ASTM A537
Basic Info
The ASTM A537 standard specifies the standard specifications for hot-rolled carbon steel plates used for manufacturing high-temperature pressure vessels. These steel plates have excellent heat resistance and strength, and perform excellently under high temperature and high pressure conditions. Commonly used in fields such as nuclear power plants, chemical plants, and petrochemical equipment. This standard covers the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional requirements of steel plates, ensuring that products meet the requirements and quality standards of engineering design.
Characteristics
High Yield Strength: ASTM A537 steel exhibits a high yield strength, enabling it to withstand significant levels of stress and pressure.
Good Notch Toughness: This steel grade possesses good notch toughness, meaning it can resist cracking and fracture under stress, making it suitable for applications subjected to impact loading.
Excellent Weldability: ASTM A537 steel is known for its excellent weldability, allowing for ease of fabrication and assembly during the manufacturing process.
Moderate to Low Temperature Service: It is designed for use in moderate to low temperature service conditions, typically in the range of -20°C to 100°C (-4°F to 212°F).
Pressure Vessel Steel: ASTM A537 steel is primarily used in the construction of boilers and pressure vessels for various industries such as petrochemical, power generation, and oil and gas.
ASTM A537 Data Sheet
Steel Grade
Dimensions and Tolerances
Equivalent Steel Grades
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
Fabrication and Welding
Steel Grade
ASTM A537 Class 1
- Description: Heat-treated carbon manganese-silicon steel plate primarily used for pressure vessel applications in moderate to lower temperature service.
ASTM A537 Class 2
- Description: Heat-treated carbon manganese-silicon steel plate with higher yield and tensile strength than Class 1, suitable for pressure vessel applications in moderate to lower temperature service.
ASTM A537 Class 3
- Description: Heat-treated carbon manganese-silicon steel plate with even higher yield and tensile strength than Class 2, designed for pressure vessel applications in moderate to lower temperature service.
Dimensions and Tolerances
Shape: Rectangular Plates
Width: 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum
Thickness: 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) to 4 inches (102 mm)
Length: Up to 480 inches (12.2 meters)
Tolerance Width:
- Over 8 inches (203 mm) to 12 inches (305 mm): ±1/4 inch (±6.4 mm)
- Over 12 inches (305 mm): ±1/8 inch (±3.2 mm)
Tolerance Length:
- Over 8 feet (2438 mm) to 12 feet (3658 mm): ±1/4 inch (±6.4 mm)
- Over 12 feet (3658 mm): ±1/8 inch (±3.2 mm)
Flatness: As specified in ASTM A6/A6M
Surface Finish: As specified in ASTM A6/A6M
Equivalent Steel Grades
United States
- Equivalent Grade: ASME SA537 Class 1
- Standard: ASME SA537/SA537M
- Notes: Equivalent standard and grade in the United States
United Kingdom
- Equivalent Grade: BS 1501-224-490A/B
- Standard: BS 1501
- Notes: British standard equivalent for pressure vessel steel
Germany
- Equivalent Grade: DIN 17155 19Mn6
- Standard: DIN 17155
- Notes: German standard equivalent for pressure vessel steel
Japan
- Equivalent Grade: JIS G3115 SPV490
- Standard: JIS G3115
- Notes: Japanese standard equivalent for pressure vessel steel
Chemical Composition
ASTM A537 Class 1:
- Carbon (C): 0.24 – 0.30%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.70 – 1.35%
- Phosphorus (P): 0.025%
- Sulfur (S): 0.025%
- Silicon (Si): 0.15 – 0.50%
- Copper (Cu): 0.35%
- Nickel (Ni): 0.25%
- Chromium (Cr): 0.25%
- Molybdenum (Mo): 0.08%
- Vanadium (V): 0.02%
- Nitrogen (N): –
ASTM A537 Class 2:
- Carbon (C): 0.24 – 0.28%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.70 – 1.35%
- Phosphorus (P): 0.025%
- Sulfur (S): 0.025%
- Silicon (Si): 0.15 – 0.50%
- Copper (Cu): 0.35%
- Nickel (Ni): 0.25%
- Chromium (Cr): 0.25%
- Molybdenum (Mo): 0.08%
- Vanadium (V): 0.02%
- Nitrogen (N): –
ASTM A537 Class 3:
- Carbon (C): 0.24 – 0.28%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.70 – 1.35%
- Phosphorus (P): 0.025%
- Sulfur (S): 0.025%
- Silicon (Si): 0.15 – 0.50%
- Copper (Cu): 0.35%
- Nickel (Ni): 0.25%
- Chromium (Cr): 0.25%
- Molybdenum (Mo): 0.08%
- Vanadium (V): 0.02%
- Nitrogen (N): –
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength (MPa)
- ASTM A537 Class 1: 485 – 620
- ASTM A537 Class 2: 485 – 620
- ASTM A537 Class 3: 485 – 620
Yield Strength (MPa)
- ASTM A537 Class 1: ≥ 345
- ASTM A537 Class 2: ≥ 415
- ASTM A537 Class 3: ≥ 455
Elongation (%) (min)
- ASTM A537 Class 1: 22
- ASTM A537 Class 2: 22
- ASTM A537 Class 3: 22
Reduction of Area (%) (min)
- ASTM A537 Class 1: 35
- ASTM A537 Class 2: 35
- ASTM A537 Class 3: 35
Charpy V-Notch Impact Test (J) (min)
- ASTM A537 Class 1: 70
- ASTM A537 Class 2: 70
- ASTM A537 Class 3: 70
Temperature (°C)
- ASTM A537 Class 1: -20
- ASTM A537 Class 2: -30
- ASTM A537 Class 3: -30
Fabrication and Welding
Fabrication:
Cutting
- Guidelines: Use mechanical cutting methods such as sawing, shearing, or flame cutting. Avoid excessive heat input to prevent degradation of material properties.
- Notes: Proper preheating may be required for thick sections to minimize internal stresses and distortion.
Forming
- Guidelines: Perform cold forming operations such as bending and rolling. Use a press brake or similar equipment to ensure uniform deformation and avoid excessive strain hardening.
- Notes: Avoid hot forming operations that can lead to reduced toughness and increased susceptibility to cracking.
Machining
- Guidelines: Use conventional machining techniques such as milling, drilling, and turning. Employ sharp tools and adequate coolant to minimize work hardening and tool wear.
- Notes: Preheat workpiece if necessary to reduce machining forces and extend tool life.
Welding:
Welding Processes
- Guidelines: Suitable processes include shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).
- Notes: Choose welding process based on material thickness, joint configuration, and desired mechanical properties.
Preheating
- Guidelines: Preheat base metal and maintain interpass temperature within specified range to reduce the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking. Consult welding procedure specifications (WPS) for recommended preheat temperatures.
- Notes: Preheat temperature and interpass temperature depend on material thickness, carbon equivalent, and welding parameters.
Welding Consumables
- Guidelines: Select welding consumables with matching or slightly higher tensile and yield strengths than base metal. Use low-hydrogen electrodes or wires to minimize hydrogen content in the weld deposit.
- Notes: Ensure proper storage and handling of consumables to prevent moisture absorption and degradation of performance.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
- Guidelines: Perform PWHT if required to relieve residual stresses and improve toughness. Follow specific PWHT procedures specified in applicable welding codes or standards.
- Notes: PWHT may be necessary for thick sections or when welding highly restrained joints to prevent cracking.
Other Info
ASTM A537 steel is often compared with other pressure vessel steels, such as ASTM A516, due to its similar application scope and mechanical properties.
Compared to ASTM A516, ASTM A537 steel typically offers higher tensile and yield strengths, making it suitable for applications requiring elevated levels of strength.
Engineers and fabricators may conduct material selection studies and evaluations to compare ASTM A537 with alternative materials based on factors such as cost, availability, and specific performance requirements for their application.
In summary, ASTM A537 steel offers a compelling combination of cost-effectiveness and sustainability, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and recyclability contribute to both economic savings and environmental stewardship, aligning with modern sustainability goals and practices.
