If you're involved with plant and petrochemical processing, you know how important it is to have reliable plate material to handle these operations' intense heat and pressure. Fortunately, ASTM A387 Grade 5 plates are specifically designed for high-temperature service applications and provide an unbeatable combination of strength, corrosion resistance, toughness, and quality necessary for safely producing essential petrochemicals.
As a leading supplier of industrial steel plates and custom tube shell heat exchangers for global petrochemical projects, GNEE explores the unique role of ASTM A387 Grade 5 plates in petrochemical processing, their key properties, and why they outperform alternative materials in specific applications.
What is ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates?
ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates are chrome molybdenum alloy steel plates intended primarily for welded boilers and pressure vessels designed for moderate and lower temperature services.
They contain chromium (0.40%) and molybdenum (0.35%) as alloying elements with manganese, silicon, nickel, tungsten, and nitrogen.
The physical properties of ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates make them suitable for elevated temperature services due to their superior strength, good corrosion resistance in the atmosphere, and low mechanical stress under maximum temperatures.
The tensile strength is around 620MPa, while the yield strength is 420MPa resulting in an elongation of 20%. Their special features include hardness values of 230BHN, making them highly durable enough even in extreme weather conditions at varying atmospheric pressures.

Chemical Composition (Cast Analysis, %)
| Element | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 | 0.25 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 | 0.70 |
| Phosphorus (P) | - | 0.035 |
| Sulfur (S) | - | 0.035 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 | 0.40 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.30 | 0.80 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.40 | 0.65 |
Key Mechanical & Thermal Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Tensile Strength | 485 MPa (70 ksi) |
| Minimum Yield Strength | 240 MPa (35 ksi) [Class 1]; 310 MPa (45 ksi) [Class 2] |
| Maximum Service Temperature | 538°C (1000°F) |
| Charpy V-Notch Impact Toughness | ≥27 J (20 ft-lb) at -29°C (-20°F) |
| Weldability | Excellent |
The Role of ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates in Petrochemical Processing

ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates in Pressure Vessels
Pressure vessels are essential components in petrochemical processing plants, wherein they store, transport, and process various chemicals and other substances. These vessels should be sturdy enough to handle high temperatures and pressure. That's where ASTM A387 Grade 5 plates come in – they offer excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature oxidation, making them a popular choice for pressure vessel fabrication. These plates can handle pressure up to 2175psi and temperatures as high as 1000°F without warping or cracking, ensuring safety and efficiency.
ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates in Boilers
Boilers are critical in petrochemical processing since they provide steam that enables various processes like power generation and heating. Since boilers operate at high temperatures and pressure, they are prone to corrosion and thermal fatigue. ASTM A387 Grade 5 plates are perfect for these applications since they exhibit exceptional corrosion resistance and withstand high-temperature oxidation. With these plates, boilers can operate effectively for longer periods and with little maintenance, increasing efficiency and decreasing downtime.


ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates in Reactors
Reactor vessels are essential in petrochemical processing since they initiate and accelerate chemical reactions. These vessels should withstand high pressure, heat, corrosion, and severe environmental conditions to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. ASTM A387 Grade 5 plates are a favourite choice for reactors since they offer impressive resistance to high-temperature corrosion and high-pressure oxidation. As a result, these plates increase the longevity of the reactor vessel and contribute to the reliability of the processing plant.
Benefits of ASTM A387 Grade 5 Plates
The use of ASTM A387 Grade 5 plates in petrochemical processing has immense benefits, including high-temperature resistance, exceptional corrosion and oxidation resistance, high strength, and an extended lifespan. These plates can perform in the harshest chemical environments and contribute to petrochemical processing equipment's overall security, dependability, and longevity.
GNEE's ASTM A387 Grade 5 Solutions for Petrochemical Projects
At GNEE, we specialize in supplying ASTM A387 Grade 5 Class 1/2 plates optimized for petrochemical processing, with:
Custom Sizes: Thicknesses 6mm–200mm, widths up to 4600mm, and lengths up to 12000mm to fit tube shell heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and piping.
Full Certification: ASME Section II, ASTM A387/A387M compliance, and optional NACE MR0175 certification for sour service.
Rigorous Testing: UT, HIC/SSCC, Charpy V-notch, and chemical analysis to meet petrochemical industry standards.
One-Stop Fabrication: Integration into custom tube shell heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and piping-engineered to your project's temperature, pressure, and fluid requirements.
Our A387 Grade 5 plates are used in refineries, petrochemical plants, and gas processing facilities across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, delivering consistent performance and compliance with global standards (API, PED, ISO).
Conclusion
ASTM A387 Grade 5 plates play a pivotal role in petrochemical processing, offering a balanced combination of high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, and cost-effectiveness. Their Cr-Mo alloying makes them ideal for moderate-to-severe service environments-from tube shell heat exchangers and pressure vessels to process piping and reactors-outperforming carbon steel and providing value over higher-alloy alternatives.
For petrochemical projects requiring reliable, long-lasting materials, ASTM A387 Grade 5 is the smart choice. Whether you need plates for tube shell heat exchangers, pressure vessels, or piping, GNEE's engineering team can help you select the right grade (Class 1/2), size, and testing options to meet your specific needs.
Contact GNEE today to discuss your ASTM A387 Grade 5 plate requirements for petrochemical processing and secure competitive pricing, technical support, and fast global delivery!
What is SA 387 GR 5 material?
SA387 GR 5 CLASS 2
A high quality chrome molybdenum alloy steel plate intended specifically for use in weldable carbon steel pressure vessels at elevated temperatures. Added molybdenum gives the material greater temperature tensile strength and the chromium provides improved corrosion resistance.
What is the difference between SA 387 GR 11 cl1 and cl2?
The difference between SA 387 Grade 11 Class 1 and Class 2 Plate lies in their mechanical properties. However, they both have the same chemical composition. The tensile strength and yield strength of class 2 material is higher than that of class 1, whereas the elongation for class 1 is higher compared to class 2
What is SA 387 GR 12 Cl 2 equivalent material?
The Equivalent materials of Sa 387 Gr 12 are BS 620B, UNS K11757, A387 / SA 387, DIN 13 CRMO 44, and EN 3 CRMO 45.
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GNEE Steel also supplies a variety of boilers and pressure vessel steel plates, such as A204 Grade B,A515 Grade 70,A537 Class 1,SA387 Grade 11 Class 1,P265GH,S537 Class 2,P355Q,P275N,P355N,P690Q,Q345R, etc. If you want to know more about other types of steel plates, you can call the consultation hotline at +8615824687445 or send an email to alloy@gneesteelgroup.com. You are welcome to consult us, and we are very willing to answer your questions.
| Grades Of Pressure Vessel Plates Supplied By GNEE | |||||
| ASTM | ASTM A202/A202M | ASTM A202 Grade A | ASTM A202 Grade B | ||
| ASTM A203/A203M | ASTM A203 Grade A | ASTM A203 Grade B | ASTM A203 Grade D | ASTM A203 Grade E | |
| ASTM A203 Grade F | |||||
| ASTM A204/A204M | ASTM A204 Grade A | ASTM A204 Grade B | ASTM A204 Grade C | ||
| ASTM A285/A285M | ASTM A285 Grade A | ASTM A285 Grade B | ASTM A285 Grade C | ||
| ASTM A299/A299M | ASTM A299 Grade A | ASTM A299 Grade B | |||
| ASTM A302/A302M | ASTM A302 Grade A | ASTM A302 Grade B | ASTM A302 Grade C | ASTM A302 Grade D | |
| ASTM A387/A387M | ASTM A387 Grade 5 Class1 | ASTM A387 Grade 5 Class2 | ASTM A387 Grade 11 Class1 | ASTM A387 Grade 11 Class2 | |
| ASTM A387 Grade 12 Class1 | ASTM A387 Grade 12 Class2 | ASTM A387 Grade 22 Class1 | ASTM A387 Grade 22 Class2 | ||
| ASTM A515/A515M | ASTM A515 Grade 60 | ASTM A515 Grade 65 | ASTM A515 Grade 70 | ||
| ASTM A516/A516M | ASTM A516 Grade 55 | ASTM A516 Grade 60 | ASTM A516 Grade 65 | ASTM A516 Grade 70 | |
| ASTM A517/A517M | ASTM A517 Grade A | ASTM A517 Grade B | ASTM A517 Grade E | ASTM A517 Grade F | |
| ASTM A517 Grade P | ASTM A517 Grade J | ||||
| ASTM A533/A533M | ASTM A533 Grade A Class1 | ASTM A533 Grade B Class1 | ASTM A533 Grade C Class1 | ASTM A533 Grade D Class1 | |
| ASTM A533 Grade A Class2 | ASTM A533 Grade B Class2 | ASTM A533 Grade C Class2 | ASTM A533 Grade D Class2 | ||
| ASTM A533 Grade A Class3 | ASTM A533 Grade B Class3 | ASTM A533 Grade C Class3 | ASTM A533 Grade D Class3 | ||
| ASTM A537/A537M | ASTM A537 Class1 | ASTM A537 Class2 | ASTM A537 Class3 | ||
| ASTM A612/A612M | ASTM A612 | ||||
| ASTM A662/A662M | ASTM A662 Grade A | ASTM A662 Grade B | ASTM A662 Grade C | ||
| EN | EN10028-2 | EN10028-2 P235GH | EN10028-2 P265GH | EN10028-2 P295GH | EN10028-2 P355GH |
| EN10028-2 16MO3 | |||||
| EN10028-3 | EN10028-3 P275N | EN10028-3 P275NH | EN10028-3 P275NL1 | EN10028-3 P275NL2 | |
| EN10028-3 P355N | EN10028-3 P355NH | EN10028-3 P355NL1 | EN10028-3 P355NL2 | ||
| EN10028-3 P460N | EN10028-3 P460NH | EN10028-3 P460NL1 | EN10028-3 P460NL2 | ||
| EN10028-5 | EN10028-5 P355M | EN10028-5 P355ML1 | EN10028-5 P355ML2 | EN10028-5 P420M | |
| EN10028-5 P420ML1 | EN10028-5 P420ML2 | EN10028-5 P460M | EN10028-5 P460ML1 | ||
| EN10028-5 P460ML2 | |||||
| EN10028-6 | EN10028-6 P355Q | EN10028-6 P460Q | EN10028-6 P500Q | EN10028-6 P690Q | |
| EN10028-6 P355QH | EN10028-6 P460QH | EN10028-6 P500QH | EN10028-6 P690QH | ||
| EN10028-6 P355QL1 | EN10028-6 P460QL1 | EN10028-6 P500QL1 | EN10028-6 P690QL1 | ||
| EN10028-6 P355QL2 | EN10028-6 P460QL2 | EN10028-6 P500QL2 | EN10028-6 P690QL2 | ||
| JIS | JIS G3115 | JIS G3115 SPV235 | JIS G3115 SPV315 | JIS G3115 SPV355 | JIS G3115 SPV410 |
| JIS G3115 SPV450 | JIS G3115 SPV490 | ||||
| JIS G3103 | JIS G3103 SB410 | JIS G3103 SB450 | JIS G3103 SB480 | JIS G3103 SB450M | |
| JIS G3103 SB480M | |||||
| GB | GB713 | GB713 Q245R | GB713 Q345R | GB713 Q370R | GB713 12Cr1MoVR |
| GB713 12Cr2Mo1R | GB713 13MnNiMoR | GB713 14Cr1MoR | GB713 15CrMoR | ||
| GB713 18MnMoNbR | |||||
| GB3531 | GB3531 09MnNiDR | GB3531 15MnNiDR | GB3531 16MnDR | ||
| DIN | DIN 17155 | DIN 17155 HI | DIN 17155 HII | DIN 17155 10CrMo910 | DIN 17155 13CrMo44 |
| DIN 17155 15Mo3 | DIN 17155 17Mn4 | DIN 17155 19Mn6 | |||







