
P460NH is a high-strength, fine-grain alloy steel plate designed for pressure vessel purposes, according to the European standard EN 10028-3.
Key Identification
EN Numeric Designation: 1.8935.
P: Denotes "Pressure purposes".
460: Refers to the minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (for thicknesses ≤ 16mm).
NH: Indicates suitability for high-temperature (elevated temperature) conditions and that the material is Normalized (N).
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Type | Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength MPa (min) |
Tensile Strength MPa |
Elongation % (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P460 NH | Normalized | ≤ 16 | 460 | 570 - 750 | 17 |
Chemical Composition
| P460 NH | |
|---|---|
| C | 0.20 |
| Si | 0.60 |
| Mn | 1.10 to 1.70 |
| P | 0.025 |
| S | 0.015 |
| Al | 0.020 |
| N | 0.025 |
| Cr | 0.30 |
| Cu | 0.70 |
| Mo | 0.10 |
| Nb | 0.05 |
| Ni | 0.80 |
| Ti | 0.03 |
| V | 0.20 |
applications
Pressure vessel fabrication, where it is employed in the production of reactors, heat exchangers, and storage tanks for the petrochemical and chemical processing industries. The material's high yield strength and good weldability allow for the construction of reliable and durable vessels capable of withstanding high internal pressures and temperatures.
Power generation equipment, such as boiler drums, headers, and pressure parts in thermal power plants. P460NH maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, ensuring long-term structural integrity under demanding operating conditions.
Offshore and marine applications, including components for offshore platforms, subsea pipelines, and floating production units. Its toughness, even at low temperatures, makes it suitable for harsh marine environments.
Heavy engineering and industrial machinery, where it is used in the manufacturing of large-diameter pipes, pressure-containing structures, and high-strength structural components requiring superior load-bearing capacity.
application conditions
Elevated-temperature environments, where the steel is used in pressure vessels and boiler components operating at temperatures generally up to around 400°C. Its normalized microstructure and controlled alloying elements help maintain stable strength and creep resistance under long-term thermal exposure.
High-pressure service conditions, such as in reactors, heat exchangers, and pressure pipelines in the petrochemical and power industries. With a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa, P460NH can withstand substantial internal pressures while ensuring structural integrity and safety.
Low-temperature toughness requirements, particularly in regions or applications where equipment may experience ambient temperatures down to approximately -20°C. The steel provides sufficient impact energy at such temperatures, reducing the risk of brittle fracture during start-up, shutdown, or transient conditions.
Welded structural conditions, as P460NH is commonly used in fabrications requiring extensive welding. The material is designed to be readily weldable using standard procedures, provided appropriate preheating and interpass temperature control are applied to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking and ensure sound weld joints.
Severe cyclic and fatigue conditions, such as in boiler drums and pressure vessels subjected to repeated thermal and pressure cycles. The steel's combination of strength and toughness helps resist fatigue failure and ensures long service life under these demanding operating regimes.
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What is P460NH?
P460NH is a non-alloy pressure vessel steel grade specified in EN 10028-3. It has good weldability, high strength and toughness, suitable for manufacturing pressure vessels and boilers operating at moderate temperatures.
What standard does P460NH comply with?
P460NH complies with the European standard EN 10028-3, which specifies technical delivery conditions for non-alloy and alloy steels for pressure purposes, focusing on weldable fine-grained steels.
What are the main chemical components of P460NH?
The main chemical components of P460NH include C (≤0.20%), Si (≤0.55%), Mn (1.00-1.60%), P (≤0.025%), S (≤0.015%), and trace elements like N, Al to ensure grain refinement and performance.
What is the minimum yield strength of P460NH?
The minimum yield strength of P460NH is 460 MPa (at room temperature), which is the key index determining its bearing capacity in pressure vessel and boiler applications, meeting high-strength requirements.
What is the tensile strength range of P460NH?
The tensile strength range of P460NH is 570-720 MPa. This strength range ensures the material has sufficient toughness and ductility while bearing pressure, avoiding brittle fracture.
What is the maximum operating temperature of P460NH?
The maximum continuous operating temperature of P460NH is around 400°C. Beyond this temperature, its mechanical properties may degrade, affecting the safety of pressure-bearing equipment.
Is P460NH weldable?
Yes, P460NH has excellent weldability. It can be welded using common methods like SMAW, GMAW, GTAW without preheating under normal thickness, ensuring weld joint strength and toughness.
What preheating is required for P460NH welding?
For P460NH with thickness >25mm or in low-temperature environments, preheating to 80-150°C is recommended. This reduces welding stress, prevents cold cracks, and ensures weld quality.
What are the typical applications of P460NH?
P460NH is widely used in manufacturing pressure vessels, boilers, storage tanks, heat exchangers, and pipeline systems for petrochemical, power generation, and chemical industries due to its high strength and weldability.
What is the impact toughness requirement of P460NH?
P460NH requires minimum impact energy of 30 J at -20°C (Charpy V-notch test). This ensures good low-temperature toughness, preventing brittle fracture in cold operating conditions.

