what is different of ASTM A204 Grade B and EN10028 16Mo3 Boiler Steel?
A204 Grade B and 16Mo3 are both pressure vessel steels and are used to manufacture boilers and pressure vessels.
A204 Grade B pressure vessel steel belongs to the American standard ASTM and can be used for medium and low-temperature pressure vessels.
16Mo3 pressure vessel steel belongs to the European standard EN10028 and has High temperature resistance.
ASTM A204 Grade B steel plate has excellent corrosion resistance and good welding performance, making it stable in some corrosive environments and less prone to cracking and porosity during welding. ASTM A204 GrB steel plate is widely used in the petroleum, chemical, power, food and other industries, especially in the manufacture of medium and low temperature pressure vessels, storage tanks, reactors and other equipment. A204 GradeB pressure vessel steel can also be used to manufacture structural components such as bridges and buildings.
16Mo3 steel is a carbon steel plate for European standard pressure vessels, which is a low-alloy high-strength steel that complies with EN10028 standards and contains a certain amount of Mo element. 16Mo3 steel has good high-temperature performance and corrosion resistance, and can work stably under high temperature and high pressure conditions. 16Mo3 steel plate can be used to manufacture boilers and pressure vessels, such as power plant boilers, chemical plant reactors, oil and gas pipelines, etc. 16Mo3 pressure vessel steel also has excellent mechanical and chemical properties, so it is widely used in aviation, aerospace, automotive and other fields.
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
| Property | ASTM A204 Grade B | EN 10028-2 16Mo3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 485 – 620 MPa | 450 – 600 MPa |
| Yield Strength (Min) | 275 MPa (for thickness ≤ 50mm) | 290 MPa (for thickness ≤ 16mm) |
| Impact Toughness | Not explicitly specified (varies by heat treatment) | ≥ 27 J at -20°C (mandatory Charpy V-notch test) |
| Maximum Service Temp | ~ 550°C | ~ 5 |
Weldability
A204 Grade B: Weldability is moderate due to its Cr-Mo content. Preheating (150–250°C) and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) are usually required to prevent cold cracking and relieve residual stresses.
16Mo3: Better weldability due to lower carbon and stricter control of impurities (P, S). Preheating is still recommended but may be less intensive, and PWHT is often required for thick sections.
Typical Applications
A204 Grade B: Used in high-temperature, corrosive environments (e.g., refineries, chemical plants) for pressure vessels, reactors, and heat exchangers handling hydrogen-rich or sulfide-containing media (thanks to Cr-Mo corrosion resistance).
16Mo3: Primarily used in European boiler systems (e.g., power plant boilers, steam generators) and pressure vessels operating at elevated temperatures, where its high purity and impact toughness are critical for long-term reliability.
