What is ASME SA516 Gr.70 Plate?
ASME SA516 Grade 70 is an ASME specification for carbon steel plates intended primarily for service in moderate- and lower-temperature pressure vessels. It is widely used across the petroleum, chemical, power generation, boiler, and nuclear industries. Known for its high strength, excellent low-temperature notch toughness, and superior weldability, this grade is particularly specified for critical equipment operating in moderate- to low-temperature environments, such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, spherical storage tanks, and pressure-retaining shells.
As a benchmark pressure vessel steel, the core characteristic of ASME SA516 Gr.70 lies in the strict control of its chemical composition and mechanical properties. It delivers a tensile strength of 485–620 MPa (70–90 ksi) while maintaining high Charpy impact toughness at temperatures down to -46°C (-50°F). To meet the demands of wet H2S (sour) service environments, the grade also includes a Hydrogen-Induced Cracking resistant variant-ASME SA516 Gr.70 (R-HIC). Through ultra-low sulfur and phosphorus limits and specialized heat treatments, this variant effectively resists sour gas corrosion. ASME SA516 Gr.70 holds a prominent position in international engineering procurement and high-end equipment manufacturing, frequently specified as an equivalent or alternative to Chinese GB Q345R.
Key Characteristics of ASTM A516 Grade 70 / ASME SA-516 Grade 70
Low-Temperature Toughness
ASME SA516 Gr.70 retains high absorbed impact energy at sub-zero temperatures down to -46°C (-50°F), making it an ideal choice for low-temperature pressure vessels such as LPG storage tanks. Compared to GB Q345R, ASME SA516 Gr.70 exhibits superior low-temperature impact properties across a wider operating temperature range.
Weldability
Featuring a low carbon equivalent (typically CEV ≤ 0.45%, the material shows low cold-cracking susceptibility and excellent weldability. Sound, high-quality welded joints can be routinely achieved using standard low-hydrogen electrodes (such as E7018) without requiring specialized consumables, controlling total fabrication costs.
Corrosion Resistance
Although classified as a carbon steel, ASME SA516 Gr.70 provides inherent corrosion resistance through tight restriction of phosphorus and sulfur contents. Specifically, the ASME SA516 Gr.70 (R-HIC) grade utilizes controlled steelmaking and heat treatment to resist Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) and Sulfide Stress Corrosion Cracking (SSCC), making it suitable for sour service in oilfields and refineries.
ASME SA516 Gr.70 PVQ Plate Manufacturing Process
Steelmaking and Refining
ASME SA516 Gr.70 is typically produced via Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) + Secondary Ladle Refining + Vacuum
Degassing (VD or RH). This steelmaking route efficiently removes gases and non-metallic inclusions, improving steel cleanness to guarantee impact toughness and corrosion resistance. For HIC-resistant grades, calcium treatment (inclusion shape control) is performed to modify sulfide morphology, enhancing resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is critical to the performance of ASME SA516 Gr.70. Normalizing is the standard delivery condition, particularly for plate thicknesses exceeding 40 mm (1.5 in.). Normalizing refines the grain size and homogenizes the microstructure, significantly enhancing Charpy impact toughness and yield strength. Thinner plates (≤ 40mm) may be supplied in the as-rolled condition or normalized / normalized and tempered upon request. For HIC-resistant plates, simulated post-weld heat treatment (SPWHT) is typically required-recommended at 620 ± 10℃ (1150 ± 20℉) with an 8-hour hold time-to evaluate properties after stress relief.
ASME A516 Grade 70 Carbon Steel Plate Specification
| Product Name | ASME A516 Grade 70 Carbon Steel Plate |
| Standard | ASME A516; ASTM A516 |
| Thickness | 6-200mm |
| Width | 1500-2500mm |
| Length | 6000-12000mm |
| Heat Treatment | Normalized; As-Rolled |
ASME SA516 Gr.70 Steel Plate Chemical Composition
| Element (Heat Analysis) | ≤ 12.5 mm | > 12.5–50 mm | > 50–100 mm | > 100 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C), max % | 0.27 | 0.28 | 0.30 | 0.31 |
| Manganese (Mn), % | 0.85–1.20 | 0.85–1.20 | ||
| Silicon (Si), % | 0.15–0.40 | |||
| Phosphorus (P), max % | 0.035 | |||
| Sulfur (S), max % | 0.035 | |||
| Element (Product Analysis) | Range |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.27 – 0.31 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.85 – 1.20 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Phosphorus (P) | max 0.035 |
| Sulfur (S) | max 0.035 |
ASME SA516 Gr.70 Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Mechanical Property
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 485 – 620 MPa (70 – 90 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (min) | 260 MPa (38 ksi) |
| Elongation in 200 mm (min) | 17% |
| Elongation in 50 mm (min) | 21% |
| Bend Test | 180° - no fissures |
ASME SA516 gr.70 pressure vessel steel plate Thermal coefficient
| Property | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
|
Coefficient of thermal expansion |
11.87 1/K |
Predicted Value |
|
Specific heat capacity |
457.4 J/(kg·K) |
Predicted Value |
|
Thermal conductivity |
39.62 W/(m·K) |
Predicted Value |
Key Comparison: ASME SA516 Gr.70 vs Q345R
| Comparison Item | SA516 Gr.70 (HIC) | Q345R (HIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Standard | ASME/ASTM A516/A516M | GB/T 713.2-2023 |
| Yield Strength | ≥260 MPa | ≥345 MPa (≤16 mm) |
| Tensile Strength | 485–620 MPa | 510–640 MPa |
| Delivery Condition | Normalized for thickness >40 mm; HIC-grade plates are generally supplied in the normalized condition | Normalized |
| HIC Testing Standard | NACE TM0284 | NACE TM0284 |
| Certification System | ASME certification, widely accepted internationally | Chinese national standard, widely used in the domestic market |
| Price Level | Relatively high | Relatively economical |
| Lead Time | Generally longer | Relatively shorter |
ASME A516 Grade 70 Steel Plate Primary Applications
Petrochemical & Energy: Reactors, spherical storage tanks, heat exchangers, LPG storage vessels.
Power Generation: Boiler drums, high-pressure power plant penstocks, nuclear pressure boundaries.
Specialized Infrastructure: Marine structures and high-impact structural bearings for bridges.
Why Choose GNEE Steel?
Certification & Documentation
- EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTR: Mill Test Certificate issued by manufacturer - includes heat analysis, mechanical test results, heat treatment condition, and traceability information
- Material Traceability: Each plate marked with heat number, grade, thickness, and specification per ASTM A6
- Code Stamping: If ASME code stamp is required, plate must be from an ASME-approved material manufacturer (with partial data report per ASME Section II, Part A)
Package and Shipping
Multiple logistics options are available: full container sea freight, less than container load (LCL), and cross-border land transport to optimize logistics costs; the boards are coated with film and packaged with rust-proof materials to prevent rust and scratches during sea transport.
Need the Full Technical Data Package?
Complete MTR, ITP, and supplementary test reports available with your order.
FAQ
What are the mechanical properties of SA516 Grade 70 carbon steel plate?
ASME SA516 Grade 70 carbon steel plate has a minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi (485 MPa), a minimum yield strength of 38 ksi (260 MPa) for thinner plates, and a minimum elongation of 17% to 21%, designed specifically for welded pressure vessels at moderate and lower temperatures.
What is the ASTM A516 standard for?
The ASTM A516 standard specifies carbon steel plates used for welded pressure vessels, industrial boilers, and storage tanks in moderate- to lower-temperature service where good notch toughness is required.
What steel grades are equivalent to SA516 Grade 70?
Equivalent international grades for ASME SA516 Grade 70 (a prominent carbon steel plate for pressure vessels) include EN 10028-2 P355GH / P355NH (Europe), BS 1501-224-490 (United Kingdom), and IS 2041 Grade R260 (India), matching a minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi (485 MPa).
What is the temperature range for ASME SA516 GR 70 material?
ASME SA516 Gr 70 carbon steel material generally operates in a temperature range from -46°C to 538°C (-50°F to 1000°F), depending on the specific code section, heat treatment, and whether it is used in low or high-temperature service.
GNEE group team photo
GNEE group customer visit
GNEE Group steel exhibition
We have more than 15 years of production and export experience. If you have any customization needs for A516 Gr 70 PVQ Carbon Steel Plate or other Hot rolled steel plate or profile steel, please contact me.
Hot Tags: ASME A516 Grade 70 Carbon Steel Plate Specification, China ASME A516 Grade 70 Carbon Steel Plate Specification manufacturers, suppliers, factory, plate astm a516 gr 70, SA516 GR 65 Pressure Vessel Sheet, SA302 Grade A vessel plate, Pressure Vessel Plate, ASTM A516 Pressure Vessel Carbon Steel Plate, Pressure Vessel Plate ASTM A516 Gr 70
