ASME SA387 Gr.22 Steel Plate Introduction
ASME SA387 Grade 22 is a chromium-molybdenum (Cr-Mo) alloy pressure vessel steel plate manufactured in accordance with the ASME SA387 specification. With a nominal alloy composition of 2.25% Chromium and 1.0% Molybdenum, it exhibits exceptional elevated-temperature strength, creep resistance, oxidation resistance, and superior resistance to High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA) compared to standard carbon steel plates. These properties make it the ideal material for equipment operating at temperatures up to approximately 600°C.
However, there is no fixed market price for SA387 Gr. 22 steel plates. The final per-ton or per-kilogram price depends on multiple variables, including plate thickness, delivery condition-specifically whether supplied As-Rolled or in the Normalized and Tempered (N+T) condition-ultrasonic testing (UT) requirements, third-party inspection (TPI), order volume, value-added processing services, and the export destination. Understanding these cost drivers allows buyers to evaluate quotations more accurately and achieve the optimal balance between performance, quality, and procurement budgets.
Looking for an accurate quotation? Simply send us your required specifications, dimensions, quantity, and destination port. Our engineering team can provide a detailed quotation within 12 hours, together with technical recommendations and the most cost-effective supply solution.
ASME SA387 Gr.22 Steel Plate Price
| Specification | FOB Price (USD/ton) | Equivalent Price (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-Rolled Plate (6–40 mm), Normalized & Tempered (N+T) | $850–$1,100 | $0.85–$1.10 |
| Medium & Heavy Plate (40–150 mm), with Ultrasonic Testing (UT) | $950–$1,450 | $0.95–$1.45 |
| Cut-to-Size Plate (Flame or CNC Cutting) | $1,150–$1,650 | $1.15–$1.65 |
| Post Weld Heat Treated (PWHT) Plate | $1,250–$1,650 | $1.25–$1.65 |
| Customized High-Specification Plate (e.g., HIC Tested) | Up to $1,700 | Up to $1.70 |
What Factors Affect the Price of ASME SA387 Gr.22 Steel Plate?
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Raw Material Cost | Fluctuations in chromium and molybdenum prices directly affect alloy steel production costs. |
| Plate Thickness | Thick plates require longer rolling time, higher alloy input, and increased processing costs. |
| Heat Treatment | Normalizing and Tempering (N+T) increases furnace time, energy consumption, and inspection expenses. |
| NDT Requirements | Ultrasonic Testing (ASTM A578), PMI, and impact testing typically add 2–5% to manufacturing costs, depending on inspection level and project requirements. |
| Third-Party Inspection | Certification by SGS, BV, DNV, ABS, LR, or TÜV adds inspection and documentation costs. |
| Delivery Terms | FOB, CIF, and DDP quotations differ due to freight, insurance, customs clearance, and destination charges. |
Why is ASME SA387 Gr. 22 Worth the Higher Price?
Although ASME SA387 Grade 22 has a higher initial purchase cost than conventional carbon steel plates such as ASTM A516 Grade 70, its superior performance in elevated-temperature pressure vessel applications delivers vastly greater long-term value.
- Superior Elevated-Temperature Strength: With a 2.25% Cr-1.0% Mo alloy composition, SA387 Gr. 22 retains excellent mechanical strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures. It is widely specified for pressure vessels operating at approximately 540–580°C, a temperature range where conventional carbon steels experience rapid microstructural degradation and a severe reduction in allowable stress.
- Enhanced Resistance to High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA): This chromium-molybdenum alloy chemistry provides critical resistance to High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA). This makes SA387 Gr. 22 the standard preferred material for hydrogen service, hydroprocessing units, hydrocrackers, and other refinery equipment exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure hydrogen environments in strict compliance with API RP 941.
- Extended Equipment Service Life: When properly designed, fabricated, and heat-treated, pressure vessels manufactured with SA387 Gr. 22 offer unparalleled long-term reliability under severe operating conditions. Its superior thermal stability drastically reduces material degradation, lowering lifecycle costs over the total design life of the equipment.
- Minimized Maintenance and Operating Costs: Compared with conventional carbon steel plates, utilizing SA387 Gr. 22 effectively minimizes:
- Creep deformation during long-term, elevated-temperature service
- Material degradation and embrittlement caused by prolonged thermal exposure
- Unplanned shutdowns and operational maintenance frequency
- Repair, alteration, and replacement costs for critical pressure equipment
ASME SA387 Gr.22 Steel Plate Specification
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Standard | ASME SA387 / ASTM A387 |
| Steel Grade | SA387 Grade 22 Class 1 / Class 2 |
| Thickness | 6–250 mm |
| Width | 1,000–4,000 mm |
| Length | 3,000–18,000 mm |
| Delivery Condition | As Rolled (AR), Normalized (N), Normalized & Tempered (N+T) (subject to grade/class and customer requirements) |
| Mill Test Certificate | EN 10204 Type 3.1 / Type 3.2 |
| Third-Party Inspection | SGS, BV, DNV, TÜV, ABS, LR, and other authorized inspection agencies |
| Cutting Service | Flame Cutting, Plasma Cutting, CNC Cutting |
| Fabrication Service | Beveling, Drilling, Edge Milling, Rolling, Forming |
ASME SA387 Gr.22 Steel Plate Chemical Composition
| Grade | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Mo |
| A 387 Gr. 22 | 0.04 – 0.15 | 0.25 – 0.66 | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.5 max | 1.88 – 2.62 | 0.85 – 1.15 |
ASME SA387 Gr.22 Steel Plate Mechanical Property
| A387 / SA387 Grade 22 | Class 1 | Class 2 |
| Tensile Strength (ksi) | 60-85 | 75-100 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 415-585 | 515-690 |
| Yield Strength (ksi) | 30 | 45 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 205 | 310 |
| Elongation in 200mm (%) | – | – |
| Elongation in 50mm (%) | 18 | 18 |
| Reduction of area in % | 45 | 45 |
ASME SA387 Gr.22 Steel Plate Main Applications
Petrochemicals: Hydroprocessing reactors, high-pressure heat exchangers, coking towers
Acid gas processing: Desulfurization equipment, acid gas service vessels
Power industry: Thermal power plant boilers, steam drums, high-temperature headers
Offshore engineering: High-pressure components for offshore platforms
Critical components: High-temperature valves, flanges, and pipe fittings
About GNEE Steel
GNEE Steel is a professional supplier of steel products with over 18 years of industry experience, headquartered in Tianjin, China. We specialize in the supply and processing of steel plates for boilers and pressure vessels, serving 600+ clients across 100+ countries worldwide.
- Ex-stock Supply: We offer immediate delivery of pressure vessel steel plates from stock to clients in Southeast Asia and around the globe, shortening procurement lead times.
- Custom Processing: We provide laser, plasma, and CNC cutting, as well as forming services, to minimize material waste for our clients.
- Quality Assurance: Each batch of steel plates comes with an EN 10204 3.1/3.2 material certificate and supports third-party inspection (e.g., SGS).
- Technical Support: Our team of professional engineers offers advice on material selection, specification recommendations, and project solution consultations.
- Free Samples: We provide material samples for client testing and verification.
Looking for cut-to-size SA387 Grade 22 plates for pressure vessel fabrication? GNEE provides custom cutting, beveling, machining, UT testing, and export packaging to help reduce fabrication time and overall procurement costs.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between ASME SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 and Grade 91 Class 2?
A: ASME SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 and Grade 91 Class 2 are both chromium-molybdenum alloy steel plates used for high-temperature pressure vessels. The main difference is their chemical composition and strength: Grade 91 contains stronger carbide-forming elements (vanadium and niobium) and offers higher yield and tensile strength for extreme temperature environments.
Q: Is SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 stronger than Grade 5 Class 2?
A: No, they have the exact same mechanical strength. Both ASME/ASTM SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 and SA387 Grade 5 Class 2 are designed to handle heavy-duty pressure vessel applications and share identical strength requirements.
Q: Does SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 cost more than Class 1?
A: Yes, SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 typically costs more than Class 1. While both share the same chemical composition, Class 2 plates undergo additional heat treatments (such as normalizing and tempering or quenching and tempering) to achieve higher tensile and yield strength, which increases production costs.
Q: Can SA387 Grade 22 replace Grade 11?
A: Yes, SA387 Grade 22 is generally a suitable and often superior substitute for Grade 11, as it contains higher percentages of chromium and molybdenum. This allows it to handle higher temperatures and pressures. However, the substitution is not automatic and depends on specific design parameters.
Q: Which industries prefer SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 over Class 1?
A: Industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power generation prefer SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 over Class 1. Because Class 2 materials are heat-treated to provide higher tensile strength (up to 690 MPa compared to Class 1's 585 MPa), they are better suited to handle the extreme thermal stress, high-pressure, and corrosive environments found in reactors and boilers.
