
P690Q is a high‑strength quenched and tempered steel grade primarily used in pressure vessel and boiler applications where excellent toughness, weldability, and resistance to brittle fracture are essential. It belongs to a group of fine‑grain structural steels that maintain good mechanical properties even at low temperatures, making it suitable for service under high internal pressures and harsh operating conditions. Its chemical composition and heat treatment are optimized to provide a combination of high yield strength, good ductility, and reliable structural performance.
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P690Q Chemical Composition |
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Grade |
The Element Max (%) |
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C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
N |
B |
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P690Q |
0.20 |
0.80 |
1.70 |
0.025 |
0.015 |
0.015 |
0.005 |
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Mo |
Cu |
Nb |
Ni |
Ti |
V |
Cr |
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0.70 |
0.3 |
0.06 |
2.50 |
0.05 |
0.12 |
1.50 |
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Grade |
P690Q Mechanical Property |
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Thickness |
Yield |
Tensile |
Elongation |
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P690Q |
mm |
Min Mpa |
Mpa |
Min % |
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6-50 |
690 |
770-940 |
14% |
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50-100 |
670 |
770-940 |
14% |
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100-150 |
630 |
720-900 |
14% |
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Applications
P690Q is widely utilized in industries that require high-performance structural materials capable of withstanding harsh operating environments and heavy loads. Its core applications are concentrated in the following key fields:
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Pressure Vessels and Boilers: It is a preferred material for manufacturing pressure vessels, boilers, and heat exchangers used in petrochemical, thermal power, and chemical processing industries. These components often operate under high internal pressure and temperature fluctuations, and P690Q's excellent strength and toughness ensure safe and stable operation over long periods.
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Offshore and Marine Engineering: In offshore oil and gas exploration platforms, ship hulls, and marine pipelines, P690Q is used to withstand harsh marine environments such as saltwater corrosion, low temperatures, and strong wind loads. Its resistance to brittle fracture at low temperatures and good weldability make it suitable for offshore structural components that require high reliability.
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Heavy Machinery and Construction: It is applied in the manufacturing of heavy machinery parts, such as excavator arms, crane booms, and hydraulic cylinders, as well as large-scale construction structures like bridges and stadiums. The high strength of P690Q allows for the design of lighter and more compact components without compromising structural integrity, reducing overall equipment weight and improving efficiency.
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Nuclear Power Industry: Some auxiliary components in nuclear power plants, such as pressure pipelines and storage tanks, also adopt P690Q. It meets the strict safety requirements of the nuclear industry, providing stable performance under high pressure and radiation environments.
Application Conditions
The application of P690Q is subject to specific conditions to fully exert its mechanical properties and ensure service safety, mainly including the following aspects:
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Temperature Range: It performs well in low to medium temperature environments, typically suitable for operating temperatures ranging from -20℃ to 350℃. It maintains good toughness and ductility at low temperatures, avoiding brittle fracture, while its mechanical properties remain stable at medium temperatures without significant degradation.
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Pressure Bearing Requirements: It is designed for high-pressure service conditions, capable of withstanding high internal or external pressures. It is commonly used in components with working pressures above 10MPa, such as high-pressure pipelines and pressure vessels, where its high yield strength and tensile strength can effectively resist pressure-induced deformation and failure.
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Environmental Adaptability: It is suitable for harsh environments including humid, corrosive (mild), and low-temperature scenarios. However, in highly corrosive environments (such as strong acid/alkali media), additional anti-corrosion treatments (e.g., coating, galvanizing) are required to extend its service life. It also adapts well to outdoor and marine environments with large temperature variations.
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Fabrication and Welding Conditions: Its application requires strict adherence to appropriate fabrication and welding processes. Welding must be performed using matching electrodes and proper heat treatment procedures (preheating and post-weld heat treatment) to avoid welding defects (e.g., cracks, porosity) and ensure that the welded joints maintain the same mechanical properties as the base material. Fabrication processes such as bending and forming should also be controlled within a reasonable temperature range to prevent material damage.
P690Q Processing Flow
Raw Material Preparation:
Select high-quality steel billets that meet chemical composition standards. Conduct pre-inspection to remove surface defects like cracks and inclusions, ensuring the billets are free of impurities that could affect subsequent processing.
Heating and Rolling:
Heat the billets to a suitable temperature (typically 1100-1250℃) in a heating furnace, then perform hot rolling. Control the rolling speed and pressure evenly to form the desired plate or section, while refining the grain structure to enhance strength.
Quenching and Tempering:
Quench the rolled steel rapidly in water or oil to obtain a martensitic structure, improving hardness and strength. Then temper it at 550-650℃ to reduce brittleness, balance toughness and ductility, and stabilize the material's mechanical properties.
Post-Processing and Inspection:
Conduct surface treatment (grinding, derusting) to remove oxide scales. Perform strict inspections, including mechanical property testing (tensile, impact tests), dimensional measurement, and non-destructive testing (ultrasonic flaw detection) to ensure compliance with technical standards.
Cutting and Forming:
Cut the qualified steel into specified sizes using cutting equipment (flame cutting, plasma cutting). Carry out forming processes (bending, stamping) under appropriate temperature control to avoid material damage and maintain structural integrity.
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 testing methods are used for P690Q?
Common testing methods for P690Q include tensile testing, yield strength testing, impact toughness testing (Charpy test), hardness testing, and chemical composition analysis to verify whether it meets standard requirements.
What is the application of P690Q in bridge construction?
In bridge construction, P690Q is used to manufacture bridge girders, piers, and other key components. Its high strength can reduce the weight of the structure, save materials, and ensure the bridge's bearing capacity and service life.
Can P690Q be used in high-pressure pipeline systems?
Yes, P690Q is suitable for high-pressure pipeline systems. Its high tensile strength and good toughness can withstand the high pressure of the medium (such as oil, gas), ensuring the tightness and safety of the pipeline.
What is the difference between P690Q and Q690 steel?
P690Q is a European standard steel, while Q690 is a Chinese standard (GB/T 1591) steel. They have similar tensile strength, but there are differences in chemical composition, toughness requirements, and testing standards due to different standard systems.
What is the service life of P690Q components in general working conditions?
Under proper installation, use, and maintenance, the service life of P690Q components can reach 15-20 years or more. Its high durability and corrosion resistance reduce wear and aging, ensuring long-term stable operation.
Can P690Q be used in the manufacturing of crane booms?
Yes, P690Q is widely used to manufacture crane booms. Its high strength can bear the heavy load of the crane during hoisting, and good toughness can resist impact, ensuring the safety and reliability of the boom during operation.
How to improve the weldability of P690Q?
To improve the weldability of P690Q, preheating the base metal to 80-150℃ before welding, using low-hydrogen welding electrodes or wires, controlling welding current and speed, and performing post-weld heat treatment to eliminate welding stress are effective measures.
What is the impact toughness value of P690Q at low temperatures?
At -20℃, the Charpy V-notch impact toughness of P690Q is usually not less than 30J. This ensures that it does not become brittle and can resist impact loads in low-temperature environments such as cold regions.
Can P690Q be cold-formed?
P690Q can be cold-formed, but its cold forming performance is relatively poor due to high strength. It requires proper preheating and control of forming speed to avoid cracks and ensure the forming quality of the workpiece.

