SA516GR70 Steel – High-Quality Steel for Boilers and Pressure Vessels
What is SA516GR70 Steel?
SA516 GR70 is a high-strength carbon steel material widely used in the manufacturing of boilers and pressure vessels. It follows the American steel standard (ASME), where SA516 GR70 represents the steel grade and strength level. The "70" in SA516 GR70 indicates that the steel has a minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi (thousand pounds per square inch), which is approximately 485 MPa. This steel is known for its excellent strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature, high-pressure environments.
Features of SA516GR70 Steel
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Excellent Strength and Toughness
SA516 GR70 steel offers outstanding strength, enabling it to withstand high pressure and temperature, making it ideal for equipment and pipelines that are designed to endure steam, liquids, and gas pressure. -
Good Corrosion Resistance
This steel is particularly suitable for the chemical and petroleum industries, offering effective resistance to corrosion and helping extend the service life of equipment while reducing maintenance costs. -
Good Weldability
SA516 GR70 has excellent weldability, allowing for various welding methods, thus meeting a wide range of manufacturing needs. -
High-Temperature Performance
Due to its resistance to high temperatures, SA516 GR70 steel is widely used in boilers, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers, where such conditions are common.
SA516Gr70 Chemical Composition
| C ①② | Plate thickness≤1/2in.(12.5mm) | ≤0.27 | |
| Plate thickness＞1/2-2in.(12.5mm) | ≤0.28 | ||
| Plate thickness＞2-4in.(50-100mm) | ≤0.30 | ||
| Plate thickness＞4-8in.(100-200mm) | ≤0.31 | ||
| Plate thickness＞8in.(200mm) | ≤0.31 | ||
| Mn ② | Plate thickness≤1/2in.(12.5mm) | Smelting Analysis | 0.85-1.20 |
| Finished Product Analysis | 0.79-1.30 | ||
| Plate thickness＞1/2in.(12.5mm) | Smelting Analysis | 0.85-1.20 | |
| Finished Product Analysis | 0.79-1.30 | ||
| Si | Smelting Analysis | 0.15-0.40 | |
| Finished Product Analysis | 0.13-0.45 | ||
| P ①* | ≤0.025 | ||
| S ①* | ≤0.025 |
①Both smelting analysis and finished product analysis are applicable.②For every 0.01% decrease below the specified maximum carbon content, the upper limit of the specified maximum manganese content can be increased by 0.06%, with a maximum allowable limit of 1.50% for smelting analysis and a maximum allowable limit of 1.60% for finished product analysis.
③For grade 60 steel plates with a thickness not exceeding 1/2 in. (12.5 mm), the manganese content can be 0.85%-1.20% according to smelting analysis and 0.79%-1.30% according to finished product analysis.
*The content of P and S was changed from ≤0.035 to ≤0.025 in the 2017 version.
SA516Gr70 Mechanical Properties
| Tensile strength（MPa） | 485-620 | ||||||||
| Yield strength（MPa） | ≥260 | ||||||||
| Elongation (gauge length 8 in. or 200 mm), %② | ≥17 | ||||||||
| Elongation (gauge length 2 in. or 50 mm), %② | ≥21 | ||||||||
①The 0.2% residual deformation method or the 0.5% elongation under load method can be used for determination.
②For adjustments to elongation, please refer to the A20/A20M standard.
Applications of SA516GR70 Steel
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Boiler Manufacturing
The steel is commonly used for the construction of boiler shells, pipes, and other parts that must withstand high temperature and pressure, maintaining structural integrity under extreme operating conditions. -
Pressure Vessels
SA516 GR70 is especially suited for manufacturing pressure vessels in chemical plants, oil refineries, and natural gas processing plants, withstanding high pressure and corrosive substances. -
Oil and Gas Industry
In the oil and gas sector, SA516GR70 steel is widely used for the production of pipelines and storage tanks, particularly in environments that require both corrosion resistance and high strength. -
Chemical Equipment
In the chemical industry, this steel is used to manufacture reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, and other equipment that must perform reliably in harsh environments.
Why Choose SA516GR70?
Choosing SA516GR70 steel means selecting a material with excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability. It can withstand extreme high-pressure and high-temperature environments while maintaining structural stability over long periods of use. This results in lower maintenance costs and extended equipment life. Whether for boilers, pressure vessels, or heavy-duty chemical industry equipment, SA516 GR70 is an ideal choice.
Quality Assurance of SA516GR70 Steel
As a high-quality steel supplier, we are committed to providing SA516 GR70 steel that meets ASME A516 standards, ensuring that every batch of material adheres to strict industry requirements. We offer a variety of specifications and sizes of SA516 GR70 steel plates to meet custom needs, along with professional after-sales service to ensure you have a worry-free experience.
Conclusion
SA516GR70 steel, with its superior overall performance, has become an indispensable material for boilers, pressure vessels, and chemical equipment in high-strength and high-temperature environments. If you have any related needs, feel free to contact us, and we will provide professional consultation and high-quality product services.
SA516GR70 Steel Plate Available Stock for Immediate Delivery
| Thickness | Width | Length | Delivery Condition |
| 6~30 | 2000/2200/2500 | 10000/10500/11000/12000 | Hot Rolled |
| 12~50 | 2000/2200/2500 | 10000/10500/11000/12000 | Normalizing |
If you have a procurement need for SA516 GR70, click SA516GR70 in stock to visit our online inventory and search for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SA-516 Gr.70 Steel Plate
1. What is SA-516 Gr.70?
SA-516 Gr.70 is a carbon-manganese steel plate grade under the American Society for Testing and Materials/American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASTM/ASME SA-516) specification. It is specifically designed for the construction of moderate and low-temperature pressure vessels and is one of the most widely used and classic "pressure vessel plates" in industries such as chemical, petroleum, natural gas, and power boilers.
2. What do "SA," "516," and "Gr.70" in SA-516 Gr.70 stand for?
• SA: Stands for the material specification under the "ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section II, Material Specifications," indicating it conforms to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
• 516: The specific designation in the ASME standard for "carbon steel plates for moderate and lower-temperature service in pressure vessels."
• Gr.70: Indicates the material's minimum yield strength is 70 ksi (kips per square inch). This is its core strength grade indicator, approximately equivalent to 485 MPa in metric units.
3. What is the main chemical composition of SA-516 Gr.70?
It is a carbon-manganese-silicon steel with tightly controlled chemical composition ranges. Main elements include:
• Carbon: Typically limited to a maximum of 0.27-0.31% (varies by grade), balancing strength and weldability.
• Manganese: Content ranges from 0.85% to 1.20%, serving as the primary solid-solution strengthening element.
• Silicon: Content ranges from 0.15% to 0.40%, used for deoxidation and strengthening.
• Phosphorus and Sulfur: As harmful impurities, their content is strictly controlled (typically P ≤ 0.035%, S ≤ 0.035%) to ensure good toughness.
4. What are the different grades of SA-516 Gr.70?
Based on impact toughness requirements, SA-516 Gr.70 is primarily divided into three grades:
• SA-516 Gr.70 (Standard): Typically guarantees only room temperature impact properties. This is the most common form.
• SA-516 Gr.70 HIC: Possesses Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) resistance, suitable for corrosive petrochemical environments containing wet hydrogen sulfide.
• SA-516 Gr.70 Normalized: The plate undergoes normalizing heat treatment to refine grain structure, improve microstructure, and enhance toughness. When specified as "SA-516 Gr.70 Normalized" in the technical conditions, its low-temperature toughness (e.g., impact energy at 0°C or -20°C) is significantly improved, making it a key requirement for manufacturing low-temperature pressure vessels.
5. What are the mechanical properties of SA-516 Gr.70?
• Yield Strength: ≥ 38 ksi (≈ 260 MPa)
• Tensile Strength: 70 - 90 ksi (≈ 485 - 620 MPa)
• Elongation: ≥ 21 - 23% (depending on thickness)
• Impact Energy: Charpy V-notch impact tests are typically required at 0°C or -20°C. Specific values (e.g., ≥ 20 J or 27 J) are defined by the purchase order or technical agreement, especially for normalized plates.
6. What are its delivery conditions?
Common conditions include the following, which must be specified in the contract and technical agreement:
• As-Rolled: For non-critical or ambient temperature applications.
• Normalized: The most common and recommended condition, ensuring balanced properties, especially toughness.
• Normalized and Tempered: For thicker plates or higher requirements, to relieve stresses and further stabilize properties.
7. Where is SA-516 Gr.70 primarily used?
It is extensively used in fabricating welded pressure vessels not directly exposed to fire, such as:
• Petroleum refining equipment (e.g., columns, reactors, separators)
• Liquefied gas storage tanks (e.g., for LPG, when design temperature is above -20°C)
• Boiler components (e.g., steam drums, water chambers)
• Various storage tanks and heat exchanger shells in the chemical industry.
8. How is its weldability?
Due to its relatively low carbon equivalent, SA-516 Gr.70 has good weldability. However, standard welding procedure specifications (WPS) must be followed, typically requiring preheating (especially for thick plates) and selecting suitable low-hydrogen welding consumables.
9. Which Chinese GB standard grade does it correspond to?
It is most comparable to the Chinese pressure vessel steel plate grade Q345R in terms of strength level and application. However, detailed comparisons of chemical composition, property requirements, and inspection standards are necessary—they are not simply equivalent.
10. What key technical requirements must be clarified during procurement?
To avoid confusion, please always specify in inquiries and purchase orders:
1. Complete Standard Designation: ASTM/ASME SA-516 Gr.70
2. Delivery Condition: Normalized
3. Impact Requirements: Charpy V-Notch Impact Energy at [Temperature, e.g., 0°C, -20°C], minimum [Value, e.g., 27 J].
4. Special Requirements: Whether HIC testing, ultrasonic testing level, or additional simulated post-weld heat treatment (SPWHT) is required.
5. Dimensional Tolerances: Permissible deviations for thickness, width, and length.