P265GH is a non-alloy pressure vessel steel grade defined in EN 10028-2 for flat products used in pressure equipment intended for elevated temperature service. The designation P identifies pressure vessel application, 265 refers to the minimum yield strength in MPa for the thinnest thickness group, G indicates fine-grain steel, and H indicates suitability for elevated temperatures. P265GH is supplied in the normalized condition and is commonly used for industrial boilers, boiler drums, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and storage tanks in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
Chemical Composition
The heat analysis of P265GH is limited to carbon maximum 0.20%, silicon maximum 0.40%, manganese 0.80 to 1.40%, phosphorus maximum 0.025%, sulfur maximum 0.015%, and nitrogen maximum 0.012%. Total aluminum is at least 0.020% to provide fine grain practice. Additional elements are limited to copper 0.30%, chromium 0.30%, molybdenum 0.08%, niobium 0.020%, nickel 0.30%, titanium 0.03%, and vanadium 0.02%, with the sum of chromium, copper, molybdenum, and nickel limited to 0.70%. These controls ensure weldability and long-term service stability.
Mechanical Properties by Thickness
For plates up to 16 mm thick, the minimum yield strength is 265 MPa and the tensile strength is 410 to 530 MPa. From 16 to 40 mm, the minimum yield strength is 255 MPa; from 40 to 60 mm it is 245 MPa; from 60 to 100 mm it is 215 MPa; from 100 to 150 mm it is 200 MPa with tensile strength of 400 to 530 MPa; and above 150 mm it is 185 MPa with tensile strength of 390 to 530 MPa. The minimum elongation is 22% for plates up to 40 mm when measured in the transverse direction in accordance with EN 10028-2. Plates are available in thicknesses from 6 mm to 350 mm, widths from 1500 mm to 4200 mm, and lengths from 3000 mm to 18000 mm.
Testing and Certification
P265GH plates are normally verified by tensile testing, and low-temperature impact testing may be specified by the order. Additional services include simulated post-weld heat treatment testing, ultrasonic examination to EN 10160 or ASTM A435/A577/A578, and release documents issued under EN 10204 type 3.1 or 3.2. Third-party inspection can be arranged when required by the purchaser. Shot blasting, painting, and cutting to drawings can be performed before delivery.
Applications and Fabrication
Typical applications include industrial boilers and boiler drums, pressure vessels and reactors, heat exchangers and separators, oil and gas storage tanks, high-temperature pipelines, and power plant and petrochemical equipment. The grade welds readily by SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and SAW, and can be cold or hot formed without difficulty. For continuous plate service the design temperature is normally limited to about 400 C, and for pipes to about 450 C wall temperature, in line with the elevated temperature properties of non-alloy steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P265GH steel equivalent to?
P265GH is approximately equivalent to ASTM A516 Grade 60 in strength level, although the specifications differ in chemical limits and testing rules.
What is the tensile strength of P265GH?
The tensile strength is 410 to 530 MPa for plates up to 100 mm thick, 400 to 530 MPa for 100 to 150 mm, and 390 to 530 MPa above 150 mm.
What is the difference between P265GH and S355?
P265GH is a pressure vessel grade with tighter chemical control and better weldability for elevated temperature service. S355 is a structural steel grade with higher specified strength but different toughness and pressure-related requirements.
What is the difference between P235GH and P265GH?
P235GH has a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa and a tensile strength of 360 to 500 MPa. P265GH has a minimum yield strength of 265 MPa and a tensile strength of 410 to 530 MPa, offering better performance in higher-pressure environments.
What is the temperature range of P265GH material?
The steel is designed for continuous plate operation up to about 400 C and for pipes up to about 450 C wall temperature, with the governing code allowable stresses applied.
What is P265GH material?
P265GH is a weldable pressure vessel and boiler steel grade under EN 10028-2, suited to elevated temperature service in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and chemical industries.