ASTM A516/A516M-2017

Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service

 

Description ASTM A516 is the standard specification for carbon steel plates used in pressure vessels for low to moderate temperature service. A516 Grade 70 is an excellent choice for service in lower than ambient temperature applications with excellent notch toughness and good weldability. This steel grade is used in both pressure vessel and industrial boilers and can withstand high pressure at different temperatures.

 

Plates up to and including 40mm thick may be supplied as-rolled but may be ordered normalised. Plates thicker than 40mm as well as plates on which notch toughness test is required, must be normalised.

 

Applications Used throughout the oil, petrochemical and gas industry. The steel is also found in sour services and wet H₂S applications (where steel is HIC tested).

 

Chemical Composition of ASTM A516 GR 70 and Equivalent Materials

 

The chemical composition of A516 GR 70 and its equivalents ensures strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. The table below compares the chemical composition of ASTM A516 Grade 70 steel plate with its equivalent standards.

 

Standard/Grade	C (Max %)	Si (%)	Mn (%)	P (Max %)	S (Max %)	Ni (Max %)	Cr (Max %)	Mo (Max %)
ASTM A516 GR 70	0.27	0.15–0.40	0.85–1.20	0.035	0.035	0.40 (opt)	0.30 (opt)	0.08 (opt)
ASME SA516 GR 70	0.27	0.15–0.40	0.85–1.20	0.035	0.035	0.40 (opt)	0.30 (opt)	0.08 (opt)
EN 10028 P355GH	0.22	0.10–0.50	0.90–1.70	0.025	0.015	0.30	0.30	0.08
BS1501 224-490 A & B	0.25	0.10–0.40	0.90–1.50	0.035	0.035	0.40	0.25	0.10

 

Note

• Chemical composition: Ladle/ product analysis in %max

• Mechanical properties: At ambient temperature

• Delivery condition: Normalised (+N)

• Minimum impact energy: 20J minimum t≤25 @ -46°C; 25<t≤50@-40°C;50<t≤63@-35°C

• HIC test is a supplementary requirement

• Supplementary requirements shall not apply unless specified in the purchase order as per ASTM A20 / A20M.

ASTM A516 GR70 NACE HIC Steel Plate

The ASTM A516 GR70 specification is a standard for carbon steel plates used in pressure vessels for moderate and low-temperature services. When combined with NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) and HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking) compliance, this boiler quality steel plate is engineered to perform in harsh environments where resistance to hydrogen-induced damage is critical. These plates are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation.

 

The chemical composition of ASTM A516 Grade 70 (HIC) steel plates is specified to ensure resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in sour service environments. The values below are maximum limits unless otherwise stated, as per ASTM A516/A516M and NACE TM0284 for HIC testing.

 

Element	Composition (% by weight)	Notes
Carbon (C)	0.27 - 0.31	Maximum, varies with plate thickness (≤0.27% for plates ≤12.5 mm).
Manganese (Mn)	0.79 - 1.30	For each 0.01% reduction in C below max, Mn may increase by 0.06% up to 1.50%.
Phosphorus (P)	0.025	Reduced for HIC resistance, stricter than standard A516 (0.035 max).
Sulfur (S)	0.025	Reduced for HIC resistance, stricter than standard A516 (0.035 max).
Silicon (Si)	0.15 - 0.40	Enhances oxidation and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum (Al)	0.02 (min)	For deoxidation and fine grain structure (killed steel).
Chromium (Cr)	0.30 (max)	Trace element, optional for enhanced corrosion resistance.
Copper (Cu)	0.30 (max)	Trace element, optional for corrosion resistance.
Nickel (Ni)	0.30 (max)	Trace element, optional for toughness.
Molybdenum (Mo)	0.08 (max)	Trace element, optional for strength.
Niobium (Nb)	0.01 (max)	Trace element for grain refinement.
Titanium (Ti)	0.03 (max)	Trace element for grain refinement.
Vanadium (V)	0.02 (max)	Trace element for strength.
Carbon Equivalent (CEV)	0.43 (max, ≤1.25" thick)	CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15; stricter for HIC resistance.

 

Notes:

The steel is fully killed and fine-grain treated to enhance HIC resistance.

HIC testing per NACE TM0284 ensures low sulfur and phosphorus content to minimize susceptibility to hydrogen-induced cracking in wet H2S environments.

Supplementary requirements (e.g., S1: Vacuum Treatment, S2: Product Analysis) may apply as per ASTM A20/A20M for enhanced quality control.

 

Mechanical Properties:

Property	Value	Notes
Tensile Strength	485 - 620 MPa (70,000 - 90,000 psi)	Measured via tension test, ensuring high strength for pressure vessels.
Yield Strength (min)	260 MPa (38,000 psi)	Minimum stress at which plastic deformation begins.
Elongation (min, 200 mm gauge)	17%	Indicates ductility for 200 mm gauge length.
Elongation (min, 50 mm gauge)	21%	Indicates ductility for 50 mm gauge length.
Charpy V-Notch Impact Toughness	Varies (typically 27 J at -46°C)	Tested per ASTM A20 S5 for notch toughness in low-temperature service.
Hardness (typical)	200 HB (max)	Approximate Brinell hardness for normalized plates.

 

Read more: Difference Between ASTM A516 Grade 70 and ASTM A516 Grade 70 (HIC)

 

Mechanical Properties of ASTM A516 GR 70 and Equivalent Materials

 

Approximate equivalents EN 10028-2 Grade P295GH, BS 1501-224-490 A/ B, GB 713 Q345R.

 

The mechanical properties of A516 GR 70 and its equivalents determine their suitability for high-pressure applications. The table below compares their key properties.

Standard/Grade	Thickness	Yield Strength (Min MPa)	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Elongation (Min %)	Impact Toughness (Optional)
ASTM A516 GR 70	6–40mm	260	485–620	21%	Charpy V-notch at -20°C/-46°C
	40–100mm	260	485–620	17%
ASME SA516 GR 70	6–40mm	260	485–620	21%	Charpy V-notch at -20°C/-46°C
	40–100mm	260	485–620	17%
EN 10028 P355GH	6–60mm	355 (≤16mm), 345 (16–40mm), 315 (40–60mm)	510–650	20%	Charpy V-notch at -20°C
BS1501 224-490 A & B	6–40mm	275	490–620	20%	Charpy V-notch at -20°C
	40–100mm	265	490–620	17%

 

Standard stock list 13000 x 3000 x 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 / 16 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 / 40 / 50 mm

 

FAQs About ASTM A516 GR 70 Equivalent Material

 

What is the equivalent material for A516 GR 70?

Common equivalents include ASME SA516 GR 70, EN 10028 P355GH, and BS1501 224-490 A & B, suitable for similar pressure vessel applications.

 

How does A516 GR 70 compare to EN 10028 P355GH?
A516 GR 70 has a slightly higher carbon content (0.27% vs. 0.22%) but lower yield strength for thinner plates compared to P355GH (355 MPa ≤16mm).

 

Are certifications provided for A516 GR 70?
Yes, Gangsteel provides mill test certificates (MTC) and supports third-party inspections (SGS, TUV, BV, ABS) for ASTM A516 Grade 70 steel plate.

 

GNEE STEEL – Available Processing Services for A516 Grade 70

 

We provide one-stop customized processing for ASTM A516 Grade 70 (SA516 Gr 70) pressure vessel/boiler steel plates, covering cutting, forming, machining, surface treatment, heat treatment and quality inspection.

 

1. Cutting Services

 

• CNC Flame Cutting: For thick plates (10–300 mm), ±1.0 mm tolerance; for circles, rings, flanges, dished heads, and irregular shapes.

 

• CNC Plasma Cutting: For medium thickness (3–50 mm), ±0.5 mm precision; high efficiency for complex profiles.

 

• Laser Cutting: For thin-to-medium plates (≤25 mm), ±0.1 mm accuracy; smooth edges, no secondary grinding.

 

• Shearing & Slitting: Cut-to-size sheets/strips (width 600–3200 mm, length 1000–12000 mm).

 

• Nesting & Blanking: Material saving up to 15%+ via intelligent nesting software.

 

2. Forming & Bending

• Plate Bending: Roll bending into cylinders, cones (thickness up to 100 mm, max width 3 m).

 

• Dished Head Forming: Press forming for elliptical/hemispherical heads (A516 Gr 70N).

 

• Flanging & Edge Rolling: For vessel nozzles, manholes, and pipe connections.

 

3. Machining & Drilling

• CNC Machining: Milling, turning, boring for flanges, bases, and structural parts.

 

• Drilling & Tapping: Precision holes (diameter 5–100 mm) for bolting and assembly.

 

• Grooving & Beveling: V/U/X bevels for welding; one-pass beveling during cutting.

 

4. Surface Treatment

• Shot Blasting: Clean surface to Sa2.5, remove rust/scale, improve coating adhesion.

 

• Painting: Epoxy, polyurethane, or anti-corrosion coatings (custom color & thickness).

 

• Blackening/Oil Coating: For rust prevention during transit.

 

• Marking: Hard stamping, laser marking, or logo printing (heat number, batch, grade).

 

5. Heat Treatment

• Normalizing (N): For A516 Gr 70N; improve toughness (especially for thickness >40 mm).

 

• Stress Relieving: Reduce residual stress after cutting/forming.

 

• Quenching & Tempering: Optional for high-strength requirements.

 

6. Custom Fabrication & Accessories

• Pre-fabricated Components: Flanges, rings, discs, brackets, and support feet.

 

• Welding Service: Certified welding (AWSD1.1) for assemblies; weld inspection (UT/RT/MT).

 

• Packaging: Standard export packing (wooden crates, waterproof paper) or custom.

 

7. Quality Assurance & Testing

 

• Material Certification: Mill test certificate (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1/3.2.

 

• NDT: UT, RT, MT, PT; HIC/SCC testing for sour service (NACE MR0175).

 

• Mechanical Tests: Tensile, impact (Charpy V-notch), hardness.

Relying on many first-class equipment, such as CNC Shearing machine, Press Brake machine, Straightening machine, Roll Bending machine, Flat Bar Machine, Deburring machine etc, GNEE STEEL could provide various semi-productsand extensive forming services to customers.

 

GNEE STEEL  PROCESSING

1.CTL & SL SERVICE (141 SETS)

Currently, GNEE STEEL has imported manyadvanced CTL/SL equipment from Italy and Korea and could provide customized CTL/SL services from cold rolled stainless steel and carbon steel to hot rolled stainless steel and carbon steel as well as strips and ultra-wide sheet.

CTL FACILITIES
Max Length:16500mm

Max Width:2200mm

Max Thickness:25.4mm

Max Yield Strength:1500Mpa
SL FACILITIES

Max Width:2200mm

Max Thickness:18mm

Max slit Quantity:31

Max Yield Strength:1200Mpa

 

2.CUTTING SERVICE

GNEE STEEL imported lots of advanced cutting machines from Germany, Sweden, America and Japan, including plasmas cutting machine, water jet cutting machine, laser cutting machine, flame cutting machine and saw machine. In order to meet customers' diversified needs, GNEE STEEL also adopts nest working multi-cutting methods and intensive production to improve production capacity and save costs for the customers.

Laser Cutting Machine

Max Cutting Length:40,000mm

Max Width:4,600mm
Max Thickness:100mm

 

Flame Cutting Machine

Max Cutting Length:40,000mm

Max Width:8,000mm
Max Thickness:500mm

Plasmas Cutting Machine

Max Cutting Length:30,000mm

Max Width:5,000mm
Max Thickness:100mm

 

Water-jet Cutting

Max Cutting Length:12,000mm

Max Width:4,010mm
Max Thickness:250mm

3.FORMING SERVICE

Steel Plate Roll Bending
Maximum Rolling Thickness: up to 200mm
Maximum Width: 4200mm

   

Automatic Bending Machine-Press Brake
Max Bending Capability:3000Ton
Max Bending Length:15,000mm

Expert in Bending High-Strength & Wear-Resistant Steels

  

  

Punching Machine

Max Width:3,070mm
Max Thickness:8mm

Max Pressure:250t

BEVELING SERVICE

GNEE STEEL beveling platform has edge milling machine, edge planer, flame / plasma groove cutting machine, flame groove cutting robot, desktop chamfering machine, gantry planerand other advanced equipment to provide customers with parts prefabrication services,daily processing of V-type, Y-type, X-type and U-type grooves, and guarantee subsequent processes such as welding and assembly of products.

 

Milling：
Max Cutting Length:18,000mm

Max Width:4500mm
Max Thickness:120mm

 

  

Beveling:
Max Length:16,000mm

Max Thickness:80mm

MACHINING SERVICE

GNEE STEEL owns CNC Portal-type Boring and Milling machine,CNC Floor-type Boring and Milling machine, Vertical Precision 5-axis Milling Machine, Portal-type Planer, Vertical Lathe, Cylindical Grinding machine, Hydraulic Planer and CNC Lathe and could provide fine machining of large spare parts and structural parts for customers.

Gantry Type Boring & Milling Maching Center

Max Length:48000mm

Max Width:12500mm
Max Height:8000mm

Max Diameter:10500mm

Deep-hole Drilling Equipment
Max Driling Depth:1,100mm
Max Bore Diameter:φ80mm
Max Diametar:φ4,500mm

MMulti-hole Drilling Equipment

Max Length:13,000mm
Max Width:10,000mm
Max Bore Diameter:φ105mm
Max Drilling Depth:250mm

Floor Boring And Milling Machine
Max Length:24,000mm
Max Height:8,000mm
Turntable Dimensions:9x5m

Vertical Lathe

Max Height:6,000mm

Max Diametar:φ22,00mm

Automated Edge Milling Machine

The Automated Edge Milling Machine is a leading product in heavy-duty milling equipment. It is primarily used for weld groove preparation (beveling) on large-format plates made of stainless steel, carbon steel, and special steel grades. It can process plates with a maximum thickness of up to 90mm, a length of 16 meters, and a width of 4 meters.

 

It is equipped with dual milling units and a fully automatic milling cutter head changing system, enabling automated 4-edge beveling. Its standout feature is the profiling technology used when milling wavy plates and irregularly shaped products, which ensures absolute consistency of the groove after milling.

 

Utilizing specially designed milling cutter heads, it can execute highly difficult and complex groove profiles in a single pass.

 

Materials: Plain carbon steel, pressure vessel steel, wear-resistant steel, high-strength steel, stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, etc.
Width: 1200 - 4200 mm
Length: 5800 - 16000 mm
Thickness: 5 - 90 mm
Weight: Up to 35 tons

 

This edge milling machine is the world's premier automated bevel milling equipment. With its excellent structural design and advanced data algorithms, it achieves full automation from plate detection to the actual milling process, significantly improving processing efficiency while guaranteeing high precision.

 

• Processing Accuracy

Length accuracy: ±1mm when L < 10m; ±2mm when L > 10m;

Width accuracy: ±1mm;

Diagonal accuracy: ±2mm;

Root face accuracy (blunt edge): ±1mm for Y-grooves; +0.5mm for X-grooves.

• Processing Efficiency

The processing efficiency is more than 10 times that of conventional edge milling or edge planing equipment.

HEAT TREATMENT

Heat Treatment Furnace
Max Furnace Size:36x12x13.5m
Max Rated Temperature:1100℃
Max Loading Capacity:800t

Heat Treatment of Pressure Vessels
Heat Treatment of Mining Equipment
Heat Treatment of Tube Sheet
Heat Treatment of Pressure Vessel Head

 

 

GNEE STEEL is currently participating in the procurement phase of a 100,000m³ full containment ammonia storage tank project, supplying high-quality steel plates for critical tank components. Due to the corrosive nature of ammonia and the risk of Ammonia Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC), the project requires strict metallurgical control of materials according to EN 10028-3 standards.

 

One of the most important technical requirements of this project is the strict limitation of the actual Yield Strength (Re) for all NL2 grade materials. To prevent SCC risks in ammonia storage environments, the actual yield strength must not exceed 390 MPa, regardless of the nominal values specified in the standard or plate thickness ranges. This requirement places higher demands on steelmaking process control, heat treatment stability, and material testing.

 

Raw high-strength steel plates ready for the 100,000 m³ full containment ammonia storage tank production

 

Project Materials and Technical Requirements

 

The project mainly uses P355NL2 and P275NL2 normalized pressure vessel steel plates, which are widely applied in low-temperature storage tanks due to their excellent toughness and weldability.

 

Key technical specifications include:

• Material grades: P355NL2 and P275NL2 (Normalized)
• Yield strength: Standard minimum / Maximum limited to 390 MPa
• Hardness: ≤ 225 HBW in base material
• Impact testing: Charpy-V notch test at -50°C, minimum 27J
• Certification: EN 10204 3.1 certificate, with optional 3.2 certification

 

These strict requirements ensure that the steel plates maintain stable mechanical properties and high resistance to ammonia-induced stress corrosion during long-term operation.

 

Precision rolling and forming of steel plates into curved sections for the 100,000 m³ ammonia storage tank.

 

Project Plate Quantities and Thickness Distribution

 

The total steel demand for this ammonia storage tank project is several thousand tons, mainly distributed across different tank sections:

 

P355NL2 – Inner & Outer Tank Shell Plates

• Lower shell courses: 50 mm thickness – approx. 2,000 tons
• Middle shell courses: 25 mm thickness – approx. 1,400 tons
• Upper shell courses: 10 mm thickness – approx. 500 tons

 

P275NL2 – Tank Bottom Plates

• Thickness: 10–15 mm – approx. 750 tons

 

P275NL2 – Suspended Roof Structure

• Thickness: 5–8 mm – approx. 180 tons

 

S275JR – Outer Roof (Ambient Structure)

• Thickness: 10 mm – approx. 450 tons

 

To improve tank fabrication efficiency and reduce circumferential welds, the project also requires wide steel plates to minimize welding joints, which helps reduce the potential risk of SCC in ammonia service conditions.

 

Formed steel segments wrapped and racked for protection, ready for 100,000 m³ ammonia storage tank assembly.

 

GNEE STEEL provides high-precision steel plate rolling and cylinder fabrication solutions for tank manufacturers worldwide. Send us your plate specifications or fabrication drawings for a fast quotation.

Request A Quote

 

TYPE	GRADE	SPECIFICATIONS
Carbon Steel / Low Alloy Coil	Q235A/B/C/D/Q355B(Q345B)/C/D/E/SS400/SAPH400-C/ASTMA283Grade C	0.7~2.0*1250/1500mm*C 2.3~19.5*1250/1500/1800/2000mm*C
Medium Heavy Plate	Q235B/Q355B(Q345B)/C/D/E	6.0-200x150mm-4000mmxL
Vessel Plate	Q245R/Q345R/HP295/SA516MGR485/SA516GR70/P355NL2/P275NL2/ S275JR//SPV490/ASTM A537 Class 1/Class 2	2.5-120x1500mm-3000mmxL
High Strength Steel	510L/610L/700L/750L/BS600MCK4/BS700MCK2/BS700MCK4/ BS960E/BWELDY700QL2/L4/BWELDY960QL4/HG60D/70D/785D/ Q460D/Q550D/690D/690E/TQ600MCD/TQ700MCD/S700MCD/ WYS600/700/STRENX700MCE/Q490E/Q490D	1.2-60x 1500mm-2500mmxL
Patterned Steel	HQ235A|B	1.2-60x 1500mm-2500mmxL
Wear-resistance Steel	NM360/400/450/500/NM300TP/400TP/450TP/ ABREX400/450/500/B-HARD450XKY/ CREUSABRO4800/8000/EH C400LE/450LE/500LE/ HADOX450/500	3.0-50x1250mm-3300mmxL
Cold Rolled Coil	DC01/RECC/REDT/SPCC/ST12	0.5-3.0x1250mm-1500mmxC
Galvanized Plate	DC51D+AZ/DC51D+Z/DX51D+Z/SGH340+Z275/Z275/Z120/S350GD+ZM275	0.45-3.0x1250mm-1500mmxC
Pickled Coil	DD11/SPHC	2.0-6.0x1500xC

Stainless Steel Material and Surface Specifications

TYPE	GRADE	THICKNESS	SURFACE
Austenitic	304/304H/304L/304J1	0.25-150mm	2B/BA/NO.4/8K/SB/HL/NO.1
Austenitic	321	0.4-80mm	2B/BA/NO.4/8K/SB/HL/NO.1
Austenitic	316/316L/317L/316Ti	0.3-80mm	2B/BA/NO.4/8K/SB/HL/NO.1
Austenitic	201(J1/J2/J5)	0.35-12mm	2B/NO.1/1D
Ferrite	430	0.4-3.0mm	2B/BA/NO.4/8K/SB/HL
Ultra Pure Ferrite	443	0.4-2.0mm	2B
Ultra Pure Ferrite	436L/439/444/441	0.5-3.0mm	2B/2D

Special Steel / Nickel Base Alloy

TYPE	GRADE	GRADE (ASTM)	GRADE (EN)	THICKNESS
Heat-resistant Steel	309S	S30908	1.4833	0.5-40mm
Heat-resistant Steel	310S	S31008	1.4845	0.5-40mm
Duplex Stainless Steel	2101	S32101	1.4162	1.5-50mm
Duplex Stainless Steel	2304	S32304	1.4362	3.0-50mm
Duplex Stainless Steel	2205	S32205/S31803	1.4462	0.5-60mm
Duplex Stainless Steel	2507	S32750	1.4410	1.0-60mm
Super Austenitic-Steel	904L	N08904	1.4539	0.6-50mm
Super Austenitic-Steel	254SMO	S31254	1.4547	0.5-50mm
Super Austenitic-Steel	1.4529	N08926	1.4529	0.5-50mm
Super Austenitic-Steel	AL-6XN	N08367	1.4478	0.5-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	Alloy 31	N08031	1.4562	1.0-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	800	N08800	1.4876	0.8-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	800H	N08810	1.4958	0.8-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	800HT	N08811	1.4959	0.8-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	Alloy 28	N08028	1.4563	1.0-20mm
Nickel Base Alloy	Alloy 20	N08020	2.4660	1.0-20mm
Nickel Base Alloy	825	N08825	2.4858	0.8-40mm
Nickel Base Alloy	C276	N10276	2.4819	0.5-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	C22	N06022	2.4602	1.0-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	625	N06625	2.4856	0.8-20mm
Nickel Base Alloy	400	N04400	2.4360	1.0-20mm
Nickel Base Alloy	600	N06600	2.4816	1.0-50mm
Nickel Base Alloy	Pure Ni 201	N02201	2.4061	0.5-20mm
Titanium	TA1	Gr.1	Class 1	0.5-50mm
Titanium	TA2	Gr.2	Class 2	0.5-50mm

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