to the material's strength and heat resistance, which is particularly important for applications that involve high-temperature, high-pressure conditions, such as in pressure vessels and reactors.
7. 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.
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