SA517 Grade B is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate that is specifically engineered for critical industrial applications, primarily serving in the manufacturing of pressure vessels and boilers. Renowned for its exceptional combination of toughness and weldability, this material is well-suited to endure harsh operating environments characterized by high pressure and extreme temperature fluctuations, all while strictly complying with the rigorous standards set forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to ensure structural reliability and safety.
SA517 Grade B pressure vessel steel chemical composition %
| Grade | C | Mn | P max | S max | Si | Ni | Cr | Mo | B | V | Ti | Z max | Cu max | Co max |
| SA517 Grade B | 0.15-0.21 | 0.70-1.00 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.15-0.35 | - | 0.40-0.65 | 0.15-0.25 | 0.0005-0.005 | 0.03-0.08 | 0.01-0.04 | - | - | - |
SA517 Grade B pressure vessel steel Mechanical properties
| Grade | Thickness (mm) | Yield strength ReH MPa min | Tensile strength Rm MPa | Elongation A% min | |
| 200mm | 50mm | ||||
| SA517 Grade B | t≤25 | 690 | 795-930 | - | 16 |
| 25﹤t | 620 | 725-930 | - | 14 | |
processing
1. Welding
SA517 Grade B is weldable, but requires strict adherence to ASME Section II Part A and Section VIII requirements.
Low Hydrogen Practices: Essential to prevent cold cracking.
Preheat/Interpass Control: Maintain a preheat temperature as close to 200°F (93°C) as possible without going below it.
Consumables: Use electrodes like E10018M or E11018M to match the high tensile strength.
Reheat Cracking: This grade is susceptible to cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) during Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT); consult a welding engineer before stress relieving.
2. Cutting & Machining
Thermal Cutting: Oxy-fuel flame cutting is standard for thick plates. Plasma or laser cutting can be used for thinner sections, but beware of the hardened "heat-affected zone" left on the cut edge.
Machining: Generally more difficult than standard mild steel due to its hardness (Q&T condition).
Use carbide tooling with high-lubricity coolants to manage heat.
Maintain steady feeds and speeds to avoid work-hardening.
Stress relieving before final machining can improve dimensional stability.
3. Forming
Cold Forming: Possible, though the high yield strength (100 ksi) requires significantly more force and larger bend radii than standard grades to avoid cracking.
Hot Forming: If the material is heated above its tempering temperature (typically 1150°F / 620°C), it must be re-quenched and tempered to restore its specified mechanical properties.
4. Heat Treatment
Standard Condition: Supplied as Quenched and Tempered.
Parameters: Heating to at least 1650°F (900°C), quenching in water or oil, and tempering at no less than 1150°F (620°C).
Primary Applications
Pressure Vessels and Tanks: The main application for SA517 Grade B is in the manufacture of unfired pressure vessels and various tanks. Its high strength-to-weight ratio allows for thinner walls in vessel design, making it suitable for demanding conditions.
Boilers: It is a standard material for fusion welded boilers, where its properties ensure durability and safety under pressure.
Cryogenic Storage and Transport: Its good toughness properties at low temperatures make it an ideal alloy for the storage and transportation of liquid gas and other cryogenic materials in tanks, as well as on road and railway tankers.
Industry Uses
Due to its high strength and durability, SA517 Grade B steel is used across several heavy industries, including:
Petrochemical and Oil & Gas: For equipment that needs to withstand high pressure and varying temperatures.
Nuclear Power: Used for mechanical module supports and other critical components in nuclear power plants.
Construction & Heavy Machinery: While the A514 equivalent is more common for structural work, A517 Grade B is also used in certain heavy-duty applications such as in excavators, mining equipment, and mineral transport vehicles where strength and durability are paramount.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
What are the main chemical components of SA517 Grade B?
The key chemical components include carbon (C: 0.15-0.21%), manganese (Mn: 0.85-1.15%), silicon (Si: 0.15-0.35%), chromium (Cr: 0.80-1.10%), molybdenum (Mo: 0.45-0.60%), and small amounts of phosphorus and sulfur.
What are the common applications of SA517 Grade B?
It is widely used in manufacturing pressure vessels, boiler shells, steam drums, and offshore oil and gas equipment, as well as in petrochemical and power generation industries requiring high-temperature and high-pressure resistance.
What surface conditions are required for SA517 Grade B plates?
Plates should have a clean surface free of scale, rust, oil, grease, and other contaminants. Common surface finishes include hot-rolled, pickled and oiled, or shot-blasted to ensure good weldability and coating adhesion.
What is the elongation requirement of SA517 Grade B?
It requires a minimum elongation of 16% in 50 mm (2 inches) according to ASME SA-517. This elongation ensures the material has sufficient ductility to withstand deformation without cracking.
How to inspect the quality of SA517 Grade B plates?
Common quality inspections include chemical composition analysis (via spectroscopy), mechanical property testing (tensile, impact, hardness tests), ultrasonic testing (UT) for internal defects, and visual inspection for surface flaws.
What is the maximum service temperature of SA517 Grade B?
Its maximum continuous service temperature is around 450°C (842°F). Beyond this temperature, the material's strength and toughness may degrade, affecting long-term structural stability and performance.
What standards does SA517 Grade B comply with?
It complies with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, specifically ASME SA-517. This standard specifies requirements for high-strength carbon and alloy steel plates for pressure vessels.
What is the Brinell hardness of SA517 Grade B?
The typical Brinell hardness (HB) of SA517 Grade B ranges from 207 to 269. This hardness range balances strength and ductility, making the material suitable for heavy-duty structural applications.
Is SA517 Grade B weldable? If yes, what welding methods are recommended?
Yes, it is weldable. Recommended welding methods include shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW) with proper preheat.
What is the minimum tensile strength of SA517 Grade B?
SA517 Grade B has a minimum tensile strength of 690 MPa (100,000 psi) and a minimum yield strength of 517 MPa (75,000 psi), ensuring high structural integrity under heavy load and high-pressure conditions.