SA516 Grade 70 is a carbon steel plate specification widely used in pressure vessels. It is standardized by ASME, featuring good toughness, weldability and high-temperature resistance, suitable for low to moderate temperature service environments.
Chemical Requirements
| Elements | SA 516 Gr 60 (Grade 415) | SA 516 Gr 65 (Grade 450) | SA 516 Gr 70 (Grade 485) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon, max Composition % | |||
| 1/2 in. (12.5 mm) and under | 0.21 | 0.24 | 0.27 |
| Over 1/2 to 2 in. (12.5 to 50 mm), incl | 0.23 | 0.26 | 0.28 |
| Over 2 to 4 in. (50 to 100 mm), incl | 0.25 | 0.28 | 0.30 |
| Over 4 to 8 in. (100 to 200 mm), incl | 0.27 | 0.29 | 0.31 |
| Over 8 in. (200 mm) | 0.27 | 0.29 | 0.31 |
| Manganese, max | |||
| 1/2 (12.5) and under: | |||
| Heat analysis | 0.60-0.90 | 0.85-1.20 | 0.85-1.20 |
| Product analysis | 0.55-0.98 | 0.79-1.30 | 0.79-1.30 |
| Over 1/2 in (12.5) | |||
| Heat analysis | 0.85-1.20 | 0.85-1.20 | 0.85-1.20 |
| Product analysis | 0.79-1.30 | 0.79-1.30 | 0.79-1.30 |
| Phosphorus, max | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| Sulfur, max | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.025 |
| Silicon | |||
| Heat analysis | 0.15-0.40 | 0.15-0.40 | 0.15-0.40 |
| Product analysis | 0.13-0.45 | 0.13-0.45 | 0.13-0.45 |
Tensile Requirements
| SA 516 Gr 60 (Grade 415) | SA 516 Gr 65 (Grade 450) | SA 516 Gr 70 (Grade 485) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength, ksi (MPa) | 60-80(415-550) | 65-85(450-585) | 70-90(485-620) |
| Yield strength, min.B ksi (MPa) | 32(220) | 35(240) | 38(260) |
| Elongation in 8 in. (200 mm), min, % | 21 | 19 | 17 |
| Elongation in 2 in. (50 mm), min, % | 25 | 23 | 21 |
Main Applications
Pressure Vessels in Petrochemical Industry: As a core material for low-temperature and medium-temperature pressure vessels, SA516 Grade 70 is widely used in oil refining, chemical synthesis, and natural gas processing. It is suitable for manufacturing reactors, separators, storage tanks, and heat exchangers that bear medium pressure (usually 10-30 MPa) and work at -30°C to 450°C, resisting corrosion from light hydrocarbons, steam, and weak acids.
Power Generation Equipment: It is applied in thermal power plants and nuclear power auxiliary systems. Specifically, it is used to make boiler drums, header pipes, and pressure pipelines for secondary circuits, which need to withstand high-temperature steam (below 400°C) and stable pressure, ensuring the safe operation of power generation cycles.
Oil and Gas Transportation and Storage: For onshore and offshore oil and gas pipelines, storage tanks, and transfer stations, SA516 Grade 70 is an ideal material due to its good weldability and impact toughness. It adapts to harsh outdoor environments, including temperature fluctuations and mild corrosion from soil or seawater vapor.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Equipment: It is used to manufacture equipment for handling non-strong corrosive media, such as solution storage tanks, mixing tanks, and delivery pipelines in pharmaceutical, food, and fine chemical industries. Its excellent mechanical properties ensure the tightness and structural stability of equipment during long-term operation.
Boiler and Heat Exchanger Components: In industrial boilers and shell-and-tube heat exchangers, it is used to make shells, tube sheets, and baffles. It can withstand the alternating stress caused by temperature changes and medium flow, avoiding material fatigue and leakage.
Application Conditions
Temperature Range: It is suitable for low-temperature to medium-temperature working environments, with a minimum service temperature of -30°C and a maximum continuous working temperature of 450°C. Exceeding this range will reduce its toughness and strength.
Pressure Requirement: It is designed for medium-pressure equipment, with a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of up to 30 MPa. The specific pressure bearing capacity depends on the thickness of the material and the working temperature, which must be calculated and verified according to relevant standards (such as ASME BPVC).
Medium Compatibility: It is compatible with non-strong corrosive media, including water, steam, light hydrocarbons, and neutral solutions. It is not suitable for environments with strong acids, strong alkalis, or chloride ion corrosion (such as seawater immersion), unless anti-corrosion treatment is performed.
Welding and Processing Conditions: Welding must be carried out by qualified welders using appropriate processes (such as SMAW, GTAW). Preheating (100-150°C) and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) are required to eliminate welding stress and avoid cracks. Cutting and forming should be done at room temperature to prevent material brittleness.
Quality and Standard Compliance: The material must meet the requirements of ASME SA516/SA516M standard, including chemical composition (C ≤ 0.30%, Mn = 1.00-1.60%, etc.) and mechanical properties (tensile strength = 485-655 MPa, yield strength ≥ 260 MPa). Factory inspection certificates and non-destructive testing (NDT) reports are required before application.
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What is the elongation requirement of SA516 Grade 70?
SA516 Grade 70 requires a minimum elongation of 21% in a 2-inch (50.8 mm) gauge length. This high elongation indicates good ductility, allowing the material to deform plastically before fracture.
What impact test is required for SA516 Grade 70?
SA516 Grade 70 requires Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact tests. The minimum impact energy is typically 27 J (20 ft-lb) at the specified service temperature, ensuring the material has sufficient toughness to resist brittle fracture.
Can SA516 Grade 70 be used in low-temperature applications?
Yes, SA516 Grade 70 can be used in low-temperature applications down to -30°C (-22°F). For lower temperatures, modified grades (e.g., SA516 Gr. 70 N) with enhanced low-temperature toughness are available.
What is the difference between SA516 Grade 70 and SA516 Grade 60?
The main difference is mechanical strength: SA516 Gr. 70 has higher tensile (485 MPa vs. 415 MPa) and yield (260 MPa vs. 205 MPa) strengths than Gr. 60. Both have similar chemical compositions and weldability.
Is SA516 Grade 70 a carbon steel or alloy steel?
SA516 Grade 70 is a carbon steel, not an alloy steel. It contains primarily carbon and manganese as main alloying elements, with no significant amounts of chromium, nickel, or other alloying elements.
What thickness ranges are available for SA516 Grade 70 plates?
SA516 Grade 70 plates are available in thicknesses from 1.5 mm to 200 mm (0.06 in to 7.87 in), depending on the manufacturer and application requirements. Thicker plates may require special processing.
What surface treatments are applied to SA516 Grade 70 plates?
Common surface treatments include pickling and oiling, which removes oxide scales and rust, and provides temporary corrosion protection. Other treatments like sandblasting or painting may be used for specific applications.
Can SA516 Grade 70 be machined easily?
Yes, SA516 Grade 70 can be machined easily using standard machining processes, such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding. Its moderate hardness and good ductility make it suitable for various machining operations.
What is the hardness range of SA516 Grade 70?
The typical Brinell hardness (HB) range of SA516 Grade 70 is 137 to 187. This moderate hardness balances strength and ductility, ensuring good machinability and weldability.
What industries commonly use SA516 Grade 70?
Common industries include oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, chemical processing, and pharmaceuticals. It is used to manufacture pressure vessels, boilers, storage tanks, and heat exchangers.