SA517 Grade E (or SA517-E) is a high-strength, quenched and tempered (Q&T) alloy steel plate primarily used for welded pressure vessels, boilers, and heavy-duty structural applications. It offers superior toughness, resistance to brittle fracture, and high tensile strength, with chemical compositions often including chromium, molybdenum, and boron to enhance performance.
Key Characteristics and Specifications
Standard: ASME SA517/SA517M (ASTM A517/A517M).
Heat Treatment: Quenched and Tempered.
Tensile Strength: High strength, with capacities reaching up to 110 ksi (760 MPa).
Applications: Ideal for pressure vessels, storage tanks, offshore platforms, mining equipment, and cranes.
Equivalents: Often compared to T-1 steel.
Key Features
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Suitable for demanding, weight-sensitive applications.
Temperature Resistance: Provides good resistance to brittle fracture in low-temperature environments.
Customization: Available in varying thicknesses (typically up to 100mm, or higher upon request).
Third-Party Inspection: Often supplied with certifications from bodies like ABS, DNV, BV, LR, and CCS.
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SA517 grade EChemical Composition |
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Grade |
The Element Max (%) |
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C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
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SA517 grade E |
0.10-0.22 |
0.08-0.45 |
0.35-0.78 |
0.035 |
0.035 |
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Cr |
Mo |
B |
Ti |
V |
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1.34-2.06 |
0.36-0.64 |
0.001-0.005 |
0.005-0.11 |
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Grade |
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SA517 grade E Mechanical Property |
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Thickness |
Yield |
Tensile |
Elongation |
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SA517 grade E |
mm |
Min Mpa |
Mpa |
Min % |
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6-65 |
690 |
795-930 |
16% |
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65-150 |
620 |
725-930 |
14% |
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SA517 Grade E Applications
Petrochemical & Natural Gas Industry
Fabrication of high-pressure/high-temperature pressure vessels (reactors, heat exchangers) for refineries; core equipment (dehydration towers, compression system vessels) for natural gas processing with strict strength-toughness demands.
Power Generation Sector
Critical boiler components (drums, header pipes) for thermal/combined cycle power plants; pressure parts for waste heat recovery systems adapting to cyclic thermal and pressure stress.
Chemical & Offshore Engineering
Hydrogenation reactors, polymerization kettles resistant to cyclic pressure/thermal stress in chemical processing; offshore oil/gas platform pressure components (subsea wellheads, topside vessels) with marine corrosion and pressure resistance.
Heavy Industry & Nuclear/Aerospace
Waste heat boiler pressure parts for metallurgical industry under high-temperature flue gas; nuclear power auxiliary pressure equipment (coolant tanks) meeting nuclear safety standards; aerospace ground support high-pressure gas/fuel storage tanks with stringent performance requirements.
Pipeline, Testing & Industrial Safety
Pig launchers/receivers for high-pressure long-distance oil/gas pipelines; extreme-pressure test chambers/calibration vessels for industrial testing; large high-pressure fire suppression vessels (CO₂, water storage) for petrochemical and industrial sites.
Request a professional quotation for SA517 Grade E from GNEE Steel.
What is SA517 Grade E?
SA517 Grade E is a high-strength, quenched and tempered alloy steel plate. It is mainly used for pressure vessels and boilers, featuring excellent toughness and weldability, suitable for low-temperature and high-pressure working environments.
What are the main chemical components of SA517 Grade E?
Key components include C (0.15-0.21%), Mn (0.70-1.00%), Si (0.15-0.35%), P ≤0.020%, S ≤0.010%, Cr (0.80-1.10%), Mo (0.45-0.60%), and Ni (1.00-1.30%).
What is the minimum yield strength of SA517 Grade E?
The minimum yield strength of SA517 Grade E is 690 MPa (100 ksi). This high yield strength ensures it can withstand heavy loads and high pressure in critical applications like pressure vessels.
What is the tensile strength range of SA517 Grade E?
Its tensile strength ranges from 795 MPa to 930 MPa (115 ksi to 135 ksi). This range balances strength and ductility, making it reliable for high-stress engineering scenarios.
What heat treatment process is SA517 Grade E subjected to?
SA517 Grade E undergoes quenching (heating to austenitizing temperature and rapid cooling) followed by tempering (reheating to a lower temperature and cooling). This process enhances its strength and toughness.
What is the typical application of SA517 Grade E?
It is widely used in manufacturing pressure vessels, boiler shells, storage tanks, and offshore oil and gas equipment that operate under high pressure and low temperature.
Is SA517 Grade E weldable?
Yes, SA517 Grade E has good weldability. Proper preheating (150-200°C) and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) are recommended to avoid cold cracking and ensure weld joint integrity.
What is the recommended preheating temperature for SA517 Grade E welding?
The recommended preheating temperature is 150°C to 200°C (302°F to 392°F). Preheating reduces the temperature gradient, prevents hydrogen-induced cracking, and improves weld quality.
What post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is required for SA517 Grade E?
PWHT for SA517 Grade E usually involves heating to 620-650°C (1148-1172°F), holding for a sufficient time, and cooling slowly. This relieves welding stress and restores material toughness.
What is the maximum thickness of SA517 Grade E plates commonly available?
Common maximum thickness is up to 200 mm (7.87 inches). Thicker plates may require special heat treatment to ensure uniform mechanical properties throughout the cross-section.

